When it comes to finding the perfect hairstyle for your big day, the options can be overwhelming. You’re faced with a multitude of updos, down-dos, and everything in between – from sleek ponytails to messy buns and intricate chignons. And that’s before you even consider adding a touch of glamour with a floral crown, headpiece, or veil. However, there is a way to simplify the process. Look to the glamorous brides who have come before you for inspiration.
Not just our own beautiful real brides, but also A-list celebrities who’ve made their wedding hairstyles look effortlessly stunning. Perhaps your style leans more towards Amal Clooney’s sleek blowout or Ellie Goulding’s effortless bun? Let’s explore 25 of our favorite celebrity wedding hair looks for some inspiration.
Gorgeous Celebrity Wedding Hairstyles
Hailey Bieber (2018)
Hailey’s effortless charm shone through in her perfectly imperfect messy bun, secured with elegant pearl pins that framed her face with soft, wispy tendrils. This whimsical and romantic hairstyle was the perfect match for the celebrity wedding, where simplicity reigned supreme. When the dress is busy or the veil is dramatic, a low-key hairstyle can be just what’s needed to let the bride shine.
Ellie Goulding (2019)
For a truly show-stopping wedding look, consider pairing a statement gown with a sleek updo that allows the dress to take center stage. A loose bun with a center parting is an ideal choice when the dress features a high neck or plenty of embellishments. This understated yet elegant hairstyle lets the dress do all the talking, making it perfect for your special day.
Princess Eugenie (2018)
Experience the essence of royal charm with this enchanting hairstyle! The ornate chignon, paired with delicate face-framing curls, creates a mesmerizing fusion of glamour and simplicity. As seen above, the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara’s radiant rose-cut diamonds and emeralds harmonize beautifully with the understated elegance of this gown. Adorning yourself with a tiara can instantly evoke a regal aura, making this style an ideal match for its crowning glory.
Rose Leslie (2018)
To create a stunning flower crown, start with a simple yet elegant hairstyle. Tousled waves and loose bangs are the perfect foundation for this look. For brides with shorter hair, adding volume through a loose curl that lifts up the ends is key to pulling off a minimalistic yet charming flower crown.
Poppy Delevingne (2014)
Infuse your bridal style with a touch of rockstar glamour by embracing natural brushed curls and an asymmetric side-part. This unconventional approach adds a dash of edgy sophistication to your overall look. Case in point: Poppy Delevingne’s effortless, lived-in Hollywood curls, which exude a relaxed, undone vibe that perfectly captures the essence of a more laid-back, modern bride.
Olivia Palermo (2014)
Olivia Palermo’s textured mid-ponytail is a masterclass in cool-girl chic. The effortlessly undone style, achieved by brushing out beachy waves and pulling them back into a ponytail, exudes a carefree air that’s hard to replicate. To perfect the look, simply pull some strands loose at the front – voilà! The epitome of effortless elegance.
Princess Beatrice (2020)
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a timeless choice for your special day. With its blend of sophistication and playfulness, it’s no wonder this look has been a royal favourite – just ask Princess Beatrice, who sported it with ease. To achieve a polished, refined look, simply smooth the top portion to perfection, à la Queen Beatrice. Alternatively, add some texture to give your style a more youthful, playful vibe.
And speaking of regal inspiration, Queen Elizabeth II’s own wedding day look featured the stunning Queen Mary Fringe tiara – proof that this hairstyle can be just as stunning when paired with statement accessories.
Nicola Peltz (2022)
The combination of a flowing waterfall wave and heavy bangs exudes Hollywood glamour, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add a touch of drama to their overall style. To take this look to the next level, consider incorporating ornate detailing on your veil or dress, or even opting for statement bridal gloves. The resulting aesthetic is a perfect blend of polished and natural, ensuring you turn heads on your big day.
Sarah Hyland (2022)
A romantic low bun with loose tendrils framing the nape of the neck creates a laid-back yet elegant wedding hairstyle. This effortless look is exemplified by Sarah Hyland’s style, where stray strands cascade down her back, resulting in an undone coiffure that beautifully complements her princess-inspired gown featuring Bardot sleeves.
