Just like the rest of your wedding look, the way you style your hair plays a big role in expressing who you are. And if you’re a romantic bride looking for a timeless hairdo, a side hairstyle won’t disappoint. Whether it’s bouncy waves or a high ponytail, pulling your locks over to the side will instantly evoke a classy, elegant, and effortless flair.
The best part about an asymmetrical ‘do is that there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your style. You can tie your tresses back in a side bun or ponytail, or part your hair to the side and drape your mane over your shoulder. What's more, you can even play with the texture of your hair—whether it’s tight curls or pin-straight strands—and incorporate apt accessories, such as a beaded headpiece for a glamorous affair or a floral hairpin for a garden party.
To help you get inspired for your own big day, we put together a list of wedding side hairstyles for every bridal aesthetic. From polished updos to unkempt curls, here are the best side-swept ideas to consider when planning to say "I do."
How to Choose a Wedding Hairstyle You'll Love
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Old Hollywood Curls
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If you prefer styles that are both classic and vintage, look to the glitz and glitter of Old Hollywood aesthetics. Specifically, a deep side part and tumbling, voluminous curls will radiate the opulence of the time period. This ‘do also looks especially stunning when paired with a billowing ball gown at a ballroom venue.
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Glamorous Side Bun
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Side updos look so polished and pretty, but they’re also practical. Pulling your strands back will keep your hair out of the way, while simultaneously providing comfort and breathability for nuptials taking place in warm climates or seasons. To infuse a bit of glamour into your look, fasten your side style with a sparkly hair accessory.
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Feathery Side Bangs
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With long bangs swept to the side, you’ll frame your face and bring a delicate and refined look to your wedding day. What's more, tousled waves and a side-parted style are also able to add a touch of drama to even the most minimalist aesthetics. We particularly love this look for seaside ceremonies or glamorous nuptials.
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Sweeping High Ponytail
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High ponytails are the perfect balance between playful and effortless and polished and elevated. Add some edge with wavy strands and face-framing tendrils, and throw it over your shoulder for an alluring asymmetrical look. This option is an especially strong candidate if you want to show off the back of your gown or neckline.
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Natural Side Style
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Who says you have to use styling tools to mold your perfect wedding hairstyle? To feel most like yourself, embrace your natural locks. At her art museum wedding in Florida, this bride maintained her curly tresses while adding some pizazz with a side bun. The result was a sweet and idyllic style that was seamless to achieve.
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Tight Ringlets
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For the ultra-glamorous bride, a side hairstyle with tightly-coiled curls will suit your aesthetic best. To add another layer of luxury, be sure to include a beaded hairpiece, especially if wearing a sparkly embroidered wedding gown.
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Effortless Lob
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There are so many ways to rock a shorter haircut without feeling the need to grow out your mane for the big day. A deep side part will instantly enhance a lob without transforming your real hair. Pro tip: Curl the bottom of your strands for more whimsy.
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Sleek Fishtail Braid
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Looking for a unique wedding hairstyle? Instead of a classic side ponytail, create some visual intrigue by rocking a side fishtail braid. This intricately twisted hairdo will make a statement at any affair, and it was especially fitting for this bride’s camp wedding in North Carolina. You can either start the braid at the top of your head or gather your locks at the base of your neck.
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Side-Swept Locks
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A deep side part and brushed-out curls are the epitomai of vintage glam. We love how this hairstyle, which is reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood, is brimming with texture and volume. A sequined corset dress and pearl drop earrings will complete your overall look.
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Pearl-Studded Side Chignon
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While a side bun looks stunning on its own, implementing accessories will really up the ante. This oversized chignon is infused with pearls, which offered an elegant and sophisticated flair to this bride’s fall wedding in Napa Valley. Pin back your front strands for a polished look and add height to the top of your head for drama.
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Loose Waves
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Sporting long waves that cascade down your back is undoubtedly enchanting for your special day. But, piling a section of your mane over your shoulder arguably increases the appeal. For garden weddings or black-tie ballroom functions, pin a beaded hair accessory on either side of your part.
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Wispy Strands
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For brides with short hair, your length should be the focal point of your 'do. And if you want your bob to be the star of the show, you probably aren’t interested in an overly styled look. Instead, consider parting your hair to the side and twisting a few strands with a curling iron, for a final look that's unfussy yet heightened.
