40 Classic Wedding Hairstyles Ideas For 2024 & Expert Tips

Dive into the timeless elegance of classic wedding hairstyles and get inspired discovering that perfect blend of tradition and personal flair, from sophisticated updos and wedding bun hairstyles to enchanting waves and regal braids. Beyond mere aesthetics, we’ll uncover the secrets to harmonizing your hairstyle with veils and accessories, ensuring every detail reflects your unique love story.

Embark on this journey with us, where selecting your wedding hairstyle is not just a part of the planning process but a step towards realizing the wedding of your dreams.

[content]

Beloved Classics: The Most Popular Wedding Hairstyles

1 / 5

Photo by:

samirasjewelry via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

slmakeupandhair via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

tonyastylist via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

tonyastylist via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

sabrinadijkman via Instagram

Save to

1 / 5

These styles are popular not only because of their timeless elegance but also due to their versatility — they complement a wide range of bridal gowns and suit various wedding themes. Despite their classic foundation, each hairstyle features unique elements, from intricate textures to carefully placed accessories, ensuring that every look feels fresh and distinctive.

Their universal appeal, combined with just the right touch of originality, makes these hairstyles a go-to choice for brides who want a balance of tradition and modern flair. These are the styles that have garnered hundreds of saves from our website and thousands of Pinterest pins saves, proving their widespread popularity and ability to stand out in a sea of bridal inspiration.

Click to see the most popular wedding hairstyles ideas on Pinterest!

Classic Wedding Updos

1 / 3

Photo by:

bridal_hairstylist via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

polishedstylejustine via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

beautybyenna via Instagram

Save to

1 / 3

Sophisticated, chic updos are a must with the classic bridal look. Here’s how to make these styles work for you:

Low Buns: Perfect for brides seeking a sleek and understated elegance. Ideal for those who want to present a great example of an updo that’s very versatile and can suit almost every shape of face and type of hair. It’s ideal for the bride who can’t make her mind up between wearing the hair up or down—a graceful compromise that shows off the face but also shows length and volume of hair.

Braided Clasical Hair Ideas

1 / 5

Photo by:

penteadoslucena via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

i_pasechnik via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

polishedstylejustine via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

melissaclaremakeup via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

evgenya_melnikova via Instagram

Save to

1 / 5

Braids add a whimsical touch to classic wedding hairstyles, weaving charm and elegance into your bridal look:

A simple accent of one braid can add a bit of playfulness to a more traditional do. This look is perfect for any bride who is looking to give her classic elegance just a small hint of bohemian spirit.

Crown and Waterfall Braids: A crown braid gives royal beauty while wrapped around your head with woven beauty, but a waterfall braid gives a cascading effect and is perfect for long flowing locks needing just a touch more in the texture and interest departments. Both styles would be perfect for brides who are looking for a combination of tradition and magic.

Vintage Glamour Hair Styles

1 / 3

Photo by:

zhanna_syniavska via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

katya.valentinahair via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

lalasupdos via Instagram

Save to

1 / 3

Channel the timeless elegance of bygone eras with hairstyles that pay homage to the 1920s to 1950s glamour:

Classic Waves: Deep, sculpted waves are brought into the present with a nod to the glamorous 1920s and are perfect for brides whose gowns have vintage inspiration or for a bride going for a Gatsby-style wedding.

Pin-up Rolls: From the 1940s and 50s, the pin-up rolls add playful but chic retro flair to your bridal appearance. Bring more color to your lips for a true retro look.

Classic Half Up Half Down

1 / 3

Photo by:

oksana_sergeeva_stilist via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

kasia_fortuna via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

juliafratichelli.bridalstylist via Instagram

Save to

1 / 3

The classic half up half down style offers elegance and ease:

How to Get the Look: Curl the whole head for uniform texture and comb back gently, securing with pins or a decorative accessory if desirable at the crown. Braids, twists, or even simple pull-backs work for variations of any interest level with this flexible style.

For Whom It Would Suit: Quite universal, this hairstyle suits almost all forms of face and every kind of hair. Surely, this is the best advice to give to brides who can’t really make up their mind on whether to have the hair up or down, as this will present a graceful compromise that will allow the face to be very well visible and the length and volume of the hair shown.

