Elegant Updos & Braids for Fall Weddings 2025: Inspo for Every Bride & Guest

Fall weddings are special in their own way, with golden leaves, light winds, and a season that is made to be romantic. However, the thing is that the ideal hairstyle to go with that warm and dreamy look? That’s where it gets fun. As a bride, bridesmaid or wedding guest, fall is the season to go rich in textures, soft curls and details. So what hairstyles actually work with a veil? Can updos look effortless and elegant? And what about short hair? So, let us talk about all that- as this season is demanding looks that are not too polished.

Boho braids to rustic buns, here is your own guide to the most intriguing fall wedding hairstyles of the year. I’ve picked some of the best styles that’ll inspire you—whether you’re working with long hair, medium length, or looking for something simple but unforgettable.

Let’s dive in.

Romantic Braided Chignon with Golden Laurel Pin

It is something about this deep-colored braided chignon, carefully and skillfully twisted into a low, full-volume updo, that is so magical. The shade itself, a dark wine red, transports the comfortably dramatic fall directly into the wedding season, as it is an ideal pick of a bride or even a daring bridesmaid hairstyle. The seamless transition of the crown braid into the nape bun makes the style look like it says boho, but with a touch of royal grace. Throw in the dainty gold leaf pin and you have a hair style that appears to have been lifted off a forest wedding in Vermont, at golden hour.

To ensure that a style such as this remains smooth and sleek all through the night, I would always advise a light-hold anti-humidity hair spray such as Oribe Superfine Hair Spray. It provides support without hardness, and your braids stay in place but appear soft, which is particularly essential in fall wedding hairstyles as a bride updo idea. Additionally, a dab of serum such as the Moroccanoil Treatment Light on the ends can also be used to bring out the richness of the hair color as well as smooth out any fuzz.

I have witnessed a bride who wore this very hairstyle with a deep moss green velvet gown and I am not exaggerating when I say that it was jaw-dropping. Weddings in the fall are all about texture: crunchy leaves, cool air, heavy florals, so your hairstyle can definitely fall into that mood. This braided chignon is a classic choice whether you want to go all rustic or you need something romantic to do on an outdoor bride updo.

I would just say that should you wish to wear a veil this style carries one like a dream. The braids provide a natural strand to which a comb or clip can be attached and the bun has something to hang over. Simply, do not spend too much time on the veil when your dress is already saying something, balance is the key.

Glamorous Soft Waves for Long-Haired Guests

It is a literal love letter to long, shiny waves that seem to have been made to capture the soft candlelight. The crown volume provides a vintage lift and the free-flowing waves are classic yet not excessive. This is the type of style that I would advise a long hair guest who would prefer to keep it simple but definitely elegant. It is also ideal in fall wedding hairstyles down, which is a style that embraces the natural length of the hair without the necessity to fuss too much.

To keep these soft curves going through a long wedding day, I always blow-dry with a heat-protectant mousse such as Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse, and then use a wide barrel curling iron and a flexible-hold hairspray. All these waves are about motion- so make it touchable, not crunchy. And don t underrate the efficiency of a boar bristle brush to smooth all together when your curls have cooled.

I have actually worn this exact outfit to an October vineyard wedding as a guest and I can just say that I felt like I was on the label of a wine bottle. It is simple, friendly, and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. This type of lived-in glam is always at home, especially when it comes to fall wedding hairstyles with long hair.

The only thing I’d tweak depending on your vibe? Accessorizing. You can wear nothing and have your earrings speak or you can even clip in a vintage barrette and be nostalgic. Either way, this style never disappoints.

Chic Low Bun with Rhinestone Headband

Talk about timeless elegance. This smooth low bun, with a headband made of rhinestones, is what bridal sophistication is all about. It’s minimal, it’s modern, and it’s absolutely bridal. It is a power look to any bride that does not want her makeup and dress to speak, yet she requires a well-groomed bride updo to make the vision complete. It also looks gorgeous on oval, square and heart-shaped faces.

