12 Elegant Bun Hairdos for Wedding Season (and Beyond)

When you think of where you’d typically wear bun hairdos, weddings probably don’t rank high on your list. Many of us associate the humble updo with more laid-back events, like movie nights or brunch with friends. In reality, though, there’s no reason why you can’t wear your hair in a bun for your wedding—a twisted topknot is far more versatile than you may imagine. If you’re toying with the idea of ditching an intricate updo in favor of something a little more laid-back, we suggest you keep scrolling. Ahead, we’re sharing a look at 12 of our favorite bridal bun hairstyles, plus tips on how to achieve each look yourself (no pricey hairstylist needed).

Can I Wear My Hair in a Bun to a Wedding?

You can absolutely wear a bun to a wedding—whether you’re a guest, a member of the wedding party, or the lucky bride-to-be. The key is to select a bun hairstyle that suits the occasion. A disheveled messy bun, for example, may not work well for a formal black-tie wedding, but a sleek chignon would. The reverse holds true, too: If you’re planning a laid-back beach wedding, a super-slick updo might look out of place. (But, by all means, choose whichever style makes you feel your best).

Are Buns in Style for Weddings?

Scroll through bridal inspiration on social media, and you’ll quickly find for wedding hair, buns are a popular (and versatile) choice. Part of the appeal of buns lies in how simple they are to create—even if they look intricate, they rarely take much time to style. Buns can also work for most hair types and textures, from short and straight to long and curly. Another perk: Most bridal bun hairstyles are designed to help keep your hair off of your face, so you can dance the day (or night) away without having to stress about your strands.

12 Bun Hairstyles for Wedding Season

If you’re still undecided on your bridal hair, bun hairstyles are an excellent option worth considering. Ahead, we’re spilling on a dozen show-stopping styles perfect for your big day.

1. Classic low bun

A bridal low bun hairstyle is sleek, polished, and sophisticated—perfect for brides who want to keep things traditional. To create the simple look, you’ll need to gather all of your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a neat knot. Instead of securing the bun with a hair tie as you might normally do, we suggest keeping your style in place with bobby pins for a seamless-looking finish. If you want a super sleek finish, work the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Anti-Frizz Slick Back Hair Styling Cream into your damp mane before creating your bun—it provides up to 24 hours of flexible hold and frizz control for a slick (not crunchy) finish.

2. Messy bun

Choosing to wear your hair in a messy bun for a wedding can be a great choice, but it’s important to style it correctly: the end result should feel lightly lived-in rather than overtly disheveled. Try creating a loose bun at the back of your head then pulling forward a few face-framing tendrils for an effortless but still elegant feel.

3. Sock bun

If you have fine hair and want to make it look thicker for your big day, consider giving the sock bun a try. All you need to nail the look is a hair elastic, a hair donut, and some bobby pins. To start, pull your hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Then, slip the hair donut over your lengths so it sits on top of the hair elastic. Wrap your hair around the donut to create a sleek “O” shaped bun, and secure your ends with bobby pins to keep the style in place. If you don’t have a hair donut, you can use a bunched-up sock with the toes cut off instead (hence the style’s unique name).

4. Voluminous topknot

Topknots are an excellent option for those with longer hair, as the style will keep your lengthy strands neatly secured away as you swap “I dos.” Because body is the key to this look, we suggest prepping your hair with a volumizing mousse before gathering it into a bun at the top of your head. Try the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse, which helps give lifeless hair volume for up to 24 hours.

5. Half-braided bun

Give your bridal look a bohemian feel by swapping your classic bridal bun hairstyle for a touseled braided bun. To achieve the look, create a French braid extending from your hairline to just above the nape of your neck. Secure the braid with a clear hair tie, then gather your remaining lengths into a loose twisted bun positioned immediately on top of the hair tie. If desired, you can use your fingers to loosen the braid and bun a touch for a more laid-back effect.

6. Chignon

This French-inspired hairstyle is chic, timeless, and elegant, making it one of the best bun hairstyles for a black-tie wedding. Though the neat look appears complicated, it’s fairly easy to execute with the right tools. For a sleek, glossy look, work the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair Hair Oil-in-Serum throughout your lengths and ends before drying and styling your mane. It’ll leave your hair intensely shiny and soft without a heavy or greasy feel.

7. French twist

The French twist, also known as the French bun, is deceptively simple—while the sleek, twisted style looks intricate, it’s easy to create, even if your hairstyling experience is next-to-nil. We break it all down and share styling inspiration in our article How To Create a Classic French Twist.

8. Half-up bun

If you’re unsure whether you want to rock an updo or wear your hair down on your wedding day, a half-up bun is the perfect compromise. This style pairs a small bun at the crown with the lengths worn down and loose for a breezy, versatile style that easily flatters a range of hair types and textures. If you plan to straighten or curl your hair and need to ensure all-day hold, mist your finished look with a lightweight hair spray, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray—Unscented.

9. Side bun

Placing your bun slightly off-center can be a great way to add interest to your bridal hairstyle. Start by creating a deep side part, then pull your hair to one side of your head. Twist your lengths around themselves to create a sleek bun, and use bobby pins to secure it beneath your ear. If you usually part your hair in the center and need a little help getting your side part to stay put, you can use a strong-hold hair gel for lasting hold. We’re fond of the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Above It All Invisi-Gel, which provides maximum hold without a stiff or sticky feel.

10. Rope braided bun

For an eye-catching take on your classic bridal bun, weave your hair into a neat three-strand braid before twisting your lengths into a bun. Head-on, the sleek style is indistinguishable from a traditional sleek bun. Once you turn around, however, your guests will be able to see the unexpected braid detailing. For even more oomph, add a few shimmery strands of hair tinsel to your plait.

11. Knotted bun

You don’t have to have long hair to rock a bun hairdo for your wedding: the knotted bun works especially well for shorter hair. The unconventional style, as the name suggests, involves knotting your hair to create a bun shape (rather than twisting your lengths into a bun). If your hair is fine or straight, you’ll need to secure the bun with bobby pins to keep it in place—otherwise, it might come loose as you’re dancing.

12. Loose low bun

If the messy bridal bun and the low bun had a lovechild, it would be the loose low bun. Equal parts elegant and effortless, this easy-to-achieve style is perfect for the bride who doesn’t want to spend too much time fussing with their hair on their big day. If your hair is fine or straight, we recommend using a large-barrel curling iron to add a bit of texture before pulling your hair into a bun. Just be sure to use a heat protectant spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave In, to help shield your strands from damage.

Next Up: 25 Easy Hairstyles for Low-Maintenance Days

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris