Half Up Bridal Hairstyles

Choose a half-up hairstyle that complements your facial features.

Every bride wants to look gorgeous on her wedding day. Along with your choice of dress and accessories, a flattering hairstyle is imperative. Half-up hairstyles provide elegant, more natural alternatives to traditional bridal up-dos. Choose a style that complements your dress and facial features. As with any wedding beauty decision, make sure it reflects your personal style and makes you feel fabulous.

Half-Up Curls

Half-up curls are romantic yet formal.

One of the most basic half-up 'dos, this style couples a sleek and secure top layer with soft ringlets or loose curls down your back. This style is best for brides with medium-length hair, and pairs well with strapless and sleeveless dresses. Coordinate your hairdo with your wedding wardrobe by securing the top layer with a fancy clip that matches your gown, or adding romantic floral accents. Half-up curls are so simple you may not even need to hire a hair dresser, though a trained stylist's touch will add a professional quality to this natural-looking style.

Side Ponytail

Best for brides with long, naturally wavy hair and bangs, the side ponytail will keep hair away from your face and back while showcasing your lovely locks. Have your hairdresser style your bangs in a soft swoop over one side of your face. Secure your hair loose and low on the other side of your head using a clip or invisible hair tie. Work with your hairdresser to find a ponytail variation you like, like the inverted "topsy tail." Apply jeweled pins or barrettes for extra elegance, or add floral accents to your ponytail for a feminine touch.

One Side Pulled Back

Let your natural hair take center stage by pulling one side back with a clip or barrette. Part your hair on the side, sweep the hanging half back toward the crown of your head and secure it in place. Wear your hair straight for a modern, casual look, or curl it for old-fashioned elegance. Adorn your locks with a large flower for beach and outdoor weddings. The side part makes round faces appear slimmer and enhances the natural line of the cheekbone. This style suits brides with shoulder-length and medium-length hair.

Half-Up Bun

Bridal veils complement half-up buns.

This variation on the basic half-up style combines the glamor of an up-do with the softness of half-up styles. Pull one or two layers of hair into a fancy bun or french twist, leaving the rest of your hair in soft curls or ringlets. Some brides like to pin hair up in sections to add texture, while others prefer a more sleek look. This style allows you to leave as much or as little hair down as you desire, and looks great with formal veils.

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