From your personalized, heartfelt vows to that emotional first dance, there will be no shortage of romantic moments on your big day—in fact, it just might be one of the most love-centric days of your life. That's why brides often incorporate romantic elements into everything from the wedding décor (think overflowing floral centerpieces and lush fabrics) to their dresses (ruffles, anyone?), accessories (like sentimental heirlooms passed down through generations), and big-day glam. When it comes to the latter, we think brides should pay particular attention to their hair: After all, romantic wedding hairstyles are an easy way to achieve that effortless bridal charm so many women of the hour strive for.
Whether it's tousled, touchable waves that get better as the night goes on, a swoon-worthy, wispy updo, or a low bun with dainty floral or pearl embellishments, romantic wedding hairstyles can be created in a myriad of ways. Want to show off your shoulders? Try a romantic style with your strapless wedding dress by opting for a messy updo with face-framing tendrils. Throwing a boho bash? Tuck bits of floral and foliage into your lush curls for some more romantic vibes. With a ton of ways to incorporate some romantic elements into a wedding hairstyle, there's a look out there for every personal style, theme, and wedding dress.
Need some inspiration? Scroll down to see our picks for the most romantic wedding hairstyles, courtesy of real brides.
How to Choose a Wedding Hairstyle You'll Love
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Side-Swept Waves With Bangs
Looking to make your half-up, half-down hairstyle more alluring? Model this bride, who pushed half of her curls over to the side and finished off the look with a swooping side bang. The classic, but intentional hairstyle kept the focus on her wedding dress' intricate sleeves, complete with floral appliqués.
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Barely-There Waves
Romantic wedding hairstyles are oftentimes also effortless—there's something particularly alluring about a natural option, when you look like yourself (just subtly enhanced). This bride's easy-breezy waves, arranged by IGK Salon, looked so romantic tumbling down her back—and also matched the organic setting of her wedding: a working farm in New York.
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Wispy and Loose
A romantic wedding hairstyle never feels too "done," as this wispy, loose updo, executed by Brian Bueventura, proves. The bride left plenty of blonde tendrils out of her low bun to frame her face; the feminine hairstyle only enhanced her ruffled, frilly ball gown.
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A Royal-Inspired Headband
A wedding at a historic English estate calls for a look that is decidedly Bridgerton inspired—which is exactly what this woman of the hour went for as she planned her big-day beauty look. With the help of Lizz Davies, she crowned her soft, bouncy curls, which she wore tucked behind her ears, with a gold headband studded with pearls and crystals. The tiara-like headpiece contributed to her romantic ensemble, but didn't take away from her dress' statement billowing sleeves.
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A Pop of Pink
Is colorful, vibrant hair your thing? Embrace it as you prepare for your nuptials. This bride's rosy strands were pure romance (pink is one of love's signature shades, after all!)—plus, they matched the colors in her multi-hued Monique Lhullier gown, complete with vibrant flower and butterfly appliqués. Danielle Peters helped her reach that perfect hair shade—and Laura Rocha stepped in so the color was on full display, keeping a few strands free to really show off the romantic tone.
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Contemporary Romance
Searching for a look that's both sleek and modern, but also sweet? Consider this bride's wedding hairstyle, which combines that trending slicked-back bun aesthetic with romantic curls. The look, complete with a center part, felt fresh and timely in the front, but effortless and organic in the back—and we love how the curly low updo enhances the voluminous ruffles seen throughout her Pronovias dress, which she wore to her Greece nuptials.
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Curly Wrapped Ponytail
There are so many things we love about this bride's bouncy ponytail: the thick barrel curls, chic center part, and curly bangs, to name a few. Her look also employs one of our favorite updo tricks: Her hairstylist took a piece of her ponytail and wrapped it around the elastic, which added even more polish to the look.
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Effortless Sophistication
To add an effortless touch to a sleek and sophisticated updo, leave a few face-framing pieces of hair cascading down. What's more romantic than that?
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A Low Chignon
When model Shanina Shaik wed Gregory “DJ Ruckus” Andrews in the Bahamas, she chose a chignon with loose tendrils for her romantic wedding hairstyle. Elegant yet understated, you can't go wrong with a timeless look like this.
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A Tender Display
This ethereal look included a combed-back 'do that let the bride's gorgeous face be the shining star. The hair flowed in gentle waves that played up the softness of the style.
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Ribbon Romance
A gauzy ribbon and a pretty posy make for a romantic combination. You can really play around with different hues and fabrics to create a look that aligns with your own bridal style.
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A Full Ponytail
Ponytails can be oh-so-flirty and super romantic. Gathered at the base of the head, this bride's pony erupts in a full show of curls without detracting from her intricate lace dress.
