Wedding Hair Inspiration: Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles

Cool-girl hair for trendsetting brides

Once you've determined the style of your wedding and it's vibe, it's time to think about your head-to-toe look, but with so many gorgeous wedding hairstyle options, it can be hard to choose just one. While there's nothing wrong with the classics, for some brides, the traditional wedding updo just doesn't feel right. If you consider yourself more of a modern bride and you're looking for a spin on traditional tresses that's beyond your classic chignon, you've come to the right place! Today we're sharing our fave chic & contemporary bridal hairstyles to inspire your big day hair. From poker straight ponytails and sleeked back chignons, to high buns and chic top knots (yes, really!), here's some very handy visual inspiration to share with your your bridal hairstylist.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Katie Livingston | Photo by  Kenzie Victory via Style Me Pretty

If you have long, luscious locks, a sleek and sophisticated high pony is the perfect style to frame your face—and show off a gorgeous neckline or open back gown.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Yessie Libby | Photo by Lora Grady Photography via Style Me Pretty

We're loving this sleek and architectural loop style, a contemporary take on the mussed chignon.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by The Make Up Room | Photo by Maritha Mae via 100 Layer Cake

A sleeked back chignon gets a 2020/2021 update with gold foil flecks which help the signature style feel fresh.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Louis Byrne | Photo by Lucy Davenport

Opt for a slicked-back style for a bit of edge, it's unique and chic when done with a sophisticated center part.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Glammed Up Southern | Photo by  Heather Payne Photography via Once Wed

If a super sleeked back, high pony isn't your thing, why not try pulling your locks into a half-up ponytail, with a few face-framing pieces? Accent with a heavy metal hair accessory for a look that's part wedding, part red carpet.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Pearl Hairband from Warehouse

Pearl headbands were all over the Bridal 2020 and 2012 runways and this contemporary bridal trend definitely isn't going anywhere. It's the perfect addition to a bridal pixie cut.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Jenn Edwards & Co. | Photo by Agnes Black via Way Out Wedding

Doesn't this gorgeous au natural hair look absolutely stunning sleeked back and paired with contemporary oversized earrings?

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by  Simply Mindy K | Photo by As Ever via Rachael Ellen Events

This contemporary low-bun-meets-chignon style is perfect for accessorising a minimal crepe sheath or a structural column gown.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Photo via Amelie George

Pair a modern short and choppy look with pearls for a contemporary feminine finish

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Lola Beauty | Photo by Decorus via Style Me Pretty

Take your ponytail to the next level by tying off sections for a bridal hair look that's effortlessly elegant and undeniably sophisticated.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com

Add interest to a simple wavy style with a minimal headpiece like this Chloe + Isabel split headband rather than one that has a floral or whimsical motif to keep your contemporary head-to-toe look sophisticated and modern.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Photo by Charlotte Simpson Bridal

Sweep back hair into a messy low bun for a look that's as elegant as it is easy going.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Becca Hunton | Photo by Georgina Harrison Photography via Love My Dress

This ultra-low pony hits right at the nape of the neck and features a sleek crown and long straight strands.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Photo by Cheyenne Schultz via Style Me Pretty

A tight ballerina bun is a perfect, simple way to rock a contemporary hairstyle on the big day.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Christian Marc | Photo by  Meghan Kay Sadler via Once Wed

This double knot pony is a creative and elegant twist on a traditional ponytail, perfect for brides who who want something a little more loose or casual as opposed to an updo.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Gabriela Leite | Photo by Emmylie Cruz via One Fab Day

One Fab Day bride Reijane wowed us with her contemporary braided bridal hairstyle letting her natural curls shine.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Adrian Clark | Photo by KT Merry

A top knot works well for any occasion, but dressed up for a wedding it's sleek and chic. The best part of this no fuss hairstyle? It shows off your statement earrings, lasts all night, and needs minimal touchups.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com

Hair stylist Claire Barry's sleeked back and sculptural take on traditional bridal waves is perfect for brides looking for a more fashion-forward take on the classic look.

Chic & Contemporary Bridal Hairstyles | see them all on onefabday.com
Hair by Katie Culleton | Photo by Into the Light

All the heart eyes for this trendy and architectural half-bun, half-ponytail contemporary bridal hairstyle!

Looking for even more hairspiration? Check out our favourite bridal hair features!

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