Are you attending a wedding and wondering how to style your hair effortlessly? Look no further! Emily Rae Chura, a renowned hairstylist, shares her expertise and experience in a hairstyle as a guest at a wedding. Whether you have fine, thick, aging, curly, wavy, or straight hair, Emily has valuable advice to offer.
Meet The Expert
Emily Rae Chura
Emily Rae is a freelance wedding hairstylist in Chicago, IL, with over 8 years of experience
Keep It Simple and Elegant
Emily’s biggest advice for this hairstyle is to keep it simple. Wearing your hair down and curled can instantly elevate any look and is an appropriate style for a wedding. If you’re attending an outdoor summer wedding, she suggests going for a low ponytail. This trendy hairstyle not only looks stylish but also keeps your hair off your neck, offering comfort in warm weather.
Rock Your Natural Curls
If you have natural curls, Emily encourages you to embrace them. You can enhance your curls by using a smaller curling iron, around 1/2″ or 3/4″, to bring out the top layer’s definition. Alternatively, you can create a unique look by pinning one side of your curls to create a point of interest.
Consider Face Shapes
When it comes to different face shapes, Emily provides tailored advice for each one.
- Round and Square Face Shapes: For those with round or square faces, she suggests leaving some face-framing pieces out when wearing an updo. This technique adds a romantic touch to your hairstyle and helps slim down the face.
- Long and Oval Face Shapes: To create balance for longer or oval faces, Emily recommends adding volume on the sides. A center part with voluminous waves or a sleek style with the ears showing can make the face appear wider and more proportional.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: For heart-shaped faces, she loves creating a side part with waves. This style adds softness around the cheeks and jawline, slimming down the face around the cheekbones.
Handy Styling Tips and Product Recommendations
Emily emphasizes the importance of using a heat protectant before applying heat to your hair. Additionally, she suggests using a 1-inch curling iron for most lengths, as it creates beautiful, long-lasting curls.
Two highly recommended products by Emily are the Kenra Hot Spray 20 and the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 1-inch spring curling iron. The Kenra Hot Spray 20 not only provides heat protection but also offers hold, serving as a two-in-one product. Curling the hair away from the face is flattering and an easy way to create an open and radiant look.
For a simple yet elevated hairstyle, Emily suggests tucking one side of your hair using elastic instead of bobby pins. By gathering the hair behind your ear, securing it with an elastic, and creating a topsy tail, you can achieve a chic and polished style that stays in place throughout the event.
Photos of Cute & Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyle Ideas
#1: Formal Overlap Half-Up with Loose Curls
Consider a formal overlap half-up with loose curls. Try an all-over curled style for the boho wedding guest with long hair. If you’d like a style to be romantic, try pinning your hair half up. Take hair from each side, alternating pieces to pin. For the ultimate boho finish, add a crown braid to pin back. Just pull it apart slightly to create fullness. Finish off with O&M Queenie Firm Hold Hairspray.
#2: Gorgeous Balayage on Choppy Mid-Length Hair
If a wedding is ahead and you need a new look, consider a balayage on choppy mid-length hair. Balayage hairstyles are easy to dress up or down and are low maintenance. If you’re short on time, opting for this balayage color and cut works well for you. Remember, some blonde tones need more upkeep than others.
#3: Loose Low Bun with Side Braids
Create a loose low bun with side braids for a boho chic look. This soft, feminine, and stylish hairstyle is perfect for your formal event. Best suited for medium to long hair. However, you can also achieve this look on shoulder-length hair with a smaller bun. A braid styled like a headband wrapped around your nape and low bun gives the hairstyle a creative look. This adds texture and definition. The soft, boho-inspired look comes from loose strands around the crown.
#4: Easy Long French Braid Hairstyle
This French braid hairstyle is easy and timeless. It couldn’t be easier to style at home. Your hair should be medium to long in length. Ensure it is combed out and without tangles. Then, tightly braid three sections over each other onto your head. Youtube and TikTok are useful for learning how to style French braids at home.
#5: Side-Swept Braided Style with Bangs
Looking for an easy, low-key style? Try this side-swept braided style with bangs. Your stylist will perform this style by making a fishtail braid to a side of your choice on pre-curled hair. Wear this style to weddings, office parties, or prom!
#6: Faux Bob with Finger Waves
The faux bob hairstyle, complete with finger waves, is a stunner. The creation of this hairstyle involves first curling the hair. Then, it’s brushed out to form sleek finger waves. Finally, the hair is rolled towards the neck for a bob-like effect. Present your desired style to an event stylist. The stylist will then ensure your hairstyle remains perfect throughout your event.
#7: Mid-Length Textured Pony
A mid-length textured pony is a great option for a casual beach wedding or everyday look. The mid-length helps make the textured pony voluminous and bouncy.
#8: Soft Twisted Half Updo
A soft twisted half updo is a graceful and romantic choice to wear to a wedding. The soft twists create an elegant and effortless look, while the half-up style adds a touch of sophistication. This versatile hairstyle complements various hair lengths and textures, making it a lovely option to compliment your wedding attire.