This stream-straight and frizz-free can be a bit of a dance, where the humidity of fall is concerned. I would suggest preparing with Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray to get a shiny, humidity-resistant look. Then tame the baby hairs with a fine-tooth comb and R+Co Dart Pomade Stick to achieve that smooth and molded texture.

The thing I adore most about this style is that it makes me feel like a royalty without being too pretentious. I have observed how contemporary brides combine this style with tailored satin dresses or even bridal jumpsuits and the effect is always stunning. It is an urban wedding or black-tie fall dress where the drama and structure are combined.

When you wear a veil, choose a birdcage or sheer fingertip veil that is pinned under the bun. That way, your stunning headband stays front and center.

Old Hollywood Glam for Bridesmaids

This one is all about luxury. This hairstyle is a complete tribute to retro glamour with those retro waves just right, a bold red lip, and pearly accessories. It is a beautiful bridesmaid dress particularly suitable to a black-tie fall wedding or a fancy hotel setting. The style yells confidence and that is why it is perfect to be worn by a person who wants to stand out but not to outshine the bride.

The secret to nailing this appearance is your preparation. Apply a setting spray such as Kenra Thermal Styling Spray and then curl and pin each section and allow to cool. Use a soft paddle brush to brush out and shape the wave and then use a shine spray such as IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Gloss Spray to get that mirror finish.

Personally, I have done this wave pattern on a bridesmaid that was wearing a satin merlot dress and the result was a jaw dropping effect. These are the type of bridesmaid curls that you will remember in group photos in the right way.

Don’t over-accessorize with this look. Let the waves and makeup carry the mood. One vintage pin or a bold earring is enough.

Modern Mermaid Waves for Boho Brides

Now about this gentle, enchanted shower of waves, glossy, dark and beautifully formed. This is an ideal hairstyle to a boho or rustic bride who wishes to have a romantic yet earthy feel. The off-the-shoulder lace makes this style a bit flirtatious enough, and this is why it is among my favorite fall wedding hairstyles down to any bride with long hair energy.

I distinguish those waves with Kristin Ess Soft Waves Spray on wet hair before manipulating a 1.25 fire. Do not touch them until they are cooled down- then brush through with your fingers and fix with a light sea salt mist to give a soft texture. In the case of thin hair, a dry texture spray such as the Ouai Texturizing hair spray might provide the same light grip without crushing your volume.

I have suggested this very style to brides who wanted to have flower crowns or gold chains intertwined into the hair. It is particularly suitable in outdoor weddings when the wind and weather are uncontrollable, it flows perfectly and never appears rigid.

Thinking of skipping the veil? This style doesn’t need one. It says it all by itself soft, dramatic and a little wild in the best sense.

Glossy Half-Up Glam for Long-Haired Bridesmaids

This voluminous half-up style is a great option to have a lot of volume and definition, but it is also a great option to have a bridesmaid with long hair who wants to be bold but still wearable. The upper part is drawn up and pinned up in a smooth manner that provides a natural lift to the face and the cascading waves at the bottom provide bounce and motion. The center part keeps it modern and symmetrical — it’s a fresh twist on the typical half up wedding look and works especially well for fall wedding hairstyles for long hair with darker tones that reflect autumn’s richness.

As far as styling, I do prefer to pre-style with Drybar Southern Belle Volume Boosting Mousse at the crown, before I set the bottom layers with a 1-inch wand. In lieu of that mirror-shine finish, run the lengths through Chi Silk Infusion and a light spray of TRESemmee Keratin Smooth Shine Spray. This amount of drama is just right in case you are aiming at an indoor ballroom wedding or evening feel.

I even recommended this style to one of my cousins who was a bridesmaid last November. She combined it with a sequined bronze dress, and the texture contrast made her entire appearance stand out in front of warm lights. It is also a favorite of bridesmaid curls that prefer lift but are not ready to commit to an updo.

