55 Bridal Hairstyles You Can Try For Your Reception In 2024

Most girls dream of their wedding day, and that is how they already have everything planned down to the T — the wedding dress, makeup look, shoes, and even their wedding hairstyle. But what about bridal hairstyles for your reception? Have you thought about how you want your hair to look at the party after your wedding? Changing your hairstyle is also a must if you are doing a dress change for your reception. Also, the reception can be when you chill out and let your hair loose (both literally and figuratively). Because you not only want to dazzle in those wedding photos but look great at the reception, too.

Professional hair stylist Laura Clark says, “I always recommend that brides have a hair trial before their wedding day. You want to make sure that you still like the hairstyle with your face shape and that it will go well with your dress. Make sure that your hair stylist can achieve this look with your natural hair. If the hairstyle you desire requires a longer length of hair or more thickness, you can always use extensions, but you have to try this out ahead of your big day.”

To help you pick the best hairstyle for your reception, we have made a list of a few great options.

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Before You Get Started

• Make sure the hairstyle compliments your outfit and the cut or neck style. An updo looks better on a high-neck dress, and open hair looks gorgeous on a low-cut neck.
• Share some reference pictures with your hairstylist, and be open with your options and their suggestions.
• Have at least one trial with the hairstylist a few weeks before the big day to figure out your look and what it requires, like if you need extensions with curls, a bun, or highlights.
• Decide what kind of accessory you would want to pair with your hairstyle. Keep some options handy.
• Wash your hair the day before, and get a hair spa done if you have dry hair.

55 Stunning Bridal Hairstyles For Your Reception

Check out these most stunning and new bridal hairstyles that will leave everyone in awe. Find the perfect match to complement your reception dress and make your special day even more memorable.

1. Ornamental Hairdo

Flowers can make any hairstyle appear grand. As you can see how this pink and white floral accessory has transformed this basic updo hairstyle. This hairstyle for your wedding reception is easy to recreate on mid-length hair. You just need to tie your hair up in an updo of your choice and add flowers.

2. Inward Rolled Bun

Braided hairstyles look exquisite. They are among the best hairstyles for weddings as they do not budge easily. You can elevate a simple, braided, messy bun by incorporating a few blooms into the hairstyle. The little white flowers add a refreshing boho vibe to the look.

3. Side-Swept Curls

The side-swept curls are a simple yet elegant way to flaunt your pretty locks on your big day. Paired with some face-framing wisps, this hairdo will make your natural beauty shine. This style is about sophistication. This definitely is one of the most adopted American wedding hairstyles for women.

4. Romantic Outward Curls

When it comes to wedding hairstyles, nothing can be more romantic than soft curls cascading the shoulders. This golden blond hair with textured outward curls is just ideal for that quixotic vibe.

Quick Tip

If you have shoulder-length hair, outward curls will be the right hairstyle to try for your reception.

5. A Beautiful Bun

Sleek and elegant Bun is another gorgeous hairstyle to for on your wedding. Besides delivering a look of elegance plus allowing you to wear your hair up, a bun will keep your manes in check and won’t let them go and ruin your wedding look. Accentuate your bun with an accessory such as a tiara to hold your wedding veil in place. Messy buns and low-slung buns are also great alternatives.

6. Smooth Low Side Bun

A low bun is the most classic bridal hairstyle of all time. Be it the big day or the day of the reception, this combination of a mini bouffant and a smooth low bun resting at the nape of the neck is always perfect.

7. Braided Updo

You may also want to go for a Braided Updo on your wedding day, especially if you’re a “Boho” bride. It looks simply gorgeous and adds to your feminine appeal besides giving you a modern, bohemian look!

8. Stacked Wavy Bob With Roses

Style your short stacked bob in the most feminine way and look amazing on your reception. You just need to create waves, add texture and adorn the locks with magnificent pearl white roses.

9. Retro Bouffant

Retro Bouffant is another gorgeous and elegant hairdo for American brides. This fabulous beehive look can be the finest hairstyle alternative for retro-inspired weddings. Add polka dot accessories and headbands for a true vintage style.

10. Low Bun With Mini Bouffant And Side Sweep

This is quite like the first hairstyle that features a low bun with a mini bouffant. But here, the bun is positioned at the middle and beautified with a neatly arranged side sweep for a precise reception look.

11. Simple Half-Braided Style

If you are looking for some gorgeous reception and wedding hairstyles for girls, this look is for you. It is a simple half-hairdo in which the upper section of the hair is braided up to a certain length and then turned into a hair-wrapped ponytail. Let the rest of your hair embrace your back gracefully.

 12. A Pretty Ponytail

American brides can never go wrong with a ponytail hairstyle. Whether you have thick or thin, long or short hair, a ponytail will look pretty with any wedding outfit. Many celebrities opted for this hairstyle for their wedding as it elegantly puts your best features on display and doesn’t take much time to make you look great.

