15 Curly Updo Hairstyles For Wedding Brides And Bridesmaids

Curly hair brings natural romance and effortless volume to any wedding celebration. Finding the perfect style shouldn’t be a stressful experience for your big day.

These 15 curly updo hairstyles for wedding brides and bridesmaids offer timeless elegance and modern flair. They are designed to highlight natural texture while staying secure.

Embrace your curls with confidence using these sophisticated options. Each style provides a unique way to frame the face and complement a variety of wedding themes.

1. The Romantic Loose Chignon

This style celebrates soft texture and effortless grace. It works beautifully for outdoor ceremonies or rustic themes where a relaxed yet polished look is desired.

The curls are gathered loosely at the nape of the neck to create a soft, rounded shape. Strategically placed pins ensure the structure remains secure throughout the event.

Finish the look with a delicate sprig of baby’s breath or a vintage hair clip. This adds a touch of sparkle to the romantic, airy silhouette.

2. High Volume Pineapple Updo

For those who want to showcase their natural curl pattern and volume, this high-set style is a perfect choice. It draws the eyes upward and creates a regal profile.

The hair is gathered at the crown, allowing the curls to spill forward slightly. This creates a beautiful “fountain” effect that looks intentional and sophisticated.

Use a silk scrunchie for the base to prevent breakage and maintain curl integrity. This keeps the hair healthy while providing a sturdy foundation for dancing.

3. Braided Crown with Low Bun

This look combines the intricate detail of a braid with the classic stability of a low bun. It is an excellent choice for keeping hair away from the face.

The braid acts as a natural headband, weaving through the curls to add visual interest. It transitions seamlessly into a textured bun at the back.

This style is particularly effective for long-duration events because the braids help lock the style in place. It remains photogenic from every possible angle.

4. Messy Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils

The “perfectly imperfect” messy bun is a staple for modern weddings. It offers a soft, approachable aesthetic that feels both youthful and timeless.

By leaving a few curly tendrils out around the hairline, you soften the overall look. These pieces catch the light and add movement to your bridal portraits.

Secure the main mass of curls with U-shaped pins rather than tight elastics. This preserves the natural bounce and prevents the style from looking flat.

5. Side-Swept Textured Roll

Asymmetry adds a modern edge to traditional wedding attire. This side-swept updo focuses all the texture on one side for a dramatic, red-carpet feel.

The curls are pinned back on one side and allowed to cluster behind the ear. This creates a stunning focal point that highlights the neckline and jewelry.

A decorative comb is often used on the “tucked” side to provide contrast. It keeps the hair sleek on one side while the other remains voluminous.

6. Twisted Greek Goddess Updo

Inspired by classical aesthetics, this style uses horizontal twists to corral curls into a structured masterpiece. It offers a majestic vibe for any formal ceremony.

Small sections of hair are twisted toward the back and pinned in a row. This creates a textured “nest” of curls that looks incredibly complex yet elegant.

Intertwining a gold or silver vine through the twists enhances the ethereal theme. It makes the curls look like they are floating in a sea of metallic accents.

7. Faux Hawk Curly Updo

This style is perfect for those who want a bold, fashion-forward look. It concentrates the volume along the center of the head for a striking silhouette.

The sides are pinned tightly or braided back to create a sleek profile. The natural curls are then piled high in a vertical line from crown to nape.

This updo is surprisingly secure and works well for high-energy receptions. It allows the natural texture to take center stage without any hair falling in the face.

8. Sleek Front with Curly Back Bun

This “half-and-half” approach offers the best of both worlds. The front is smoothed down for a clean look, while the back explodes with curly texture.

Applying a light gel or pomade to the roots ensures the front stays polished all day. The back is then gathered into a voluminous, textured bun.

This style is particularly popular for bridesmaids who want a uniform look from the front. It allows for individuality through the unique curl patterns in the back.

9. Floral-Adorned Garden Updo

A garden wedding calls for an updo that integrates natural elements. This style uses curls as a base for weaving in fresh or silk flowers.

The curls are pinned in small, overlapping loops to create a textured canvas. This provides multiple anchor points for tucking in small blooms or greenery.

