25+ Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Long Hair

Finding the perfect hairstyle for a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to look elegant without spending hours in a salon chair.

Whether you’re attending a beach ceremony, garden party, or formal evening reception, your long hair offers endless styling possibilities that can complement any wedding theme.

This comprehensive guide to 25+ Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Long Hair will walk you through stunning yet achievable looks ranging from romantic waves to sophisticated updos, complete with styling tips and step-by-step guidance.

You’ll discover hairstyles suitable for every skill level, hair texture, and wedding dress code, ensuring you arrive at the celebration looking effortlessly beautiful and camera-ready.

1. Classic Loose Waves

Loose waves remain one of the most timeless and universally flattering hairstyles for wedding guests with long hair.

This style works beautifully for nearly every face shape and can be dressed up or down depending on your accessories.

How to Achieve This Look:

Start with clean, dry hair and apply a heat protectant spray evenly throughout your lengths
Section your hair into 2-inch portions for more defined waves
Use a 1.5-inch curling iron or wand and wrap each section away from your face
Hold each curl for 8-10 seconds before releasing gently
Allow the curls to cool completely before touching them
Run your fingers through the cooled curls to create soft, natural-looking waves
Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style throughout the event
Add a decorative hair clip on one side for extra elegance

Best For:

Semi-formal and formal weddings
Outdoor garden ceremonies
Beach weddings
Guests with naturally wavy or straight hair

2. Half-Up Half-Down with Twisted Crown

The half-up half-down style offers the perfect balance between casual elegance and formal sophistication, making it ideal for wedding guests who want their hair styled but still flowing.

Styling Steps:

Brush your hair thoroughly to remove all tangles and create a smooth base
Take a 2-inch section from above your right ear and twist it backwards
Secure the twisted section temporarily with a small clip at the back of your head
Repeat the same process on the left side, creating a matching twist
Cross both twisted sections at the back and secure them together with bobby pins
Gently pull at the twists to create more volume and a softer appearance
Curl the remaining loose hair with a curling wand for added texture
Set the entire style with medium-hold hairspray

Styling Tips:

This hairstyle works exceptionally well for rectangular and oval face shapes
Add small flowers or pearl pins along the twisted sections for enhanced elegance
Leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a more romantic effect

3. Low Messy Bun

The low messy bun delivers an effortlessly chic look that appears both casual and refined, perfect for wedding guests who prefer their hair off their neck and shoulders.

Creation Process:

Apply texturizing spray to dry hair for better grip and volume
Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck without smoothing it too much
Twist the gathered hair loosely and wrap it around itself to form a bun
Secure the bun with bobby pins, leaving some pieces loose intentionally
Pull out a few strands around your face and at the nape for a softer look
Gently pull at sections of the bun to create more volume and texture
Use a light hairspray to hold everything in place without looking stiff
Add a decorative hair accessory like a jeweled pin or vintage brooch

Why It Works:

Ideal for hot weather weddings and outdoor venues
Complements both casual and formal wedding attire
Takes minimal time to create yet looks polished and intentional

4. Sleek High Ponytail

A sleek high ponytail exudes confidence and modern elegance, making it an excellent choice for contemporary wedding celebrations and fashion-forward guests.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Wash your hair and blow-dry it completely straight using a paddle brush
Apply a smoothing serum from roots to ends to eliminate frizz
Brush your hair upward and gather it at the crown of your head
Secure tightly with a hair elastic that matches your hair color
Take a small section from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic
Pin the wrapped section underneath the ponytail with a bobby pin
Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth any bumps or flyaways with gel or pomade
Finish with a shine-enhancing spray for a glossy, polished appearance
Optional: Use a flat iron on the ponytail for extra sleekness

Perfect Occasions:

Black-tie and formal evening weddings
Modern, minimalist wedding themes
City venue celebrations

5. Braided Side Swept Style

The braided side swept hairstyle combines romantic femininity with practical elegance, keeping your hair beautifully styled and out of your face during the celebration.

Instructions:

Part your hair deeply on one side for maximum dramatic effect
Apply a volumizing mousse to add body before styling
Take a small section at the front on the heavier side and begin a French braid
Continue the French braid along your hairline, incorporating hair as you go
Once you reach behind your ear, continue with a regular three-strand braid
Secure the end with a clear elastic band
Sweep all remaining hair over the same shoulder as the braid
Gently pancake the braid by pulling sections apart for a fuller appearance
Curl the loose ends with a curling wand for added texture

Advantages:

Showcases statement earrings beautifully
Works wonderfully for beach and boho-themed weddings
Keeps hair secure while dancing

6. Vintage Hollywood Waves

Vintage Hollywood waves bring old-world glamour and sophistication to any wedding, channeling the elegance of classic cinema stars.

Creating the Look:

Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair for best results
Apply a generous amount of setting lotion throughout damp hair
Create a deep side part with a fine-tooth comb
Section hair into 2-inch horizontal segments
Use a flat iron to create S-shaped waves by alternating directions
Pin each wave in place with clips until completely cool
Remove all clips carefully and brush through waves gently with a soft brush
Set the style with a strong-hold hairspray that provides shine
Add a jeweled headband or vintage hair clip for authentic period styling

Ideal For:

Art deco themed weddings
Vintage or retro celebrations
Formal evening receptions

7. Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid offers an intricate appearance while being surprisingly simple to create, making it perfect for wedding guests who want an impressive yet manageable hairstyle.

Braiding Technique:

Divide your hair into two equal sections at the nape of your neck
Take a thin strand from the outer edge of the left section
Cross it over and add it to the right section
Take a thin strand from the outer edge of the right section
Cross it over and add it to the left section
Continue alternating sides, keeping the strands thin for better definition
Secure the end with a hair elastic when you reach your desired length
Gently pull at the braid sections to create width and texture
Spray with flexible-hold hairspray to maintain the style

Styling Variations:

Create a side fishtail for a more romantic appearance
Add small flowers woven throughout the braid
Leave the top loose and start the braid mid-length for a different look

8. Elegant Chignon

The chignon represents timeless sophistication and works beautifully for formal wedding occasions, offering a polished and refined appearance that photographs exceptionally well.

Assembly Instructions:

Smooth your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape
Divide the ponytail into two equal sections
Twist each section individually in the same direction
Wrap both twisted sections around the base of the ponytail in opposite directions
Tuck the ends underneath and secure with multiple bobby pins
Smooth any flyaways with a small amount of hair gel
Create a small amount of volume at the crown by gently backcombing
Finish with a strong-hold hairspray for all-day wear
Add elegant accessories like pearl pins or a decorative comb

Best Suited For:

Traditional church weddings
Black-tie evening celebrations
Guests wearing high-neck or detailed-back dresses

9. Waterfall Braid Crown

The waterfall braid crown creates a ethereal, romantic look that works beautifully for spring and summer weddings, giving the appearance of cascading hair.

Braiding Method:

Start at your temple on one side of your head
Take three small sections and begin a basic braid
After the first stitch, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new section from the top
Continue this pattern, always dropping and replacing the bottom strand
Work the braid around your head like a crown or halo
Secure the end with bobby pins behind the opposite ear
Curl all the loose, dropped sections with a small curling iron
Gently loosen the braid for a softer, more romantic appearance
Apply a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style

Perfect Settings:

Outdoor garden ceremonies
Spring and summer weddings
Romantic, fairy-tale themed celebrations

10. Top Knot with Face-Framing Pieces

The top knot offers a modern, fashion-forward option that keeps you comfortable while maintaining an elegant appearance throughout long wedding celebrations.

Construction Steps:

Brush all your hair upward toward the crown of your head
Secure into a very high ponytail with a strong elastic
Twist the ponytail tightly from base to ends
Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail
Secure with bobby pins strategically placed around the bun
Pull out a few thin pieces around your face on both sides
Curl these face-framing pieces with a small curling iron
Smooth the base of the bun and any bumps with smoothing cream
Set with medium-hold hairspray

Why Choose This Style:

Keeps hair completely off your neck in warm weather
Shows off statement necklaces and earrings
Works well for contemporary and minimalist wedding themes

11. Bohemian Braided Updo

The bohemian braided updo perfectly captures free-spirited elegance, combining multiple braiding techniques into one cohesive, romantic style.

Creating This Style:

Create multiple small braids throughout your hair in various directions
Leave sections unbraided for contrast and texture
Gather all braids and loose sections at the nape of your neck
Pin each braid randomly into an updo, tucking ends underneath
Allow some pieces to fall loose for a casual, undone appearance
Gently pull at the braids to create more volume and width
Weave fresh flowers or greenery throughout the braids
Secure everything with additional bobby pins as needed
Use a light texturizing spray instead of hairspray for movement

Ideal Venues:

Rustic barn weddings
Beach ceremonies
Garden parties and outdoor celebrations

12. Sleek Low Ponytail

The sleek low ponytail delivers understated elegance and sophistication, perfect for guests who prefer minimalist, polished styling.

Styling Process:

Apply smoothing serum to damp hair before blow-drying
Blow-dry hair completely straight using a paddle brush and tension
Brush all hair back smoothly, positioning the ponytail at the nape
Secure with a hair elastic, ensuring no bumps or unevenness
Take a one-inch section from the ponytail and wrap around the elastic
Secure the wrapped section with a bobby pin underneath
Use a flat iron on the ponytail for extra smoothness
Apply shine serum to the length of the ponytail
Set with anti-humidity spray if needed

Complementary Accessories:

Minimal geometric earrings
Silk or velvet scrunchies for added elegance
Metallic hair cuffs placed along the ponytail

13. Twisted Updo

The twisted updo offers an intricate appearance without requiring advanced braiding skills, making it accessible for most skill levels.

Assembly Guide:

Divide your hair into four equal vertical sections
Twist each section individually from roots to ends
Pin the first twisted section diagonally across the back of your head
Pin the second section in a different direction, creating an X pattern
Continue pinning remaining sections in various directions
Tuck all loose ends underneath the pinned sections
Add decorative pins at strategic points for security and style
Smooth any flyaways with a small amount of gel
Finish with flexible-hold hairspray

Benefits:

Creates the illusion of thick, voluminous hair
Holds well throughout long events
Works for various hair textures

14. Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail brings playful sophistication to wedding guest styling, offering a modern twist on traditional ponytail looks.

Creation Steps:

Create a high or mid-level ponytail and secure with elastic
Position another elastic 3-4 inches down from the first
Gently pull sections between elastics outward to create a bubble effect
Continue adding elastics and creating bubbles down the length of the ponytail
Adjust each bubble to ensure uniform size and volume
Wrap thin sections of hair around each elastic to hide them
Add small decorative pins or pearls at each elastic point
Apply light hairspray to maintain bubble shapes
Pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness

Perfect For:

Modern, trendy weddings
Younger wedding guests
Semi-formal celebrations

15. French Twist

The French twist embodies classic elegance and refinement, making it a go-to choice for formal wedding celebrations.

Styling Technique:

Brush hair smooth and gather it to one side at the nape
Twist the gathered hair upward along the back of your head
Continue twisting until all hair is incorporated
Tuck the ends into the twist and secure with bobby pins vertically
Use additional pins along the length of the twist for security
Smooth the surface with a boar bristle brush and smoothing product
Create slight volume at the crown by gently lifting with a comb
Set with strong-hold hairspray
Add a decorative comb or pins for extra elegance

Appropriate Settings:

Traditional church ceremonies
Ballroom receptions
Black-tie weddings

16. Milkmaid Braids

Milkmaid braids offer a romantic, rustic charm that works beautifully for daytime and outdoor wedding celebrations.

Braiding Instructions:

Part your hair down the center into two equal sections
Create a regular three-strand braid on each side
Secure both braids with clear elastics at the ends
Lift the right braid over the top of your head like a headband
Pin it securely along your left side with bobby pins
Repeat with the left braid, positioning it behind the right braid
Tuck all loose ends underneath and pin securely
Gently pull at the braids to create fullness and texture
Weave flowers or greenery throughout for added romance

Best Occasions:

Rustic country weddings
Spring and summer ceremonies
Casual outdoor celebrations

17. Side Swept Curls

Side swept curls deliver glamorous sophistication with dramatic flair, perfect for guests who want to make a statement.

Curling Method:

Part your hair deeply on one side for maximum drama
Apply volumizing mousse throughout damp hair
Blow-dry with a round brush for added volume
Section hair and curl each piece with a 1-inch curling iron
Curl all sections away from your face
Allow curls to cool completely before manipulating
Brush through gently to soften into waves
Sweep all hair over one shoulder and secure with hidden pins
Apply flexible-hold hairspray and shine serum

Styling Advantages:

Creates a red-carpet worthy appearance
Shows off one-shoulder or asymmetric dresses
Photographs beautifully from all angles

18. Braided Low Bun

The braided low bun combines the elegance of an updo with the intricate detail of braiding for a sophisticated, textured finish.

Assembly Process:

Create a low ponytail at the nape of your neck
Divide the ponytail into three sections and braid to the ends
Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail in a circular motion
Tuck the end underneath and secure with multiple bobby pins
Gently pull at sections of the braid for added volume
Pin any loose pieces or flyaways
Add decorative pins or a small hair accessory
Apply medium-hold hairspray
Adjust and perfect the shape as needed

Suitable For:

Traditional and formal weddings
Guests with thick or heavy hair
All-day events requiring secure styling

19. Half-Up Space Buns

Half-up space buns offer a playful, youthful take on wedding guest hair while remaining elegant when styled properly.