When you are a guest and love this look but are afraid that it is too bridal, keep your outfit sleek and avoid the accessories in your hair and let the waves take center stage.

Crystal-Studded Waves for Fairytale Brides

This is wedding hair that was created to hang on chandeliers and vows that are spoken under the covered ceilings. These wavy soft structured waves combined with an oversized crystal headpiece are the ultimate romantic elegance. The blonde highlights give the right amount of glimmer on cooler autumn days, and the waves themselves are soft and dreamy a perfect combination to a fall wedding hairstyle on a bride who wants sparkle but not a lot of detail.

The curls are most effective when done on clean, dry hair using T3 curling iron and then brushed out to achieve that airy effect. To protect against heat and hold without crunch use IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Spray. The crown accessory should be lightweight to avoid pulling down your shape, and if you’re planning on a veil, position it behind the crown so both details can shine.

The combination of hard sparkle and soft texture is something magical. This hairstyle will reflect that femininity in your dress, but not too much, especially when your dress is flowy or has metallic threading. It is so yes I am the bride without actually saying it.

This can either be with or without a necklace depending on the neckline of your gown. I would choose long earrings and leave the rest. Let the hair and crown do all the sparkling.

Rustic Floral Crown for Boho Brides

This style is a mix of storytelling and texture, which only a boho bride can achieve. The hair is auburn, but it grows in waves, and it has a romantic foundation, but the flower crown is what makes it steal the spot. It is rich, it is warm, and it goes hand in hand with fall wedding hair styles of bride who prefer something very personal and nature-related. I adore this when it comes to the outdoor weddings, natural barns, or autumn ceremonies with churring leaves.

The best part? You don’t have to fuss too much. Using a broad curling wand, you can make these waves and rake them with fingers and fix with Kristin Ess Soft Shine Spray. When it comes to the crown, I would recommend dried or preserved florals any time, they are more durable, particularly on a windy October afternoon.

One of my former brides reported that she felt like she was walking poetry with flowers in her hair. That stuck with me. There’s something about wearing nature that just works for fall wedding hairstyles down, especially if you’re skipping the veil.

Pro tip: make your floral accessories match your bouquet, not your dress. Make your dress classic, but make your hair fashionable.

Vintage-Inspired Bridal Roll with Embellished Pin

This hairstyle is the result of retro glamour and contemporary bridal style. The pin-up texture rolled at the back and the smooth finish at the front are providing a strong 1950s glam, re-designed in a way that a bride is not afraid of drama. It works particularly well in cooler weather since the style is so elegant against fall winds, and it is one of the most popular fall wedding hairstyles to be used as a bride updo.

To create this style, you will require hot rollers, teasing combs and a setting spray such as Kenra Volume Spray 25. Formed and pinned, a crystal or floral decoration on one side will provide that vintage bridal look, so perfect at garden weddings or small intimate settings with a vintage feel.

This is a beautiful combination in case your dress is lace or vintage-style. I have also witnessed this done with minimalist gowns to create a contrast that does not seem fussy but bold. And in case you are going to wear a veil, put it under the roll, that the form may not be disturbed.

A final suggestion: it is especially effective on medium length hair, you do not need long hair to make this look work.

Modern Topknot with Face-Framing Pieces

So, we are going to finish this set with an equally chic and casual look. This twisted high updo is contemporary and chilly, which is countered by some face-framing strands that add it a bit of romance. It is the ideal solution to anyone seeking fall wedding hairstyles on thin hair or short hairstyles of guests who still desire the grace of an updo but not the volume. It is also fabulous on bridesmaid short hair or even fall wedding hairstyles medium length styles.

Apply prep with Ouai volume spray and softly curl the front with the help of curl spray. The bun is to be pinned and not tied to retain volume. I would apply Oribe Swept Up Volume Powder to the head of hair where I want more lift and texture.

The thing I like about this look is that it can be worn during the day and at night. Wear it as a guest to the ceremony, then slap on a leather jacket at the reception and all of a sudden you are the coolest person in the room.

