Looking for the perfect hairstyle to wear to a wedding without spending hours in front of the mirror? You’re in the right place!
Whether you’re attending a romantic garden ceremony or a glamorous evening reception, these easy wedding guest updos strike the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity.
From chic low buns to effortless twisted styles, we’ve gathered 33 stunning updos that you can recreate at home — no professional stylist required. Get ready to turn heads and celebrate in style!
1. Classic Low Bun
The classic low bun remains one of the most sophisticated and versatile wedding guest hairstyles you can choose. This timeless updo works beautifully for formal weddings and offers an elegant foundation that complements any outfit style.
- Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic band to create the foundation.
- Twist the ponytail gently and wrap it around the base to form a neat bun shape.
- Secure the bun with bobby pins, inserting them in a crisscross pattern for maximum hold.
- Apply a light hairspray to smooth any flyaways and maintain the polished appearance throughout the event.
- Add decorative pins or a small hair accessory if desired to elevate the look further.
2. Messy Side Bun
The messy side bun perfectly balances elegance with effortless charm, making it ideal for garden weddings or semi-formal celebrations. This relaxed style creates a romantic appearance while keeping your hair securely in place.
- Create a deep side part and sweep all your hair to one side of your head.
- Secure the hair with an elastic band positioned just behind and below your ear.
- Gently pull sections of the ponytail to create texture and volume before twisting.
- Wrap the twisted hair loosely around the base and secure with pins, allowing pieces to fall naturally.
- Pull out a few face-framing strands to soften the look and add to the effortless aesthetic.
3. Braided Crown Updo
The braided crown updo combines bohemian charm with sophisticated elegance, creating a hairstyle that photographs beautifully from every angle. This style works exceptionally well for outdoor and destination weddings.
- Part your hair down the middle and separate it into two equal sections.
- Create a Dutch braid or French braid on each side, starting from the front and working toward the back.
- Secure the ends of both braids at the nape of your neck with small elastics.
- Gather the remaining hair into a low bun or twist beneath the braids.
- Wrap the braided sections over the top of your head like a crown and pin them securely in place.
4. Twisted Low Chignon
The twisted low chignon offers a refined and polished look that works perfectly for black-tie weddings and formal evening events. This structured style stays in place beautifully while maintaining an elegant silhouette.
- Divide your hair into three sections with one large center section and two smaller side sections.
- Twist each side section individually and secure them temporarily with clips.
- Create a low ponytail with the center section and twist it into a chignon at the nape.
- Wrap the twisted side sections around the chignon in opposite directions for added dimension.
- Secure everything with bobby pins and finish with a flexible hold hairspray to maintain the structure.
5. High Ballerina Bun
The high ballerina bun exudes grace and sophistication while showcasing your facial features and neckline beautifully. This classic updo works wonderfully for formal weddings and creates an instantly polished appearance.
- Brush your hair upward and gather it into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
- Secure the ponytail tightly with a strong elastic band to ensure it stays in place.
- Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base to create a neat, rounded bun shape.
- Tuck the ends under the bun and secure with multiple bobby pins for stability.
- Use a smoothing serum or gel on any baby hairs around the hairline for an ultra-sleek finish.
6. Romantic Loose Updo
The romantic loose updo captures effortless beauty with soft, flowing pieces that create a dreamy, ethereal appearance. This style is perfect for spring and summer weddings where a relaxed elegance is desired.
- Curl your hair with a large-barrel curling iron to create soft, voluminous waves throughout.
- Gather sections of hair loosely at the back of your head without pulling too tightly.
- Pin sections randomly to create an unstructured, organic appearance with pieces falling naturally.
- Leave several face-framing tendrils loose around your temples and near your ears.
- Apply a light texturizing spray to enhance the effortless, romantic quality of the style.
7. Sleek High Ponytail Bun
The sleek high ponytail bun combines the energy of a ponytail with the sophistication of an updo, creating a modern and chic wedding guest hairstyle. This contemporary look works beautifully for fashion-forward celebrations.