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Low Side Ponytail
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To achieve an easy and effortless hairstyle, pull your tresses back in a side ponytail that grazes your neck. Then add wispy tendrils that frame your face, and add a slight bump at the crown of your hair to wow all of your guests. Consider this style for easygoing backyard bashes or chic civil ceremonies.
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Bouncy Spirals
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While long, loose curls are a classic bridal hairstyle, tight curls thrown over to the side create a look that's at once textured and playful. You won’t need any accessories to round off this hairdo, but a bold red lip will fit the retro vibe.
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Long Layers
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Placing your hair to the side and manufacturing bouncy waves with a heated tool will generate a delicate, ethereal flair. As seen above, this option is perfect for brides with extra long hair.
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Polished Low Bun
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There’s nothing more graceful than a side bun that sits at the nape of your neck. Instead of letting loose strands fall out, pull every piece of your hair back for a smooth and shiny look. The best part? This style draws attention to an off-the-shoulder neckline and statement earrings.
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Victorian-Inspired Tendrils
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If you’re a vintage bride, channel a hairstyle from your favorite decade. The Victorian era is known for its romance, so a side-swept style with uniform curls will suit this aesthetic. A long-sleeve lace dress will help execute the antique look, to boot.
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Classic Curls
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Barrel curls are a classic hairstyle stepped in romance, and a side style will only elevate this popular choice. In order to add depth and dimension to your 'do, after curling your tresses, wrap all of your strands together and place them over your shoulder.
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Deep Side Part
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All side parts are beautiful, but parting your hair close to your ear is a bold option that demands attention. With a deep side part, you’ll create more volume, regardless of your hairstyle. Additionally, you can keep your hair straight to let your part shine or include subtle waves for texture.
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Double Braided Ponytail
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For a modern hairstyle that stands apart from the rest, consider donning two small French braids across the top of your head that spill into a side ponytail. These sweeping braids will implement structure and play up face-framing details. You can also fasten your unkempt waves with a strand of your hair for a natural touch.
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Natural Curls
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Searching for a way to let your natural locks shine and blow freely in the wind? Accentuate your natural tresses with a deep side part, and have them fall over to the side of your face for an effortless and beautiful look.
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Wispy Waves
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A side part plus wispy waves make for a naturally gorgeous hairstyle, as effortlessly seen on this bride. To achieve this look, curl your locks with a curling iron and then brush the coils out for subtle drama.
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Chic Side Chignon
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Is there anything better than a chignon? Honestly, no, especially for your wedding day. Have some fun with this style by leaving the low bun at the side of your head, with loose strands of hair falling on your face.
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Natural Beach Waves
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Beach waveswill never go out of style, and we couldn't be more happy about that. For brides truly looking to lean into this aesthetic, style your hair with loose waves that have no structure and fall to the side. You even can decorate your locks with wedding pins or fresh flowers to add a bit of personality.
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Perfectly Accessorized
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Let your accessories be the star of the show with this low-key side hairstyle. Opt forhairpins, earrings, and a veil that will stand out against a swept side 'do. It's a look that's perfect, and highly recommended, for brides with glamourous taste.
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Romantic Waves
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Romantic waves are such a wedding staple, even your partner will love it on the big day. To take this style up a notch, part your hair to the side and have your curls rest at that part. This will add dimension to your tresses and beautifully frame your face.
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Tiny Twists
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Use yournatural twiststo create an effortless side-swept hairstyle. We absolutely love the way this bride styled her hair, allowing for an elevated and polished wedding day look.
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Loose Tendrils
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Hair gathered at the nape of the neck, and pinned to the side, is atraditional wedding hairstyle and a go-to look for brides with classic aesthetics. For a modern feel, however, draw inspiration from this bride and leave out loose tendrils to frame your face.
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Side Bangs
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No matter the length of your hair, you still have the ability to achieve a side-swept look, especially if you have bangs. Play up your hairstyle even more with a dainty headband to accentuate your perfectly styled fringe.
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Slicked Back
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Wearing your hair down with loose and natural waves is as effortless as it gets. Instead of having your hair fall in your face, though, slick it back with a gel or hairspray to sweep it to the side.