The result is a whimsical, fairytale appearance that feels deeply personal. It transforms the hair into a living piece of art that complements the bouquet.

10. French Twist with Textured Ends

The traditional French twist gets a curly update by leaving the ends exposed. This adds a contemporary twist to an otherwise very formal and rigid hairstyle.

The hair is pulled to one side and rolled inward toward the center. Instead of tucking the ends inside, they are allowed to spill out at the top.

These exposed curls create a soft, feathery finish at the crown. It bridges the gap between old-world sophistication and modern texture.

11. Cascading Curly Ponytail

While technically an updo, this high ponytail offers the drama of long hair with the security of a pinned style. It provides exceptional movement and bounce.

The base is hidden with a wrap of hair to keep the look seamless. Curls are then fluffed out to create maximum width and volume behind the head.

This is a great choice for brides who want to feel their hair moving as they walk. It frames the shoulders beautifully while keeping the neck cool.

12. Low Knotted Curly Chignon

Knots provide a more intricate and structural look than a standard bun. This style weaves curly sections together to create a complex, interlocking pattern.

Each knot is pinned individually to ensure the weight of the hair is distributed evenly. This makes the style comfortable for all-day wear.

The knotted texture mimics the look of expensive lace or fabric. It is a sophisticated choice that pairs perfectly with high-neck wedding gowns.

13. Halo Braid with Curly Center

The halo braid encircles the head like a crown, providing a built-in accessory. The center of the “halo” is filled with pinned curls for added depth.

This style is incredibly sturdy and can withstand wind or humidity. It keeps the hair completely off the neck, which is ideal for summer weddings.

Using a Dutch braid technique for the halo makes the braid “pop” against the curls. It creates a beautiful 3D effect that looks stunning in photography.

14. Double Dutch Braids into Curls

Two braids starting from the hairline add a symmetrical and sporty-chic vibe to the wedding look. They converge at the nape into a textured cluster.

The braids keep the “flyaways” at bay while the back remains soft and curly. It is a functional style that doesn’t sacrifice the beauty of the texture.

This look is a favorite for bridesmaids who want to coordinate. It provides a cohesive aesthetic that works across different hair lengths and thicknesses.

15. Vintage-Inspired Pin-Up Curls

Drawing inspiration from mid-century glamour, this updo uses defined curls and rolls. It creates a structured, polished look that feels very “Old Hollywood.”

Curls are set and then pinned into specific shapes to mimic the rolls of the 1940s. The result is a high-shine, high-impact style that demands attention.

A birdcage veil or a single large flower completes the vintage aesthetic. It is a timeless choice for a formal, evening wedding celebration.

How do I make my curls last all day?

Preparation is key to longevity. Start with day-old hair for better grip, or use a texturizing spray before styling. A high-quality, flexible-hold hairspray will keep the shape without making the curls feel crunchy or stiff during the ceremony.

Can I do a curly updo with short hair?

Absolutely! Short hair can be pinned in sections to create the illusion of a full updo. Using small bobby pins that match your hair color allows you to “tuck and roll” curls closer to the scalp, creating volume and the appearance of more length.

Should I wash my hair the morning of the wedding?

Generally, it is better to wash your hair the day before. Natural oils help the curls hold their shape and provide the “grip” necessary for pins to stay in place. If you have very oily hair, a light wash with a volumizing shampoo the night before is usually best.

What accessories work best with curly updos?

Curly hair provides a lot of “anchor” space for accessories. Delicate hair vines, pearl pins, and fresh flowers look stunning nestled within the texture. Avoid heavy accessories that might weigh down the curls or hide the natural pattern of your hair.

How do I prevent frizz in humid weather?

Anti-humidity sprays and light hair oils are your best friends for outdoor weddings. Apply a smoothing serum to the curls before they are pinned to seal the cuticle. Once the updo is finished, a final mist of an anti-frizz finishing spray creates a protective barrier.

Should bridesmaids have the same updo as the bride?

While it isn’t required, many groups choose a “theme” rather than an identical style. For example, the bride may have a more intricate braided crown, while the bridesmaids have simpler low buns. This creates a cohesive look for photos while letting the bride stand out.

15 Curly Updo Hairstyles for Wedding Brides and Bridesmaids