18 Curly Hair Hairstyles for Wedding Guests

Curly hair at a wedding is such a vibe, but I know it can come with extra questions. Will the curls hold up in humidity? Will the style still look good after hours of photos, hugs, and dancing? And how do you make it feel wedding-guest polished without losing your natural shape?

This list is all about that. These hairstyles keep your curls looking soft and beautiful, while still feeling event-appropriate for a wedding, whether you’re going to a garden ceremony, a beach wedding, or a formal evening reception.

1. Half-Up Twisted Crown With Defined Curls

This style keeps your curls off your face while letting the rest fall naturally down your back. It looks romantic and works great for medium to long curls.

What you need

1. Curl cream (adds definition and softness)
2. Bobby pins (secures the twist)
3. Light hold gel (controls frizz at the crown)
4. Pearl pins (optional, adds a dressy touch)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Refresh curls with curl cream and lightly scrunch.
2. Step 2: Twist a section from each side and bring them to the back.
3. Step 3: Pin the twists together underneath so the hold is hidden.
4. Step 4: Fluff the crown gently and mist with a light setting spray.

Quick tip
If your curls are very soft, add a little dry shampoo at the roots for grip before pinning.

2. Side-Part Curly Ponytail With Volume

This ponytail looks fun and elegant, with curls gathered high enough to show them off. The side part adds a flattering shape for photos.

What you need

1. Edge control (smooths hairline neatly)
2. Hair elastic (secures the ponytail)
3. Curl refresher spray (brings curls back to life)
4. Bobby pins (optional, adds extra lift)

How to style it

• Step 1: Create a deep side part and smooth the edges lightly.
• Step 2: Gather curls into a mid or high ponytail.
• Step 3: Pin the base slightly if you want extra lift.
• Step 4: Refresh the ponytail curls and fluff gently.

Quick tip
Use a satin scrunchie under your elastic for less tension and less breakage.

3. Low Curly Bun With Face-Framing Pieces

This bun looks elegant and soft, with curls left out around the face for a romantic feel. It’s great for warm-weather weddings.

What you need

1. Curl cream (keeps curls soft and defined)
2. Bobby pins (secures the bun)
3. Hair elastic (creates a base ponytail)
4. Light hairspray (sets without crunch)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Leave a few curls out at the front and gather the rest into a low ponytail.
2. Step 2: Twist the ponytail into a loose bun and pin it.
3. Step 3: Pull a few curls loose for softness.
4. Step 4: Mist lightly with spray and fluff curls gently.

Quick tip
Don’t over-smooth the bun base; a little texture helps it look fuller and more natural.

4. Curly Half-Up Ponytail With Loose Tendrils

This style gives you lift at the crown while keeping your curls flowing. It’s a great wedding guest look that feels pretty but not too formal.

What you need

1. Root lift spray (adds volume at the crown)
2. Hair elastic (secures the half-up ponytail)
3. Curl refresher (keeps curls fresh)
4. Decorative clip (optional, adds detail)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Refresh curls and add root lift at the crown.
2. Step 2: Gather the top half and secure into a ponytail.
3. Step 3: Pull out a few small tendrils near the face.
4. Step 4: Fluff the curls and add a clip if you want.

Quick tip
If your crown goes flat, gently lift roots with a pick instead of brushing.

5. Curly Updo With Claw Clip Twist

This style is quick, secure, and still looks wedding-ready when you keep it neat. It’s perfect for medium curls and longer curls.

What you need

1. Texturizing spray (adds grip for pinning)
2. Medium claw clip (holds the twist)
3. Bobby pins (secures loose curls)
4. Light hold gel (smooths the hairline)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Smooth the hairline lightly and gather curls at the back.
2. Step 2: Twist hair upward and clip it in place.
3. Step 3: Pin any loose curls that fall out.
4. Step 4: Fluff the top and mist a light setting spray.

Quick tip
Choose a neutral or tortoiseshell clip so it looks more dress.

6. Sleek Sides Curly Puff With Statement Earrings

This look is clean on the sides with a full puff of curls on top or at the back. It’s bold, elegant, and perfect for warm weather.

