Attending a wedding as a guest comes with the delightful challenge of looking elegant and sophisticated without overshadowing the bride.
The perfect wedding guest hairstyle strikes the ideal balance between formal elegance and effortless beauty, allowing you to feel confident and appropriately dressed for the celebration.
This comprehensive guide presents 30 easy wedding guest updo styles that can be achieved at home with minimal tools and experience, ensuring you look stunning while maintaining the etiquette of wedding guest attire.
Each updo has been carefully selected for its simplicity, elegance, and versatility, working beautifully for various hair types, lengths, and textures.
Whether you’re attending a beach ceremony, garden party, church wedding, or formal evening reception, these styles offer the perfect combination of sophistication and ease that will have you looking like you stepped out of a salon while spending minimal time on preparation.
1. Classic Low Bun
This timeless low bun offers sophisticated elegance that’s appropriate for any wedding setting while being simple enough to create in minutes at home.
- Start with clean, dry hair and apply a light smoothing serum
- Brush hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck
- Secure with a hair elastic that matches your hair color
- Twist the ponytail length gently to add some texture
- Wrap the twisted hair around the elastic base clockwise
- Pin the bun in place using bobby pins inserted at angles
- Tuck any loose ends under the bun and secure with additional pins
- Smooth any flyaways with a light touch of hair gel
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray for lasting hold
2. Side-Swept Chignon
This elegant side-swept chignon creates beautiful asymmetry while maintaining wedding-appropriate sophistication that photographs beautifully.
- Create a deep side part using a tail comb for precision
- Apply volumizing mousse to add body and texture
- Sweep all hair to one side at the base of the neck
- Secure with an elastic, leaving the swept style visible
- Twist the ponytail loosely while maintaining volume
- Tuck and pin the twisted hair into an elegant chignon shape
- Allow some face-framing pieces to remain soft and loose
- Pin strategically to maintain the side-swept appearance
- Set with flexible hold hairspray that won’t look stiff
3. Braided Low Updo
This romantic braided updo combines the texture of braiding with elegant updo styling, perfect for outdoor and rustic wedding celebrations.
- Begin with slightly textured hair using sea salt spray
- Create a loose side braid starting from one temple
- Continue braiding loosely down to the ends of your hair
- Gently pull apart sections of the braid to create volume
- Coil the loose braid into a low bun at the nape
- Pin the braided bun securely while maintaining texture
- Allow some shorter pieces around the face to remain free
- Weave small flowers or delicate accessories into the braid if desired
- Finish with light-hold spray to preserve the romantic texture
4. Twisted Side Bun
This modern twisted side bun offers contemporary elegance with an asymmetrical placement that’s perfect for fashion-forward wedding guests.
- Apply texturizing cream to damp hair and air dry for natural texture
- Create a side part and gather hair to one side at ear level
- Divide the gathered hair into two sections
- Twist both sections tightly in the same direction
- Wrap the twisted sections around each other to create a rope effect
- Coil the rope-twisted hair into a bun positioned behind one ear
- Pin the twisted bun securely from multiple angles
- Allow some pieces on the opposite side to frame the face
- Complete with medium-hold hairspray for lasting structure
5. Romantic Flower Bun
This soft, romantic bun is styled to resemble a blooming flower, creating feminine elegance perfect for spring and summer weddings.
- Start with lightly curled hair to provide foundational texture
- Gather hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck
- Divide the ponytail into several smaller sections
- Curl each section individually using a small barrel curling iron
- Begin pinning each curled section in a circular, petal-like pattern
- Layer the curled sections over each other to create depth
- Vary the heights and angles for organic flower-like dimension
- Leave some curl ends loose to enhance the petal effect
- Finish with curl-defining spray and add fresh flowers if appropriate
6. Sleek High Bun
This sophisticated high bun creates elegant height and drama while maintaining the polished appearance appropriate for formal wedding celebrations.
