No matter if your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or natural, donning braids for a wedding hairstyle is a universal option that has the ability to elevate any bridal beauty look. As of late, this classic 'do has even experienced a resurgence in the wedding space, with stylists now offering tons of new ways to rethink the simple plait.
"Braids are the first thing I think of when a bride wants a hairstyle that's special, whimsical, and fun," says celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims. "Plus, you have the major bonus of taking your hair down after the reception and having these gorgeous waves throughout your hair for any post-wedding festivities—or for the flight on your way to the honeymoon the next day."
Sims also adds, "Braids are unique but totally timeless, too. You won't look back at your wedding photos in 20 years and regret having a braid in your hair, no matter what style you choose." And for those interested in sporting this gorgeous style on their special day, we've searched high and low for some of the prettiest plaits to inspire your own 'do.
Whether you're looking for a wedding coif that's light and romantic or on the hunt for something a bit modern, keep scrolling for our pick of 40 gorgeous braided hairstyles, straight from real brides.
Meet the Expert
Larry Sims is a celebrity hairstylist with over 20 years of experience in the industry.
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Floral Fishtail Pony
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We love the idea of adding a punch of intricate braiding and accessories into an ultra-sleek ponytail. For instance, this bride's simple fishtail got an extra dose of bohemian romance with face-framing tendrils and a floral swag that was placed on one side of her head.
02of 40
Loose Braided Updo
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Do brides who choose braids for their wedding hairstyle have more fun? The answer is yes, of course! Take a cue from this bride when searching for inspiration, who left out a few loose strands to frame her braided 'do (all while incorporating pearl pins for a romantic finish).
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Minimalist Braided Knot
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Create a minimal (yet totally trendy) knot by weaving a two-strand braid into the hair and fastening it with clips or pins. This look is such an exquisite blank canvas—it's strong and sophisticated all on its own—but would also look pretty with intentionally placed embellishments.
Use pins or clips that match your hair color to seamlessly secure the coif.
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Halo Braided Headband
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This sweet, simple braided headband would please any kind of bride and works with practically any wedding dress silhouette. What we love the most, however, is that this style is sophisticated yet pared-back, perfect for a ballroom celebration or a beachside affair. Plus, it offers an adorable mini-me option for those adorable flower girls.
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Wrapped Bun
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This bride wrapped her braids into a sophisticated bun with a refreshing twist, courtesy of a multi-braid texture. Pro tip: This is a great way to elongate the neck if rocking a high-neck ensemble.
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Twisted Updo
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Like an abstract work of art, this bride's braids give some contemporary oomph to a traditional updo. Not a single ounce of natural volume was wasted in the dimensional, twisting design of her hair, bringing enough character to complement her floral-themed two-piece bridal set.
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Waterfall Braid
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By definition, a waterfall braid features loose strands that cascade from the plait in a waterfall-like effect. As pictured above, we can't help but love how gorgeous these soft waves are, which are paired with a dramatic cascading braid that blends seamlessly into this bride's waves.
08of 40
Tiny Parallel Braids
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Boho brides, this look is for you! This bride sported soft, ultra-long locks that were accented by a veil of multiple braids. The crown is gathered into three tiny, parallel plaits that were perfectly suited for a night of dancing barefoot along the Italian coast.
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Dressed-Up Milkmaid Braid
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A milkmaid braid has all sorts of rustic, countryside feels, but that doesn't mean it can't be dressed up for someone's big day. We love the addition of a stunning jeweled headpiece, which makes this sweet and demure hairstyle instantly wedding-worthy.
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Braided Faux Hawk
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Cool-girl brides, take note. This braided faux hawk makes a serious statement and is a style to consider. We especially love how this bride paired her look with a classic chignon and an intricate dress for added elegance.
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Ultra-Long Braided Ponytail
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Now, this is a glam ponytail. While this bride's ceremony vibe may have been low-maintenance, she definitely kicked things up a notch for her New Orleans wedding reception. Specifically, she sported a braided ponytail of epic proportions for a look as vivacious as the bride herself.
