Mother of Bride Hairstyles: 30 Stunning Ideas to Shine on the Big Day

Being the mother of the bride is an honor. On your daughter’s wedding day, you deserve to look and feel gorgeous. Your hairstyle should complement your outfit, be comfortable all day, and photograph beautifully. Here, I offer 30 smart, modern hairstyle ideas in a friendly, easy style. Each is a fresh idea to match your taste.

This article will help you pick a flattering hairdo, whether your hair is short, medium, or long. You’ll see options for elegant updos, soft waves, side-swept styles, and more. These ideas include hair accessories, braids, twists, and texture. Let’s move in and find your perfect look.

40+ Mother of Bride Hairstyles Ideas

Elegant Chignon with Side Part

One classic look is the elegant chignon. Gather hair at the nape of your neck and twist into a low bun. Create a deep side part to soften your face. Use light hairspray to keep it in place all day. Add a delicate hairpin for sparkle. This style works with medium to long hair and suits formal gowns.

You can vary the chignon by making it loose or sleek. If you have some face-framing strands, leave them out for softness. You can weave a skinny braid into one side above the ear. Or wrap a twist around the base. This gives your mother-of-bride style texture and charm.

Must Read: 35+ Short Curly Hairstyles for Women to Rock Your Natural Curls in Style

Soft Waves with Middle Part

Soft, loose waves give a gentle, flattering look. Create waves with a medium barrel curling iron. Brush them out softly. Part your hair down the middle or slightly off-center. Let waves rest on your shoulders. This works well if you have shoulder-length hair or longer.

This style brings movement and natural beauty. Use a light shine spray for a polished finish. You can tuck one side behind your ear and secure it with a sparkly clip. That way, the waves frame one side of your face and look elegant in photos.

Low Twisted Bun

A low twisted bun blends simplicity and sophistication. Divide hair into two sections. Twist each side toward the back. Pin them together at the nape into a bun. You can leave tendrils around your face for softness. This style keeps hair off your neck and stays neat all evening.

It suits thin or fine hair too, because the twists add visual volume. Use a texturizing spray before twisting to give grip. This style pairs beautifully with dresses that show the shoulders or neckline.

Half-Up Braided Crown

To mix elegance and ease, try a half-up braided crown. Take two sections from each side of your head, braid them, then bring them back to meet in the middle. Secure them with pins or a decorative comb. Let the rest of your hair fall loosely or in waves. This style is romantic and keeps hair out of your eyes.

You can vary the braids, try fishtail, Dutch, or simple three-strand. If your hair is fine, gently tug at braid edges to fluff them. This gives volume and an organic look. Add a small floral accent or comb where the braids meet.

Sleek Straight Bob

If you have a bob, go sleek and polished. Straighten your hair using a flat iron and apply a smoothing serum. Part your hair on the side or down the middle. Tuck one side behind your ear, and add a jeweled clip if you like. This style is crisp and modern.

The sleek bob works well for short hair, giving you a refined look that complements your gown. Use anti-frizz spray to battle humidity. This look suits geometric or contemporary dresses nicely.

Romantic Curls with Volume

Volume and curls go hand in hand. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create big curls. Tease at the crown slightly to lift your roots. Brush gently to separate curls, creating soft waves. Let them cascade over your shoulders or pin one side back with a decorative slide.

This style enhances thick or long hair. It gives you drama, timeless appeal, and fullness. Use hairspray to set the curls without crispness. The overall look feels romantic and glamorous.

Braided Low Ponytail

A braided ponytail keeps hair secure and stylish. Start by braiding a section from one side or two. Bring hair into a low ponytail and wrap the braid around the base. Pin neatly. Leave the tail straight or curled. This offers flair and ease. It also works for mid-length hair.

You can also do multiple small braids or a French braid into the ponytail. Use decorative bands or pins to elevate the look. This style keeps hair under control during dancing and photos.

Soft Side-Swept Waves

Sweep your hair to one side for a dramatic, elegant effect. Curl your hair into waves. Sweep the hair over one shoulder and secure it with pins behind your ear. Let a few curls fall softly. This style highlights your neckline and earrings. It works for medium to long hair lengths.

Add a rhinestone clip or comb at the pinned side to add sparkle. Keep volume near roots to avoid flatness. This side-swept look flatters many face shapes and gives a red-carpet feel.

Low Bun with Braided Accent

Mix a bun with a braid for refined detail. Start a braid on one side and carry it toward the back. Form a low bun and incorporate the braid into it. Pin securely. Leave a few soft strands loose if desired. This combination gives structure and decorative interest.

