Your dress might be the star, but your hair? It’s the finishing touch that ties everything together. The right bridal hairstyle doesn’t just match your gown– it enhances the whole look, balances your neckline and helps you feel fully you on your wedding day. Whether you’re dreaming of something soft and romantic or sleek and sculptural, we’ve matched gorgeous hairstyles to the most popular dress styles so you can find your perfect pairing.
Let’s dive in together, silhouette by silhouette, so your entire look comes together like the masterpiece it’s meant to be.
A-line dresses: Endless possibilities
A-line dresses are like that friend who’s good at everything. Timeless, flattering and a little bit of magic, no matter the occasion. What bridal hairstyle do you pair with it? It totally depends on the mood you’re going for.
Soft waves: Perfect for brides who love that effortless, romantic vibe. Imagine your hair catching the breeze as you glide down the aisle.
Classic low bun: Chic and timeless, this bun keeps all the attention on your gown’s neckline. Add a few pearls or a vintage comb for extra flair.
Half-up twists: Playful and versatile, especially if you want a touch of whimsy. This look says, “I’m here for tradition but I’m doing it my way.”
Ballgowns: Go big or go home
Ballgowns are the definition of drama – in the best possible way. If you’re walking into a room wearing this wedding dress style, you need a bridal hairstyle that keeps up.
Polished buns: Think Audrey Hepburn with a dash of modern elegance. Perfect for a gown with intricate detailing up top.
Voluminous curls: For that full-on fairytale vibe. A tiara wouldn’t hurt here either – this is your princess moment, after all.
Braided updos: A little boho, a little royal. Braids add texture while still letting the gown take centre stage.
Mermaid and trumpet gowns: All about the curves
Mermaid and trumpet dresses are sultry and sophisticated, hugging every curve like they were custom-made for you. Your hairstyle? It should enhance that sleekness.
Hollywood waves: Glamorous and timeless, this style oozes old-school romance. Pair it with a bold lip for maximum effect.
Polished ponytail: Who says ponytails can’t be bridal? Sleek and glossy, this look is modern, bold, and undeniably chic.
Textured chignons: Add a touch of softness to balance the gown’s structure. A few loose strands? Absolutely.
Sheath and slip dresses: Less is more
Sheath and slip dresses are the cool girls of wedding gowns. They are effortlessly chic and perfect for brides who love minimalism. Your bridal hairstyle should match that same effortless vibe.
Low bun with a centre part: Clean, elegant and lets your natural beauty shine.
Loose waves: A little undone, a little dreamy. Add a delicate clip or hairpiece to tie it all together.
Straight and sleek: Sometimes, simplicity is all you need. A centre part and glossy locks are the perfect match.
Tea-length and short dresses: Fun and flirty
Short dresses bring the party to the party. Whether you’re going retro or modern, your hairstyle can lean into the fun or bring some extra glamour.
Retro pin curls: Perfect for a tea-length gown with vintage vibes. Add a birdcage veil for the ultimate throwback.
Tousled bob or pixie: If you’re rocking shorter hair, embrace it! Texture and accessories (think jewelled pins or florals) will make your look pop.
High ponytail: Playful, youthful and great for twirling on the dance floor.
Boho gowns: Carefree and dreamy
If your dress is all lace, flowy fabrics and earthy vibes, your bridal hairstyle should feel just as relaxed and ethereal.
Loose braids: Crown braids, fishtails or braided accents all scream boho beauty. Bonus points if you weave in a few wildflowers.
Soft, natural waves: Perfectly imperfect, just like a bohemian love story. Let those strands flow freely.
Half-up twists with florals: This one’s practically made for a boho bride. It’s the dreamiest mix of structured and undone.
Braids with botanicals:Loose braids laced with fresh blooms or greenery bring a soft, earthy feel to your boho look.
Off-the-shoulder dresses: All about balance
Off-the-shoulder wedding gowns showcase your décolletage, so your hair should frame your face without stealing the show.
Side-swept curls: Romantic and elegant, this style enhances the asymmetry of your neckline.
Soft updos: A loose bun or chignon keeps things polished while highlighting your shoulders.
Half-up with volume: Adds height and drama while still feeling soft and romantic.
High-neck and halter gowns: Sleek and sophisticated
These styles draw attention to your shoulders and neckline, so your wedding day hair should stay sleek and sophisticated.
Ballerina bun: Clean and classic, it’s a no-brainer for high-neck dresses.
Sleek ponytail: Modern, bold and unapologetically stylish. Add a velvet ribbon or dainty bow for a whimsical twist.
Braided updo: Intricate yet refined, it adds just the right amount of detail.
Wedding hair prep & wellness tips
The secret to a great wedding hairstyle? It starts way before your stylist pulls out the curling wand. In fact, if you want your look to hold up (literally and figuratively), your hair care routine should kick off about three months before the big day.
Begin with regular trims—nothing dramatic, just a little dusting every six to eight weeks to keep split ends at bay and encourage healthy growth. This helps your hair look full, not frayed, especially if you’re going for braids, waves, or anything that needs movement.
Scalp care is another pre-wedding must. Think of it like skincare, but for your roots. A weekly exfoliating scrub or hydrating treatment can boost circulation and give your hair that natural shine that makes styles look even sleeker. Combine that with less heat styling (or at least a solid heat protectant) and your strands will thank you come wedding week.
And yes—hydration matters. Deep conditioning masks, leave-in treatments, and honestly? Just drinking more water. All of it helps. Your hair is made up of protein and water, after all, so treat it like you would your skin before a big event: consistent love, not just last-minute panic.
Finally, don’t sleep on the trial. Book it one to two months out, and bring every hair accessory you’re planning to wear. The veil. The pins. The pearl-studded comb you impulse-bought at midnight. Your stylist needs to see it all to make sure the final look doesn’t just work—it wows.
To find wedding hairstylists in Canada, click here.
Lesley TurnerEditorial Content Writer
Lesley is a freelance writer and content strategist with a serious love for all things wedding. With a background in bridal fashion and over a decade of industry experience, she creates stylish, scroll-stopping content for Today's Bride and beyond.
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