21 Bridesmaid Updo Hairstyles That Look Expensive But Are Easy To Recreate

You’ll master 21 sophisticated bridesmaid updo techniques ranging from classic low chignons to modern sleek high buns. Start with volumizing mousse application, then proceed through precise sectioning and strategic bobby pin placement for structural integrity.

French twists require texturizing spray for optimal grip, while Gibson tucks utilize tucking methods to conceal hair ends effectively. Dutch braids, twisted buns, and vintage pin curls offer diverse styling options for various dress necklines and wedding aesthetics, with finishing spray ensuring longevity throughout ceremonial proceedings.

Classic Low Chignon Updo For Timeless Elegance

The classic low chignon updo represents the pinnacle of bridal sophistication, offering a refined look that never goes out of style. This elegant hairstyle works beautifully with any wedding dress neckline and complements both vintage and contemporary bridal aesthetics.

The low placement creates a graceful silhouette that photographs beautifully from every angle.

Creating this timeless style involves gathering hair at the nape and twisting it into a secure, polished bun. The key to achieving the perfect chignon lies in using the right styling products and strategic bobby pin placement for lasting hold.

This versatile updo can be customized with subtle braided details or decorative accessories to match your personal wedding vision.

Sleek High Bun Updo For Modern Sophistication

The sleek high bun updo represents the pinnacle of contemporary bridal sophistication, combining clean lines with architectural precision.

This modern style begins with smoothing serum applied to damp hair, followed by blow-drying with a paddle brush to achieve maximum straightness. A high ponytail is created at the crown using a fine-tooth comb to eliminate any bumps or imperfections.

The ponytail is twisted clockwise while maintaining consistent tension, then wrapped around the base to form a compact, polished bun.

Strategic bobby pin placement at opposing angles ensures lasting stability throughout the event. Edge control along the hairline prevents flyaways, while minimalist accessories like crystal pins or sleek hair jewelry add architectural interest when positioned asymmetrically.

French Twist Updo With Soft Texture

The French twist updo delivers timeless elegance through controlled texture and strategic volume placement. This sophisticated style requires sectioning hair into three zones and using texturizing spray on damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush.

The technique involves sweeping hair to one side and securing with bobby pins placed vertically along the occipital bone. Soft texture emerges through gentle teasing at the crown and deliberate loosening of face-framing pieces.

Strategic pinning every two inches ensures stability while maintaining the updo’s structural integrity. Flexible-hold hairspray preserves movement and keeps the elegant style in place throughout the day.

Elegant Gibson Tuck For Medium Hair

The Gibson tuck is a timeless updo that transforms medium-length hair into an elegant formal style through strategic folding and pinning techniques.

This sophisticated look begins with sectioning hair horizontally at ear level and backcombing the crown for volume. The remaining length is then tucked upward and inward, creating a rolled effect that conceals all hair ends within the style’s structure.

This versatile updo complements various dress necklines while maintaining bridesmaid elegance throughout extended wedding celebrations.

Delicate hair accessories like pearl pins or crystal combs can enhance the classic look when positioned along the side part. The polished result offers a refined formal appearance perfect for special occasions.

Low Side Bun With Textured Waves

The low side bun with textured waves offers a modern twist on classic bridal elegance. This asymmetrical style combines romantic waves with sophisticated positioning, creating visual interest while maintaining formal appeal.

The technique involves creating volume and texture before securing hair in an off-center placement.

Start by applying volumizing mousse and blow-drying with a round brush for lift. Use a 1.25-inch curling iron to create alternating waves, then gently finger-comb for softness.

Part dramatically to one side, sweep across the crown, and gather at the nape behind the opposite ear before twisting into a relaxed bun.

Twisted Low Bun With Face-Framing Pieces

The twisted low bun with face-framing pieces offers timeless sophistication perfect for formal events and special occasions. This elegant hairstyle combines the polished look of a classic chignon with romantic, softly curled pieces that beautifully frame the face.

The twisted texture adds visual interest and dimension while maintaining a refined, put-together appearance. Creating this style begins with a deep side part and sectioning face-framing layers before gathering the remaining hair into a low ponytail.

The ponytail is divided into two sections that are twisted in opposite directions, then wrapped around the base to form the bun. Soft waves in the face-framing pieces complete the look, providing flattering movement that enhances facial features.

Sleek Low Ponytail Wrapped Bun

The sleek low ponytail wrapped bun combines elegance with practicality, creating a sophisticated hairstyle perfect for professional settings or formal events.

This polished look features hair gathered at the nape and twisted into a tight, controlled bun that eliminates flyaways and maintains its shape throughout the day.

Achieving this refined style requires smoothing serum, precise sectioning, and strategic pinning techniques to create clean lines.

The wrapped element adds visual interest while keeping the overall aesthetic minimal and chic. Strong-hold products ensure the style remains flawless from morning to evening.

Romantic Braided Crown With Loose Curls

The romantic braided crown with loose curls creates an ethereal, whimsical aesthetic that’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies and bohemian-themed weddings.

This elegant style begins with loose waves using a 1.5-inch curling iron, working in two-inch sections from mid-length to ends. The hair is then parted down the center with front portions sectioned from temple to temple.