- Begin with freshly washed hair and apply heat protectant
- Blow dry hair completely straight using a paddle brush
- Create volume at the crown by gently teasing with a fine comb
- Smooth the surface layer over the teased area
- Gather hair into a high ponytail at the crown of the head
- Twist the ponytail tightly and wrap around the base
- Pin the bun systematically using bobby pins from multiple directions
- Apply shine serum to visible hair for a polished finish
- Set with strong-hold hairspray for formal event durability
7. Messy Side Chignon
This deliberately tousled side chignon offers effortless elegance with a relaxed, romantic appeal perfect for casual wedding celebrations.
- Start with second-day hair or apply dry shampoo for texture
- Create loose waves using a curling iron or braiding damp hair overnight
- Gather hair loosely to one side at the base of the neck
- Twist the gathered hair while maintaining the wavy texture
- Pin the twisted hair into a deliberately imperfect chignon
- Allow pieces to escape naturally for the messy, undone look
- Pull out face-framing pieces and scrunch for added texture
- Pin randomly rather than precisely for organic appearance
- Finish with texturizing spray for hold without stiffness
8. Classic French Twist
This timeless French twist embodies sophisticated elegance that’s appropriate for the most formal wedding celebrations while being surprisingly easy to achieve.
- Apply smoothing serum to clean, dry hair
- Brush hair to one side and hold with one hand
- Use the other hand to twist the hair upward along the back of the head
- Continue twisting until you reach the crown area
- Tuck the ends of the hair into the twist
- Pin the twist systematically using bobby pins placed vertically
- Smooth any flyaways with a light touch of gel
- Ensure the twist sits straight and centered on the back of the head
- Complete with medium-hold hairspray for elegant staying power
9. Braided Crown Updo
This regal braided crown creates a beautiful frame around the face while gathering the remaining hair into elegant updo styling.
- Begin with clean hair and apply light-hold styling cream
- Create a horizontal part from ear to ear across the crown
- Dutch braid the front section along the hairline loosely
- Continue the braid around the head like a decorative crown
- Secure the braid end and gather remaining hair into a low bun
- Integrate the braided crown by pinning it above the bun
- Gently pull apart sections of the crown braid for fullness
- Pin all elements securely for wedding celebration durability
- Add subtle accessories to the braid if wedding style permits
10. Textured Low Knot
This casual low knot emphasizes natural texture and effortless styling while maintaining wedding-appropriate elegance for relaxed celebrations.
- Start with naturally textured hair or enhance with texturizing spray
- Gather hair loosely at the nape without brushing smooth
- Tie the gathered hair into a simple knot
- Create a second knot with the remaining length if hair allows
- Gently pull at the knots to loosen and create volume
- Allow shorter pieces around the face to remain free
- Pull out small sections from the knot for natural, undone appeal
- Scrunch any loose pieces for added texture and movement
- Leave without heavy products to maintain natural appearance
11. Vintage-Inspired Victory Roll
This retro-glamorous victory roll adds vintage charm while maintaining modern wearability perfect for themed or classic wedding celebrations.
- Apply strong-hold mousse to clean, damp hair
- Create a deep side part and section off one front portion
- Backcomb the sectioned hair extensively for volume
- Roll the teased section backward and upward toward the scalp
- Pin the victory roll securely with bobby pins hidden inside
- Style the remaining hair in smooth waves or a complementary updo
- Ensure the victory roll maintains its rounded, structured shape
- Balance the asymmetry with elegant styling on the opposite side
- Set with strong-hold hairspray for vintage authenticity
12. Effortless Top Knot
This casual top knot strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and put-together, ideal for daytime or outdoor wedding celebrations.