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Pulled-Back Bun
Sure, you've seen plenty of bridal buns with a center part, but we're partial to this woman of the hour's pulled back, part-free style. A traditional low bun was the perfect touch for her classic look (and her country club wedding!); small hoops and a simple veil completed her ensemble.
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A Messy Alternative
Undone messy buns are trending among brides everywhere—and we're certainly not complaining. This tousled style exudes effortless elegance in the most breathtaking way.
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A Floral Tuck
Dotting a classic chignon with dainty pink roses is an easy way to amp up the romance in your look. Pair it with a simple (but sparkly) earring, and you're ready for that walk down the aisle.
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A Feminine Tie
For her romantic ranch nuptials, this bride opted for a chic low ponytail tied with a pink velvet ribbon. Both feminine and unexpected, this is a pretty look we're obsessed with.
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A Delicate Gather
New York–based accessories designer Arden Wohl wore her long locks in a simple, partially pulled-back hairstyle. Giving you the best of both worlds, this look allows a bride to achieve the romance of soft waves while also keeping her hair tucked away.
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A Little Glitz
This bride went for a romantic wedding hairstyle that was effortlessly feminine. Thanks to the face-framing soft strands and a sparkly hairpiece, her beautiful face instantly became the focal point.
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A Classic Case
Nothing beats a classic: This half-up, half-down 'do is a surefire style. You'll never question an elegant look like this.
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A Regal Finish
For her nuptials, this bride let her tousled locks cascade down onto her shoulders and added an incredible headpiece. "My headdress was made with more than 800 natural tiny pearls intertwined to make the whole tiara," she said of her romantic hair accessory.
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A Twisted Take
Searching for a romantic wedding hairstyle that's out of your face? Try a twisted ponytail like this bride. You can even accessorize it with some sparkly hairpins.
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Stick to the Basics
Sometimes, you just have to keep things simple. Case in point: This bride's romantic wedding hairstyle consists of just her gorgeous, voluminous spirals and a center part.
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Keep It Soft
Use a big-barrel curling iron to create soft, romantic curls like this bride. Then, add a smattering of blooms.
For an undeniably romantic hairstyle, brides should aim to keep things soft and relaxed (think loose curls by using hot rollers or a curling iron and texturized, wispy updos). Feel free to accessorize with delicate bits of sparkle or ethereal blooms.
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Glam Factor
Voluminous curls and a crystal hairpiece are glamorous additions to a romantic wedding hairstyle. A look like this is both striking and memorable.
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Woven Wonder
Weave a braid into an otherwise down 'do for a romantic touch. With proof that it keeps your face free of any flyaways, it's ideal for any smooching you may be doing throughout the day!
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Crowning Glory
A romantic bride can still be a princess bride. This lovely lady accented her face-framing tendrils with a regal crown.
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Shine On
We're head over heels for this bride's soft, shiny curls and chic center part. She kept it polished and clean with a hint of drama by adding statement pearl earrings.
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A Rosy Disposition
Two single rose blooms accented this bride's gorgeous natural curls. The substantial size of these blooms adds the most dramatically romantic touch.
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Dainty Details
A delicate, modern tiara and a few wispy face-framing pieces soften this princess style. This updo is lovely for the bride seeking ultra-feminine features and delicate details.
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Bring on the Bounce
This woman of the hour's strong, blunt lob was softened with brushed-out finger waves through the midsection to add bounce. How fun and flirty is that?!
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A Bevy of Curls
This bride paired her beaded blush dress with lush and loose half-up curls. The voluminous body of her hair instantly elevates this effortlessly dramatic look.
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A Braided 'Do
All about the relaxed romance? Make like this bride, who chose a braided updo. Her beaming smile is an accurate representation of how we feel about this gorgeous bridal style.
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An Organic Crown
This London bride's wild waves and crown of rosebuds and olive leaves meld the romantic with a touch of boho. We picture this free-flowing look in a garden ceremony or for mountaintop nuptials.
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A Gilded Touch
This bride topped off her tresses with a pair of chic golden hairpins. This reminds us why we love the asymmetrical placement of a pretty hairpiece.
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Touchable Tendrils
Tousled, touch-me waves completed this bride's romantic wedding-day look. Uncomplicated and soft, this style screams romance.
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Face-Forward
You can never go wrong with a classic half-up, half-down look. This Miami bride twisted her locks away from her face for a look that was totally effortless.
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A Fishtail Flourish
This bride's playful fishtail braid takes on a romantic twist with the addition of a swag of eucalyptus, pale roses, succulents, and greenery that matched her bouquet. The floral piece molds to the side of her head as wispy tendrils fall around her face.
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An Ample Updo
When wedding photographer Jen Huang walked down the aisle, she rocked a soft and romantic low updo. Simple and effortless, this style is just as low-maintenance as it is stunning.
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A Lovely Lob
This bride's windblown waves make her stylish lob totally fitting for her backyard ceremony. She looks edgy, chic, and super romantic all at once.