- Apply a smoothing cream or gel to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush for maximum sleekness.
- Gather all your hair into a high ponytail positioned exactly where you want the bun to sit.
- Smooth any bumps with a fine-tooth comb and secure the ponytail with a strong elastic.
- Wrap the ponytail around the base to create a bun and secure with bobby pins inserted vertically.
- Finish with a shine spray to enhance the glossy, polished appearance of the hairstyle.
8. Textured Low Ponytail Tuck
The textured low ponytail tuck offers a unique twist on traditional updos by combining the simplicity of a ponytail with an elegant tucked finish. This style is both practical and stylish for all-day wedding events.
- Create loose waves throughout your hair using a curling wand for added texture and dimension.
- Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck with a covered elastic band.
- Loosen the ponytail slightly by gently pulling sections to create a relaxed appearance.
- Tuck the ends of the ponytail up and under itself, creating a faux bob effect.
- Secure the tucked section with bobby pins hidden underneath and pull out a few wispy pieces around your face.
9. French Twist
The French twist embodies timeless elegance and remains one of the most sophisticated updos for formal wedding guests. This classic style has been gracing elegant events for decades and continues to be a favorite choice.
- Brush all your hair to one side and hold it firmly with one hand at the back of your head.
- Twist the hair upward and toward the center, creating a vertical roll along the back of your head.
- Tuck the ends of your hair into the twist and secure the entire structure with bobby pins.
- Insert pins vertically along the length of the twist for maximum security and stability.
- Apply hairspray generously to set the style and maintain its polished appearance throughout the celebration.
10. Half-Up Twisted Bun
The half-up twisted bun combines the best of both worlds by keeping hair off your face while allowing length to flow freely. This versatile style works beautifully for guests with medium to long hair seeking a balanced look.
- Section off the top half of your hair from ear to ear, leaving the bottom section loose.
- Gather the top section at the crown and secure it with an elastic band.
- Twist the secured section and wrap it into a small, neat bun at the crown area.
- Pin the bun securely and allow the bottom section to flow naturally or curl it for added elegance.
- Gently tease the crown area before creating the bun for additional volume and height.
11. Braided Low Side Bun
The braided low side bun incorporates intricate braiding details that add visual interest and texture to a classic silhouette. This romantic style is perfect for guests who want something unique yet wearable.
- Create a deep side part and begin a French or Dutch braid starting from the heavier side.
- Continue braiding along the side of your head, incorporating hair as you work toward the opposite ear.
- Secure the braid temporarily and gather all remaining hair to the same side as the braid ends.
- Twist or braid the loose hair and wrap it into a bun at the nape on your chosen side.
- Wrap the original braid around the bun for added texture and secure everything with bobby pins.
12. Knotted Low Bun
The knotted low bun offers a modern architectural element that sets it apart from traditional bun styles. This contemporary updo works wonderfully for fashion-forward weddings and creates a striking visual impact.
- Divide your hair into two equal sections down the middle from front to back.
- Tie the two sections together in a simple knot at the nape of your neck.
- Continue tying additional knots with the same two sections until you’ve used most of the length.
- Wrap any remaining length around the knotted section to form a bun shape.
- Secure the entire style with bobby pins hidden within the knots and finish with strong-hold hairspray.
13. Curly Updo with Face-Framing Pieces
The curly updo with face-framing pieces celebrates natural texture while creating an elegant elevated style. This approach is perfect for guests with naturally curly or wavy hair who want to showcase their texture.
- Define your natural curls with a curl-enhancing cream and allow them to air dry or diffuse.
- Select front sections to leave down for face-framing and clip them away temporarily.
- Gather the remaining curls at the back and pin them randomly to create volume and height.
- Secure each section of curls with bobby pins, maintaining the natural curl pattern and texture.
- Release the face-framing pieces and arrange them gently to complement your facial features perfectly.
14. Gibson Tuck
The Gibson Tuck creates a sophisticated rolled effect that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to achieve. This vintage-inspired style works beautifully for retro-themed weddings or guests seeking a timeless appearance.