13. Unique Twisted Loop

This unique and classy loop hairdo can give you an effortlessly beautiful look. Just brush all your hair back and twist it up in order to create the loop. Then, apply lots of hairspray to give it a proper hold.

14. Wavy Side Hairdo With Twisted Side Sweep

Look like a girl-next-door on that very day of reception by opting for this simple hairstyle. Gather all your waves on one shoulder and secure them by twisting as well as pinning the side sweep from that side at the back of your head. Super easy, no?

15. Puffy French Braid With Spiral End

Make your wide or low-back reception gown look even more gorgeous by wearing this innovative hairstyle. All you need to do is French braid your hair and give the end a neat spiral shape. A puffy top and multiple lowlights will jazz up the look significantly.

16. Low Volumized Hairdo With Twisted Top

Look like a charming beauty on the day of your reception. Start with adding volume to your hair, especially at the front and the crown. Now, twist up the top hair and create a low bun. Here you go!

17. Messy Twisted Half Hairdo

In this style, the hair is left loose and given a messy finish at first. Then, the two sides are twisted up and secured at the center of the back with bobby pins. Add flowers or accessory to glam up the look.

18. Half Up Half Down Side Bun With Side Sweep

Half-n-half hairstyles go extremely well with bridal outfits. In this picture, the hairdo combines a side bun with a short ponytail and the entire look is spiced up with a long side sweep.

19. Classic Voluminous Curls

Take your hair in very thin sections and curl them up randomly. It should give your shoulder-length bob a highly voluminous look. Now, accessorize your classic curls as you wish.

20. Classic Layered Curls

This is a wonderful example of super curly hair with frequent layers that you can wear even with your attractive reception dress. Dramatic eyes and bold lips would go outstanding with this prominent hairstyle. For those looking for bridal hairstyles for curly hair, this look offers the perfect balance of style and elegance.

21. An Embellished ‘Do

Use of wedding hair accessories such as tiara or any other fancy hair accessory can create a simple and sophisticated yet extremely stunning wedding hairstyle. You can find several adorable fancy accessories at bridal shops to match with your wedding outfit. You can also use veils and tiaras for shorter hair.

22. Twisted and Folded Low Hairdo

Smoothen your long hair and create a ponytail at the nape of the neck. Then, twist and fold it as you wish in order to create a nice low trendy hairdo swinging over the neck. Accessorize it for a proper bridal flair.

23. High Elegant Fishtail Braid

A list of bridal hairstyles remains incomplete without the mention of the fishtail braid. Here, the thick and stunningly beautiful braid has been created at the crown of the head for a perfect glamorous look.

24. Twisted Ballet Bun

Balance off your extremely glamorous reception outfit and makeup with a simple and stylish ballet bun. Just twist your hair at the top of your head and come up with a nice bun.

25. Textured Low Pony With Twisted Pouf

We can’t help but love this textured low ponytail for a striking reception look. The twisted puffy top has taken the hairstyle to a whole new level.

26. Loose Twisted Side Braid With Bangs

This is a thick regular braid which has been positioned at one side of the head and made a bit loose for added style. Wrap the elastic band with hair and let a few strands cuddle your face lovingly.

27. Textured Side Curls With Headband

Add an ultra-feminine touch to your reception look by sporting this awesome hairstyle. Pull your natural curls back together and create a side ponytail with textured curly ends. A nice headband will create an illusion of a pouf at the top, thereby raising your oomph quotient to a great extent.

28. Low Semi-Circular Bun With Pouf

Now, this is what we call a majestic hairstyle that looks equally beautiful on a newlywed bride too. Add volume to the crown area and turn rest of your hair into a low semi-circular bun. The polished finish has helped a lot in defining the hairstyle perfectly.

29. Loose Segmented High Pony With Hair Wraps

If you have super long tresses, go for this segmented ponytail and make your reception hairstyle more dazzling. Create a high ponytail and section it loosely by wrapping with hair at regular distances.

30. Tight Braided Bun With Puff

Though this tight braided bun is a bit time-consuming, it is actually worth the effort. Create multiple braids around your head and turn them into a single semi-high bun. Do not forget to add a little pouf at the top front section.

31. Polished High Bun With Braided Wrap

This gigantic bun is enough to make you the attraction of the event literally. Create it right at your crown, wrap it with a thick braid and give the entire hairstyle a smooth finish to complete your reception look.

32. Princess Ringlets

Owing to their tendency to make the bride look and feel like a princess on her big day, many brides with long hair opt for ringlets or curls in their hair. While most of the curly wedding hairstyles are worn down, they look equally gorgeous if worn up.  Creating the style all by yourself can be challenging so seek services of a professional hair stylist to get the perfect look.

