It seems to be a rite of passage for every girl to dream of her wedding day. Perhaps a dress-up theme at a playdate as a child, or during a casual lunch conversation with friends, the topic of what is traditionally seen as the biggest day of a woman’s life is a common one that crops up. From destination wedding venues to elegant wedding hairstyles, the gateway into bridal discourse is a large and expanding realm.
And conjuring up what emulates the perfect wedding dress would no doubt take precedence. The considerations are endless when it comes down to the nitty gritty details; from the neckline to the cut, to the train and the flowing veil, if any. But a dazzling bridal gown is not all to consider for the look to be completed, as any style savant would know.
In the grand tapestry of your wedding day, the choice of hair and make-up is an equally prominent thing to consider. The right hairstyle is crucial to elevating your look, magnifying the manifestation of dreams in the form of a dress into reality. As if the hunt for the perfect gown wasn’t enough, the search for a worthy hairstyle can also take a toll on the bride’s decision-making frenzy.
No fear, for Vogue Singapore gathers the best celebrity wedding hairstyles to add to your bridal moodboard. In recent years, star brides have adopted a variety of updos, catering to what makes them feel best from the outside in. See Hailee Steinfeld’s sleek updo for some classic inspiration or Demi Lovato’s cascading waves to feel like your most authentic self on your big day.
From the sophisticated to low-maintenance, peruse these famous bridal hairdos that have caught our attention.
1 / 20
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
We have Love Story to thank for reminding us of the beauty of a timeless look. Ever the minimalist, Bessette-Kennedy’s signature blonde tresses were pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck to keep the attention on her decollétage and bias-cut Narciso Rodriguez dress.
2 / 20
Zendaya
If you were thinking about the big chop, consider this your sign. Steal a page out of Zendaya’s book with a bridal bixie, curled and side-parted to highlight your glowy visage and wedding day jewels.
3 / 20
Alexandra Leclerc
Strike hair off the list of things to worry about with a slickback bun, as seen on Alexandra Leclerc. It’ll ensure your hair is out of your face, keep you cool and look polished from all angles. For a touch of whimsy, tuck a few white buds in and finish with a stronghold hair spray to keep everything in place.
4 / 20
Venus Williams
It’s said that the curlier your hair is, the more in love you are—so there’s truly nothing like soft curls for your big day. Venus Williams let hers peek out from under a lace veil, accompanied by side swooped bangs.
5 / 20
Charli xcx
Everything is romantic. Matching the care-free atmosphere of her outdoor wedding in Sicily, Charli xcx parted her iconic jet-black curls to the side to mark the special occasion.
6 / 20
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato channeled old Hollywood glamour for her wedding day with dark black locks styled in smooth, glossy waves swept back over one shoulder, perfectly highlighting her features and her exquisite off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood gown.
7 / 20
Millie Bobby Brown
Millie Bobby Brown’s pinned updo makes for the perfect hairstyle for your upcoming nuptials. Her sleek chignon with a refined centre part and quartet of face-framing tendrils lent the look a soft, romantic touch.
8 / 20
Phoebe Tonkin
Phoebe Tonkin’s multi-day New York City wedding came with a variety of stunning beauty moments, but the ceremony saw her long locks styled in an elegant loose braid cascading down her back, seamlessly complementing her delicate ivory lace custom Chanel gown and soft tulle veil. This simple style is classic, sophisticated and fuss free.
9 / 20
Hailee Steinfeld
When in doubt, always go the classic route. Take a leaf from Steinfeld’s book and opt for a sleek, timeless, low bun with a clean centre part perfectly anchored by an elegant, cathedral-length French Chantilly lace veil.
10 / 20
Lauren Sánchez
Wispy face-framing waves tossed back into a loose bun with a side part is the ideal look if you’ve chosen a high neck gown like Sánchez-Bezos.
11 / 20
Nicola Peltz Beckham
Nicola Peltz Beckham’s half-up, half-down hairstyle emulates pared-back elegance and helps to anchor her incredibly long veil for balance. Locks are loose yet polished to perfection, while the freer tresses add fullness and movement.
12 / 20
Joey King
If your wedding gown is a show-stealer and large-than-life like Joey King’s, opt for soft, seamless waves in similar fashion to the actress. It makes for a look that’s classic, elegant and timeless, while highlighting your natural beauty without overshadowing your dress.
13 / 20
Barbara Palvin
An elevated approach to your everyday look would be ideal for the laid-back bride, as seen on Palvin. Loose, natural waves accented by a soft bend keeps things deceptively effortless.
14 / 20
Sandy Liang
Sandy Liang is undoubtedly of cool-girl cult status, so who better to take notes from? For her wedding day, the designer let her tresses flow freely, accessorising with dainty white bows that pop beneath her veil. The result? An easy-going, natural look with a dreamy and feminine touch.
15 / 20
Margaret Qualley
The antithesis of elaborate bridal hair, Margaret Qualley’s bob serves as perfect inspiration for the unconventional bride. If you’re a short-hair girlie, take cues from her side-parted Italian-style bob. Where added curls give movement and body to the cut, resulting in a bouncy bob with a carefree edge.
16 / 20
Sofia Richie
At times simplicity is key, and Sofia Richie’s ballerina bun attests to that. Opt for a slicked-back braided bun for an understated chic that stands the test of time. A douse of hairspray will help to keep flyaways at bay and lock the sides in place for a clean and polished look.
17 / 20
Jennifer Lopez
Sleek, bouncy curls, as spotted on Jennifer Lopez, ooze effortless glamour. Pull back front pieces to keep the face open, highlighting your features while letting the sleek and voluminous nature of the curls complement your dress. It’s timeless and fuss-free, perfect for the exuberant occasion of your nuptials.
18 / 20
Taylor Hill
Take a page out of Taylor Hill’s book with a slick-backed top-knot, styled with a sleek fan out. This classic updo is sexy, stylish and more importantly—fuss-free. Poised gracefully atop her head, the sleek bun accentuates the model’s features and wedding dress, making her the star of the show.
19 / 20
Son Ye-jin
You can see South Korean actress Son Ye-jin was beaming with radiance and elegance on her wedding day, and we have her delicate coif to thank for that. The bride spotted a tousled high bun, allowing tendrils to break free for a more casual demeanour. Son’s hairstylist also experimented with baby hairs, which framed her face for a finishing touch.
20 / 20
Sarah Hyland
Walking down the aisle in an exquisite gown fit for royalty certainly requires a similar updo to match. For Modern Family star Sarah Hyland, a low bun does the trick, with loose tendrils framing her face and nape for added texture.
