40 Gorgeous Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair

It’s almost your wedding day. Your gown has been chosen, the flower arrangements have been selected and you are literally counting down the days until you say, “I do.” But wait, you still don’t know what to do with your hair. And to make matters worse, you’ve got long hair that isn’t the easiest to deal with. Have no fear. Get inspired by these 40 beautiful wedding hairstyles.

Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair

Voluminous wedding updos for long hair are very popular, beautiful and creative, but you can also choose a free-flowing hairstyle. It can be a half updo, V-shaped braided or curled downdo or a side hairstyle that go particularly well with one shoulder dresses. Let’s see some pictures with ideas.

1. Layered and Gathered Bridal Hairstyle

Nothing goes with a wedding dress like a waterfall of curls. This extravagant side style is not for a casual, backyard shindig. A fancy look like this is best when paired with an equally fancy gown. So don’t hold back!

2. Messy High Bun

Sometimes a mess is best. Try this perfectly imperfect updo that includes twisted pieces of hair gathered into a loose, curly high bun. Give the look a romantic edge by letting some strands flow free in the front.

3. Tucked-Up Updo

Look every bit the princess you are by pulling your hair back into a regal updo that’s one of the more elegant wedding hairstyles for long hair. Top it off with a tiara and you’ll be ready for a royal affair.

4. The Regal Bridal Top Bun

Get a hairstyle fit for a queen. A textured, teased and twisted bun piled up on the top of your head is a great way to make a statement. Now, all you need is a palace.

5. Half-Updo with a Braided Headband

It’s OK to get a little extravagant on your wedding day, especially with your hair. Try a curled half updo that cascades down one side of your neck. Nothing goes with a pretty formal ‘do like a braided headband, so throw two overlapping plaits into the mix!

6. Swirled Wavy Half Up Style

Long hair wedding styles vary depending upon the bride’s personal preference and her dress choice, but few are as elegant as this cascading twist of curls, waves and hair embellishments. This will work well on a variety of hair textures and lengths, but it’s certainly best on long hair, well, past the shoulders – the length that can be curled with a curling wand or iron and draped beautifully.

7. Wedding Half Up Ringlets

When it comes to wedding updos, too many brides pin all of their hair back instead of letting some flow freely. If you have long locks, show them off with ringlets and a deep side part. Curl hair with a small to medium sized wand, and then pin some hair back just above the ear line. Add in a fancy hair accessory to finish off the look.

8. Piled Up Formal Hairstyle

If your hair isn’t able to hold a long style for an extended period of time, then go with an updo. The trick is to gather your thick hair into a volume-packed curl fest that will look formal instead of frumpy. A strong updo is also ideal for warm weather wedding days or when you have a traditional veil, tiara or other large accessory.

9. Graduated Wedding Downdo

Out of all the bride hairstyles, long hair options always tend to look most romantic. To get truly elegant hair for your big day, ask your stylist to include a bouffant and draped long bangs or face-framing layers. When paired with soft, shiny curls, your final result should be a cascading waterfall of beautiful locks.

10. Curly Low Bun

Bring your long wedding hair into a low bun that’s packed with twists and curls. A professional hairdresser will know exactly how to position each strand for optimal beauty. Don’t forget to add a touch of baby’s breath or a jeweled hair clip to finish off your style.

11. Curly Half Updo for Brides

Adding ombre or balayge color to your wedding day hair is a special, modern touch to a classic look. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, you can further show off your color transition with loose, flowing curls.

12. Bridal Mermaid Waves

Wedding hairstyles for long hair are fairly simple for women who sport healthy, lengthy locks. For thick extra long hair, try a wavy hairstyle, mermaid waves with an elegant hair piece and voluminous side bangs.

13. Braided Crown with Hairband

The romantic, renaissance-inspired wedding hair is accomplished through loose curls and a braid crown that wraps around a small bouffant. The hairdo is finished with a jeweled hairband to secure everything in place and add some fancy sparkle to the dark hair.

14. Large Hair Accessories

Liven up any wedding day look with a chunky hair accessory. From a large clip on the side of the head to a hat or short veil, a fashionable embellishment adds a touch of whimsy to your wedding ensemble.

15. Updo with Side Tendrils

Long hairstyles for wedding don’t have to be super complicated. This simple messy chignon is made more elegant with some softly curled side tendrils. The trick to this style is to avoid perfection – go with the natural direction of your hair and embrace wisps and independent curls.

16. Chunky Curls and Crown Braid

For this style, hair is gathered into thick sections and rolled into loops. Secured with hairpins and sprayed with a holding product to get all-day perfection, this is a great choice if you want something a bit more intricate. A thick crown braid followed by curled bottom sections makes for a fancy and unique wedding updo.

17. Flower Crown Alternative

Instead of a veil or slicked back updo, keep things sweet for a springtime or summer wedding with a crown of flowers. Selected flowers like baby’s breath and roses should be hardy enough to hold up in this simple and very cute all-day hairdo.

18. Loose Wedding Downdo

Loose and oversized braids have been popular for quite some time, but when it comes to wedding styles for long hair, they are still a relatively new idea. Long, medium to thick hair will work best with a chunky braid. Add in some fresh blossoms or loose jewels to formalize the ‘do.

19. Big Country Hair

Southern girls know that the bigger the hair, the more effective the glam! Now anyone can take a cue from Nashville with big, curly wedding hair that has plenty of sass and style. A side sweep will allow for further volume and incorporation of bangs.