- Begin with day-old hair or apply texturizing spray for grip
- Flip hair upside down and gather into a high ponytail
- Don’t smooth the hair completely – maintain natural texture
- Twist the ponytail loosely while preserving volume
- Wrap the twisted hair around the base to form a knot
- Pin sections randomly rather than perfectly for effortless appeal
- Allow some shorter pieces to escape naturally
- Pull gently at the knot to increase volume and casualness
- Finish with light texturizing spray for natural hold
13. Romantic Side Twist
This soft side twist creates feminine elegance with flowing movement that’s perfect for romantic wedding celebrations and outdoor venues.
- Start with lightly curled hair for foundational texture
- Create a deep side part that flatters your face shape
- Begin loosely twisting sections from the heavier side of the part
- Continue twisting while gradually gathering hair toward the back
- Pin the twisted sections low behind the opposite ear
- Allow the remaining hair to flow over one shoulder
- Leave face-framing pieces loose for romantic softness
- Gently pull at the twists to create more volume and texture
- Complete with curl-enhancing spray for lasting movement
14. Elegant Gibson Tuck
This sophisticated Gibson tuck offers vintage-inspired elegance with modern simplicity, perfect for formal wedding celebrations.
- Apply volumizing mousse to clean hair for body and hold
- Create a loose side part and gather hair at the nape
- Form a horizontal pocket by lifting the hair at the nape area
- Tuck the gathered hair upward into the created pocket
- Pin the tucked hair securely while maintaining the elegant shape
- Allow some face-framing pieces to remain soft and loose
- Smooth the sides gently without eliminating all texture
- Ensure the tuck sits evenly and symmetrically
- Finish with medium-hold hairspray for lasting elegance
15. Braided Side Updo
This asymmetrical braided updo combines braiding texture with elegant side placement, perfect for bohemian or rustic wedding themes.
- Begin with slightly textured hair using sea salt spray
- Create a loose side braid starting from one temple
- Incorporate more hair as you braid toward the opposite side
- Keep the braid loose and textured for romantic appeal
- Coil the finished braid into a low side bun
- Pin the braided bun while maintaining visible braid texture
- Allow some shorter pieces to frame the face naturally
- Gently pull apart the braid sections for enhanced volume
- Complete with light-hold spray that preserves texture
16. Sleek Side Ponytail Updo
This modern side ponytail elevates the classic style through elegant updo techniques, perfect for contemporary wedding celebrations.
- Start with freshly washed hair and apply smoothing serum
- Blow dry hair straight while creating volume at the crown
- Create a dramatic side part and sweep hair to one side
- Gather into a side ponytail positioned behind one ear
- Twist the ponytail length and pin it back toward the base
- Create elegant loops and curves with the twisted ponytail
- Pin all sections securely while maintaining sleek appearance
- Apply shine serum for polished, contemporary finish
- Set with medium-hold spray for lasting structure
17. Textured Chignon
This deliberately textured chignon offers relaxed elegance with natural movement, ideal for casual or outdoor wedding celebrations.
- Begin with hair that has natural texture or apply texturizing cream
- Gather hair loosely at the nape without smoothing completely
- Twist the gathered hair while maintaining natural texture
- Wrap the twisted hair into a deliberately imperfect chignon
- Pin sections randomly to preserve the textured appearance
- Allow some pieces to escape for natural, undone appeal
- Pull out face-framing pieces and scrunch for added texture
- Gently tug at the chignon to increase volume and casualness
- Finish with texturizing spray for definition without stiffness
18. Classic Ballerina Bun
This timeless ballerina bun creates elegant sophistication with clean lines, perfect for formal wedding celebrations and black-tie events.
- Begin with clean hair and apply strong-hold gel for control
- Brush all hair back into a high ponytail at the crown
- Secure tightly with an elastic band for maximum hold
- Twist the ponytail length tightly to create a neat rope
- Wrap the twisted ponytail around the base in a perfect circle
- Pin systematically every few inches for security
- Smooth any flyaways with additional gel or pomade
- Ensure the bun sits perfectly centered and balanced
- Complete with strong-hold hairspray for formal durability
19. Boho Twisted Crown
This free-spirited twisted crown creates bohemian elegance while allowing hair to flow naturally, perfect for outdoor or rustic weddings.
