The mother of the bride needs hair that photographs well, lasts through a long day and still feels like her. This short gallery focuses on eight dependable choices: a relaxed high bun, a slick French pleat, soft mid-length curls, a smooth blow-dried bob, a textured low bun, a twisted half-up style, a voluminous chignon and an elegant swirled high bun.
Your hair length narrows the field quickly. Bobs and shorter cuts look best with a professional blowout or soft waves, medium lengths suit the French pleat and half-up twist, and longer or thicker hair has the bulk for chignons and swirled buns. Fine hair can still manage an updo if it is curled and backcombed first to create grip.
Also consider the wedding itself. Outdoor and summer ceremonies call for updos that keep hair off the neck and hold in heat, while a relaxed boho celebration suits loose curls with a flowing dress or jumpsuit. A neckline matters too: high necks pair well with updos, and open necklines with softer, down styles.
1. Effortless High Bun
A relaxed high bun sits neatly between formal and easy-going, so it feels polished without looking stiff. A few loose strands left around the face soften it and flatter most features. Backcombing at the crown before twisting gives the bun extra body.
Inspiration: @cathrineheierenhansen
2. Slick French Pleat
The French twist has been a favourite for mothers of the bride and groom for generations. Smoothed into a sleek pleat, it suits medium-length hair of any type or density. A shine spray and a few hidden pins keep the fold crisp all day.
Inspiration: @tegenaccessories
3. Soft Curls
Soft curls offer a boho alternative to a traditional updo. Loose, free-flowing waves on mid-length hair complement a chiffon dress or a smart jumpsuit. Set the curls with a large barrel iron and brush them out gently for movement.
Inspiration: @novaperruquers
4. Sleek Bob
For a mother of the bride who prefers to feel like herself, a smooth blowout on a bob adds volume and polish without a big change. Booking a professional blow-dry on the morning takes the pressure off. Finish with a light serum for shine.
Inspiration: @ashesrgray
5. Textured Low Bun
A low, textured bun is one of the most versatile wedding looks and flatters any face shape or hair type. It looks refined in photographs and sits comfortably under a hat or fascinator. Teasing the lengths before pinning creates the soft texture.
Inspiration: @nicolahood_mua
6. Twisted Half Up Half Down Hair
A softly twisted half-up style is understated yet elegant. Face-framing strands left loose give a relaxed finish. The twists at the back can be decorated with a small comb or pearl pins to match the wedding colours.
Inspiration: @laurasnyderhair
7. Voluminous Chignon Updo
Summer weddings call for an updo that keeps hair off the face and holds in heat. This voluminous chignon combines height with a sleek finish and stays put through the evening. It is ideal for women who love fullness and polish together.
Inspiration: @hairbyjennabsx
8. Swirled High Bun
A swirled high bun offers something more sophisticated and sculptural. The coiled shape shows off the neckline and creates a beautiful side profile in photographs. A strong-hold spray and plenty of pins secure the spiral.
Inspiration: @amandafioritahair
Planning your wedding-day hair
- Book a trial with your stylist four to six weeks before, wearing a top with a similar neckline to your outfit.
- Get any colour or trim done about a week ahead so the shade is fresh but the cut has settled.
- Arrive with clean, completely dry hair unless your stylist asks otherwise; second-day hair often grips pins better for updos.
- Bring any accessories, such as a fascinator or comb, to the trial so placement can be decided.
Keeping it in place until the last dance
Ask your stylist which hairspray they used and carry a travel size, along with a few matching bobby pins. A small fine-tooth comb helps tidy flyaways before photographs. If you are wearing curls, a light-hold spray rather than a heavy one stops them from dropping in humidity while staying soft to the touch.