For your wedding, choosing a braid hairstyle combines romance with beauty, making it a bold and always-in-style choice. Braids like the braided ponytail or a low bun not only accent your bridal look but also curtail flyaways and ensure your hair stays put.
One of the biggest advantages of wedding braids is their versatility. From effervescent, loose braids for a bohemian vibe to chic bobs and long locks, braids work with any hair length. They are also a selling point for their utility—braids are an achievable style that targets the crown and head, defining the hairstyle as a signature wedding updo.
Even those with ultra-short hair, like pixie cuts, can enjoy a fun play on traditional looks, adding a bonus twist by incorporating braids into their wedding hairstyles. This style part allows every bride to look her best, no matter her hair length.
32 Wedding Braid Hairstyles to Show Your Stylist
Braided ponytail, fishtail braid, and boho braid with flowers are lovely wedding hairstyles. Box braids are also popular searches for brides. These bridal braided hair styles can inspire your big-day look. Use the right accessories, extensions, and embellishments. Don’t forget a makeup trial before the wedding.
1. Floral Fishtail Pony
For a bride looking for bohemian romance, the Floral Fishtail Pony is perfect. Start with intricate braiding to make a simple fishtail. Add a floral swag and some shiny accessories for a special touch. This ultra-sleek ponytail looks extra pretty with face-framing tendrils peeping out.
2. Loose Braided Updo
For brides searching for a wedding hairstyle, try a loose braided updo. It lets loose strands softly frame your face, giving a romantic finish. Have fun by incorporating pearl pins into the braids. This look is perfect when you choose something special.
3. Waterfall Braid
This gorgeous hairstyle makes it look like a waterfall is flowing down your hair. The waterfall braid mixes a few loose strands into a plait that drops down like soft waves. When you pair this cascading braid with the bride’s waves, it blends seamlessly for a dramatic, waterfall-like effect.
4.Tiny Parallel Braids
For boho brides, three tiny, parallel plaits can look lovely. These multiple braids fit nicely under a veil and give a soft, delicate touch to ultra-long locks. Imagine a bride wearing this style as she dances barefoot all night along the Italian coast. This crown of braids is perfect for the big day!
5. Milkmaid Braids
Milkmaid Braids for a Wedding are perfect for someone who loves a fairy-tale look. These braids wrap around your head and connect at the back, like a crown. They work well with boho or classic styles. This hairstyle can look a bit messy or be neat, like a messy chignon.
6. Braided Faux Hawk
For a bridal day, try the braided faux hawk. A hairstylist can make the sides slicked back and add additional braids on each side for a unique look. This hairstyle mixes natural and glam styles into a cool braided updo, taking your updo to the next level.
7. Pull-Through Braid Ponytail
The pull-through braids are very popular for weddings now. Brides like to add pearl hairpins to make it look special. This style goes well with embellished gowns. It gives a nice bridal touch to the whole look.
8. Braided Natural Crown
The crown braid is a classic style for a wedding. It looks fresh and fashion-forward. Brides enjoy this bridal look because it is breezy and nice for a Destination wedding. This braid matches well with a jumpsuit or a two-piece ensemble.
9. Half-Up, Half-Down
For a relaxed bridal hairstyle, try the half-up, half-down style. It mixes loose wavy locks with a Dutch braid on the side. This look is perfect for brides who want to rock a fun and comfy style.
10. Braided Chignon
A braided chignon is a beautiful bun that looks very romantic and timeless. It’s perfect for bridal hairstyles and matches well with a strapless gown with a long train. Adding a diamond necklace makes the whole look very modern.
11. Braid-Accented Waves
For her ceremony, the bride can have her hair down with beachy waves. Adding a braided half-up, half-down ‘do creates a whimsical look. This style is perfect for a backyard reception and matches well with a soft chignon. It’s an original braid that everyone will remember.
12. French Braid Crown
A crown braid is woven into a French braid that circles the top of the head. It looks very elegant and stunning on a bride. The braid is tucked updo style, perfect for vow-exchange and taking portrait photos. It’s truly perfection.
13. Side-Swept Twist
The side-swept twist is a style with a loose, relaxed feel that pulls the hair gently to one side, creating a laid-back look. Strands are twisted to add volume, making the hair appear fuller. This iteration often includes a face-framing knot and can be adorned with a tight braid for a unique, asymmetric touch. Ideal for the bride aiming for an effortless, Los Angeles-inspired wedding hairstyle.
14. Loosely Plaited Curls
To combine a classic look with tradition, try loosely plaited curls. This hairstyle features soft curls interlocking in a braid. It’s easy to DIY, and you can search online to learn how. It’s a beautiful way to complete any wedding look.
15. Classic Halo Updo
A plait goes around the bride’s head like a halo in this hairstyle. It’s a tight ‘do that looks rich (sumptuous) and feels smooth (texture). Small flowers and buds are put in the plait, adding soft color tones. This style is perfect with a lace, high-neck gown. It is beautifully framed by the hair.
16. Braided Bun
A braided bun is a beautiful hairstyle for a wedding. The braid goes around and is tucked neatly into the bun. It creates an optical illusion where it’s hard to tell where one strand ends and the next one begins. Pull strands out at the front to softly frame the face.
17. Peekaboo Braid
A braid that is tucked into a chignon makes a lovely updo for the bride. It is a delicate way to add texture and a little surprise. Small, creamy florals or a posie can be hidden in the hair for a bridal look that’s exquisite. A birdcage veil finishes off this picture-perfect style, great for an at-home elopement in Brooklyn.