#9: Side Part and Soft Waves for Long Hair
If you are searching for a glamorous hairstyle for long hair, consider a side part and soft waves. A side part can add lift to your hair, making it a great choice for long hairstyles. To achieve the smoothest waves, curl your hair with a large curling iron. The size of the curling iron will depend on your hair length. For longer hair, a curling wand with a 1.25 inch diameter works well. Spray each section of hair before curling for better hold.
#10: Loose Braided Half-Up with Beach Waves
A loose braided half-up style paired with beach waves is a stunning choice for a wedding. The look combines bohemian flair with an elegant feel. With its intricate braids and relaxed waves, this hairstyle has rich details and a laid-back feel. This hairstyle is casual, yet formal & dash perfect for any wedding. If you are doing your own hair, be sure to practice the style in advance. Confidence in your ability comes from knowing you can perform it on the wedding day.
#11: Layered Wavy Hairstyle with Bow
A layered wavy hairstyle with a bow is a perfect choice for a wedding. It gives off a sense of elegance and playfulness. Loose waves bring movement and depth to your hair layers. The bow accessory enhances the charm and sophistication of the style. This elegant wavy and layered hairstyle suits many hair types and textures.
#12: Bouffant Bun Updo with Bangs
If you’re going to a wedding, consider wearing a bouffant bun updo with bangs for a timeless and sophisticated look. The bouffant adds volume and height to the style, creating an elegant and regal appearance. With the addition of bangs, this hairstyle frames your face beautifully and adds a touch of softness around the cheekbones.
#13: Sleek and Straight Middle Part Hair
A sleek and straight middle-parted hairdo can be simple yet beautiful. Make sure to blow out your hair until it’s super smooth. You can do this at home or visit your salon. If you plan to style your hair yourself, a smoothing product like Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother will be helpful. Brush small sections of your hair with a large round brush. If needed, also use a flat iron.
#14: Fishtail Braid with Textured Low Pony
Here’s a fishtail with a textured low pony. Pulling back a full head of curls into a low pony can create a beautiful texture in your hair. Incorporating a fishtail braid into the ponytail adds an interesting detail. You can fluff out the hair and use spray for additional volume and texture. You can do this style at home. However, consider seeing a stylist who specializes in these techniques for best results.
#15: Hollywood Wavy Low Ponytail
Elevate your ponytail with a simple yet glamorous style. Put in a set of hot rollers. Allow them to cool before you take them out. Use a flexible styling spray on your hair. Then brush your hair through to make waves. Next, secure an elastic around your hair into a low ponytail so all flyaways are smoothed down. Wrap a 1/2 section of hair from the ponytail around the elastic to hide it and create a sophisticated look.
#16: Curled Ponytail for Long Thick Hair
Try an elegant curled ponytail style if you have a special event coming up and you have long, thick hair. You don’t have to have thick hair naturally to achieve this style. You can add clip-in extensions or a ponytail piece to make your hair appear fuller.
#17: Brown-Blonde Low Textured Bun
A simple low style can be the perfect bridal guest bun. While considering face shape, you can achieve a beautiful balance low bun that creates an all-day style. Bridal buns are great for adornments. After the ceremony, it’s already pinned back and ready for the dance party.
#18: Wavy Bob with Double Twist Half Updo
You may want to try a wavy bob with double twist half updo if you have short hair. Sometimes it’s tough to create a style with short hair. However, incorporating a soft twist with bobby pins can add interest. Another way to spruce up a short hairstyle is with some soft accessories. I always recommend doing florals or gems.
#19: Medium-Length Hair with Side Part Wavy Style
Consider the sophisticated wavy style of medium-length hair with a side part. A simple but chic style is perfect for dressy occasions. Start your style with a deep side part for extra lift on top. Blow dry with a light volume-enhancing product. Prepare your hair with a light hairspray before you start to curl it. Curl each section with a 3/4-inch iron, then spray again and let your hair cool. You’ll want to comb through for soft touchable waves and tuck one side behind the ear.
#20: Black Sleek Bun Hairstyle
Try this classic sleek bun if you are looking for a chic upstyle! You’ll want to use a high-shine gel to set this look.
#21: Braided Half Up with Voluminous Waves
Try this voluminous braided half-up style with waves! This look will keep your hair controlled while still giving tons of volume.
#22: Soft Messy Bun with Headband
A soft feminine updo for that beach wedding vibe. Use the classic French twist technique to twist your hair up. but if you prefer tucking it in, you will leave the top portion out and secure it into a pretty bun. Leave fringe pieces out around the face for framing and ethereal beauty. Embellish with some floral pieces to compliment your dress and decor for the event.
#23: Wavy Half-Up Dutch Crown Braid
If you are craving boho vibes, try this wavy half up Dutch crown braid! You’ll want to use a texture wax when creating this braid to keep your sections clean and easy to control.