Meghan Markle (2018)
Combining an understated yet sophisticated chignon with a statement-making tiara results in a truly regal look. To replicate this contemporary hairstyle, we suggest incorporating a bejewelled headband to mirror the tiara’s grandeur. For added texture and a more laid-back finish, incorporate loose strands, much like Meghan Markle has done.
Gabrielle Union (2014)
As Gabrielle Union celebrated her 10th anniversary, she marked the occasion with a stunning custom Dennis Basso gown, intricately designed with crystals and pearls. Her classic bridal beauty was complemented by a voluminous hairdo, featuring a romantic chignon that could be effortlessly released for a second look later in the day.
Hilary Duff (2019)
The effortlessly chic combination of bohemian beachy waves and dainty accessories can be particularly striking when paired with understated elegance. Take Hilary Duff’s look as an example – her stunning dangly pearl earrings are beautifully complemented by a delicate pearl headband that adds a touch of sophistication to the overall vibe.
For those seeking a middle ground between laid-back beach waves and a more refined aesthetic, a simple yet elegant headband is an excellent way to elevate this ‘hair-down’ moment without sacrificing its relaxed charm.
Priyanka Chopra (2018)
Elevate your wedding style by incorporating a two-part look, à la Priyanka and Nick Jonas’ memorable celebration. A show-stopping bun adorned with fresh flowers injects texture and vibrancy into your overall aesthetic. The intricate design of the hairstyle cleverly echoes the delicate petals of the blooms, boasting layers and details that create a mesmerizing effect.
In contrast, a soft updo featuring gentle face-framing curls presents an understated yet stunning alternative for the second half of your special day.
Serena Williams (2017)
When contemplating hairstyles that harmonize with a ballgown (and bolero), achieving the perfect balance can be a challenge. However, Serena Williams masterfully strikes the right chord with her sculpted, sleek bun. This hairstyle exudes elegance and sophistication, perfectly complementing the drama of the dress. The architectural lines of the updo beautifully contrast with the flowing folds of the gown, creating a visual masterpiece that is both understated and striking.
Amal Clooney (2014)
This effortless yet elegant ‘bouncy blow-dry’ wedding hairstyle boasts a fresh, youthful appeal that exudes hyper-femininity. Its simplicity and style make it an ideal choice for showcasing a beautiful dress with decolletage. When paired with a strapless or off-the-shoulder gown, wearing your hair down can create a stunning, polished look that’s sure to turn heads.
Solange Knowles (2014)
Solange Knowles’s 2014 wedding day look was an exquisite blend of elegance and sophistication. The star of the show was undoubtedly her stunning hairstyle, featuring luscious halo curls that framed her face perfectly. A bold pop of red lipstick added a touch of glamour to her overall aesthetic. As she exchanged vows with her video director husband, Alan Ferguson, at the New Orleans venue, Solange stunned in an off-white jumpsuit with a dramatic cape.
The outfit was perfectly complemented by crisp white attire worn by the guests, as instructed by the bride herself. But the pièce de résistance was yet to come – Solange’s second look for the ceremony. She slipped into a bespoke white Kenzo column dress that not only flattered her figure but also worked in harmony with her hairstyle, creating a cohesive and stunning overall appearance.
Sofia Richie (2023)
Sofia Richie’s wedding celebration to Elliott Grainge in 2023 was a lavish affair that captivated Hollywood royalty. The beauty mogul and music heiress opted for the luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc as the backdrop for her ceremony and reception, garnering widespread attention for her stunning beauty look. A low bun with a centre parting showcased her sleek locks, flawlessly styled without a single stray strand.
This versatile hairstyle proved perfect for veiling purposes, while also serving as a chic second look that complemented her overall aesthetic.
Ariana Grande (2021)
Ariana Grande’s 2021 wedding hairstyle showcased her signature ponytail, which has become synonymous with the singer, actress, and perfume entrepreneur. The sleek updo was complemented by a center parting, perfectly framing the mini veil and its adorable bow detail. What’s more remarkable is that her go-to winged liner look was toned down for the special occasion, yet still retained its essence.