- Start with naturally textured hair or enhance with wave spray
- Section hair from temple to temple across the crown
- Create loose twists working from the center part outward
- Pin each twist back while maintaining organic, natural appearance
- Allow the remaining hair to flow freely over the shoulders
- Vary the tightness of twists for natural, imperfect beauty
- Leave face-framing pieces completely loose and natural
- Weave in small flowers or greenery if appropriate for the wedding
- Finish with light texturizing spray for natural hold
20. Elegant Rolled Updo
This sophisticated rolled updo creates structured elegance with vintage appeal, perfect for formal or traditional wedding celebrations.
- Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow dry for body
- Divide hair into horizontal sections for systematic rolling
- Roll each section backward and pin at progressively higher points
- Create layers of rolled sections for dimensional height
- Pin each roll securely while maintaining volume
- Smooth the surface lightly to unify the overall appearance
- Ensure all sections are secure for celebration activities
- Shape the overall silhouette for balanced proportions
- Complete with strong-hold hairspray for formal event longevity
21. Casual Braided Bun
This relaxed braided bun combines braiding texture with casual updo styling, ideal for informal or outdoor wedding celebrations.
- Begin with slightly damp hair and apply texturizing mousse
- Create a loose braid down the full length of your hair
- Gently pull apart sections of the braid to create volume
- Coil the loose braid into a casual bun at the base of the neck
- Pin the braided bun while maintaining visible braid texture
- Allow some shorter pieces around the hairline to remain free
- Don’t make it too perfect – embrace the casual, undone appeal
- Pull out a few pieces from the bun for natural movement
- Finish with sea salt spray for beachy texture and hold
22. Side-Swept Low Bun
This asymmetrical low bun creates elegant side-swept styling that photographs beautifully and works for various wedding dress necklines.
- Create a dramatic deep side part using a tail comb
- Apply smoothing cream for sleek, polished appearance
- Sweep all hair to one side and gather at the base of the neck
- Position the gathering point slightly off-center for asymmetry
- Twist the gathered hair and wrap into a low, side-positioned bun
- Pin securely while maintaining the side-swept appearance
- Smooth the swept side with light gel for polished finish
- Allow some face-framing pieces on the lighter side to remain soft
- Complete with shine spray for elegant luminosity
23. Textured High Knot
This deliberately textured high knot offers casual elegance with intentional imperfection, perfect for relaxed wedding celebrations.
- Start with hair that has natural texture or apply texturizing spray
- Flip hair upside down and gather high on the crown
- Don’t brush smooth – maintain natural texture and movement
- Tie the gathered hair into a simple knot rather than using elastics
- Create additional knots if hair length allows
- Gently pull at the knots to increase volume and looseness
- Allow pieces to escape naturally for undone appeal
- Pull out face-framing sections and scrunch for texture
- Leave without heavy styling products for natural movement
24. Romantic Twisted Updo
This soft twisted updo creates feminine romance with flowing movement, ideal for garden parties and romantic wedding celebrations.
- Begin with lightly curled hair for foundational texture
- Divide hair into several sections around the head
- Twist each section loosely from the face toward the back
- Begin pinning twisted sections at the nape area
- Layer each twist over the previous one for dimensional depth
- Vary the tightness of twists for natural, organic movement
- Allow some shorter pieces to remain loose for softening
- Pin all sections while maintaining the romantic, flowing appearance
- Complete with curl-enhancing spray for lasting texture
25. Sleek French Roll
This polished French roll offers timeless sophistication with modern sleekness, perfect for formal wedding celebrations and elegant venues.
