20 Summer Wedding Hairstyles for Brides (that don't suck)
Let’s be honest: there are two things that can destroy a bridal look fast — makeup that melts and hair that quits halfway through the ceremony.
We can’t fix your makeup (although: setting spray. always.)
But your hair? Girl, I got you.
Whether you’re the kind of bride who’s DIYing it, showing your stylist screenshots from Pinterest, or texting your cousin to “help me do something cute with this hair,”
Here are 20 summer wedding hairstyles that actually make sense for hot weather — with cute little tips to make them look elevated without driving you crazy.
1. The Loose Low Bun
Why it works: It’s chic, it's breathable, and it looks intentional — even if humidity tries to mess with it.
How to do it:
Pull hair into a low ponytail, twist into a loose bun, and pin it with bobby pins.
Leave out a few front pieces for that effortless softness.
Cute tip: Curl those front tendrils lightly — not tight curls — just soft waves for that “I woke up like this, but bridal” look.
2. Classic Sleek Bun
Why it works: It survives 90° heat and dancing. A clean girl classic.
How to do it:
Use a strong part (middle or side), smooth your hair back with gel or pomade, twist into a tight bun, and secure.
Cute tip: Add a pearl or rhinestone hair pin right at the bun’s base to glam it up without the drama.
3. Low Ponytail with a Ribbon
Why it works: It's giving bridal but make it Pinterest-core.
How to do it:
Blow out or flat iron your hair. Pull it back into a low ponytail. Tie a satin ribbon that matches your color palette around the base.
Cute tip: Wrap a small strand of hair around the hair tie first so the ribbon looks intentional, not like a backup scrunchie.
4. Fishtail Side Braid
Why it works: Cute, coastal, and holds up when it’s hot.
How to do it:
Sweep hair to one side and fishtail braid it (look up a 2-strand fishtail tutorial — it’s easier than it looks).
Cute tip: Gently pull at the braid to loosen and fluff it out for that romantic, fuller effect.
5. Messy Boho Crown Braid
Why it works: It keeps hair off your neck and gives fairy bride energy.
How to do it:
Braid two sections from either side of your head, wrap them around your crown, and pin.
Cute tip: Weave in tiny flowers or baby’s breath for the ultimate ethereal vibe.
Spray them with hairspray to keep them from wilting.
6. Half-Up, Half-Down with Waves
Why it works: It's bridal without being “too done.”
How to do it:
Curl your hair in soft waves. Section off the top half, twist or braid it slightly, and pin it at the back.
Cute tip: Add a pearl comb or dainty clip for that little sparkle moment.
7. Bubble Ponytail
Why it works: It’s fun, it’s summery, and it holds up.
How to do it:
Put hair in a low ponytail. Use small elastics every few inches down the length, then gently tug each section to make the bubbles.
Cute tip: Wrap a small strand of hair around each elastic to make it look polished.
8. Sleek High Ponytail
Why it works: Keeps everything off your face and makes you feel like a bridal Beyoncé.
How to do it:
Straighten hair or smooth it into a high ponytail. Use edge control or gel to keep it sleek.
Cute tip: Add clip-in extensions to give it drama and length, even if your hair isn’t naturally long.
9. Natural Curls Pulled to One Side
Why it works: Curls = volume. Pulled to the side = glam.
How to do it:
Define your curls with a curl cream. Pin one side back with a sparkly clip or comb.
Cute tip: Use a light-hold gel to tame flyaways while keeping the curl pattern bouncy and alive.
10. Braided Bun Combo
Why it works: Looks complicated (but isn’t) and holds like a champ
.
How to do it:
Braid your ponytail first, then wrap it into a bun and pin.
Cute tip: Use two thin braids instead of one for a more textured look.
11. Old Hollywood Waves
Why it works: Timeless. Glamorous. Always stunning.
How to do it:
Use a large barrel curling iron and pin curls to cool. Brush out gently for the soft wave.
Cute tip: Tuck one side behind your ear and add a vintage-style clip for elegance.
12. Textured High Bun
Why it works: The higher the hair, the closer to the bridal halo.
How to do it:
Tease your crown, pull into a high bun, and let a few wispy curls fall around your face.
Cute tip: Add a sparkly headband or tiara if you’re feeling extra. And you should.
13. Twist & Pin Half-Up
Why it works: So easy, looks like effort.
How to do it:
Take two front pieces, twist them, and pin at the back.
Cute tip: Use floral or gold pins — it's the tiny details that elevate.
14. Rolled Chignon
Why it works: It screams “I am the bride” in a soft British accent.
How to do it:
Twist your ends upward into a roll and pin under. Very Audrey Hepburn.
Cute tip: Tuck in a few fresh flower petals — it’s simple, but such a vibe.
15. Afro Puff with Headband
Why it works: Gorgeous, heat-proof, and bold.
How to do it:
Pull hair into a puff and secure with a headband or scarf.
Cute tip: Use a printed or pearl headband that matches your wedding colors.
16. Beachy Waves with Hair Vine
Why it works: Perfect for beach weddings and outdoor vows.
How to do it:
Use salt spray or a wand for undone waves. Add a hair vine or leafy crown.
Cute tip: Hair vines are flexible — wrap them around your waves for that nymph-like look.
17. Loose Side Chignon
Why it works: Side buns are romantic without trying too hard.
How to do it:
Curl hair loosely, pull to one side, twist into a bun, and secure.
Cute tip: Add some mini pearls or soft pins to the twist for depth.
18. Claw Clip Updo (Yes, for Weddings)
Why it works: Easy, aesthetic, and surprisingly bridal when styled right.
How to do it:
Curl the ends, twist the back loosely, and secure with a glam claw clip.
Cute tip: Go for pearl or gold metallic clips — not your everyday gym claw.
This one needs to look intentional.
19. Twisted Low Ponytail
Why it works: Easy, aesthetic, and surprisingly bridal when styled right.
How to do it:
Curl the ends, twist the back loosely, and secure with a glam claw clip.
Cute tip: Go for pearl or gold metallic clips — not your everyday gym claw.
This one needs to look intentional.
20. Dutch Braids into a Bun
Why it works: Keeps your scalp cool and looks like “wedding warrior princess.”
How to do it:
Create two Dutch braids on either side, then join them into a bun at the back.
Cute tip: Use baby breath or little clip-in pearls to tuck into the braid for dimension.
Final Tip:
No matter the hairstyle, do a trial run. Yes, even the “easy ones.”
You don’t want your wedding day to be the first time you’re figuring out how your bangs act when it’s 87 degrees with emotional sweating.
And hey — if you’re planning a summer wedding and want help organizing everything (because the brain fog is real), grab my Bundle Wedding Planner and let it do the stressing for you.
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