- Create a low ponytail at the nape of your neck with a covered elastic band.
- Make a small opening above the elastic and flip the ponytail up through this opening.
- Continue tucking the length of the ponytail into the opening, rolling it under itself.
- Secure the rolled section with bobby pins placed horizontally through the tuck.
- Gently pull at the rolled section to create volume and width for a more dramatic effect.
15. Double Twisted Updo
The double twisted updo features two symmetrical twists that meet at the back, creating a balanced and elegant structure. This style offers visual interest while remaining polished and wedding-appropriate for any formality level.
- Part your hair down the middle and divide it into two equal sections from front to back.
- Take one section and twist it tightly from the front toward the back of your head.
- Secure the twisted section temporarily with a clip and repeat on the opposite side.
- Bring both twisted sections together at the nape and combine them into a single bun or chignon.
- Pin the bun securely and arrange any loose pieces to frame your face softly.
16. Boho Braided Updo
The boho braided updo incorporates multiple braiding techniques to create a free-spirited yet elegant hairstyle. This relaxed style is ideal for outdoor weddings, barn celebrations, or bohemian-themed events.
- Create several loose braids of varying thickness throughout your hair, leaving some sections unbraided.
- Gather all the braids and loose sections at the back of your head.
- Pin the sections randomly to create an organic, undone appearance with texture and dimension.
- Allow some braid ends to stick out slightly for an intentionally imperfect, bohemian aesthetic.
- Incorporate small flowers, decorative pins, or accessories that complement the natural, relaxed vibe.
17. Sleek Low Side Ponytail Twist
The sleek low side ponytail twist offers a modern, asymmetrical approach to wedding guest hair. This polished style works particularly well for contemporary weddings and creates an elegant profile from every angle.
- Apply smoothing serum to create a sleek base and brush all hair to one side.
- Secure the hair in a low side ponytail positioned just behind and below one ear.
- Twist the ponytail length tightly to create a rope-like texture and dimension.
- Wrap the twisted section around the base of the ponytail or pin it upward along the back of your head.
- Use a shine-enhancing spray to maximize the glossy, polished appearance of this sophisticated style.
18. Voluminous Top Knot
The voluminous top knot makes a bold statement while keeping hair completely off your face and neck. This dramatic updo is perfect for guests who want to showcase statement earrings or an elegant neckline.
- Tease the crown area generously to create the volume foundation for this dramatic style.
- Gather all hair into a high ponytail at the crown, maintaining the teased volume underneath.
- Loosely wrap the ponytail around the base without pulling it too tight to preserve fullness.
- Secure the bun with multiple bobby pins and gently pull at sections to increase the size.
- Apply texturizing spray throughout the bun to enhance the voluminous, dimensional appearance.
19. Fishtail Braid Updo
The fishtail braid updo showcases the intricate pattern of a fishtail braid while keeping everything elegantly secured. This detailed style creates visual interest and works beautifully for guests with medium to long hair.
- Create a side ponytail and divide it into two equal sections to begin the fishtail braid.
- Take small pieces from the outer edge of each section and cross them to the opposite side.
- Continue this pattern down the entire length of the ponytail to create the fishtail texture.
- Gently pull at the edges of the braid to widen it and create a fuller, more romantic appearance.
- Wrap the completed fishtail braid into a bun shape and secure it with pins strategically placed throughout.
20. Twisted Halo Updo
The twisted halo updo creates a crown-like effect that’s both romantic and regal. This ethereal style works wonderfully for spring and summer weddings where a soft, feminine appearance is desired.
- Section your hair from ear to ear across the top, leaving the bottom section loose.
- Twist sections of the top portion and pin them around your head like a halo or crown.
- Gather the remaining bottom section and tuck it under itself at the nape of your neck.
- Pin the tucked section securely and blend it with the twisted halo above.
- Pull out a few delicate pieces around your face to soften the overall appearance beautifully.
21. Pinned Curls Updo
The pinned curls updo takes inspiration from vintage Hollywood glamour while remaining perfectly appropriate for modern weddings. This style works exceptionally well for formal evening celebrations and creates stunning dimension.
