When it comes to all things wedding, I'm not a traditionalist. For one, I'm not having a 'proper' wedding but rather a low-key, special day at a registry office. What I am going traditional on, though, is making sure my glam is top-tier. I am a beauty editor; it's in my nature. You can bet I'm getting organised with my wedding hairstyle, make-up, perfume, and nails.
I will start with what I consider the hardest to nail: my wedding day hairstyle. I've trawled through Pinterest, magazines and Instagram for ideas, saving as I go. Because to me while the dress can turn heads the hair really crowns the look.
Leah Hill Fenty Hair Educator gives her wedding hair golden rule; "On your wedding it’s SO important to still feel you! So often people make the mistake of trying to look completely different, but it’s what you feel comfortable with that will make you feel amazing on the day!" Hill recommends Fenty's The Comeback Kid for hair health and for keeping any style in place.
For those with curly or textured hair, don't feel as if you have to straighten your hair for your big day, Hill says "There’s so many styles and products now that work amazingly well to help you look and feel your best without needing to change your natural texture too much! Equally, if you’re feeling more adventurous and want to wear a hairstyle that’s different, go for that too!"
Prepping your hair is the foundation of any hairstyle, so start working on your hair health well in advance. Hill says to start incorporating "conditioning treatments or more regular trims. The condition, length, and style will all play a huge part in what’s possible to achieve on the day!"
But if you're feeling a little stuck and looking for the ultimate "hairspo", fret not, we're here to lend a helping hand, to show you everything from incredibly polished to undone chic. And don't just limit these styles to weddings; they're perfect for special occasions or to spruce up your personal style.
1. Sleek bun
Without a doubt, the sleek bun is one of the most popular hairstyles for 2024 weddings. It is suitable for all hair types (as it can be adapted to suit) and can be used with or without accessorises. This style focuses on being neat and polished when styled without any accessories—great if your dress has lots of detailing and you don't want to draw attention away from it. For this look, you'll want to smooth down those flyaways and add some shine spray.
2. Embrace flowers
If your wedding day flowers are really important to you, you might want to incorporate them into your hairstyle, too. This is an absolutely beautiful example of that without it looking like the flowers are taking attention away from the beautiful dress, make-up and earrings. If you want to incorporate this but want it a little more low-key, just add fewer flowers or play around with colours to suit your outfit and hair colour.
3. Undone bob
Polished not your vibe? Try a chic undone bob like this one. This one focuses on effortless-looking waves that show off the beautiful highlights and finishes with a jewelled headband complementing the dress.
4. Jewelled bow, half-up
Bows are in and there's nothing I love more than a jewelled bow like this. This is such an easy way to add some glamour to an otherwise very simplistic style, like this half-up look. If you don't want something this eye-catching for your ceremony, consider adding a bow for your reception to change up the look half way through the day.
5. Tucked waves
Another big trend this year is tucked waves; securing the hair behind the ears to create a strong parting and letting the hair behind flow in front. This style, in particular, has been elevated even more with the addition of pearl gems. You can get these on Amazon, and they're a lot of fun to play around with.
6. Mesh bow up-do
Okay, but why have I never thought about using mesh as a hair accessory? This is such a beautiful, undone but elegant look, and it is great if you don't want to spend a ton on accessories. You might want to trial a bunch of different shades to best suit your hair colour.
7. Old Hollywood Waves
I'll never tire of old Hollywood waves as a classic and beautiful wedding hairstyle. No matter your length of hair, this is always totally show-stopping. Be sure to stock up on that hairspray to make sure it stays put all day and night long.
8. Low ponytail
A low pony is also up there with absolute favourite wedding hairstyles. This one is extra voluminous thanks to the use of a curling wand and sleek parting. Plus, wrapping hair around the hair band makes it look extra polished. If you wanted to jazz it up a little, you could add a hair accessory right on the headband, or some gems along the waves.
9. Face-framed up-do
A messy up-do with thick, face-framing pieces always looks beautiful. This is a look you can tailor completely to your preferences and hair type. For example, you could try these face framers with a sleek top knot, emphasise curls with a voluminous up-do, or create a slicked-back ponytail. It's such a great, versatile look.
10. Intricate braid
I cannot get enough of intricate plaits when it comes to wedding styles. There are endless ways to incorporate a plait or braid into your hairstyle, including this mermaid style. It's incredibly intricate as it is, but you might also choose to add some further detailing like these dainty pearls.
11. Long waves
If you want to keep it classic then long, loose waves are always a safe (and stunning) bet for your wedding day hair. Keep things in place with lots of flexible hold hairspray and a good, quality pair of curling tongs.
12. Low-key bun
Introducing the ultimate cool-girl wedding hairstyle—beautiful in its seeming effortlessness. (Although we always know it takes a lot of skill to appear effortless!) For this one, you'll need a talented hairstylist (or tons of patience and a friend to help) and even more hair grips. Plus, some texture hairspray to finish the look off.
13. Black bow
Want to try out the bow stacking trend but not keen on white? Try a black, jewelled bow to finish off your look. This one feels a little more special than your regular black bow if that's something you wear day-to-day. You could style this how they have here with a half-up look, or incorporate it into a plait or ponytail.
14. Cascading natural curls
Lots of brides forgo their natural curls in favour of straight hair, but embracing your natural curls is a way of being authentically you. Frame your face with soft curls, Whether your hair is up or in a half-up look, it’s the perfect way to frame your face with soft curls—ensuring that you’re using a curl cream keep them in place all day long.