Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh | Kelsey Nelson

Using hairstyles to play into the wedding theme is an excellent means of nailing the overall look and wedding day vibe. 

Here, we’re showcasing 11 irresistible wedding day updos, perfect for bridesmaids with long hair. For each long locks look, we’ve also included our expert insight into the themes they pair perfectly with. 

Plus, we couldn’t resist adding ideas for elevating the styles. We’re using flower garlands and hair accessories (which make excellent bridesmaids' gifts!) to add a little extra dash of finesse.

Long Bridesmaid Hairstyles

Long hair is a feature many covet. And wearing it down so it cascades down the back like a gorgeous glossy waterfall on the wedding day is as romantic as it comes.

Any short-haired bridesmaids looking to join in on the long-haired fun? Don’t forget, there’s always hair extensions!  

1. Loose Waves

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Las Vegas | Lianna Marie

Add some movement to long hair in the form of soft, gentle waves, and voila — elegant, effortless beauty. 

This has long been the go-to look for weddings with a boho flair, forest ceremonies, and beach weddings. It’s perfect for nuptials where love and ethereal beauty are at the core.

To make it extra special, adorn it with a flower crown or sweep the hair back with a headband. Bring on the glam with this gorgeous jet pearl embellished velvet Gigi headband. 

2. Hollywood Waves

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Philadelphia | Asya Photography

This trendy, polished look is perfect for an ultra-formal event. Hollywood waves are bouncy and cohesive, adding both softness and sophistication. 

Many bridesmaids wear their hair parted at the side and add a little bling by pinning one side of the hair back with a jewel-encrusted clip.

3. Straight and Narrow 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta | Ariel Cameron

Straightening hair so it’s silky smooth is a simple, no-fuss approach to long hairstyles.

For those looking for a quick way to embellish the look, slipping on this ivory woven pearl headband adds that touch of pizazz with no extra effort. 

Want to upgrade your look on the big day? Check out our collection of accessories, from headbands to pumps to earrings.

Side-Swept Bridesmaids Hairstyles 

There’s something ultra-powerful about side-swept hairstyles. Perhaps it’s how it showcases the neck or frames the face, instantly adding an element of intrigue. It’s glamor, sophistication, and a little bohemian, too.

This hairstyle is simply irresistible when it includes a few loose curls (intentional, of course!).

4. Side Braid

A semi-tousled braid woven on one side is beautiful and an excellent way to show off a gorgeous neckline or a pair of earrings. (Check out the next section on braids for braided hair options!)

Side braids pair beautifully with country weddings or outdoor-themed celebrations where there may be a breeze. 

Weave flowers in the braid or adorn it with pretty little clips and bows. 

5. Side Bun

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Indianapolis | Jessica Strickland 

There’s something timeless about the side bun. With the hair loosely gathered and secured low at the nape of the neck, this “messy” look features face-framing tendrils. 

The side bun hairstyle is as graceful as it is uncomplicated. It works well with all sorts of wedding themes and aesthetics and is an excellent wedding hairstyle choice for warm or humid temps. 

Additionally, if your bridesmaids have different hair types — some have curly hair and others have straight — but you want them to have matching hair, this wedding hair option is ideal for achieving unity.

Add a touch of finesse by pinning this jet pearl embellished Antionette bow barrette to the top of the bun. 

Bridesmaids Braid Ideas 

Another perk of long-haired babes is the incredible ways to weave that hair into different types of braids. 

You can work the style of the braid into the theme. For example, loose and flowy works for an effortless, natural, big-day look, and a polished, neat braid is ideal for a modern feel.

6. Fishtail Braid 

Intricate and interesting, hair braided in the fishtail style uses smaller strands when braiding. This unique style creates a thick, gorgeous braid in a delicate V-shaped pattern.

A few tousled tendrils often offset the neat patterned look of this braid.  

7. French Braid 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Nashville | Ashton Brooke

The classic French braid begins near the crown of the head and works its way down. You can do this braid in the center or split it into two. Or, it can start at one temple and move down towards the neck and opposite shoulder at a diagonal.

8. Braided Crown

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Baton Rouge | Berkley Hasson

Always gorgeous, the braided updo hairstyle involves braiding the hair — typically in a French braid. However, instead of leaving the ends of the braid down, you’d wrap and weave them to create a crown or formation. 

Secure the ends of the braid with pins or embellished clips. You can make the look even more romantic and special by tucking in flowers, bows, and other gorgeous hair accessories.  

Hair Inspiration for Long Hair Updos 

These appealing styles are perfect for any formal occasion. For a bridal party with short or medium-length hair and long hair, these hairstyle ideas are the solution for everyone to share the same look.

9. Half-Up-Half-Down

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Nashville | Cassidy Carson

Half-up-half-down hairstyles are a gorgeous way to show off long waves while keeping the hair somewhat tamed. 

These wedding updos involve gathering and securing the top portion with something like this sweet ivory lily Jacquard Antoinette bow barrette. It’s the perfect wedding hair accessory!

This hairdo is another one that works beautifully to enhance romantic vibes and is gorgeous for a spring or summer wedding.      

10. Low Bun

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta | Nathália Frykman

The low bun is a true classic and a great way of taming unruly tresses. You can part the hair in the middle or separate it with a side part with wavy strands gorgeously framing the face. 

An ideal look to show off a blingy pair of earrings or a statement necklace, this hairstyle looks right at home with every wedding theme.

11. Classic Chignon

Here's the answer for those looking for something a little more polished than a bun. 

With this style, the hair doesn’t coil around itself like a traditional bun. Instead, you’d wrap the chignon around a hair accessory or twist and tuck it in a way that creates more visual interest than a traditional bun.

For bridesmaids doing their own hair, it may appear to be a challenging hairstyle to recreate, but it’s not. There are tons of helpful tutorials available online!

Traditionally worn at the nape of the neck, this look is ideal for long hair. It’s also the perfect hairstyle for those looking to uphold a polished, romantic, elevated look.

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The key to the best wedding hairstyles is having a skilled hair stylist or the right tools to do it yourself. These include hairspray, bobby pins, curling iron, the works.

As daunting as it may seem, you can experiment beforehand and have fun with these options. And don’t worry: you’ll know when you’ve found the one!