And yes, you can absolutely wear this with a dress with straps, off-shoulder, or even high-neck one. It complements all of them without competing.

Pearl Draped Waves for High-Fashion Brides

This is pure art – smooth, carved waves with strings of carefully placed pearls. It is one of those memorable fall wedding hairstyles of bride looks that is a statement without uttering a word. The side part and polished finish make it everlasting in terms of structure, whereas the pearl draping makes it a runaway worthy bridal moment. It would be ideal in a city wedding, a museum venue, or any place where the avant-garde style is acceptable.

In order to attain this perfect texture, I would advise the application of Shu Uemura Satin Design Blow Dry Lotion to attain soft smoothness and then proceed to shape the waves using a Marcel iron. Solid pearls use concealed bobby pins or micro loops not glue, not bind the necklace. To add studio-lit shine, add Color Wow Extra Shine Spray.

I adore how futuristic and regal this feels. In case you are foregoing a veil, this pearl detailing provides you with all the drama you may desire. This will be an obsession to brides who are in love with editorial beauty.

It is not a choice for the faint of heart, but it is a classic choice of the bride who wants everyone to remember her entrance.

Side Braid with Loose Waves for Bridesmaids

This is a casual but romantic style that simply works – particularly a half up bridesmaid style. The free Dutch braid is used to create long and cascading waves that freely fall around the shoulders. The braid is placed to the side, which makes it look modern, and it is ideal to those going to a fall wedding and still want to be playful and feminine. It is fantastic on long hair bridesmaid with some natural texture.

Put your hair slightly wet and use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray at the base to gain some volume and skid, and braid them loosely along the line of the part. The ends may be curled using a wand and gently finger-combed to give volume. Set everything with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray in medium hold.

I have worn this style as a guest simple look with a velvet maxi dress and felt completely balanced, not too styled, not too casual. It is lighthearted enough to be used in a brunch ceremony yet it stands up perfectly in an evening reception.

Bonus? It is also a perfect fall wedding hairstyle even on thin hair as the braid will give it dimension and volume where you need it the most.

Rhinestone Headband Waves for Regal Brides

This hairstyle screams elegance in the most effortless way. A smooth middle part is followed by long, soft waves, and topped off with a fancy rhinestone headband. It is a bridal style that can be applied to any theme, whether you are in a ballroom or a candlelit church, this has leading-character vibe. It is an essential part of fall wedding hairstyles with or without a veil, and both of them look equally strong here.

To achieve this amount of shine and grip, I adore Kerastase Lincroyable Blowdry Creme and then curl up waves using a wide-barrel curler. The trick is not brushing out too soon. Put the headband behind the ears and the veil under it in case you have one.

It is providing bridal queen – plain in design, gorgeous in work. I may find it easy to predict that this will be one of the best fall wedding hairstyles of the bride this year.

It also looks beautiful doubled as bridesmaids when you use a narrower headband and leave the rest simplified.

Soft Retro Bob for Short-Haired Guests

Finally, some love for the short-haired crowd! This retro-inspired bob channels Marilyn with a modern twist. This is perfect as a guest short hairstyle or even fall wedding hairstyles with short hair because of voluminous waves, a deep part, and flipped ends. The best part? It is very intense and requires minimal maintenance it is ideal when you are on the road or preparing alone.

To style, I would recommend a medium barrel hot brush such as the Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush, and finishing the flip with a little Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to give it airy hold. To add shine, put a pea-sized amount of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum on the ends.

If you’re working with naturally fine or thin hair, this is perfect — the shape adds volume without weight. And honestly? It’s camera-ready from every angle.

Wear it with smoky eyes or a strong lip and you have a complete look that is confident and easy.

Braided Low Bun for Timeless Sophistication

We are ending things with a masterpiece of simplicity and detail: the braided low bun. Close-knit plaits are combined with a low chignon, which is framed by gentle tendrils touching cheekbones. It is perfect as a bride updo, a bridesmaid or even a fancy guest at a fancy evening wedding. This appearance is the Elegant Updos & Braids for Fall Weddings 2025.