18. Braid Meets Ponytail
A bride can mix a braid and a ponytail in a fun way. First, she braids the front ends and gathers them into a ponytail. It’s not traditional, but it’s very pretty. She uses French braid techniques, blending them into the bottom pieces of the ponytail. This makes a classic look with a wraparound of twists.
19. Layered Charm
Two braids are better than one, especially when created layered and atop each other. This romantic updo lays horizontally rather than vertical, adding extra volume at the crown. Sweet tendrils framing the face balance the look, making it charming and loved by all.
20. French-Braided Chignon
The French braid is a classic for a reason: it looks elegant and beautiful. This style is versatile, suited to all hair types and textures. A bride might choose a slightly-undone version that drops into a knot at the base of the neck. It’s perfect for a design-forward desert wedding in Zion.
21. Wraparound Braid
The wraparound braid is a beautiful half-up, half-down style. It can go hand in hand with any bridal aesthetic. This coif works well no matter the texture or length of the hair. It really fits into any wedding look.
22. Side Parted Box Braids
Side parted box braids are trending on the internet for wedding hairstyles. This style looks beautiful wearing down with long, loose braids. They suit both formal and laid-back affairs, perfect for a flowy gown or a barefoot beach wedding. Pair them with dazzling diamond earrings for an elegant touch.
23. Braided French Twist
A thick, side-swept Dutch braid is created as the perfect foundation for this style. It sweeps back into an elegantly woven French twist. The bride wore a glittery, art deco headpiece for her nuptials in Rwanda. This dramatic plait beautifully complements the sparkly topper.
24. Messy Braid
For a casual wedding hairstyle, brides love the messy braid. This boho style works best with long hair and adds a modern twist. Stylists use hair ties to secretly secure each section. The messier the braid, the better it looks, making it perfect for a night of dancing.
25. Diagonal Bow Braid
For your wedding, choose a hairstyle that makes you look oh-so-feminine! The Diagonal Bow Braid is perfect for the bride who loves to incorporate cute bows into her hair. This braid doesn’t use actual bows, but hair is knotted to look like them, adding a demure touch. Each level of the braid adds more charm, making it a favorite for the wedding party and an adorable pick for the flower girl too.
26. Down-the-Back Braid
For the Down-the-Back Braid section in wedding braids hairstyles, the style is truly timeless. A classic French braid starts from the center and lays down the back, making it perfect for your special moment. To add a twist, mix side-swept waves with a loose fishtail. This style is created using various braiding techniques, from the simple three-strand to the more complex five-strand or six-strand braids. Each braid adds a unique touch to the styles.
27. Braid with Hair Vine
A stylist can incorporate a hair vine into a braid for a wedding day look that truly shines. This type of braid is tied around the head like a halo and worn with glam. The vine is stretched to wrap around, making each braid unique and chic. This addition is versatile and can be nailed with a snake style to make it extra special.
28. Dual Dutch Braids
For grooms with long hair, the Dutch braid is a style created by braiding two strands, crossing them underneath each other, much like a reverse French braid. The top part gets an extra fresh touch from the stylist. The braids start near the sideburns and go down the neck, making the look stand out.
29. Mermaid Braid
A mermaid braid is perfect for a wedding by the sea. This style combines multiple techniques, like a fishtail braid with a wide and thick look. Imagine all-things-Ariel as you envision it with iridescent seashell accessories and mother-of-pearl studs. This trend has jumped in popularity this year. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a mermaid, this is your chance!
30. Floral French Braid
For a wedding, a wide French braid adds a beautiful touch to your look. Small, vibrant florals are woven into the braid, creating a stunning linear arrangement that takes your hairstyle up a notch. Ask your florist to provide extra blooms that match your dress. These flowers are then attached at the top and draw the eye down your long hair at the back, enhancing the overall design.
31. Ombre Crochet Braids
Ombre Crochet Braids are a trendy and modern way to style your hair for a wedding-day. These braids mix colors from dark to light, giving a fresh, chic look. You can opt for large, long braids with a side part. This style adds a real element of beauty, making you shine on your special day.
32. Shaved Braid
For a wedding-appropriate look that shows off a bride’s love for unique styles, a partially shaved hairstyle with a milkmaid braid is perfect. This classic braid rocks by showcasing thick locks and highlights or balayage. The shaved stripes underneath add a sophisticated edge, offering a cool surprise!
Some Common Questions About the Wedding Braids Hairstyles
How long will hair and makeup take?
For a bridal look, hairstyling can take about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the style. Makeup often takes the same, about 60 to 90 minutes. For bridesmaids, it might be quicker, usually 30 to 45 minutes for both hair and makeup. Each person needs an equal amount of time to look beautiful.
Do bridesmaids need to have the same hairstyle as the bride?
When planning a wedding, it’s common to think about how everyone should look. Some etiquette guides suggest that bridesmaids wear the same hairstyle as the bride. But, does it really matter? Each bride might have her own style and ideas for her big day. It’s important to consider what she expects. For bridal party portraits, matching hairstyles can look nice, but each person should feel comfortable with their coif. There are many options to choose from. Maybe the bride wants matching looks, or perhaps she likes when bridesmaids pick their own styles.
Can I do braids for a wedding?
Braids are one of the best hairstyles for weddings. They look great on all hair types and lengths, whether your hair is thin or thick. Don’t worry—braids are very versatile and can be worn with any wedding dress or suit. They are perfect for your special day!
What are the different types of black braids for weddings?
In choosing a type of braids for a wedding, there are many beautiful styles. Box braids and knotless braids are comfy and neat. For a twist, try Marley or Faux Locs which look like cool dreadlocks. Micro braids are tiny and cute, perfect for any hair length. Ghana braids bring a lovely pattern to your hair too!