Classic Wedding Hair Down

1 / 3

Photo by:

lidia_szadkowska via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

lidia_szadkowska via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

polishedstylejustine via Instagram

Save to

1 / 3

Letting long hair flow opens a lot of doors for the bride and bridesmaids. Everyone can achieve a sense of unity with an overall similar look. Simultaneously, each member of the team has the flexibility to add her own personal touch.

The bride should consider something more elaborate than the rest of the team. Look to stylish twists and wraps or the intricate waterfall braid to complete the look.

Consider the entire ensemble when choosing this hairstyle. It always looks best when long hair seamlessly flows along with the fabrics of the veil and gown.

Classic Curly Hairstyles For Wedding

1 / 3

Photo by:

juliafratichelli.bridalstylist via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

kasia_fortuna via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

tonyastylist via Instagram

Save to

1 / 3

Let soft, flowing curls and waves give you that romantic and dreamy feel for your wedding. Here’s how to get the look.

Soft Curls: Perfect for just about any theme that your wedding may have, adding soft curls to your locks gives them the volume and motion needed to create a smooth, silkened contour perfect for making a statement in a very natural style. This hairstyle could be perfect for both long and short hair.

Glamorous Waves: If you want more definition to your gorgeous, sexy waves, then consider going for a glamorous wavy look. These waves are from the Old Hollywood era and bring a sense of class, great for most formal evening weddings.

Smooth Classic Bun Wedding Hair Ideas

1 / 3

Photo by:

cathrineheierenhansen via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

evgenya_melnikova via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

hannahblinkohairstylist via Instagram

Save to

1 / 3

Silky smooth hair is going to take some effort on your part before your visit to the stylist. First, start with a cold rinse. Warm water lifts the cuticles, causing your hair to frizz up. Wet hair is easier to damage, so wait for it to dry before you run you brush through it. Let your hair dry naturally whenever possible for the same reason.

Find the right shampoo for your hair quality, and never allow leave-on conditioners to stay on your scalp. Make a habit of trimming the tips of your hair which is where breakage usually begins.

Classic Wedding Updos For Natural Hair

1 / 2

Photo by:

natalymirandahair via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

penteadoslucena via Instagram

Save to

1 / 2

For brides that wear their hair down on a day to day basis, a classic wedding updo can be the drastic change that drops jaws.

Updos have a slimming effect on most face shapes. It also elongates the neck and exposes the shoulders. Square face shapes should aim for thicker looking hair, while rounded faces shouldn’t be shy to allow a few strands to fall. This creates a great frame.

This classic wedding hairstyle should be particularly appealing for brides planning on an elegant veil. Veils can be worn at any angle and look perfectly natural set into a bridal updo.

Classic Wedding Styles With Veil

1 / 3

Photo by:

ulyana.aster via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

haircomesthebride via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

polishedstylejustine via Instagram

Save to

1 / 3

Many brides choose their gown and wedding veil before choosing their hairstyle. We highly recommend planning your entire look all at once so that everything looks like it belongs. If that ship has sailed, you’ll need a classic wedding hairstyle which compliments your veil.

Any of the classic wedding hairstyles mentioned above will do. The trick is to find a style that makes the veil look like a part of the hair. The wrong hairstyle will make the veil seem like it was simply stuck there or awkwardly sitting on top.

Classical Hair Accessories For Brides

1 / 3

Photo by:

lidia_szadkowska via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

sweetvjewelry via Instagram

Save to

Photo by:

cathrineheierenhansen via Instagram

Save to

1 / 3

Classic wedding hairstyles call for classic accessories. These should be worn strategically, not just because you like them. Their job is to make certain elements of your gown and hair pop, and to immerse you into your wedding theme.

Common accessories include combs, pins, pearls, flowers, and tiaras. Work with opposites to start with. Try delicate accessories to compliment big-volume hair. Tight or thinner hairstyles look good with chunkier accessories. Don’t overdo it though. Too thin and the accessory will disappear. Too heavy and the accessory will take over the hairstyle. Find your Goldilocks.

Brides Often Ask

Conclusion

Choosing your hairstyle should happen at the same time as you choose your theme, gown, and accessories. This ensures a cohesive look. Using our inspiration, have a classic wedding hairstyle in mind. Bring your veil and photo of your gown to your stylist so that they understand the complete picture.