- Apply heat protectant and smoothing serum to clean hair
- Blow dry completely straight using a paddle brush for smoothness
- Brush all hair to one side and hold firmly
- Roll the hair upward along the back of the head in one smooth motion
- Tuck the ends securely into the roll
- Pin systematically using bobby pins placed vertically
- Smooth the surface with additional serum for high shine
- Ensure the roll sits perfectly straight and centered
- Set with medium-hold hairspray for lasting formal appearance
26. Bohemian Low Twist
This free-spirited low twist embraces natural texture and organic styling, perfect for outdoor or bohemian-themed wedding celebrations.
- Start with air-dried hair that has natural wave and texture
- Apply sea salt spray to enhance natural movement
- Loosely gather hair to one side at the base of the neck
- Twist the gathered hair very loosely to maintain organic appeal
- Pin the twist casually without worrying about perfection
- Allow many pieces to escape and frame the face naturally
- Pull out sections randomly for deliberately undone appearance
- Embrace any asymmetry or imperfection as part of the style
- Finish with texturizing spray for natural definition
27. Classic Side Chignon
This timeless side chignon offers elegant asymmetry with sophisticated styling that’s appropriate for formal wedding celebrations.
- Create a side part and apply volumizing mousse for body
- Sweep hair to one side and gather at the base of the neck
- Position the gathering point off-center for asymmetrical appeal
- Twist the gathered hair into an elegant chignon shape
- Pin the chignon securely while maintaining its sophisticated form
- Allow the side-swept styling to remain visible and prominent
- Smooth the swept side with light styling gel
- Leave some face-framing pieces soft on the opposite side
- Complete with medium-hold spray for lasting elegance
28. Textured Flower Crown Bun
This whimsical flower crown bun combines braiding techniques with floral-inspired styling, perfect for spring and summer weddings.
- Begin with lightly textured hair using curl-enhancing cream
- Create a loose crown braid around the front hairline
- Keep the crown braid very loose and pull apart for volume
- Gather remaining hair into a low bun at the nape
- Style the bun to resemble a blooming flower with curved sections
- Integrate the crown braid above the flower-like bun
- Pin all elements securely while maintaining the floral aesthetic
- Weave real or artificial flowers into the crown braid if appropriate
- Finish with light-hold spray that won’t flatten the texture
29. Modern Geometric Bun
This contemporary geometric bun offers clean, architectural lines with modern sophistication, perfect for contemporary wedding venues.
- Start with completely straight hair using a flat iron for precision
- Apply smoothing serum for sleek, controlled finish
- Create a perfectly straight center part using a tail comb
- Gather hair into a ponytail with mathematical precision
- Twist the ponytail tightly to create a compact rope
- Wrap the twisted hair into a perfect circular bun
- Pin systematically to maintain the geometric shape
- Use a smoothing brush to eliminate any imperfections
- Complete with strong-hold spray for architectural stability
30. Effortless Twisted Ponytail Updo
This casual twisted ponytail elevates the classic style through simple updo techniques, perfect for relaxed wedding celebrations.
- Begin with hair that has slight natural texture
- Create a low ponytail positioned at the nape of the neck
- Divide the ponytail into two or three sections
- Twist each section individually while maintaining natural texture
- Pin the twisted sections back toward the ponytail base
- Create casual loops and curves with the twisted ponytail sections
- Allow some pieces to remain loose for natural movement
- Don’t make it too structured – embrace the effortless appeal
- Finish with light texturizing spray for natural hold and definition
Creating the perfect wedding guest updo doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
These 30 easy wedding guest updo styles prove that with simple techniques and minimal tools, you can achieve elegant, sophisticated looks that are appropriate for any wedding celebration.
The key to success lies in choosing styles that work with your natural hair texture, using the right products for hold and finish, and practicing the technique before the wedding day.
Whether you prefer classic elegance, bohemian romance, or modern sophistication, these updos ensure you’ll look polished and put-together while maintaining the appropriate etiquette of not overshadowing the bride.
Remember that the best wedding guest hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy the celebration while looking absolutely beautiful in all the photos that will capture these precious memories.