You can use a fishtail or waterfall braid if you want a delicate touch. If your hair is long, the braid can be thick and dramatic. For shorter hair, use smaller braids or side twists instead.

Curly Pixie with Volume

If you have a curly pixie or very short hair, let your natural texture shine. Define curls with curl cream. Add volume at the top by scrunching upward. Use a light gloss or pomade to shape and hold sides. This style is bold, modern, and low-maintenance on a wedding day.

Embrace your curls rather than fight them. You can also pin one side behind your ear or add a small hair accessory like a clip or comb on one side. Let your confidence complete the look.

Half-Up with Twist and Clip

Take the top sections of your hair and twist them toward the back. Secure with a decorative clip or barrette. Leave the rest of your hair down in waves or straight. This gives you a balanced style of hair off the face, texture, and a decorative point of focus.

You can create two mini twists from either side or one large twist. Use a clip that matches your dress or jewelry. This style suits hair lengths from above shoulder to long.

Classic French Twist

The French twist is timeless for formal occasions. Gather hair gently to one side, twist inward, and tuck the ends at the nape. Pin securely. Use hairspray to smooth any flyaways. This style looks elegant and cleans up your silhouette. Add a jeweled pick or comb at the twist for glamour.

This updo works nicely on medium to long hair. It suits dresses with straps, sleeves, or open necklines. The French twist reflects grace and maturity.

Bubble Ponytail

A bubble ponytail is playful yet polished. Start with a mid or high ponytail. Add clear elastics down the length every few inches. Gently tug at each bubble to fluff. You can curl the end or keep it straight. This style brings structure and interest.

You can combine it with braids or twists up top. Add ribbon or a hair accessory at the base. Works for medium to long hair.

Soft Roll and Side Pin

Roll one side of your hair back gently. Pin it behind the ear. Let the rest of your hair fall freely. Add waves or keep hair straight. This look is subtle and elegant. The roll adds gentle volume and frames your face softly.

You can incorporate a twist before the roll. Use a decorative pin for the pinned side. It’s ideal if you want a gentle style that doesn’t dominate.

Textured Lob with Side Part

If your hair sits in a long bob (lob), add texture. Use a sea salt spray or texturizer. Scrunch to bring out waves. Part your hair deeply on one side. Let strands fall loosely. This style is relaxed but polished.

You can tuck one side behind your ear for asymmetry. Use a hair accessory on one side. The textured lob suits casual elegance and modern dresses.

High Bun with Loose Tendrils

A high bun lifts your silhouette. Pull hair into a high ponytail and twist into a bun. Allow a few tendrils to fall near your face. Curl those lightly for softness. This style gives presence and keeps hair off your back.

This works best with medium to long hair. Use pins low in the bun to minimize bulk. The loose tendrils soften the look and complement your face.

Braided Updo with Flower Accent

Braid sections of hair, then incorporate them into an updo. You can use French or Dutch braids. Place a small fresh flower or faux floral piece within the braid or at the bun. This style feels romantic, garden-fresh, and elegant.

Flowers that match your bouquet can tie your look together. Use blooms that won’t wilt in heat. This hairstyle suits outdoor or spring weddings.

Sleek Low Ponytail with Center Part

For a clean, modern cut, try a sleek low ponytail. Straighten hair and apply smoothing serum. Part hair in the center. Gather hair at the nape and secure tightly. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for polish. This style is minimal and chic.

This look works well with structured dresses. It emphasizes your face and neckline. It also stays secure through toasts and hugs.

Half-Up Twist with Waves

Twist small sections on each side of your head, bring them together at the back, and secure. Let the remainder flow in soft waves. This style blends sophistication and ease. The twists add detail, and waves bring softness.

Add a comb or jewel at the meeting point for extra flair. This style suits many hair lengths, especially medium to long.

Sleek Side Part with Pin Back

Part hair deeply to one side. Smooth the hair and tuck one side behind your ear. Pin with a decorative barrette or comb. Let the other side fall straight or in waves. This look is simple, elegant, and polished.

This works for medium-length hair and up. The strong part line gives definition. The side pin adds sparkle without bulk.

Loose Braided Ponytail

Braid most of your hair into a loose, messy braid. Pull bits to loosen and fluff. Leave some strands around your face. Or start with a small braid at the crown and merge into the ponytail braid. This gives a casual but styled feel.

Use volume spray first to give grip. The loose braid feels romantic and natural. It works for medium and long hair, especially when you want a boho vibe.