This highlights an important wedding beauty tip: don’t feel pressured to follow trends; instead, let your personal style shine through, albeit with a touch of glamour reserved specifically for your big day.
Lily Collins (2021)
In our office at One Fab Day, we’ve been deliberating over the hair-styling genius of Lily Collins. Her Bo Peep-inspired veil meets bridal cape is a showstopper, but what really caught our attention was her understated yet polished hairstyle underneath. A sleek low chignon adorns her head, complete with delicate gilded details and a hairband adding a touch of sophistication on top. This look serves as a great inspiration for anyone aiming to achieve a slicked-back style.
Ciara Wilson (2018)
Grammy-award winner Ciara’s whirlwind romance culminated in a fairytale-like wedding to NFL star Russell Wilson at the majestic Peckforton Castle in England, just four months after becoming engaged. The couple has since welcomed four tiny princes and princesses, with their youngest, Amora, arriving just before Christmas 2023.
As for Ciara’s bridal beauty, she stunned in a stunning Roberto Cavalli gown, complemented by a lush, effortless hairstyle featuring loose waves and sun-kissed highlights that added a touch of whimsy and drama to her overall look.
Gwyneth Paltrow (2018)
Gwyneth Paltrow’s nuptials to Brad Falchuk were a low-key yet star-studded celebration, set amidst the lush backdrop of a tranquil garden. The who’s who of Hollywood attended, including Cameron Diaz and Robert Downey Jr.
As expected, Gwyneth brought her signature effortless chic to the ceremony, donning bespoke Valentino attire that perfectly complemented her effortlessly tousled locks – loose waves that effortlessly transitioned from veil-covered to free-spirited, much like her unconventional approach to life.
Sabrina Elba (2019)
Sabrina Dhowre’s enchanting Moroccan wedding to Idris Elba was a fairytale come true, surrounded by 150 loved ones, including celebrity guest Charlotte Tilbury who ensured the bride’s beauty shone through with impeccable makeup. The special day was captured for an exclusive feature in Vogue magazine.
Sabrina made a stunning impression by changing into not one, not two, but three exquisite designer gowns throughout the celebration, including a breathtaking €4,000 Vera Wang number for the ceremony. Her flawless complexion and romantic waves, punctuated by loose face-framing pieces, perfectly captured her radiant beauty.
Lady Kitty Spencer (2021)
Lady Kitty Spencer, Dolce & Gabbana’s Global Ambassador and an aristocrat in her own right, opted for the Italian design house to create not one, but five bespoke wedding gowns for her special day. As the niece of the revered Princess Diana, Lady Kitty’s nuptials were always going to be a highly anticipated event. However, she surprised fans by choosing to keep her hair sleek and simple, rather than donning a tiara like her aunt did on her marriage to Prince Charles.
The unconventional choice was just one of many unexpected twists at the couple’s wedding, which took place in a 17th-century mansion outside Rome – a departure from traditional British royal wedding locations.
Billie Lourd (2022)
Billie Lourd, star of Scream Queens, paid a touching tribute to her late mother Carrie Fisher at her beachside wedding. The bespoke Rodarte gown she wore was a nod to the designers, who were close friends with Fisher. As an additional touch, Lourd donned her mother’s fire opal ring as her ‘something blue’. Her hair was styled in a unique coiled braid that cascaded across the top of her head, adding to the wedding’s whimsical charm. A clever and memorable hairstyle choice for the special day.
Vanessa Hudgens (2023)
The sleek, slicked-back look has been a staple in celebrity wedding hairstyles over the past few years. One notable example is Vanessa Hudgens’ wedding style, which she sported during her nuptials in Mexico earlier this December. Her groom, Cole Tucker, opted for a stylish Canali tuxedo to complement his bride’s elegant Vera Wang gown.
The couple’s special day was featured in Vogue, and Vanessa’s bridal look included not one, but multiple diamond rings, as well as a gorgeous manicure that perfectly complemented her overall aesthetic. For more inspiration on hair, skin, and makeup features, be sure to check out our related content page and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates.
