21 Gorgeous Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair

"This style is great in unpredictable weather because the hair is contained but not hard-looking, like a helmet,” says Hana Chong, Creative Stylist at Frédéric Fekkai Fifth Avenue Salon.

This sculptural updo is an elegant update on a classic. “Since the hair is away from the face, it’s also great for hot weather,” says Chong.

“I love this style for anyone with curly hair,” says Chong. “You don’t have to worry about frizz or flyaways because that’s exactly what this style calls for.”

“I love this for a risk-taking bride who wants to show off her fun side,” says Chong. “It’s a gorgeous look that's also playful and interesting.”

Dancing queens take note: “The bride can dance the night away without worrying at all about her hair,” says Chong. “This style has a very carefree flirty look.”

Perfect for the no-fuss bride, this low bun with a little height at the crown of the head means “you don’t need to worry about the style falling apart and looking a mess as the night goes on,” according to Chong.

“This is ideal for the bride who wants her hair down but also something a little bit different,” says Chong. “The braid creates that controlled texture.”

“This is definitely a super glam style, but also has something soft about it at the same time,” says Chong. Your hair doesn’t have to be Rapunzel-length, either—anything below the shoulders will stay put with a few strategically placed bobby pins and hairspray.

"This style is amazing for your classic 'Plaza Hotel' wedding," says Vanessa Alcala of Marie Robinson Salon in New York. "It's sophisticated, polished, and will hold up all night."

Adding a "hair accessory" doesn't have to mean walking down the aisle in a tiara. When placed just behind the ear, the piece dresses up an otherwise ordinary look.

"This style adds some dimension to a classic long-hair wedding updo," says Kérastase consulting hairstylist Matt Fugate, who created the look for Karlie Kloss (seen here). "It would work well for a risk-taking bride."

Bella Hadid's sleek bun—pulled tightly at the nape of her neck—is perfect for those who prefer an understated, no-fuss aesthetic.

Amal Clooney nailed the long romantic wave during the Cannes Film Festival in 2016.

"This style would be great for the minimalist bride," says Robinson. "It’s very versatile and generally looks good on everyone. It also pairs nicely with more dramatic make–up, like a smokey eye or bright lip."

"I always tell brides to avoid hairspray. You can often see it and feel it in the hair, and no bride wants that on their big day," says Fugate.

"Half-up can be very regal and elegant," says Alcala. "It feels polished but still sexy. I generally like to only pull 1/3 of the hair up and leave the other 2/3 down so that the hair that is left down doesn't look too thin."

By leaving whisps of hair in front of the face, this low bun offers a less-severe alternative to a slicked-back style.

"A sleek or messy fishtail braid is fantastic for outdoor weddings where hair risks getting wind-blown," says Alcala. "Incorporating a braid can also add an element of youthfulness and playfulness."

"The look could work for a boho wedding if the bride were to pair it with a flower crown," says Fugate.

Pageant updos for weddings are a thing of the past. The modern version—seen here on Hailee Steinfeld—has volume on the top and dimension in the back.