What you need

1. Edge control (sleeks the sides)
2. Soft bristle brush (smooths without frizz)
3. Puff cuff (secures the puff comfortably)
4. Shine mist (optional, adds polish)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Smooth sides with edge control and brush upward.
2. Step 2: Secure a high puff with a puff cuff.
3. Step 3: Fluff the puff and shape it evenly.
4. Step 4: Set edges and add a light mist for shine.

Quick tip
Wrap a scarf around the sides for 10 minutes to help them lay flat.

7. Curly Low Ponytail With Ribbon Tie

This ponytail looks romantic and soft, and the ribbon makes it feel wedding-appropriate. It’s especially nice for garden weddings.

What you need

1. Curl refresher spray (revives curls)
2. Hair elastic (secures ponytail)
3. Ribbon (adds a sweet detail)
4. Light hairspray (sets softly)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Refresh curls and create a soft side part.
2. Step 2: Gather hair into a low ponytail without pulling too tight.
3. Step 3: Tie ribbon around the base to cover the elastic.
4. Step 4: Fluff curls and mist lightly.

Quick tip
Choose a satin ribbon so it looks more dressy and photographs nicely.

8. Curly Side-Swept Hair With Pinned Back Detail

This look sweeps curls to one side and pins the other side back for a romantic shape. It’s flattering and looks great with off-shoulder or strapless dresses.

What you need

1. Bobby pins (secures the pinned side)
2. Curl cream (keeps curls soft)
3. Shine spray (adds polish)
4. Decorative pin (optional, adds sparkle)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Create a deep side part and sweep curls to one side.
2. Step 2: Pin the smaller side back behind the ear.
3. Step 3: Hide pins under curls or use a decorative pin.
4. Step 4: Smooth flyaways and fluff curls.

Quick tip
Pin slightly higher than your ear so the style stays secure all day.

9. Curly Half-Up With Pearl Barrette

A pearl barrette makes curls look instantly more formal and wedding-ready. This is a great option if you want something simple but special.

What you need

1. Curl refresher (brings curls back)
2. Pearl barrette (adds an elegant touch)
3. Bobby pins (optional, extra hold)
4. Light hairspray (sets softly)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Refresh curls and fluff gently at the crown.
2. Step 2: Gather the top half back and secure with the barrette.
3. Step 3: Pin underneath if you need extra security.
4. Step 4: Smooth flyaways and mist lightly.

Quick tip
Clip slightly higher so the barrette shows well in photos.

10. Curly Bun With Braided Front Accent

This style adds a small braid at the front, which makes the whole look feel extra styled. It’s great for curls that need a little extra control near the hairline.

What you need

1. Edge control (smooths hairline)
2. Small elastic (ties off the braid)
3. Bobby pins (secures bun and braid)
4. Curl cream (keeps curls defined)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Braid a small front section and secure with a mini elastic.
2. Step 2: Gather the rest of your hair into a bun and pin it.
3. Step 3: Pin the braid back into the bun area.
4. Step 4: Define edges and fluff curls.

Quick tip
Keep the braid loose and soft so it doesn’t look too tight or harsh.

11. Curly Low Chignon With Soft Volume

This is a more formal curly updo with a low, rounded shape at the back. It’s perfect for formal weddings and looks great with statement earrings.

What you need

1. Texturizing spray (adds grip for pinning)
2. Hair elastic (optional, base hold)
3. U-pins (strong hold for chignon)
4. Light hairspray (sets softly)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Gather hair low and secure a loose ponytail if needed.
2. Step 2: Tuck and pin curls into a low chignon shape.
3. Step 3: Use U-pins to secure the bulk of the chignon.
4. Step 4: Loosen slightly for volume and mist lightly.

Quick tip
Pin curls in layers so the chignon looks even and not lumpy.

12. Curly Ponytail With Twisted Sides

Twisted sides add a classy touch while keeping curls as the main focus. It’s a great style for medium and long curly hair.

What you need

How to style it

1. Step 1: Twist two side sections back toward the ponytail.
2. Step 2: Gather hair into a mid ponytail and secure.
3. Step 3: Pin twists into place so they don’t loosen.
4. Step 4: Refresh curls in the ponytail and fluff.