Wispy Side Bun

Create a low side bun near your ear. Pull hair loosely, and let soft wisps fall around your face. Curl those wisps lightly. This eccentric style is flattering and balanced. It steers attention toward your shoulders and neck.

You can also weave a small braid into the bun. Finish with a tiny jeweled accent near the base. This style suits romantic gowns or lace overlays.

Curly Updo with Volume

For curly hair, gather curls into an updo that leaves some texture out. Pin curls loosely at the crown or nape. Leave a few curls loose around your face. This style accents your natural texture. It keeps hair up but still soft and full.

Use curl-enhancing products before styling. Let the curls speak for themselves. This gives you a lively, expressive mother-of-bride hairstyle.

Slicked Back Low Ponytail

Push hair back off your face and gather into a low ponytail. Use gel or pomade to smooth sides. This creates a sleek, modern statement. It keeps hair contained and fuss-free. The slick back draws focus to your face and earrings.

You can wrap hair around the base for polish. Add a jeweled clip at the base for detail. Works well with strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses.

Voluminous Blowout

Get a professional blowout to lift and shape your hair. Use large round brushes to add body. The set ends with a slight curl or flip. Part softly to one side or down the middle. This style feels luxurious and full of movement.

You can add shine spray and hairspray to lock the look. The blowout gives your hair volume and bounce without tight curls.

Twisted Halo

Form two twists or braids from either side of your head. Bring them overhead toward the back, creating a halo effect. Secure them together or to your hair. Let the rest of your hair fall down or in waves. This style frames your face beautifully.

You can tuck the ends into a low bun or leave them flowing. Add small flowers or gems along the halo for extra charm. It gives you a crown-like, elegant effect.

Textured Updo with Loose Strands

Build an updo at the back with twists, knots, and pinning. Leave very soft strands and curls around your temples and neck. This style gives structure plus softness. It accommodates many hair types and lengths. It looks romantic and polished.

Use texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip. This helps pieces hold in place all day. The loose strands soften the face and bring dimension.

Side Braid with Soft Waves

Start a French or Dutch braid from the side above your ear. Braid toward the back and merge into the rest of your hair. Let your waves fall below. The side braid brings interest; the waves bring softness. Use this style if you want one detail without full updo.

You can choose thin or thick braids. Pull gently to loosen and add volume. Add a small clip or blossom at the start of the braid for decoration.

Low Bubble Bun

Begin with a low ponytail. Use small elastics to segment the ponytail into bubbles. Then twist and coil those bubbles into a loose low bun. Pin securely. Let a few curls remain around your face. This style blends playful texture and elegance.

Ideal for longer hair. Use light hairspray to set each section. This keeps bubbles defined but soft.

Fishtail Braid into Half-Up

Take two side sections, fishtail braid them halfway, then secure at the back. Let the rest of your hair fall down. Or continue the braid down. This offers a hybrid half-up style full of detail. It suits many hair lengths and textures.

Loosen the braid edges for dimension. Use a decorative barrette where the braids converge. The fishtail adds a modern twist to a classic look.

Twisted Side Sweep with Clip

Twist hair from one side of your head back and sweep all hair to the opposite shoulder. Secure with a clip at the nape or side. The twist gives visual movement. The sweep sets a dramatic silhouette. Let the hair flow gently.

You can curl the hair first to give shape. The twist gives you control and structure. This style pairs well with statement earrings.

Messy Low Bun with Face-Framing Strands

Pull hair into a low bun but leave pieces loose on the sides and top. Gently tug bun loops to loosen and create texture. Curl loose strands softly. This gives a relaxed, romantic feel. It’s perfect if you want beauty without stiffness.

You can add a comb or pin near the bun. The messy style feels natural and comfortable, while still elegant.

Side-Swept Twisted Updo

Twist sections of hair from one side deeper toward the back. Sweep hair over and form an updo near the opposite ear or nape. Pin carefully. Leave a few curls loose for softness. This style is asymmetrical, graceful, and flattering.

You can braid for texture before twisting. Use decorative pins along the twist line. This gives you an artistic and elegant finish.

Half-Up Bouffant with Curls

Backcomb the crown to build volume (the bouffant). Then take the top section back and pin it. Let the rest cascade in curls. This style gives height and softness. It elevates your silhouette and frames your face.

You can smooth the top layer over the teased base. Use hairspray to lock the volume. Add a small accessory at the pin point for extra flair.

