37 Best Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles

Pinning down the best wedding hairstyle for your big day is akin to plucking the perfect dress or nailing down the playlist. After all, there are so many options to choose from and you want to make sure you get it just right.

To help narrow down your bridal hairstyle options, consider starting with a tried-and-true classic worn by many women of the hour: the half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle. It's a twist on the all-out updo—which may not feel entirely "you"—but feels more special than everyday beach waves.

Quite versatile, this look can read glamorous, simple, or chic, and is the perfect choice for many hair types. There are also a lot of ways to make it your very own. For a bit of inspiration ahead of your nuptials, peruse our favorite half-up, half-down wedding hairstyles that real brides wore on their big days.

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Vintage '40s Glam

retro half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle — Credit:
Sophie Epton

This half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle, created by Amanda Thorne, hearkens back to the glamour of the 1940s. Soft retro-inspired curls and hair gently pulled from the face—complete with a face-framing sweep on one side—make this a classic look that'll stand the test of time.

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Delicate Floral Hairpiece

half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle with floral hairpiece — Credit:
Michelle Lange Photography

Lean into the romance of your big day by having your hairstylist incorporate real or faux flowers into your half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle. For this look, stylist JC Hair Design incorporated a floral hair piece from Erin Rhyne. She also wove floral details into the bridesmaids' hair.

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Twists and Headpieces

sparkly, leaf-like hairpiece in half-up half-down hairstyle — Credit: KR Moreno Photo

Accentuate your half-up, half-down hairstyle with a twist—like M.O. Hair and Beauty did for this bride—with a sparkly, leaf-like hairpiece.

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Big Glam

groom kissing bride on forehead — Credit: Shanell Photography

To create this glamorous hairstyle, Brides by Sette gave this bride's bouncy waves dimension by pulling half of her hair up. She added a little height on top, while allowing two front pieces to frame the bride's face.

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Elegant Middle Part

bride and groom smiling under ceremony floral archway — Credit: Rachel Havel

Here's how to rock the half-up, half-down look if you're wearing a veil: When creating this look, stylist Sarah Al-adwani of Ceron Salon divided two pieces in the front to create a middle part, added soft waves at the ends, and formed a petite bun at the crown (so the veil's comb had something to grip onto).

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Beautiful Boufant

bride and groom in front of stone building — Credit: Ryan Ray

Looking for a wedding hairstyle that's formal and elegant? We found it. Here, Team Hair and Makeup created a half-up, half-down hairstyle with volume and height that was in complete balance with this bride's ball gown.

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Twists With a Veil

wedding portrait — Credit: Mailys Fortune

For this outdoor wedding, twists of the bride's naturally wavy hair was artfully arranged by Sinem Yavsaner. She tucked a long veil just underneath the twists for the ceremony (so the woman of the hour could easily remove it for the reception).

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Organic and Natural

half-up, half-down hairdo with veil — Credit: Amy Arrington Photography

A strategically placed veil is a classic way to emphasize this hairstyle. The Hair and Makeup Collective anchored this bride's traditional lace accessory right into the "up" section of her hair.

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Perfect Pairing

wedding couple portrait walking in garden — Credit: Stephanie Brauer Photography

This colorful Monique Lhuillier wedding dress, complete with floral and butterfly embroidery, needed a hairstyle that was just as dreamy. This half-up, half-down style by Willow House Beauty—with face-framing pieces falling into loose waves—perfectly complemented this bride's whimsical look.

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Braided

For a relaxed take on this classic look, try adding a milkmaid braid. This bride's pretty hairstyle would be perfect at a backyard wedding.

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Summer Simplicity

wedding couple portrait lake tahoe — Credit: Ryan Ray

A California summer wedding calls for a fuss-free half-up, half-down hairstyle that's simple, yet elegant. Edin Carpenter styled this bride's hair with subtle waves and a side part that dipped midway down and was pinned off her face.

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Ponytail

Not sold on a full half-up hairdo? Consider a modified version, like this one by Fringe Studio. The look came together by creating a low ponytail on the lower half of the bride's hair.

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Headband

If you're looking to add a little glamour to your half-up, half-down hairstyle, make like Design Visage and pair the hairstyle with a sparkly headband. We also suggest mimicking this bride and wearing minimal jewelry to bring attention to the statement accessory.

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Top Knot

For a contemporary ceremony, put an of-the-moment twist on this classic hairdo with a trendy top knot. Giulia Cresci was responsible for this bride's hair.

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Gold Leaf

Even the smallest accessories can make an impact on your half-up, half-down hairstyle. This gold leaf clip from Sara's Boutique gave this bride's Devotion Studio hairstyle a Grecian touch.

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Effortless Waves

danielle kevin wedding bride dress and veil — Credit: Jessica Claire Photography

Showcase your wedding dress' beauty by keeping your hair simple. Janet Zeitoun ditched accessories for this bride's look to ensure all eyes were on her Vera Wang ensemble.

Simple Wedding Hairstyles That Prove Less Is More

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Flowy Waves

bride and groom smiling on outdoor staircase — Credit: The Ganeys

If you like the idea of wearing your hair down, but don't want it in your face or overpowering your look, this half-up, half-down style is a good compromise. Here, Hair by Amelia Renee pulled back hair from a middle part, allowing long waves to fall along the sides.