- Curl your entire head with a medium-barrel curling iron, creating uniform curls throughout.
- Allow the curls to cool completely and set them with hairspray before manipulating them.
- Pin each curl individually at the back of your head, arranging them in a cluster pattern.
- Secure each curl with crossed bobby pins to ensure they stay in place throughout the event.
- Leave a few curls loose around your face or pin them strategically to frame your features elegantly.
22. Bubble Ponytail Updo
The bubble ponytail updo adds a playful yet sophisticated element to traditional updos. This trendy style creates dimension through segmented sections that resemble bubbles, perfect for contemporary wedding celebrations.
- Create a low ponytail and secure it with a strong elastic band at the base.
- Add additional elastic bands down the length of the ponytail at regular intervals.
- Gently pull at each section between the elastics to create the bubble effect and volume.
- Tuck the entire bubbled ponytail up and under itself, securing it at the nape.
- Pin the tucked bubbles in place and arrange them to create a dimensional, textured updo appearance.
23. Asymmetrical Low Bun
The asymmetrical low bun offers a modern twist on classic elegance by positioning the bun off-center. This contemporary style creates visual interest while maintaining sophistication appropriate for any wedding formality.
- Part your hair on one side and brush it smoothly toward the opposite lower side.
- Gather the hair into a low ponytail positioned off-center at the nape of your neck.
- Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a bun, keeping the placement asymmetrical and intentional.
- Secure the bun with bobby pins and smooth any flyaways with a light pomade or gel.
- Balance the asymmetry by wearing a statement earring on the side with more visible ear space.
24. Rope Braid Low Bun
The rope braid low bun combines the texture of a rope braid with the elegance of a classic bun. This simple yet sophisticated style is perfect for guests seeking something different from traditional braiding techniques.
- Gather your hair into a low ponytail and divide it into two equal sections.
- Twist each section individually in the same direction until both are tightly twisted.
- Twist the two sections together in the opposite direction to create the rope braid effect.
- Wrap the rope braid around the base to form a textured bun with visible twisted pattern.
- Secure the bun with bobby pins inserted through the twisted sections for maximum hold.
25. Waterfall Braid Updo
The waterfall braid updo showcases the beautiful cascading effect of a waterfall braid while keeping hair elegantly secured. This romantic style creates the illusion of hair flowing through the braid like a waterfall.
- Begin a waterfall braid at one side of your head by starting with a standard three-strand braid.
- Drop the bottom strand each time you cross over, replacing it with a new section from above.
- Continue the waterfall braid along the side or back of your head as desired.
- Gather all the hair including the dropped strands into a low bun or chignon at the nape.
- Secure the gathered hair with pins and allow the waterfall braid to frame the updo beautifully.
26. Twisted Crown with Low Bun
The twisted crown with low bun combines two elegant elements to create a regal and sophisticated appearance. This style works wonderfully for formal weddings where you want to make a memorable impression.
- Section the front portion of your hair from ear to ear and clip the back section away.
- Twist small sections from the front and pin them across your head to create a crown effect.
- Gather the remaining back section into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
- Twist or smooth the ponytail into a classic bun and secure it firmly with bobby pins.
- Blend the twisted crown seamlessly into the low bun and finish with elegant hairspray.
27. Textured Ponytail with Wrapped Base
The textured ponytail with wrapped base elevates a simple ponytail into an updo-worthy style. This approach creates polish while maintaining the ease and comfort of a ponytail structure.
- Create loose waves or curls throughout your hair for added texture and dimension.
- Gather hair into a low ponytail at your desired height and secure with an elastic band.
- Take a small section from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to conceal it.
- Secure the wrapped section underneath with a bobby pin to keep it in place.
- Gently tease the ponytail length to create additional volume and texture throughout.
28. Faux Hawk Updo
The faux hawk updo brings edgy sophistication to wedding guest hair with its bold center volume. This modern style works perfectly for fashion-forward celebrations and guests who want to make a statement.