Vintage Waves with Side Clip

Create vintage “Old Hollywood” waves using a curved iron or rollers. Keep waves smooth and structured. Sweep your hair to one side. Pin one wave near your ear with a clip or comb. This gives a glamorous, classic look.

This style works well on medium to long hair. Use strong-hold hairspray to preserve shape. The side clip gives sparkle and holds the style.

Messy Crown Braid

Create a loose crown braid around the top or sides of your head. Pull bits loose to soften. Let the rest of your hair fall in waves or curls. This gives you a relaxed, boho elegance. The crown braid frames your face like a halo.

Add small floral pins or jewels along the braid. This accentuates the romantic nature. This style works best with medium to long hair.

Sleek Low Chignon with Center Part

Part hair in the center or slightly off. Smooth hair straight back. Roll into a low chignon at the nape. Keep the look sleek and shiny. This style feels polished and refined. It emphasizes your neckline and accessories.

Use smoothing serum and strong hairspray. This works well for formal gowns and minimal jewelry. The sleek chignon is a showstopper in its simplicity.

Elegant Twisted Ponytail

Gather hair into a ponytail. Twist the ponytail tightly. Coil upward or leave as a twisted tail. Secure with pins. Let a few soft curls break loose near your face. This style shows detail without fuss. It’s great for medium to long hair.

You can braid the twist section or combine with a side braid. Use decorative pins along the twist for added glamour. The twist gives structure and flair.

Textured Pixie Comb-Over

If your hair is short or pixie-cut, style it with texture and direction. Use styling wax or paste to sweep hair to one side. Create subtle waves or ridges. Add a jeweled barrette on one side. This little detail lifts a simple cut into a festive look.

Don’t overdo it. Let the texture and clip shine. This minimalist look suits modern mother-of-bride style and emphasizes your facial features.

Braided Side Sweep into Updo

Start with a braid on one side, carry it back, and roll it into an updo with the rest of your hair. This side-to-back motion gives direction and flair. Leave a few curls loose for softness. Pin securely. It offers form and visual rhythm.

You can choose a Dutch braid, fishtail, or traveling twist. Use small decorative pins along the braid for sparkle. This style is artistic and polished.

Low Twisted Halo Bun

Combine a halo twist and bun. Twist hair around your head from both sides. Gather any leftover hair at the back into a low bun. Secure neatly. Leave a few tendrils loose. This style gives you a regal, composed look.

Add small adornments in the twists or bun. This style suits many hair lengths and feels graceful yet structured.

Sleek Tucked Bob with Accessories

If your hair is short or bob-length, you can tuck it behind your ears. Use smoothing cream to sleek it down. Pin soft waves or curls behind the ears. Add decorative combs or clips on one or both sides. This look is clean, modern, and elegant.

You can exaggerate the tuck at the ends. The accessories add interest. This works well when you want a fuss-free, polished style.

Conclusion

Choosing your mother-of-bride hairstyle is a chance to shine. With these 30 ideas, you can match your hair length, dress style, and personal taste. Whether you lean toward classic updos, romantic waves, or modern sleek styles, there is a look for you. Add soft strands, braids, twists, or floral accents to personalize it. Use strong but flexible hold products to keep your style intact all day.

On your daughter’s big day, look at ease and confidence. Let your hairstyle reflect your grace, beauty, and joy. Choose the style that makes you feel like you and then wear it proudly. You deserve to glow beside the bride.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I schedule a hair trial?

You should book a hair trial at least 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding. This gives time to adjust and perfect the style. Bring photos and your dress. Also bring hair accessories you plan to use.

What kinds of hair accessories work best for mother-of-bride styles?

Choose combs, pins, clips, or small floral accents. Go with pieces that match your dress or jewelry. Use lightweight accessories so hair doesn’t droop. Avoid anything too large that overshadows your face.

Can I change my hairstyle slightly after the ceremony?

You can loosen pins to let curls fall, remove accessories, or change a bun into a ponytail. Just ensure the base style is secure so it can adapt. Ask your stylist for quick post-ceremony tweaks.

How do I choose a style that flatters my face shape?

• For round faces, add height or volume on top, part hair off-center, avoid full fringe.
  
• For oval faces, most styles suit you, especially parted looks and soft waves.
  
• For square or angular faces, soften edges with curls, wispy strands, or side-swept styles.
  
• For heart-shaped faces, pull hair back softly, leave strands near temples, and avoid harsh lines.

How can I keep my hairstyle fresh through a long day?

Use quality hair products: smoothing serum, volumizer, flexible hairspray, and grip spray. Ask the stylist to pin securely and leave you some extra pins.