Updo vs Loose Waves: How to Choose Your Wedding Hairstyle
I've been to enough weddings (and spent way too many hours scrolling through bridal Pinterest boards) to know that choosing between an updo and loose waves is one of those decisions that keeps brides up at night. Your dress is gorgeous, your venue is booked, but somehow picking the right hairstyle feels impossible.
Here's the thing: there's no universal "right" answer. But there are some pretty reliable guidelines that can point you in the right direction.
Let Your Neckline Do the Talking
Your dress neckline is honestly your best clue. Got a stunning off-the-shoulder or sweetheart neckline? An updo lets that beautiful detail shine without competing for attention. I've seen too many brides with incredible necklines hide them under cascading curls, and it's such a missed opportunity. On the flip side, if you're wearing a high neck, halter, or illusion neckline, loose waves balance everything out beautifully. You've already got drama happening up top—adding a structured updo can feel like too much.
Think About Your Dress Back
This is where updos really earn their keep. If your dress has intricate lace details, delicate buttons, or a gorgeous low back, wearing your hair up is basically non-negotiable. You didn't spend all that money on back details just to cover them up, right? For simpler backs or column dresses, loose waves add that romantic, effortless vibe that photographs incredibly well.
Consider Your Wedding Vibe
Beach wedding? Garden ceremony? Loose, flowing hair just makes sense. There's something about soft waves that fits perfectly with outdoor, relaxed settings. Plus, you won't be fighting humidity and wind with an elaborate updo. Formal ballroom or classic church wedding? A polished updo brings that timeless elegance. It photographs beautifully in grand spaces and won't wilt under the pressure of a long day.
The Practical Stuff Nobody Talks About
Let's be real—if you're getting married in July, an updo might save your sanity. Dancing with hair stuck to your neck isn't fun. Similarly, if you're the type who constantly pushes hair out of your face, loose waves might drive you crazy by hour three. Also, think about your dress shopping experience. What hairstyle were you wearing when you said yes to the dress? Sometimes that gut feeling matters more than any rule.
My Honest Take
After seeing countless brides, here's what I've noticed: the happiest ones chose hairstyles that felt like themselves, just elevated. If you never wear your hair up in real life, your wedding day probably isn't the time to start. And if you always rock a sleek bun, don't force yourself into beachy waves just because it's trending. Try both styles during your hair trial. Take photos in different lighting. Walk around, move your head, see what feels natural. The right choice is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable—not the one that looks best on someone else's Instagram.
Your wedding hairstyle should complement your dress, sure, but more importantly, it should feel authentically you.