#24: Double Flip Half-Up Ponytail
Try this double-flip half-up ponytail if you want an updo that offers volume. The half-up section has a small ponytail underneath the top pony to bump up the volume!
#25: Mermaid Braid with Elegant Flower Clips
Try this mermaid braid with elegant flower clips if you are looking for an elegant half-up look. You’ll want to use a good defining cream to show off the dimension and texture.
#26: Easy Textured Top Bun Updo
Try this top bun updo. This is a good everyday look, especially on those hot summer days. You’ll want to finish this look with a lightweight finishing spray.
#27: Half Up with Hollywood Waves
Be the debutante in a half-up style with Hollywood waves. You’ll need your long hair curled with a 1 to 1 1/4-inch iron and combed through for smooth, sleek waves. The crown can be teased for lift, and simply twist each side and pin together. Hair extensions can be added before styling if your hair needs more volume.
#28: Face-Framing High Loose Knot Hairstyle
Try this high loose knot hairstyle with face-framing waves! This look offers softness and versatility. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an everyday look or a more formal look for an event.
#29: Bohemian Waterfall Braids
You should try a boho waterfall braid if you’re looking for a soft, organic style. Bohemian styles offer a free-flowing style that usually incorporates braids, twists, and waves. A boho braid is trendy and creates interest in the hair without needing to add jewelry. Use a heat-protecting styling spray. Try Kenra Professional Thermal Styling Spray 19 to protect from heat while ensuring the style lasts all day.
#30: Sleek Braided Bun with Face Frame
Try this sleek braided bun with a face frame if you want an easy wedding look. The bun keeps your hair out of your face and controlled while the face frame adds softness.
#31: Half Upstyle with Pull-Through Braid
One wedding hairstyle that is timeless and classic is a braided half-upstyle. Half updos have been a staple for wedding parties for a long time. But they have evolved and can be adjusted to suit any person or style. Adding a braid to a half updo is perfect for adding detail to a style while keeping hair up and away from your face. For an added pop of detail, ask your stylist about different braids that can be added to your hair. Fishtail braids, twists, rope braids, and Dutch braids are all great choices to add to any upstyle.
#32: Textured Topknot with Curtain Fringe
Consider doing a textured topknot with curtain bangs if you get married soon. This style is versatile whether you’re wearing a veil, no veil, or flowers in your hair. If you decide to wear a veil, you have the option to pin your veil above or below the textured top knot. This would also be the perfect look for a bridal party.
#33: Easy Ponytail with Thick Waves
Try a classy style that will hold all day. Curl hair with a 1-1/2 inch curling iron to add waves, and pull it back into a ponytail. Leave out two face-framing pieces. Secure with an elastic and brush out with a natural bristle brush to soften the waves. Finish with a firm hairspray to keep the flyaways at bay.
#34: Blonde Twisted Low Bun
A blonde twisted low bun is an easy classic style for any wedding or special event. This soft and romantic updo is a beautiful way to showcase your natural highlights. And you’ll still keep most of your hair out of your face. Be sure to keep the sides and top brushed softly to keep the style smooth and sleek.
#35: Curly Top Updo
Go for a romantic swept-up style that will stay secure for your special event all day. Great for naturally curly babes who want an easy style. Use your favorite curly products, like Oway Curly Potion, to set your curls. Split half of the hair through the back of the head, vertically twisting towards the center. Just like two French twists. Then secure vertically with bobby pins crisscrossed, leaving out the curls through the crown. Secure curls through the crown with hair pins and set with O&M Original Queenie Firm Hold Hair Spray.
#36: Soft French Twist Hairstyle
Look perfectly put together with a soft French twist hairstyle. A French twist is a perfect choice for brides and mothers for weddings. It’s a sleek, gorgeous, timeless style that pairs well with any dress style. French twists are beautiful but look so simple and elegant. To achieve a more boho feel, ask your stylist to add loose, romantic waves to the style and have them pin them loosely.
#37: Easy Voluminous Ponytail for Thick Hair
Try this voluminous ponytail if you have thick hair! This would be a great wedding guest style! Be sure to use a good hairspray to keep your hair in place the whole evening.
#38: Loose Updo with Face-Framing Strands
Give this loose updo with face-framing strands a try. This is a great wedding guest hairstyle. It’s effortless and soft!
#39: Classic Chignon with Face Frame
Try a classic chignon with a face frame and soft waves for an elegant and glamorous style. This classic wedding hairstyle is ideal for thick and coarse hair types. I also love doing a traditional updo for longevity. Keeping your style strong is key to having a long-lasting all-day style.
#40: Textured Wavy Low Bun
You will want to add curls for texture for a stunning low bun. Start with L’Oréal Professionnel TECNI.ART Pli Shaper for style memory, hold, and heat protectant. Use this before curling with a 1-inch barrel throughout. Separate hair in half between the occipital bone. Put in a low ponytail for the bottom half and pin the curled pieces with bobby pins. Then start pinning the top half over the bottom tail. Place the pieces as you go, adding balance and symmetry for a beautiful finish.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox.
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.