Quick Tip

If you have short, wavy hair, let them loose and wear a pretty crown or tiara to enhance your reception look.

33. Double French Twist With Braided Style

Divide your hair into three sections – top, and two sides. Create two French twists with the side tresses. Now, braid up the top hair and cover the junction of those two French twists with it. An exclusive style to try on your reception!

34. Puffy Low Hairdo With Braided Wraparound

This braided low hairdo is especially meaningful for each and every event of a wedding celebration. Add volume to the crown and turn the hair into a low messy bun. Then, create a braided wraparound and secure it with bobby pins neatly.

35. Royal Twisted Updo With Side Sweep

How about wearing a royal hairstyle on the day of your reception? Check out this huge updo in which the hair is textured as well as twisted in order to create sectioned loops. Make sure that you add those precise side sweeps and complement the height at your crown.

36. Huge Half Braided Bun With Smooth Top

This is a wonderful half updo in which the upper segment is formed by a thick regular braid, while the lower segment contains a semi-high bun. Give the top hair a smooth tight look by applying hairspray generously.

37. Twist-n-Tuck Hair With Mini Bouffant

Create a small side part and make a mini bouffant at your crown. Now, keep twisting the top and side locks separately and tuck them in with bobby pins as you go. Beautiful, isn’t it?

38. Messy Braided Rose Updo With Puff

This messy braided rose updo is very much a bridal hairstyle for reception and hence, you would simply love to wear this on your reception day. That pouf at the top is also needed for giving the style a finishing touch.

39. Fringed Updo With Braided Headband

Skip commercial hair accessories and embellish your bridal hairstyle with a thick braided headband. This updo is mostly suitable for short hair. The front and side fringes make it look even prettier.

40. Loose Side Ponytail With Bangs

Create a loose, low, side ponytail at the nape of your neck that rests down your front. Go for a light, feathery bangs look that softly falls over your brows, and leave some of the short hair sections in the front loose for an airy, carefree, and boho look. You just got a sweet and adorable look for your reception.

41. Curly Low Side Hairdo With Side-Swept Bangs

Give your hair a soft, romantic vibe by choosing this low side hairdo. You just need to curl up the ends of your locks and keep it a bit loose at the crown area. Those sexy side-swept bangs have made the style absolutely graceful.

42. Mishmash of Bouffant And French Twist

Let us blend the traditional bouffant hairstyle with a classic French twist. This unusual yet super chic mishmash is enough to blow the mind of all the guests present at your reception.

43. Rolled Up and Tucked In Bun With Puffy Crown

This is the right choice for sporting a beautiful bridal hairstyle on short hair. Volumize your crown to a great extent and roll up rest of the hair carefully. You may secure their curly ends at the bottom of the bouffant with bobby pins.

44. Low Flowery Hairdo With Twisted Side

This texturized hairdo goes well with both bridal as well as reception look. Create a low flowery bun at the nape of your neck and secure the twisted side into it with bobby pins. A metal brooch will enhance the beauty of this style even more.

45. Twisted Side Hairdo With Bouffant and Bang

Get a huge bouffant at your crown and gather rest of the layered hair at any one of your shoulders. Twist the layers a bit in order to give them a curly effect. Finally, let the side bangs hug your face stylishly.

46. Semi-High Bun With Puffy Textured Top

After low and side buns, it is time for a semi-high bridal bun hairstyle. Tease up the top hair slightly and make a small bun at the middle of the back. Add lots of texture to give the hair a smooth polished look.

47. Textured Wavy Side Ponytail With Bang

Make your highlighted hair look chic and classy in a wavy side ponytail on the day of your reception. Curly side bangs, neat hair wrap and textured finish are some of the specialties of this look.

48. Gorgeous Side Fishtail Braid With Side Sweep

If you are wondering how to look casually beautiful in your own reception party, here is the way for you. Wear this messy yet gorgeous side fishtail braid with long side sweep and hair brooch, and you are all set to sizzle the floor. This is one of the best reception hairstyles for the bride to try.

49. Retro Curly Bob With Dramatic Side Sweep

Go retro on the very day of your reception and look different from all other newlywed brides. All you need to do is add soft curls to your short bob along with the side sweep and texturize them nicely.

50. Long Spiral Curls With Rounded Front Fringes

These soft flowy spiral curls are sure to give you an impressive look on that special day of your life. Intensify your splendor even more with those rounded front fringes.

51. Long Luscious Curls With Coiled Side Bang

If you have super long tresses, give this amazing hairstyle a try for your reception. Delicate luscious curls, curved side bang and brilliant shade will give you a sensational look simultaneously.

52. Textured Loose Hair With Spiral Curls

Create a zigzag part and texturize your hair intensely. Now, curl up the ends of the locks so that they get a beautiful spiral shape. A perfect hairstyle to suit a marvelous bridal outfit, isn’t it?

