Updos for Wedding Mother of the Bride
"The perfect finishing touch. Discover elegant, flattering, and timeless hairstyles that will make you feel confident and beautiful on your daughter's big day."
As the mother of the bride, you have a prominent and honored role on the wedding day. You will be in countless photographs, stand by your daughter's side, and likely give a speech or share a special dance. While the focus is rightfully on the couple, you deserve to look and feel your absolute best. Choosing the right mother of the bride hair style is a key part of that confidence.
An updo is a classic, elegant choice that keeps hair off your face, stays tidy through hours of celebration, and pairs beautifully with formal mother of the bride dresses. This guide explores the most flattering and popular updos for the mother of the bride, helping you find a style that feels authentic to you and appropriate for the occasion.
The Consultation: Your Most Important Step
Before you fall in love with a specific style from a photo, the most critical step is a consultation with a professional stylist. They will assess your hair type (thick, fine, curly, straight), face shape, and the neckline of your dress. This professional guidance is invaluable.
💡 WeddingClever Tip: Always schedule a hair trial. This is a non-negotiable step. A trial allows you to see how the style looks from all angles, how it holds up over several hours, and how it works with your elegant dress. Bring photos of styles you like, but be open to your stylist's suggestions—they know what will work best with your unique features.
Classic & Timeless Updos
These styles never go out of fashion. They are sophisticated, refined, and photograph beautifully, making them a safe and stunning choice for such a formal occasion.
The Chignon
A smooth, elegant roll of hair at the nape of the neck. The chignon is the epitome of timeless elegance. It works beautifully with a formal gown and is particularly flattering for those with a sleek, straight hair texture. Ask for a slightly relaxed version with some volume at the crown for a modern touch.
The French Twist
A vertical roll of hair that runs up the back of the head. This style is incredibly chic and creates a very polished, elongated silhouette. It's a fantastic choice for showing off the back of a beautiful dress or a statement necklace. A stylist can make it smooth and sleek or add a little texture for a softer look.
Modern & Textured Updos
If you prefer a look that feels more current and less "done," these textured styles are perfect. They are relaxed, romantic, and feel effortlessly beautiful.
The secret to a great modern updo is texture. A stylist will often use a curling iron or texturizing spray to create grip and volume before pinning the hair into place. This creates a soft, romantic, and less structured look.
- The Messy Bun: This is a curated, intentionally undone look. It's not a "messy bun" in the casual sense, but rather a sophisticated style with loose tendrils and a soft, voluminous shape. It's incredibly flattering and looks beautiful with mother of the bride dresses in a variety of styles.
- The Braided Updo: A braid adds an unexpected and beautiful detail. A loose, romantic braid (like a Dutch or fishtail braid) can be incorporated into a chignon or wrapped around the base of a bun. It adds interest without being overwhelming.
- The Half-Up, Half-Down: If you aren't ready to commit to a full updo, a half-up, half-down style is a wonderful option. It keeps hair out of your face while still allowing you to show off your hair's length and texture. It's a great choice for medium to long hair.
The Elegant Low Bun & Chignon
The low bun or chignon is a universal favorite for the mother of the bride, and for good reason. It is sophisticated, comfortable, and incredibly versatile. It sits at the nape of the neck, which is a flattering spot for almost everyone. You can ask for a sleek, polished version or a softer, more textured one with loose face-framing pieces.
Why it works: A low bun draws the eye up, creating a lifting effect for the face. It's also one of the most comfortable updos, as it doesn't pull on the scalp as tightly as a high bun might. It pairs perfectly with a classic mother of the bride gown.
Accessorizing Your Updo
Your hairstyle is the canvas; accessories are the art. The right accessory can elevate a simple updo into something truly special. However, balance is key—you don't want your accessory to overpower your look.
Consider your outfit and the overall formality of the wedding. If your dress has a lot of embellishment, keep your hair accessory simple. If your dress is sleek and minimal, you can be more daring with your hair jewelry.
Hairpins & Combs
A sparkly hair comb or a set of delicate hairpins can add a subtle touch of glamour. They are perfect for tucking into a chignon or a textured bun for a hint of shine that catches the light in photos.
Fresh Flowers
A single bloom or a small cluster of flowers woven into an updo is a romantic and beautiful choice, especially for a spring or summer wedding. It ties your look to the wedding floral arrangements seamlessly.