Smooth your strands using Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil, and create your braid moving upwards to the nape. Fasten the bun using U-pins and complete with L Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. The face-framing pieces may be curled using a mini wand or flattened depending on your mood.

I would always suggest this style when a person says that he/she wants something formal, but not rigid. It’s elegant, yes, but also full of movement.

Bonus: it carries veils as a dream, particularly fingertip or chapel-length veils.

Romantic Looped Bun with Soft Twists

This classic bride updo is not overdoing the soft-fall-romance, but it is doing it right! The style is founded on looped pieces that are folded into a high bun and two loose strands that frame the face with a slight wave. It is one of these fall wedding hairstyles bride updo moments that looks fancy but not too fancy to wear, which is quite literally the dream. The accent highlights that are intertwined in the bun add depth and warmth, which is ideal in golden-hour shots.

This kind of updo loves hold and shine. I would then go in with a texturizing spray such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray before styling to maintain the sections grippy yet light. To ensure the bun stays – particularly when working with finer hair texture, prep the hair with a volumizing mousse before-hand – such as Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 – and then lock with a flexible hold hairspray (which will allow those romantic tendrils to move) at the end.

I have always liked this shape on long hair bridesmaid as well. It’s formal without feeling fussy. One of my stylists told me that the trick to making buns look expensive is to soften the outer layer, never hard shell, always soft edges.

To make it even more fancy, a veil or fine hairpins would make it look even more elegant. Pearl pins or golden leaf clips, in case you are going rustic or boho.

Pearl-Encrusted Crown & Sleek Chignon

This one is all about quiet drama. A chignon that is low and smooth is upgraded by a thick pearl headband which is practically a crown. This combination is perfect when a bride would like to remain elegant but royal. The hair is parted on one side and is tightly caught at the nape, and this is the most elegant and purposeful, and in the cleanest manner.

Maintaining that high-gloss sleekness is all about prep. I would suggest applying Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray prior to blow-drying to achieve that frizz-free mirror look. Then some drops of Moroccanoil Treatment Light aid in shine and slip. End off with a smoothing brush and some invisible pins to secure the base.

The thing I adore about this style is that it can be applied in fall wedding hairstyles with veil, a shorter one or even a birdcage, under the bun. It’s also a perfect match for a dress that has heavy embellishment—no competition, just balance.

If you’re worried it’s “too much,” don’t. The pearls add a cool vintage touch to it and the rest of the styling remains modern. You can wear this as a bridesmaid updo or even as a guest in case your dress is sleek and structured.

Sleek Middle Part with a Statement Pearl Headband

Other times the most beautiful fall wedding hair is not twisted, pinned or curled, it is super clean and boldly simple. This center-parted, shoulder-length sleek style is total proof. It is worn with a structured pearl headband and is cool in a modern way. It is the best of both worlds when it comes to bridesmaid short hair or even guest short styles, as it requires little effort but a lot of reward.

This works best on straightened hair with high shine. An effective prep regimen involves a heat protector such as GHD Bodyguard and then a pass through with a titanium flat iron. For that laminated finish? A hair serum such as IGK Crybaby Anti-Frizz Smoothing Serum will work miracles.

The thing that I like about this style is that it is very suitable as a fall wedding hairstyle with short hair. And due to the direction the pearls attract the eye upwards, it is also ideal to those who are concerned about the volume or the fullness around the crown- especially ideal to thin hair.

Tie a satin ribbon around the bottom of the headband or small pearl earrings to complete the fashion-editor appearance. It is literally the type of energy that makes everyone believe that you dressed up the entire outfit to match the headband.