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Traditional

For a completely traditional look, ask your hairstylist to add a little volume to the front of your half-up, half-down hairstyle with a bouffant. Olivia Halpin executed this bride's timeless hairdo by clipping the top section back and securing it with overlapping sections.

Pretty Wedding Hairstyles for Brides With Long Hair

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Loose Twists

wedding first dance in black and white — Credit: Janine Licare Photography

This bride's long wavy locks were pulled back and loosely twisted into embellished pins, while pretty pieces were left out to frame her face. This romantic hairstyle by Raven Reed worked beautifully with the bride's lace-embellished wedding dress.

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Front Fringe

long bangs loose curls half-up half-down hairstyle — Credit: Christy Wilson Photography

Parlour 3 proves long bangs aren't an issue with this hairstyle. Rather than tucking them away, let them hang loose for a softer, more casual feel.

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Low Ponytail

Keep the hair off your neck for your warm-weather wedding by tying the back section into a low ponytail and letting a few strands hang in the front, like Nicole Graftner did for this bride.

Wedding-Worthy Ponytails to Complete Your Bridal Beauty Look

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Simple Twist

It doesn't get any more effortless than this half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle created by Hey Lovely Makeup. The pros kept this look piece-y, which made it perfect for the bride's romantic garden wedding.

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No Veil

jeanette david wedding bride hair style — Credit: Maria Lamb

If you're choosing to forgo a traditional veil, get creative with your half-up, half-down hairstyle. Nicolette Paige Fratto added a few gold leaf hair pins from Lia Terni to this bride's hair to ensure her look was still eye-catching.

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Crown

bride and groom kiss for portraits before cocktail hour — Credit: Laura Gordon

One surefire way to elevate this type of hairstyle is with a crown. Jewel Hair Design used a tiara by Tania Maras as a regal finishing touch.

Crowns That Will Make Any Bride Feel Like Royalty

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Eucalyptus

There are a myriad of uses for greenery on your big day, but this example by Stacey Ford from Prima Salon proves it's also a particularly pretty (and natural) addition to your half-up, half-down hairstyle.

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Loose Tendrils

half-up, half-down loose curls hairstyle — Credit:
Caitlin Rose Photography

You can still wear this traditional hairstyle for your relaxed tropical celebration. Just opt for a loose interpretation, like this one by Garbo A Salon. This bride's waves were perfect for a breezy outdoor event.

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Middle Part

veronica mickias wedding bridal portrait — Credit: Lisa Poggi Photography

Want to add a little drama to your hairstyle? Yene Damtew proves that a middle part is the way to do just that. This bride's look also featured voluminous curls.

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Succulents

The best part about this hairstyle? You can accessorize it with any headpiece that suits your theme or locale. Rock Me Makeup chose a succulent piece, which was an appropriate addition for the bride's desert wedding.

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Dramatic Crown

custom made sequin mirror tulle full circle skirt with bell sleeves — Credit: Lindsey Roman Photography

With a wedding dress as unique as this one, you'll want an equally unexpected hairstyle. To match the bride's sparkly gown from One Day Bridal, Salon Ruelle chose this custom-made crown from Amaroq Design to accessorize her half-up, half-down look.

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Curly

molly ed wedding bride dress — Credit: Erin McGinn Photography

If you have gorgeous, curly hair like this beauty, you don't have to do much to make this hairstyle your own. That's why Jennie Kay kept this half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle natural with the bride's tendrils framing her face.

The Best Hairstyles for Every Wedding Dress Neckline

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By the Sea

wedding floral arch — Credit: Michael Radford

When thinking of a hairstyle for your outdoor reception, you may have to factor in wind. If you don't want an updo, a half-up, half-down hairdo—like this bride's Melina Ruiz style—is a great way to ensure your look is secure, even on a breezy beach.

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Classic Half-Up Hair

New Years even fallsip — Credit: Alison Conklin

This half-up, half-down hairstyle is perfect for a black-tie wedding. Amanda D'Andrea's combination of a simple twist and full curls gave this bride a classic vibe.

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Simple Hair Inspiration

peony-richard-wedding-maldives-couple-by-sailboat-sand-kiss-0632-s112383.jpg — Credit: KT Merry

For a laid-back celebration in the sand, a half-up, half-down look adds just the right balance of simplicity and sophistication.

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Garden Party Perfect Hair

aubrey austin wedding bride hair — Credit: Ace & Whim

While this wedding hairstyle is a great way to keep longer hair out of your eyes, the look can also intentionally frame your face. This loose half-up, half-down hairdo by Jacqueline Villa is proof.

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Braided Back Crown

michelle-ryan-wedding-krabi-thailand-0638-s112047-0815.jpg — Credit: Erich McVey

A braided back crown puts a unique and trendy spin on this classic hairstyle—as evidenced by this look that Amy Clarke created.

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Pink Veil

bride in sparkling wedding dress — Credit: Rylee Hitchner

Wearing a unique veil like this bride's flower crown iteration? You may also want to bookmark her hairdo; Green Pea Salon keep her style minimal so it wouldn't compete with her statement headpiece.

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Sophisticated Style

rebecca-david-wedding-new-york-couple-oheka-castle-115-d112241.jpg — Credit: Judy Pak

Here's proof that a simple half-up, half-down hairstyle can still feel glamorous. Although Marie Robinson Salon decided against accessories, this bride's look still felt elevated.