- Tease the center section of your hair from front to back to create significant height and volume.
- Smooth the sides of your hair tightly toward the back and secure them with bobby pins.
- Pin the teased center section upward and back, creating the mohawk-inspired silhouette.
- Arrange the pinned sections to create texture and dimension along the center line.
- Use strong-hold hairspray to maintain the structure and volume throughout the celebration.
29. Rolled Updo
The rolled updo creates elegant horizontal or vertical rolls that showcase sophisticated technique and timeless beauty. This vintage-inspired style works beautifully for classic and formal wedding celebrations.
- Section your hair horizontally from the nape upward, securing upper sections temporarily.
- Roll each section under itself, creating smooth horizontal rolls that layer upon each other.
- Secure each roll with bobby pins inserted horizontally through the rolled section.
- Continue rolling sections upward until all hair is incorporated into the elegant rolled structure.
- Finish with vintage-inspired accessories like decorative combs or jeweled pins for added glamour.
30. Side-Swept Twisted Updo
The side-swept twisted updo combines asymmetrical elegance with textured twisting for a romantic appearance. This flowing style works wonderfully for guests seeking something feminine and graceful.
- Create a deep side part and begin twisting small sections from the heavier side.
- Continue adding and twisting sections as you work toward the opposite side of your head.
- Gather all twisted sections at the side near your neck and combine them together.
- Pin the gathered twists into a loose cluster or bun, maintaining the textured appearance.
- Allow a few pieces to escape naturally around your face for a soft, romantic finish.
31. Braided Bun with Accessories
The braided bun with accessories combines intricate braiding with decorative elements to create a showstopping updo. This embellished style is perfect for guests who want their hair to be a focal point of their look.
- Create one or multiple braids depending on your desired level of intricacy and texture.
- Wrap the braids around themselves to form a bun shape at your desired placement.
- Secure the braided bun with bobby pins placed strategically throughout the structure.
- Add decorative accessories like pearl pins, small flowers, or jeweled clips throughout the bun.
- Balance the accessories evenly and ensure they enhance rather than overwhelm the braided texture.
32. Pulled-Back Ponytail Bun
The pulled-back ponytail bun creates a sleek, polished foundation with a classic bun finish. This clean style emphasizes facial features and works beautifully for guests who prefer minimalist elegance.
- Brush all hair straight back from your face without any parting for a sleek appearance.
- Gather hair into a ponytail at your desired height, ensuring the surface is completely smooth.
- Apply gel or smoothing cream to any baby hairs or flyaways around the hairline.
- Twist or wrap the ponytail into a neat, circular bun and secure it with bobby pins.
- Finish with a strong-hold hairspray and add a decorative hair accessory if desired.
33. Loose Chignon with Curls
The loose chignon with curls combines structured elegance with soft romantic curls for a balanced, sophisticated look. This versatile style works for virtually any wedding formality and flatters all face shapes.
- Curl your hair with a large-barrel curling iron to create soft, romantic waves throughout.
- Gather the curled hair loosely at the nape without disrupting the curl pattern too much.
- Twist and pin sections of curled hair to create a loose, organic chignon shape.
- Allow several curled pieces to fall naturally around your face and neck for softness.
- Secure the chignon with enough pins to ensure stability while maintaining the loose, effortless appearance.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect wedding guest hairstyle doesn’t require professional expertise or hours in front of the mirror. Top 33 Easy Wedding Guest Updos demonstrates that with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home.
From classic low buns to modern twisted creations, these versatile updos offer something for every personal style, hair type, and wedding theme.
The key to success lies in choosing a style that not only complements your outfit and the event’s formality but also makes you feel confident and comfortable throughout the celebration.
Remember to practice your chosen updo before the wedding day, gather all necessary tools and accessories in advance, and don’t be afraid to add your personal touch with decorative pins, flowers, or other embellishments.
With these comprehensive options and practical guidance at your fingertips, you’re fully equipped to show up at any wedding looking absolutely stunning and feeling completely at ease with a beautiful updo that will last from ceremony to dance floor.