Textured Waves with Braided Accent and Florals

Alright- this is the dream fall wedding hairstyle down to the romantic heart. The voluminous, long waves and a soft braid on the crown make a sweet, fairy-tale atmosphere come to life. It is ideal on the boho bride, or even a long hair bridesmaid, who needs something sweet but not too fussy. The waves are purposeful, not overly curled, and the floral accents lock the appearance with lightheartedness.

To achieve this type of soft hold without stiffness I would use Bumble and Bumble Curl Reactivator to define waves even on naturally straight hair. With a 1.25 inch barrel curl away the face and leave the ends natural. A featherweight hairspray such as L Oréal Elnett provides a non-buildup halo.

In my opinion, this hairstyle is somewhere between fall wedding hairstyles long hair and fall wedding hairstyles bridesmaid: it can be used anywhere. I’ve worn a version of this to two weddings and felt equal parts glam and relaxed.

And don not forget to add fresh or dried florals that match your bouquet or dress color, such as babies breath, dried mini roses or even a sprig of eucalyptus to add a rustic touch. And, yes, this appearance is lovely with a veil mostly, again, that will tuck underneath the braid.

Glossy Retro Waves with Clean Parting

It is something distinctly high about these S-curve waves defined and combined with smooth, carved gloss. It re-directs old-Hollywood glamour in a very modern manner- particularly when combined with this super-structured pearl headband. This is a winner, especially when you are looking to find some fall wedding hairstyles of medium length or even guest simple hairstyles that are polished but not overdone.

The secret of those deep, carved bends is to wave with a waving iron or to curl with clips, to allow the curl to cool before brushing. Seal the deal by spraying hairspray(a light hold hair spray) and a shine spray(CHI Shine infusion). A smoothing balm on top keeps frizz away.

I’ve recommended this look for bridesmaid half styles when they’re wearing dresses with open necklines—it frames the face and shoulders beautifully. It is also an excellent choice of fall wedding hairstyles with thin hair because it provides the appearance of volume without teasing.

This type of wave, said a stylist I follow, is most effective when you go with the drama. This implies that it should be worn with little accessories, a bright lip, or a simple dress shape. Less fuss, more wow.

Soft Side-Part Low Bun with Face-Framing Strands

This low bun talks eloquently in the language of gentle romance. The hair is slightly parted on the side and there are face-framing tendrils that are slightly curled, which makes this style an ideal fit to such a dreamy autumn light. What I adore about it is the intentional looseness of it, the bun is not tightly bound, but gently pinned, and it is perfect as a fall wedding hairstyle, either as a bride updo or even a small courthouse wedding. It is easy and refined, which is the best place to be.

The best part? It is appropriate to long and medium length hair, and it is fantastic with layered haircuts that allow those tendrils to fall in the perfect way. A light wave with a medium barrel iron, and a low twist at the nape, with the front sections loose. Spray a touch of TRESemme Compressed Micro Mist Level 2 hold without the crunch.

I would absolutely match this with delicate accessories, something like an old fashioned barrette or a flower comb pinned on one side. A small tulle veil would fit into the back just right without dominating the silhouette. For bridesmaids? Swap the veil for baby’s breath and you’re golden.

Glamorous Pearl Clip with Tousled Short Waves

In case you have a bob or a lob, this style is here to remind you that short hair can be equally elegant, and sometimes even more. These are dishevelled and soft waves that are swept aside with a dramatic hair piece adorned with pearls. The texture is organic and worn-in, which provides a contrast to the elaborate clip that nearly resembles falling frost. It is providing winter bride, fall bride, or fashion-forward guest, depending on the outfit.

Mist down and drying a wave spray (Ouai Wave Spray) onto your damp hair, then scrunch dry to get the perfect laid back, but not sloppy hair. Twist some random parts and shake it off with your fingers. The headpiece does most of the work here and so styling remains minimal.

It is a fantastic option to a short-haired bride, particularly in case you are not wearing the veil. It is also a beautiful bridesmaid appearance with matching pearl clips or flower combs. And, it emphasizes shoulders and collarbones which is ideal in off-the-shoulder dresses or lace collars.