Quick tip
Use a satin scrunchie under your elastic if your curls are prone to breakage.

13. Curly Half-Up Top Knot

This style is fun, cute, and still wedding-guest appropriate when you keep it neat. It’s great if you want hair out of your face but still want curls down.

What you need

1. Hair elastic (secures the top knot)
2. Bobby pins (holds bun shape)
3. Edge control (optional, neat hairline)
4. Curl cream (refreshes curls)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Gather the top half into a ponytail at the crown.
2. Step 2: Twist into a small bun and pin it down.
3. Step 3: Smooth the hairline lightly if needed.
4. Step 4: Refresh curls in the down section and fluff.

Quick tip
Keep the bun smaller and tighter for a more elegant look.

14. Curly Hair Down With Headband Accent

A headband makes curls feel instantly more dressed up, and it also helps control frizz at the hairline. This is a great simple option for weddings.

What you need

1. Curl refresher (revives curls)
2. Padded headband (adds a classy finish)
3. Light hold gel (optional, smooths edges)
4. Shine mist (optional, adds polish)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Refresh curls and fluff them gently.
2. Step 2: Smooth the front lightly with gel if needed.
3. Step 3: Place the headband slightly behind the hairline.
4. Step 4: Adjust curls around the band and finish with shine mist.

Quick tip
Choose satin or velvet headbands for a more wedding-ready look.

15. Curly Low Bun With Side Clip

This bun is simple and elegant, and a side clip makes it feel more formal. It’s a great look for warm weather weddings.

What you need

1. Bobby pins (secures the bun)
2. Hair elastic (base hold)
3. Decorative clip (adds a dressy touch)
4. Light hairspray (sets softly)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Gather hair into a low ponytail and secure lightly.
2. Step 2: Twist into a bun and pin it down.
3. Step 3: Add a decorative clip near the bun or above the ear.
4. Step 4: Pull a few curls loose and mist lightly.

Quick tip
Add the clip last so you can place it exactly where it shows best in photos.

16. Curly Pineapple Updo With Soft Edges

This style is lifted and fun, but it can look very elegant when the edges are neat. It’s perfect for hot weddings and dancing.

What you need

1. Puff cuff or scrunchie (secure hold without pulling)
2. Edge control (neat edges)
3. Curl refresher (revives curls)
4. Satin scarf (sets the edges)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Gather curls high on top and secure with a scrunchie.
2. Step 2: Smooth edges lightly with edge control.
3. Step 3: Wrap a scarf for 10 minutes to set the hairline.
4. Step 4: Refresh curls, fluff, and shape the pineapple.

Quick tip
Keep the pineapple slightly forward so it looks balanced in photos.

17. Curly Side Bun With Loose Pieces

A side bun feels romantic and a little different from the usual low bun. It’s perfect for weddings and looks great with one-shoulder dresses.

What you need

1. Texturizing spray (adds grip)
2. Bobby pins (secures side bun)
3. Hair elastic (optional, base hold)
4. Light hairspray (sets softly)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Sweep hair to one side and secure a low ponytail if needed.
2. Step 2: Twist curls into a side bun and pin it down.
3. Step 3: Pull out a few curls near the face for softness.
4. Step 4: Mist hairspray lightly and fluff gently.

Quick tip
Pin the bun first, then pull loose curls so you don’t overdo it.

18. Curly French Twist With Soft Texture

A French twist with curls looks elegant and slightly undone in a romantic way. It’s a great option for formal weddings and keeps hair off your neck.

What you need

1. Texturizing spray (adds grip for twisting)
2. U-pins (strong hold)
3. Fine-tooth comb (smooths the top lightly)
4. Light hairspray (sets softly)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Add texture spray and smooth the top gently with a comb.
2. Step 2: Twist hair upward into a French twist shape.
3. Step 3: Secure with U-pins down the center of the twist.
4. Step 4: Pull a couple curls loose and mist hairspray lightly.

Quick tip
Keep the top slightly soft instead of super sleek so the twist matches your curl texture.