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A Bridal Bun
We're swooning over this bride's wrapped low bun with face-framing locks and a gilded floral hairpiece. Seriously, what's not to love?
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A Vintage Vibe
Large barrel curls twisting away from the face are an oh-so-romantic touch to this bride's vintage style. Plus, the embellished hairpiece adds just the right amount of irresistible shimmer.
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Subtle Waves
Barely-there waves flow beautifully about this bride's face, accentuating her bridal glow. Two ivory rosettes secure a few tucked-back pieces in place.
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Raked-Back Curls
Make like this bride, who embraced her naturally curly texture by simply finger-combing it back and securing it in a loose chignon. Her hair's natural shape adds so much volume and dimension at the crown but still maintains an effortless simplicity.
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A Beaded Braid
This bride's whimsical loose braid was dotted with beaded pins that resembled tiny floral buds for her vineyard wedding. This ultra-organic look is beyond dreamy for any outdoor nuptials.
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Tousled Texture
Disheveled, undone waves are relaxed in the sexiest way possible. This woman looked every bit the romantic bride for her mountainside Colorado nuptials.
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A Dreamy Bun
This bride's Lake Como nuptials were just as dreamy as the hairstyle she chose to wear. Her glossed-out bun was accented with a floral headpiece that hugged the style just above the veil.
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A Bridal Blowout
With a smooth, bouncy blowout that features gently sculpted waves and tons of volume, this bride's bright blonde mane created all the spotlight she needed for her wedding in the Hamptons.
Depending on the texture of your hair, be sure to consult your hairstylist prior to getting a blowout as there are different styles to consider. Whether the goal is to achieve extra bounce or you plan on rocking a sleek 'do, we recommend getting a blowout the day before or the morning of your wedding for the best results.
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A Touch of Gold
This bride donned an intricately woven chignon with a tiny gold bloom peeking out of the top for her dreamy French Riviera wedding. We love how her hair's highlights add dimension and texture to this pretty updo.
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Flirty Finger Waves
Who wouldn't want to run their fingers through this waterfall of curls? This stunning style is ideal for brides with thick, luscious locks.
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A Beachy Bun
This low, textured bun with wispy flyaways framing the face was the perfect complement to this bride's beachside nuptials in Tulum, Mexico. And how stunning are those statement earrings finishing off the look?
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Simplicity Is Key
Sometimes a single blossom is all you really need. This bride accented her loose, voluminous waves with a single white flower that blended magnificently with her modern, architectural gown.
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Center Stage
True romance lies in a center part and gentle waves. But that ethereal Marchesa Notte dress doesn't hurt either.
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Deliberate Details
A loose gathering can create a captivatingly undone look that's far more deliberate than messy. This bride's wedding hairstyle allowed for locks of curls to flow freely in the front while the longer lengths were tucked away in the back.
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Captivating Curls
This bride's elegant half-up, half-down style is made more enchanting with thick sheaths of hair framing her beautiful features. She looked every bit like the princess bride at her French château wedding.
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A Perfectly Imperfect Chignon
Rich, tousled tendrils were loosely pinned back into an easygoing, just-messy-enough chignon, with tons of rogue wisps falling around this bride's picture-perfect face.
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Au Naturel
This bride's natural curls were let loose to freely cascade about her shoulders in an unfussy style. The innocent and youthful appearance kept with the celebration's organic, whimsical theme.
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Tousled Waves
Romantic and effortless, some tousled waves are an easy choice. Sweep back a section of your hair with some flowers or greenery for an organic touch.
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A Blooming Pony
For her Detroit wedding, this bride gathered her ample spirals into a soft ponytail just at the nape of the neck. She then tucked a bouquet of freshly foraged, pastel flowers into the base.
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Bohemian Elegance
This bride's woven chignon sat low at the back of her head, just grazing the nape of her neck. A dainty floral topper was added for a hint of sparkle as delicate waves framed her lovely features for a look befitting the elegant and boho Tennessee wedding.
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A Curly Chignon
This bride's traditional bun had lots of texture, thanks to her curls. The spirals provided the perfect anchor for those stunning Jennifer Behr barrettes.
FAQ
How much does wedding hair cost?
Professional bridal hairstyling can cost anywhere from $100 to $350—in some cases higher—depending on the complexity of the style and your geographic location.
Should I get a professional to style my hair?
Depending on how elaborate your hairstyle is, you may want to hire a qualified hairstylist that specializes in bridal hair. Simpler styles can be done on your own but may require extra wedding-day time, effort, and stress that could outweigh the savings.
How do I choose a wedding hairstyle?
Your dress, makeup, and venue are a few factors that may impact your wedding hairstyle. Ultimately, it's best to gather inspiration to share with your hairstylist, family, and friends—doing so will help you make an informed decision.
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