There are plenty of reasons to choose an updo for your wedding day. Not only does it look more sophisticated and put together than leaving it down, but it also allows your guests to see the details of your dress. It’s also a great way to keep your hair out of your face (and way) during your ceremony, photos, reception and dinner.
By incorporating a braided element into your updo or bridal hairstyle, you’re adding an element of polish and complexity. Here are some braided bridal hairstyles to inspire you.
1. The Twisted Bun
Start by parting your hair down the middle and make two ponytails at the middle of the back of your head. They should align with the tops of your ears, but further back.
Next, make a simple braid out of each ponytail before intertwining the two braids and securing with bobby pins. The key here is to keep things loose, but not messy.
Personalize it! Make this cute twisty bun work with your veil or hair accessory by making the ponytails lower or higher. Aligning the original ponytails with your earlobes, for example, will result in a bun at the nape of your neck.
2. The Fishtail Headband
Simple and romantic, this part up, part down look is completely sweet and perfect for bohemian dresses or country chic weddings. Simply section off your hair into three parts (one third on each side), leaving the back loose.
Create a fishtail braid with each side section, and then secure them together with a clip or bobby pin at the back of your head, creating a headband from the two braids. Tuck any loose ends in while securing the braids.
Personalize it! This look works great with any length and style of hair, though the smooth lines of a fishtail braid sometimes work best with straight hair. For wavy hair, consider switching the fishtail out for a simple or French braid, instead.
Read also – 10 Things to Do on the Morning of Your Wedding Day
3. The Sweetheart Braid
What could be more perfect for a bride than a heart braid? This one might be best left to professionals, but if you’d like to try to do it yourself, practice on a friend until you get the lines just right.
Start with a center part, and then use a teasing comb to draw a curved line (think half of a circle) from the back of your heart towards your ear. Repeat on the other side of the part, clipping back the rest of your hair if necessary.
Next, create a small reverse French braid, starting at the crown and following the curved part you created with the comb. As you near the back of your ear, begin incorporating the back section of your hair into the braid. Once you’ve reached the nape of your neck, clip the section you’ve braided and repeat with the other side of your head.
Bring both braids to the center of your neck and secure with a decorative clip or bobby pins. Gently tugging at the sections of braids will make them look thicker and artfully tousled. Finish with a light spritz of hairspray or frizz serum.
Personalize it! This style works best with hair that isn’t freshly washed. So if your hair is squeaky clean, consider adding a touch of dry shampoo or texturizing gel beforehand. You can also make the heart bigger or smaller, depending on where you end your curved part.
4.Beachy Waves
Casual and fun, these tousled waves are the perfect hairdo for a nontraditional or beach wedding. Start the night before with freshly washed and conditioned hair that you’ve patted dry, so that it’s damp but not dripping.
Separate into two sections, parted in the middle. Braid each section, securing at the bottom with an elastic hair tie. Allow your hair to dry overnight, creating the waves that will give you that surfer girl look.
In the morning, gently unwind the braids and comb through with your fingers. Do not use a brush. Spritz lightly with texturizing spray and scrunch with your fingers.
Personalize it! This fun, beachy hairstyle looks even better when paired with a braided headband. Just pull a section out from near each of your temples, braid, and clip together at the nape of your neck. Add daisies or other flowers if you’d like.
Braided hairstyles are rocking wedding hair trends these days. Some of them are better left for professionals, but there are some hairstyles that you can try to do yourself. Try out the hairstyle in advance or ask your friend to help you.
What wedding hairstyles are you going to try?
5. The Crown Braid
This regal hairstyle creates a stunning halo effect that’s perfect for brides who want to feel like royalty on their special day. The crown braid works beautifully with both veils and hair accessories, making it incredibly versatile for any wedding style.
Begin by creating a deep side part, then section off a two-inch wide strip of hair that follows your hairline from one ear, across your forehead, and around to the other ear. Clip the remaining hair out of the way. Starting at your deeper side part, begin a Dutch braid (braiding under instead of over) following the hairline around your head like a crown.
As you work around your head, continue incorporating small sections of hair from the sectioned strip, keeping the braid close to your hairline. When you reach the opposite ear, secure the braid with a clear elastic and gently tug at the outer edges to create volume and texture. Pin the end of the braid behind your ear and arrange the remaining loose hair as desired – either in soft curls, a low bun, or left flowing.
Personalize it! For fine hair, gently pancake the braid by pulling apart the outer loops to create the illusion of thickness. Brides with thick hair can create a more dramatic look by making the sectioned strip wider. Add small pearl pins or baby’s breath throughout the braid for extra sparkle and romance.