Two Dutch braids are created along the hairline, incorporating hair as you work toward the nape before securing with clear elastics. The braids wrap around the head like a crown, pinned strategically behind each ear while remaining curls flow freely over the shoulders.

This romantic style complements pearl pins and enhances natural bridal makeup beautifully.

Bohemian Fishtail Braid Updo

The bohemian fishtail braid updo combines intricate braiding techniques with relaxed, romantic styling for the perfect wedding hairstyle.

This sophisticated look begins with creating textured waves using a curling iron, then dividing hair to work with manageable sections. The key lies in alternating curl directions to achieve natural movement and depth.

The fishtail braiding process involves crossing thin strands from outer edges while maintaining consistent thickness throughout.

After securing the braid, gently pancaking creates fuller texture before twisting into a low chignon.

Strategic pinning maintains the effortless, bohemian appearance that makes this updo ideal for outdoor or rustic wedding ceremonies.

Dutch Braid Messy Bun For Effortless Style

The Dutch braid messy bun combines structured braiding technique with an effortlessly undone finish, making it perfect for bridesmaids across different wedding styles.

You begin by creating a Dutch braid from the crown, crossing hair sections under rather than over, then securing at the nape with a clear elastic. The remaining hair gets twisted clockwise with the braid’s tail to form the foundation for your messy bun.

Transform the twisted sections into a relaxed bun by wrapping around the base while allowing pieces to escape naturally for that intentionally imperfect look.

Strategic placement of color-matched bobby pins secures the style without compromising its carefree appearance. This technique delivers one of the most versatile messy bun variations that balances technical skill with deliberately relaxed finishing touches.

Half-Up Braided Crown With Curled Ends

The half-up braided crown with curled ends combines elegant braiding with romantic curls for a sophisticated look.

This style involves creating a Dutch braid that wraps around the crown area while leaving the lower sections free to be curled. The contrast between the structured braid and flowing curls creates visual interest and dimension.

To achieve this look, start by sectioning the hair horizontally and creating a Dutch braid along the hairline from one ear to the other.

Maintain consistent tension throughout the braiding process to ensure the crown sits properly and looks polished.

Finish by curling the remaining loose hair with a barrel iron to create soft, bouncy spirals that complement the braided crown.

Waterfall Braid Side Chignon For Romance

The waterfall braid side chignon combines structured braiding technique with soft, romantic elegance.

This hairstyle begins with a deep side part and executes waterfall braid methods by crossing three sections while dropping the bottom strand and incorporating new hair. The continuous braid flows around the ear toward the nape, creating a delicate cascading effect.

The remaining hair gathers into a low side ponytail before twisting into a loose chignon secured with bobby pins. Dropped waterfall strands naturally frame the chignon’s base for added texture and movement.

Pearl pins or delicate flowers can be strategically placed throughout the braid to enhance the romantic appeal.

French Braid Halo Updo

The French braid halo updo creates its distinctive crown-like appearance through a continuous circular braiding pattern around the head’s perimeter. Starting at one ear, you incorporate hair sections while braiding toward the opposite ear, then continue along the nape and up the other side back to the starting point. This technique forms an elegant circular braid that resembles a crown.

Achieving the perfect halo style requires precise tension control to maintain uniform braid thickness throughout the entire circumference. The braid’s end is secured by tucking it under the starting section, creating seamless continuity that’s reinforced with strategically placed bobby pins.

This sophisticated styling technique frames the face beautifully while keeping all hair elegantly contained within the braided perimeter.

Braided Flower Crown Updo

The braided flower crown updo combines intricate braiding with romantic styling to create a stunning botanical-inspired hairstyle. Multiple three-strand braids are woven together in a circular pattern around the crown, forming dimensional petal-like loops that mimic natural flower blooms.

Each braided loop is carefully secured with bobby pins while ends are tucked beneath adjacent braids for a seamless finish.

The remaining hair is twisted into an elegant low chignon at the nape, completing the sophisticated look. This technique elevates traditional braiding by incorporating textural elements that perfectly complement wedding and formal occasion aesthetics.

The result is a romantic updo that serves as both hairstyle and decorative headpiece.

Double Dutch Low Bun For Athletic Builds

The double Dutch low bun delivers exceptional security for athletic builds requiring durable hairstyles throughout long events. This technique utilizes strategic braiding that distributes tension evenly across the scalp, preventing loosening during extended wear.

The inverted Dutch braiding method creates maximum grip by crossing hair sections under rather than over. Start with a center part and create two Dutch braids from the temples toward the nape, systematically incorporating hair sections.

Secure both braids with clear elastics, twist the remaining lengths together, and wrap into a low bun. Pin strategically using color-matched bobby pins inserted at opposing angles for optimal hold.

Rope Braid Chignon For Beach Weddings

The rope braid chignon offers exceptional durability for beach weddings where ocean breezes can destroy traditional updos. This twisted construction technique involves sectioning hair at the nape and creating alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise movements for maximum hold.

The low positioning at the neck’s base provides both elegance and wind resistance.