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Braided Natural Crown
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Okay, how much do we love this style, which is such a fresh take on the classic crown braid? This carefree wedding 'do would be gorgeous paired with a fashion-forward but chilled-out bridal look, such as a breezy jumpsuit or two-piece ensemble. (Destination wedding locale optional.)
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Half-Up, Half-Down
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From the Dutch side braid to those loose wavy locks, there's so much we love about this relaxed bridal hairstyle. The best part? There are so many ways to rock this look given its half-up, half-down style.
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Undone Crown Updo
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Whether you're planning a beach wedding, destination celebration, or beautiful summer afternoon nuptials close to home, this undone braided updo is incredibly versatile. Also, can we talk about how much we love the lush volume of this look and all of its wispy strands?
To make a braid look fuller, gently pull apart the strands to give them more width, or you can sprinkle in a little volumizing powder to get the job done.
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Braided Chignon
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A chignon looks good on just about everyone, as this classic updo is all about elegance. Keeping the whole look soft and relaxed—plus the addition of that beautiful braid—gives the updo a romantic, modern twist. It's also a stunning wind-proof option for those easy-breezy outdoor ceremonies.
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Braid-Accented Waves
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After her classic ceremony, this bride (who sported the braided chignon above) let her hair down for a whimsical half-up, half-down 'do for her backyard reception. Her look was complete with beachy waves courtesy of (you guessed it) the original braid.
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Side-Swept, Multi-Strand Braid
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While the classic braid has three plaits, it is possible to up the ante from there. A four-strand plait, in particular, can have a more textured feel than its traditional counterpart, while also adding a little bit of majestic flair.
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French Braid Crown
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Regal, romantic, and timeless, we will forever love a crown braid. Woven as an elegant French braid that finishes in a carefully tucked updo, this bride's look is simply perfection. Seriously, just look at that stunning vow-exchange portrait!
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Side-Swept Twist
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For a more laid-back iteration of the style, this bride opted for a loose twist at her Los Angeles wedding. In lieu of a tight braid, the relaxed twist adds asymmetric volume (and face-framing) before wrapping into a side-swept knot. A few pulls of strands here and there add an effortless feel and fuller look overall.
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Loosely Plaited Curls
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Combine classic with tradition by interlocking your curls with a loosely plaited braid. What's more, if a DIY hairstyle is what you're after, we deem your search complete.
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Polished Pony Braid
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Starting with a clean middle part and sleek tresses, this bride could have gone in just about any direction for her hair. However, we adore how she chose a polished ponytail braid, which feels modern but still relaxed.
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Classic Halo Updo
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Timeless, sweet, and absolutely gorgeous, this plait shows off both the hairstyle's sumptuous texture and the bride's color tones. Looking to tuck a few flowers in there? This tight 'do is the perfect vessel for those adorable buds. Plus, it's beautifully framed by the gorgeous lace high-neck gown.
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Loose Fishtail Pony
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We can't help but swoon over this fishtail braid that finishes as a carefree pony. A humble bridal ponytail may seem unexpected with the drama of this dress (and sleeves!), but we find the juxtaposition to be quite refreshing. Anything more ornate could have seemed out of place for a seaside elopement.
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Floral Fishtail Braid
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An effortless fishtail braid gets a touch of romance with small flowers tucked into the plaits. Baby's breath—which symbolizes everlasting love—is a timeless choice, but other florals that could work include jasmine, orchids, spray roses, and even sprigs of greenery. Get creative with buds that match your bouquet and your surroundings, or one's that hold special meaning to you.
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Braided Bun
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Smooth, glossy locks look oh-so polished in a chic updo. This low, braided bun is further elevated by the ultra-glam halo surrounding it. We love the hint of sparkle against the bride's dark hair at this industrial Long Island wedding.
