The most popular hairstyle for wedding guests includes the tousled chignon, high ponytail, pushed-back sleek hair down, cascading braids, fishtail braids, and Old Hollywood waves. You can also wear a ballerina bun, top knots, wavy bun, side-swept waves, braided bun, or volumized hair down waves.
Formal wedding guest hair etiquette
Hair should be well groomed. You want to look dressy, sleek and polished - aim for short, slick side partings, barrel tonged waves, ballerina buns and textured updos.
"If you are wearing a strapless dress, either hair down or half up, half down will look pretty and feminine while still showing off the neckline," advises Mar. Loose waves and a soft, flowing style is key. If your dress has a higher neckline, our pro says to consider an updo.
How you wear your hair on the big day is largely a matter of preference, with no right or wrong answer. If you typically wear your hair down, it may feel more like "you" to do the same on your wedding day.
It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.
If you need a trim, go one week before your wedding day. If you need to get an actual haircut, go 3-4 weeks before so your hair has time to adjust to the new length. DO get a good conditioning treatment one week before your wedding to ensure that your hair will be in tip-top shape for the big day.
Ponytails aren't just for casual days, but also perfect for wedding, modern but at the same time elegant, a ponytail with wispy bangs in the perfect choice for trendy and chic brides. From easy high, puff ponytails to low ponytails… there are so many ways to dress up the average pony for your wedding day.
Another easy wedding guest hairstyle is a braid crown. Braid both sides of your starting at the nape of the neck and secure with elastics. Then, gently lift them up and wrap them around the top of your head. Secure with bobby pins, and then take out the elastics for a seamless braided updo.
It's a rule that only a bride wears a tiara at a wedding or any kind of crown in her hair (like flowers). You may love that festival look and want nothing more than to wear a crown of flowers to your best friend's wedding but leave that part up to her.
"Hair down with a strapless gown can add an element of modesty to the look by creating balance in the amount of skin that you show and can cover any acne on the back," say McGrath and Ortega Costigan. "A strapless gown is sexy, and hair that is down and styled elegantly is a very feminine, soft, and sexy look."
"The bride should cover the cost of her wedding party's hair and makeup, especially if she's requesting or encouraging them to have it done," says Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer Events. Meyer says most of his brides fund bridesmaid hair and makeup for their crew.
Any updo from a low, sleek bun to a messy chignon will softly complement your wedding gown. But, it's still possible to wear your hair down if that's what you desire. Just opt for a side-swept braid or secure some of your hair to one side with bobby pins or a hair accessory.
While the bride typically carries a bridal bouquet, other important guests may wear a corsage on the big day. Here's a rundown of those who often wear corsages at a wedding.
To put your mind at ease, opt to apply makeup before styling your strands, so you don't have to worry about your hair getting in the way. Do your makeup first…if you're pressed for time. On a tight schedule? Spend more time on your makeup.
You don't want to get them done too early and risk chipping your polish or breaking a nail, so the perfect sweet spot is one to two days ahead of your first event.
Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.
So, when going to a more formal event, consider skipping the hosiery so that you can show off your bare legs and pretty pedicures in sandals and peep-toe heels. What is this? It's perfectly fine to go bare-legged when it's too hot and stuffy for hosiery. You'll feel more comfortable and cool that way.
“Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it's next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”