Salt air affects hair texture significantly, making additional holding products essential for beach ceremonies. Strategic bobby pin placement matching your hair color ensures the style remains secure throughout outdoor celebrations.

Face-framing pieces can be left loose for a softer romantic look while maintaining the hairstyle’s structural integrity.

Vintage-Inspired Victory Rolls

Victory rolls represent the epitome of 1940s glamour, offering modern bridesmaids a sophisticated updo that exudes vintage elegance.

This iconic hairstyle requires dividing hair into three strategic sections and carefully rolling the front portions away from the face to create dramatic cylindrical shapes.

The technique involves backcombing for volume, securing rolls with horizontally placed bobby pins, and finishing with a low chignon at the back.

Vintage accessories like pearl combs or crystalline clips positioned between the rolls enhance the authentic wartime aesthetic while ensuring the style remains intact throughout wedding celebrations.

Vintage Pin Curl Updo

Pin curl updos provide a softer vintage alternative to victory rolls, capturing the refined femininity of the 1920s through 1940s era. This elegant hairstyle requires systematic sectioning and precise pin curl techniques to achieve authentic period sophistication.

Begin with damp hair and setting lotion, creating horizontal sections from ear to ear while working upward from the nape.

Form individual pin curls by wrapping small sections around your finger in alternating directions, securing each curl flat against the scalp with bobby pins.

Once completely set, gently brush out the curls and sweep the loosened waves into a romantic low chignon.

High Twisted Bun With Subtle Volume

High twisted buns with subtle volume offer the perfect balance of elegance and modern sophistication for bridal parties. This hairstyle creates dimension through strategic sectioning and volumizing techniques that lift the crown while maintaining sleekness.

The gentle teasing and clockwise twisting method produces a refined updo that photographs beautifully.

The key to achieving this look lies in proper preparation with volumizing mousse and precise sectioning of damp hair. The counterclockwise wrapping technique around the base creates the signature twisted texture while bobby pins secure the style invisibly.

Medium-hold hairspray ensures the sophisticated structure maintains its polished appearance throughout the celebration.

Messy Top Knot With Loose Tendrils

The messy top knot with loose tendrils creates an effortlessly chic aesthetic that balances structured placement with deliberate undone elements.

This styling technique begins with texturizing spray applied to damp hair, followed by blow-drying with a diffuser attachment and creating loose waves with a 1.5-inch curling iron. The crown section is gently teased for added volume before gathering hair into a high ponytail.

The ponytail is twisted loosely and wrapped around the base, allowing pieces to escape naturally for messy elegance.

Strategic pinning maintains the disheveled texture while 2-3 face-framing tendrils are pulled free and curled away from the face.

This sophisticated romantic style works perfectly for outdoor ceremonies or rustic wedding venues.

Asymmetrical Side Twist With Low Bun

This sophisticated hairstyle creates dramatic visual impact through its carefully crafted asymmetrical design and polished finishing.

The deep side part serves as the foundation for side-swept elements that flow seamlessly into a structured low bun. Strategic twisting techniques and precise pin placement maintain the elegant silhouette while allowing natural movement.

The combination of texturizing products and strong-hold finishing spray ensures lasting definition throughout wear.

Loose pieces are intentionally incorporated to soften the overall look while preserving the refined asymmetrical balance. The result is a versatile updo perfect for formal occasions or professional settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Before the Wedding Should I Book My Hairstylist for Trials?

You should schedule your bridesmaid trial six to eight weeks before the wedding. This appointment timing allows adequate preparation for style adjustments, product selection, and timeline coordination while ensuring availability during peak wedding season.

What Hair Accessories Work Best With Bridesmaid Updos for Outdoor Ceremonies?

You’ll want wind-resistant floral accents secured with bobby pins for outdoor ceremonies. Choose hairpins options like pearl-tipped or crystal varieties. Apply strong-hold hairspray, insert pins at forty-five-degree angles, then test stability before proceeding outdoors.

How Do I Keep My Updo Secure Throughout a Long Wedding Day?

Use multiple bobby pins inserted in opposite directions through hair sections. Apply strong-hold hairspray before styling, during construction, and as final setting spray. Cross-pin technique creates maximum grip. Reapply hairspray hourly for extended hold.

Should All Bridesmaids Have Matching Updos or Can We Choose Different Styles?

You can choose different updo styles while maintaining cohesion through matching elements like hair accessories, textures, or placement heights. Balance individual preferences with the bride’s vision by establishing consistent styling guidelines beforehand.

What’s the Average Cost for Professional Bridesmaid Updo Styling Services?

You’ll typically budget $75-150 per bridesmaid for professional updo services. Bridesmaid hair pricing varies by location, stylist experience, and complexity. Factor these costs into your bridal party budgets early during wedding planning phases.

Finally

You’ll achieve professional results by sectioning hair systematically and securing each element with appropriate pins. Start with clean, prepped hair using texturizing spray for hold.

Work in small sections, maintaining tension while twisting or rolling. Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color, inserting them in opposite directions for maximum grip. Finish with medium-hold hairspray applied from twelve inches away. Test your chosen style beforehand to perfect the technique and timing required.