20. Sweet and Simple Ringlets

Smooth and shiny, this perfectly coifed wedding hair is started with an anti-frizz serum worked in from roots to tips. Then, hair is curled into evenly placed ringlets and secured above the ear line with bobby pins. Add some flowers or ribbon to cover the secured section, and spray with a holding product.

21. Straightforward and Simple Wedding Bun

While browsing wedding hair ideas, you may have decided that simple is best for you. It’s true that long wedding hairstyles don’t have to feature extended curls or fancy flowers. Instead, keep things easy with a discreet low chignon and a veil pinned underneath for a classic wedding style that will never look dated.

22. Curly Wedding Ponytail

Curly and feminine, this wedding hairstyle is ideal for a variety of hair types. The longer your hair, the more impressive the cascade of twists will be. You can also embellish the top section with flowers, a tiara, a traditional veil or anything else you can dream up.

23. Rose Gold Curly Hairstyle

When it comes to wedding traditions, there are no rules for hair. If you want to accent your long curly hair with color, then go for it. A sweet rose gold hue against dark blonde locks is just one combination that’s exceptionally lovely.

24. Mega Long Waves

Searching through long hair updos for wedding? Look no further than this uber simple yet majorly impactful half-up style that flaunts natural curls. The more volume the better for this impressive style.

25. Strongly Secured Ringlet Chignon

Black hair looks beautiful with stiff, perfectly placed pin curls. A stylist specializing in ethnic hair will easily accomplish this tucked chignon, and likely finish it off with a perfect hair embellishment. You can complement this style with chunky earrings or other big day jewelry.

26. Braid and Low Chignon

Create a beautiful braided headband that trails from one side of the head and continues around the hairline to the base of the neck. Throw the braid and the rest of your hair into a tendril-filled bun for a pretty, bohemian bridal style that no one will forget.

27. Fancy Free Messy Side Updo

A loose-and-lovely bouquet of curls is the right wedding hairstyle for long hair – it is ideal for the most important walk of your life, believe us. Make sure to pin each curl loosely and tug at the crown to give the look a slightly undone finish.

28. Curled Formal Updo

Curly, structured chignons are go-to bridal hairdos. Make sure to layer each curl so pins are hidden. And don’t forget to give your look some staying power by spritzing it with a stronghold hairspray!

29. Full and Fancy Chignon

Chignons are a staple at weddings. For brides, a full, large bun is a picture-perfect hairstyle for the stroll down the aisle. Get a quality bouffant to achieve the fullness and body you want and tie the look together with a bedazzled barrette.

30. Twisted Garden Hairstyle

Having a garden extravaganza and desperate for long hair wedding styles that will truly “wow” your guests? Go for a tiered ‘do that is decorated with rosebuds – perfect for making a statement on your big day.

31. Side Pony with Floral Hair Piece

Yes, ponytails have their place at weddings and, yes, that place is fabulous. Go for a wavy, piece-y pony with thick, chunky curls that fall to one side, perfect for showing off a strapless, sleeveless or asymmetric gown. Bonus points for adding a pretty flower to the updo!

32. Loose and Lovely Curls

You reserve the right to let your hair down on your big day. That doesn’t mean it’s not going to look fabulous. Go for a romantic look with loose, carefree curls that are topped off with a fancy headband. For bigger, more natural waves, use a curling iron larger than one inch.

33. Braided Side Bun

Can’t decide between a twisted and braided bun? Get the best of both worlds! Twist one side and create a French braid on the other side, gathering the two at the base. Twist the hair into a bun and, voila, you are ready to get hitched!

34. Old Hollywood Wedding Hair

In search of simple yet stylish wedding hairstyles for long hair? Why don’t you just let your hair down and try big romantic waves that take simplicity to a new classy level.

35. Tucked-In Low Updo

Delicate baby’s breath and a tucked-in low chignon prove to be a lovely combination for a bridal ‘do. Roll your pony and secure it at the base of the neck with hairpins. Top off the look with a crown of flowers and bring new meaning to the term “flower child.”

36. Twisted Low Bun with a Headband

Add some twists and turns to your long wedding hairstyle. Try a classic chignon style with a twist or two! Criss-cross curled pieces of a low pony and pin them at the base until all the pieces are pinned and you’ve got a full, bodacious bun.

37. Gatsby-Inspired Retro Updo

Retro hairstyles always have a place at formal affairs, including weddings! Go for a 1920s-inspired style that will work for any type of wedding dress, from a mermaid silhouette to a full-blown ball gown.

38. Swept Half Updo

Take a casual hairstyle and turn it into a chic bridal creation. Sweep your hair back into a half updo and throw on a netted veil.

39. Low Twisted Chignon

Can’t decide between all those long hair wedding styles? Go for an old favorite with a low-placed classic chignon. Make sure you blowdry the hair prior so the look is sleek and polished.

40. Textured and Teased Wedding Waves

Updos aren’t the only item on the menu of wedding hairstyles for long hair. Let your hair flow free around your shoulders with a style that’s sleek in the front and long and loose in the back. Simply take the front sections and pin them down tightly behind your ears. Tease the top and backcomb the hair so there’s body and fullness.

Now that you’ve reviewed options of the best long hairstyles for your wedding ceremony, it’s time to make a decision. Whatever you do, make sure you rock one of these beautiful wedding hairstyles for long hair with flair and sass. It’s your wedding day and you’ve earned it!