53. Twisted Braids With Curls

Twisted braids with curls bring together the best of both worlds – the sleekness of braids and the bounce of curls. It’s a classy yet playful look, perfect for any occasion.

54. Bubble Tail Hairstyle

The bubble tail is a chic upgrade to the regular ponytail. High or low, it does not matter; just tie it up, then stack on those elastic buddies, creating a tail with attitude. Pull it off tight or let it chill – your hair, your rules.

55. Voluminous Braided Hairstyle

A voluminous braid is a saga of strands soaring to new heights. Go big, bold, and beautiful with this thick, luscious braid that refuses to be tamed. This hairstyle is npt just a hairdo, it is a statement.

There is an infinite list of bridal hairstyles: sophisticated updos, romantic curls, and delicate braids. Each one can add beauty to the bride’s face and charm to the whole wedding day in unique ways. To make your bridal hairstyle more memorable, even a tiny bit of personalization will be handy. After all, it is about who you are on one of the most important days in your life. Adding flowers or a tiara can convert a classic hairstyle into something mystique and elegant. We have put together a few tips that may help you narrow down and personalize the best one for yourself. Read on to easily choose a hairstyle that will make you look like a queen on the D – Day.

Tips For Choosing Your Reception Hairstyle

Your hairstyle presents an opportunity to express your personal style, ensuring you feel absolutely comfortable and self-confident during the upcoming merriment. Indeed, the right hairstyle may bring out the best in your features, complement your wedding dress, and carry through the excitement of dancing and mingling. Here’s how you can find the right one.

1. Identify Your Face Shape:

• Oval: You’re lucky; most styles fit this versatile shape.
• Round: Invert long looks by wearing something with height at the crown.
• Square: Soften angles by wearing loose waves or a side-swept style.
• Heart: Balance a broader forehead with fuller styles at the jawline.
• Long: Choose styles with width at the sides to balance facial length.

2. Know Your Body Type:

• Petite: Avoid very voluminous styles that might overpower your frame.
• Tall: Do all dramatic updos or long, flowing styles.

3. Understand The Dress:

• High necklines look best with updos to bring an eye to the dress details.
• Strapless necklines can provide not only up styles but also down styles.
• Side-swept hairdos are likely to add some shine to backless dresses.

4. Research Some Styles:

• A Bohemian bride would go for loose, flowing styles with paint-styles on them with floral patterns on them.
• Classic brides prefer timeless updo styles or chignons.
• Modern brides can rock the ponytail to look sleek or try an asymmetrical style.

If you are switching styles between ceremony and reception, choose something easy to interchange, or something that works on both events. Lastly, do not forget about accessories like earrings, tiara, and necklaces, because they will complete the look.

At the end of the day, ensure you feel confident and comfortable. Evidently, the light will be on you on this day and you will definitely radiate your natural beauty. So, choose the style that feels right to you, and you’re all set to dance the night away!

Infographic: Bridal Hairstyle Appointment Checklist

Now that you have all this bridal hairstyle inspiration in your arsenal, the next step is to get an appointment with a stylist. However, this appointment is for your big day; therefore, you need to make every detail count. Why not make a checklist of things to get done before, during, and after your bridal hair appointment to be better prepared? Check out the infographic below for things to include in a general bridal hair appointment checklist.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hairstyle goes with a lehenga?

Braids, soft curls, ponytails, and sleek buns are some hairstyles that go well with lehengas.

Does short hair look good with lehenga?

Yes, short hair looks good with a lehenga. You can create beach waves, put on a dainty headband, or add a side clip to give that oomph to your short mane. For a more polished look, consider elegant wedding updos for short hair to complement your lehenga and enhance your overall style.

Should the reception hairstyle differ from the ceremony hairstyle?

It’s not necessary for the reception hairstyle to differ from the ceremony hairstyle but switching hairstyles can help you create new looks for both events. Generally, brides prefer a formal updo for the ceremony and opt for a relaxed and more casual hairstyle for the reception.

How can I ensure my reception hairstyle stays in place throughout the event?

Use hair products like hair setting spray or hair gel with some bobby pins and hair accessories to keep your hair in place. Also, avoid touching your hair as it can undo the hairstyle.

Are there any hairstyles that work well for outdoor receptions or humid climates?

For outdoor reception or humid climates, opt for loose braids, sleek updos, or halfdos to help keep your hair in place while still looking stylish.

Illustration: Bridal Hairstyles You Can Try For Your Reception

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Laura ClarkHairstylist

   

Laura Clark is a professional hairstylist who graduated from The Extension Academy in Ontario with a degree in hair extensions. With 8 years of experience as a skilled hair extension stylist, her goal is to make women feel beautiful through their hairstyles.

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Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

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Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor

Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

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Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

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