47 best wedding guest hairstyles, according to a beauty editor

Wedding guest hairstyles can be a tricky one. You don't want to steal the spotlight from the bride, but also, you want to show up and show out for your friends on their big day.

If you're unsure of what direction to go in, there's a few factors that can play into what style you go with. For starters, do you have a read on what the vibe is for the day? Is it boho? Is it classic? Is it romantic, beachy, OTT or understated? If you really want to represent, ask the bride (or groom) what the mood is, that way you can lean into the wedding aesthetic with a co-ordinated look.

Next, take the weather into consideration. If it's an outside event, or destination wedding, updos and braids can help keep things looking cool, calm and collected, whatever the sun, wind or rain decides to do.

But, if there's no real theme specified, it's game on. There's loads of wedding guest hairstyles that can up the ante of your outfit – and they don't have to feel prim and traditional. In fact, we love seeing guests bring their personal style to wedding proceedings. And, since you've been hand-picked by the happy couple to bring the party, it makes sense that they'd want you to add a little of your own flair in there.

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With weddings becoming less prescriptive, the guidebook has pretty much gone out of the window, so if you're looking for a one-size-fits all answer to the question: “how should I wear my hair as a guest to a wedding?”, or “is it OK to wear your hair down to a wedding?” the rules are… there are no rules. Our best advice would be to check in with the nearly-weds on how formal they envision the day being – and go from there.

One way to show your support though, is to put in a little more effort than you would on a regular, off-duty day. But you can re-examine the looks you'd consider wedding-appropriate, provided you give them a little polish. Among the anti-prim hairstyles we love, are slick high ponytails, ultra-sleek, plaits, braids and pigtails, '90s loose updos worn with a modern spin, fluffed out curls, cute baby braids, mussy, sexy texture (or sexture) and accessories: the more the merrier.

Here's some of our favourite wedding guest hairstyles to save for later (and, once you've got your hair look sorted, we've also rounded up the best wedding guest dresses)…

Sleek, simple chignon

This manages to feel equal parts relaxed and elegant and it's perfect if you want a style that will sweep your hair out the way.

Sextured waves

Loose strands are a beautiful, romantic way to wear your hair to a wedding and this sexy texture adds loads of pretty movement.

Mussy chignon

An updo doesn't have to feel stuffy. Case in point: this mussy chignon.

Statement slides

Want to send a sweet message to the bride and groom, these “love” slides make the cutest statement.

Butt-length braid

A snatched braid is beautiful and weatherproof. Add drama by taking it XXL.

Super slick bun

This ultra neat, ultra polished bun is perfect wedding material.

Braided bun

Stylish, sophisticated and with plenty of personality, this braided bun is stunning.

Side-swept curls

Play up pretty, fluffed out texture and add extra volume with a side-swept parting.

Feathered bun

This takes a classic updo but gives it a modern cool-girl spin with the ends left loose and feathery.

Embellished braid

Elevate a simple braid by weaving through some accessories. Bonus points if it plays into the colour theme of the wedding.

Curly updo

Throw curls up into a textured updo for an effortless style.

Ballerina bun with a modern twist

We're still here for a balletcore moment. This dainty ballet bun, complete with bow clip is so cute and sophisticated.

Bow braids

Another nod to balletcore, this braided ponytail with dinky, dainty bows either side of the temples is adorable.

Impeccable edges and a sleek braid

Add some personality by approaching your hair like artwork. This graphic rope braid and intricate edge-work is gallery-worthy.

Statement hair slide

Level-up simple sleek strands with a side-parting and statement hair slide. It looks like you've made an effort (but not too much).

Ultra slick plait

Snatched roots and an immaculate high pony keep things feeling sleek but still cool.

Bantu knots

Bring your whole self and celebrate your culture with these cute bantu knots.

Messy claw-clip ponytail

Need something quick? A two-second ponytail can be upgraded with the help of a pretty claw clip.

Slick spiky bun

Neat, sweet but with tons of personality, this is perfect, especially for warmer-weather weddings.

Curly half-updo

Not sure whether to wear your hair up or keep it down? Split the difference with this cute curly half-updo.

Accessorised buzzcut

The easiest way to add personality with minimal effort? Accessorise. This embellished buzzcut is stunning.

Loop bun

Keep hair tucked neatly out the way with this elegant loop bun.

Big bow

Whether you're wearing a ponytail, a chignon or half-up hair, topping it off with a statement bow is a gorgeous finishing touch.

Slick chunky bun

This is neat and sleek, but still feels modern and fun.

Waterfall ponytail

We'll never not love a swishy, textured ponytail.

Immaculate braids

These immaculate braids feel elevated but effortless. Perfect if you need to lock hair in place.

Rope braid

Swap out a three strand plait for a two strand rope braid.

Stacked-up curly updo

Pile curls high with a sweet updo.

Flicky ponytail

This ponytail is all about the details. Cover the elastic hair-tie by wrapping a strand of hair around the top and flick the ends for a sweet retro feel.

Bow braid

This is drama, elegance and personality combined and it's so simple to recreate.

Vintage bob

Level-up a bob by giving it a vintage feel. Flick up the ends, side-flip the parting and add a sweet hair bow.

Half-braided ponytail

For easy-to-achieve tutorials, Anisa Sojka has loads of great inspo, like this half-braided ponytail.

Locs updo

Sweep locs into an updo and add extra detailing, like this gold thread.

Loose updo

This loose updo feels refined but relaxed. A winning combo.

Chainmail ponytail

This simple ponytail has tons of personality thanks to the addition of a chainmail accessory.

Rainbow clawclip braid

Stack claw clips down the length of a ponytail or braid for extra interest.

Ponytail braids

Sweep braids back into a ponytail for a perfect summer wedding style.

Gift-wrapped ponytail

A simple bow can level-up a hairstyle instantly.

Pigtail braids and baby braids

These doubled up pigtails are so adorable and a cute option for a laidback wedding.

Flower-studded low bun

Once again, accessories make all the difference.

Pearl embellished bun

Nod to the occasion with some pearly embellishments.

Baby braids

For boho wedding vibes, these baby braids are cool and casual.

XXL bobble braid

This makes such a pretty statement and it's actually fairly easy to recreate.

Glitz headband

A one-second update with tonsss of style kudos? Throw on a glitz headband.

Flower French twist

This flower French twist is sophisticated and romantic, but still feels wearable and laidback.

Low chignon

A classic chignon is always a good way to go.

Ear tuck bob

Dinky details make a difference, like this tucked bob, which feels cooler and more effortless.

Ribbon-wrapped bun

Add a ribbon to your style for extra impact.

Curly updo

This fluffed-out updo is easy to do and looks stunning.

Spiky bun

This falls somewhere between cool and elegant. The perfect combo.

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk