21 Bridesmaid Updo Hairstyles For Long Hair Ideas That’ll Steal the Spotlight

So, you’re a bridesmaid (or maybe helping one plan the look), and the pressure is on. The dress is sorted, the shoes are semi-comfortable (let’s be real, they never actually are), but now comes the tricky part—the hair.

Long hair can feel like both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you’ve got endless styling options. On the other, decision fatigue is real. Should you go classic? Romantic? Messy chic?

I’ve been in enough weddings (and had enough “oops, my updo collapsed before the photos” moments) to know one thing: updos are the way to go for long-haired bridesmaids.

They look elegant, they keep hair out of your face while you’re dancing to ABBA at midnight, and they hold up through humidity, happy tears, and way too much hairspray.

So, if you’re ready to lock in the perfect bridesmaid hairstyle, here are 21 updo ideas for long hair that’ll keep you looking stunning all day long.

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1. The Classic Chignon

You really can’t go wrong with a low chignon. It’s timeless, elegant, and works with literally any dress neckline. Plus, it photographs beautifully from every angle. Ever notice how every royal wedding features at least one chignon? Yeah, it’s that classy.

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2. Romantic Low Bun With Loose Strands

If you want a softer vibe, try a low bun with a few face-framing strands. It gives that effortless, “I didn’t try too hard” look (even though we both know it took a solid 45 minutes). Perfect for outdoor weddings where wind-blown chic is the goal.

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3. The Braided Crown Updo

Want to look like a goddess without wearing an actual crown? A braided halo or crown braid wraps around your head and keeps everything secure. Bonus: it keeps flyaways hidden, which is basically a miracle.

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4. Messy Textured Bun

You know that “Pinterest messy bun” everyone wants but never nails on a Monday morning? That’s the one. Except with a stylist, it actually works. A messy bun updo looks modern, chic, and surprisingly low-maintenance once it’s pinned in place.

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5. Twisted Low Updo

Instead of braids, use twists to tuck long hair into a soft bun. It looks more polished than the messy bun but still has that romantic vibe. Great for satin or silk dresses that scream “minimalist chic.”

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6. Side Swept Bun

A side bun is perfect if you want a little drama. It’s off-center, it adds interest, and it pairs beautifully with asymmetrical dresses or off-the-shoulder gowns. Pro tip: add a sparkly hairpin to really pop in photos.

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7. The Braided Bun Combo

Can’t decide between a bun or braid? Why not both? A braided bun combines the best of both worlds, giving you texture and structure. IMO, this one always gets the most compliments.

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8. Loose French Twist

Think of this as the younger, cooler sister of the traditional French twist. It’s a bit undone, with some texture and softness, instead of being stiff and shellacked into place. It’s basically a French twist that said, “I brunch on Sundays.”

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9. Fishtail Braid Updo

If you’ve got a lot of hair, a fishtail braid wrapped into an updo is stunning. It looks intricate (aka people will assume you spent $$$ on it), but stylists can whip it up pretty quickly.

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10. High Bun With Sleek Finish

Sometimes simple is best. A sleek, ballerina-inspired bun works for more formal weddings. It keeps everything off your neck (hello, summer weddings) and pairs well with dramatic earrings.

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11. Low Bun With Accessories

Let’s be honest—sometimes it’s not the bun, it’s the bling. Add a pearl comb, jeweled pin, or floral clip to a simple low bun, and suddenly it’s Pinterest-worthy. Accessories save the day when you want to stand out but not overshadow the bride.

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12. The Waterfall Braid Into Bun

This one’s a crowd-pleaser. A waterfall braid that leads into a bun gives a whimsical, fairy-tale vibe. Perfect if the bride’s going for garden-party elegance. Ever wondered why this one photographs so well? It adds dimension from every angle.

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13. Voluminous Low Ponytail Updo

Okay, technically not a bun, but hear me out: a low ponytail styled as an updo looks chic, especially with volume at the crown and curls tucked in. It’s comfortable and less “helmet hair” than some tighter styles.

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14. Double Braided Bun

Double the braids, double the compliments. A two-braid bun works great if you’ve got layers and don’t want random pieces poking out mid-ceremony. It’s secure and looks seriously detailed.

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15. Boho Knot Updo

For the bridesmaid who’s secretly a free spirit, the boho knot bun is your jam. Loose, textured, and paired with tiny floral accents—it looks amazing at barn or beach weddings.

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16. Half Updo With Twists

If you’re not into a full updo, compromise with a half-up twisted style. It keeps your hair out of your face but still lets you show off those long locks. IMO, this works especially well with flowy bridesmaid dresses.

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17. The Low Knot Bun

A knot bun (literally tying your hair into a knot before pinning it) feels modern and stylish. It’s minimalist but not boring, which is a win when you don’t want to outshine the bride but still look like you tried.

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18. Hollywood Waves Into Updo

Channel your inner red-carpet star with glam waves pinned into a faux updo. You get the softness of waves but the security of an updo. FYI, this one works best if you know your hair holds curls longer than 10 minutes.

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19. The Rolled Updo

Instead of twisting or braiding, try rolling sections of hair into a tucked-up look. It’s elegant and surprisingly easy for stylists to do. Also, it doesn’t require a thousand bobby pins, which is always a plus.

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20. Curly Bun Updo

If you’ve got naturally curly hair, lean into it. A curly bun updo looks full, fun, and way more unique than forcing your curls into submission. Just make sure you use products that keep the curls defined all day.

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21. The Sleek Low Twist Bun

For a modern, minimalist wedding, go with a sleek, low twist bun. It’s sharp, elegant, and looks killer in black-and-white photos. Think Vogue editorial but bridesmaid-approved.

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Tips for Making Your Updo Last All Day

Now, let’s be real—what’s the point of a stunning updo if it collapses halfway through the reception? Here are some quick survival tips:

• Use the right products: Texturizing spray + strong-hold hairspray = your best friends.
• Plan for touch-ups: Pack extra bobby pins and mini hairspray in your clutch.
• Work with your hair type: Don’t force pin-straight hair into a giant curly bun—it won’t last.
• Test before the big day: Always do a trial run so there are no ugly surprises.

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Final Thoughts

So there you have it—21 bridesmaid updo hairstyles for long hair that will keep you looking polished, stylish, and reception-ready. Whether you want something sleek and chic, messy and boho, or braided and romantic, there’s an option that’ll work perfectly for your big day duties.

Honestly? The best hairstyle is the one that makes you feel comfortable enough to laugh, dance, and maybe ugly-cry during the vows without worrying about your hair falling apart. Choose the style that feels like you, not just the one that looks good on Pinterest. 🙂

Now, which one are you bookmarking for the next wedding?