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A Ribboned Plait
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No need to overdo things when a simple braid can be positively charming. This bride's sunny locks were twisted back into a half-up, half-down style with the ends adorably wrapped up in velvet ribbon. We're absolutely obsessed with how the bride's natural texture shines through, adding a beautiful boho feel to the overall look.
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Braided Traditions
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This bride wove a whole lot more than just her ample strands into this lush braid. Specifically, she laced in several ancestral traditions and nods to her South Indian heritage with customary jewelry and sweet-smelling jasmine flowers. If you weren't naturally blessed with such fullness, teasing can help achieve similar volume and provide a good grip for any special accessories you choose to tuck in.
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Relaxed Halo Braided Updo
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How heavenly does this bride look, with face-framing wisps of hair and a relaxed braided halo? The whole look exudes an easy, natural beauty while still feeling so wedding-day ready. If we weren't already convinced that a spritely crown or milkmaid braid could be elevated into adulthood, we certainly are now.
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Woven Ponytail
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This ponytail style is anything but lackluster. With a mega dose of volume, twisted sides, a thick braid, and a glittering hairpin, this 'do is effortless and glam all at once. Also, check out how the subtle V-shaped back of the dress frames the ponytail drop so elegantly.
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Peekaboo Braid
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Talk about romance: This bride snuck in a delicate braid to add texture (and a hint of surprise) to a lovely updo for her at-home elopement in Brooklyn. With a posie of creamy florals tucked into the chignon and that exquisite birdcage veil, this bridal look couldn't be more picture-perfect.
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Braid Meets Ponytail
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This bride's braid and ponytail come together in a completely unexpected way. That is to say, the ponytail itself isn't braided. Instead, the front ends are gathered back in a traditional French braid before blending with the bottom pieces into a classic ponytail with a few wraparound twists.
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Layered Charm
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Sometimes two braids are better than one. This charming composition is created with two braids layered atop one another for a romantic updo that lays horizontally rather than going vertical. We especially love the extra volume at the crown and sweet tendrils framing the face to balance out the look.
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French-Braided Chignon
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Classics are classics for a reason and the French braid is one of those looks. Always so elegant and equally versatile, this beautiful style is suited for all hair types and textures. As seen here, this bride's slightly-undone French braid drops into an elegant knot at the base of the neck for her design-forward desert wedding in Zion.
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Sculptural Plaits
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Low maintenance doesn't have to mean boring when it comes to bridal hairstyles. Take a cue from this bride who rocked a low-maintenance, sleek bun inspired by Tracee Ellis Ross.
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Wraparound Braid
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A wraparound braid and half-up, half-down style go hand in hand. What's more, not only does the coif work on any texture and length of hair, but it also fits just about every bridal aesthetic, too.
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Plaited Structure
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Can't decide between a braid or a knotted updo? Well, who says you can't have both? A sweeping braid adds definition to the profile before hugging an intricate chignon that keeps hair perfectly in place all day—and all night—long. This type of romantic structure is an absolute must for the unexpected climate of a coastal Italian wedding.
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Relaxed Braided Updos, Two Ways
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We love the synergy of these two lovely brides, especially given their complementary braided 'dos. Look closer, and in some ways, you'll realize that they're basically sporting the same look: a pretty braided updo that's gathered into a low knot in the back, framed by bangs and some delicate stray wisps.
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Draped Crown Braid
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While crown braids are typically woven tight, this relaxed, half-up, half-down look is achieved by keeping the plaits of the braid on the looser side. A good portion of strands were also intentionally left free similar to a waterfall braid.
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Box Braids
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This bride opted for gorgeous box braids in a sophisticated high bun style. Combined with her incredible blush dress and fall-inspired wedding bouquet, this look is an effortless choice for seasonal nuptials.
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Braided French Twist
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A thick, side-swept Dutch braid created the perfect foundation for the glittery, art deco headpiece this bride wore to her nuptials in Rwanda. The dramatic plait also sweeps back into an elegantly woven iteration of a French twist to beautifully complement the sparkly topper.
