5 Beautiful Braided Hairstyles for Your Wedding

Check out some of our favorite braided bridal hairstyles!

5 Beautiful Braided Hairstyles for Your Wedding

By Emily Lasnier

braided-wedding-day-hairstyles-for-brides
Photo: Karlisch Studio

After carefully selecting a wedding dress and veil, what becomes the focus for most brides when deciding how she wants to look on her wedding day? Her hair, of course! A wedding hairstyle has to go with the dress, be practical for the venue, and reflect the bride’s style.

If you have been following bridal trends the past few years, you’ll know that braids have come back in a big way, and they show no sign of slowing down. Braids are always an elegant way to add detail to any bridal hairstyle and make a great addition to any wedding-day look. From prim and polished to beachy and bohemian, braids can be used to complement the personality of every bride. 

The below braided looks are all worn by real brides from real weddings, so be sure to click on your favorites for more inspiration!

1. Chignon-Framing Braid

braided updo chignon wedding hair bridal bride
Add a twist to an elegant chignon by framing it with an eye-catching braid. This is probably the most classic look for a braided wedding hairstyle, and classics are classics for a reason! They always work. Photo by Karlisch Studio

2. Braided Bun

braided updo chignon bun wedding hair bridal bride
To add a new take on the classic look above, braid the entire updo for a fun hairstyle that still conveys elegance. This secure hairstyle is likely to look as fresh at the end of the night as it does when you walk down the aisle. Photo by Marisa Holmes 

3. Braided Crown

braided crown wavy hair soft waves loose waves braids wedding bridal bride veil
For a romantic look, pair soft waves with a loosely braided crown. The best part is that this look is both fashionable and functional, as the braid can double as support for a veil. This style is relaxed enough for a beach wedding, but also pretty enough for a traditional church wedding. Photo by Kristen Weaver Photography

4. Braided Headband

braided headband long hair braids braids bouffant wedding bride bridal

Achieve a polished look without the updo by tightly braiding a small strand of hair into a headband. While this bride chose to pair her braided headband with a 1960s style bouffant, the look is versatile enough for just about every hairstyle, including those for brides with shorter hair. Photo by John Solano Photography

5. Long and Loose

long braid loose braid long hair bohemian wedding bride bridal

Many brides want to look like a princess on their wedding day, but that doesn’t have to mean the traditional Cinderella look is the only way to go. Channel a modern Disney princess with a long and loose braid, à la Rapunzel and Elsa. This hairstyle works best for brides with long hair, but don’t fret if your tresses don’t meet the length requirement – that’s what extensions are for! Photo by Amanda McKinnon Photography

For more wedding hairstyle ideas, click here. If you love the look of a braided hairstyle but you don't know how to braid your hair, discover this step-by-step tutorial for an easy DIY faux braid.

Wedding news