As soon as you RSVP to someone's nuptials, thoughts inevitably turn to what to wear. Even as a wedding guest, everything from your outfit to accessories, hair and makeup needs planning, so that it works with the vibe, the venue and of course your look. From a beach bash somewhere sunny, to a grand castle affair or a chic city ceremony, a great hair style can amp up your ensemble, and also ensure you feel comfortable all day. Half up, half down, in a sleek chignon, or loose waves, we've got wedding guest hair style ideas that will work with every dress code from black tie to boho. For inspiration, keep reading, and get pinning!

1. Textured Chignon

A chignon doesn't always have to be tight and sleek. If you have lots of hair or extensions, you can easily twist them into this modern-looking style that highlights the tones of the hair and looks textured. The hairclips should be hidden within the chignon and if you have bangs at the front, give them shape by using a wand to lightly curl them.

Best For: A casual or small wedding, the perfect frizz-fighting style for a beach bash. In case of frizz, spritz the final style with anti-humidity hairspray to keep the hair looking smooth all day. This style is perfect for adding accessories at the back, like tiny pearls or diamonds.

2.  Ballerina Pony

A mix of structured on top and more relaxed at the ends, a ballerina pony is one of the most versatile wedding guest hair ideas. The style is pretty simple - the hair is sleek and smooth across the crown and tied close to the nape of the neck. Side pieces of hair can be used to crossover the pony's elastic and it elevates the look. Cover the elastic with a ribbon in a shade that works with your outfit, and tightly wand them in different directions.

Best For: Perfect for a chic city venue and vibe, or with a killer suit and kitten heels. Cover the elastic with a ribbon in a shade that works with your outfit for an extra feminine look.

3. Sleek Twisted Bun

A sleeked back, braided or twisted bun makes for an appealing compliment to a backless outfit as it draws the eyes upwards and elongates the neck.

Best For: A backless or low back wedding guest look. If you've mastered a sleeked back bun, this one can be easy to recreate.  Just braid a sleek pony and then swirl into a little bun and pin in place. Finish with a sparkly clip or slide for an extra touch of glam.

4. Half-Up, Half Down

The quintessential half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle features long, cascading locks and just a few pieces pulled back from the face. It can be styled to look classic and polished or loose and bohemian depending on the vibe of your wedding guest look.

Best For: A half up half-down hairstyle is so versatile, they work on every length, colour, and texture of hair. Perfect for any type of celebration.

5. The Modern Bardot

The classic perfectly coiffed Bardot gets a refreshing modern upgrade with the addition with fun messy texture for a more relaxed look.

Best For: An off-the shoulder or boatneck neckline, or anyone wanting to add a little bit of retro-chic to their wedding guest look.

6. Flicked-out Ends

If your hair is short and in a bob style, the simplest change to make is to create flicky ends. A chic bob is great for everyday life, but when you want to jazz it up turning out the ends is an easy transformation. Using gel to slick back one side also looks great with a side parting, and if you are really brave, slicking it all back with flicky ends looks very chic.

Best For: A chic city wedding or upmarket restaurant. Worn with a column dress or androgynous suit and heels plus unforgettable jewellery, your look will be timeless.

7. Statement Bow

Hair bows are the easiest of all wedding guest hair ideas. They add shape and interest to very straight hair, like above, or they can make tousled hair look sexy. A bow elevates a look and can be paired with accessories like your bag and shoes. Some clip into place and others are on bands that feel more secure. Every colour and fabric is available and they are a fun way to wear your hair.

Best For: Anyone not very skilled at doing their hair or in a rush. Bows look great with backless dresses or sweetheart necklines. Team with great earrings to complete the package.

8. Curly Side Fringe

A curly updo looks very elegant as a wedding guest hairstyle. Easier than trying to straighten the hair, this high pony enhances the look of natural hair. The side fringe has been lightly tonged to give the uniformity of the pieces and to relax the natural curl.

Best For: Curly, coily and textured hair. Natural texture like this works with any wedding outfit, it looks so good no one might notice what you're wearing

9. Beachy Waves

Beachy waves will never go out of fashion, and if you can't decide on hairstyles they are one of those foolproof wedding guest hair ideas. The beauty of waves is that they draw the eye to great highlights or Balayage and look effortless. Practice this style a few times to see how long the waves last and use heat-memory spray before creating those waves.

Best For: A casual or beach wedding where the dress code follows suit. This style is so versatile when it's done right that it works with every dress code.

10. Classic Chignon

The classic chignon will never go out of style, and if you are a Mother of the Bride or Groom it seems apt for your role. There are lots of ways to style a chignon, with or without extensions, but it's great if you plan to wear a hat or fascinator on the big day.

Best For: This look suits all ages and wedding guests from the top table down. Sophisticated and groomed, it works with any and every outfit.

11. Short Waves

If your hair is somewhere between a bob and a lob, simple short waves can elevate your hair. People with shoulder-length hair can go the hair extension route for a wedding, but these waves work equally well. Prepping the hair key before winding or tonging, and hairspray will help set the look.

Best For: In-between-length hair that needs to appear fuller and styled whatever the venue. These short waves work beautifully with a silk or satin slipdress, more formal gown or two-piece trouser suit.

12. Perfectly Imperfect Updo

For a low-maintenance coif that looks anything but consider the tried-and-true perfectly imperfect updo. The beauty is all in the intentionally disheveled details, so this is one hairstyle to leave to your hairdresser!

Best For: A more glam wedding guest look.

13. Blowout Pony

The blowout pony is a great option if you have a lot of hair to keep it looking neat and sleek. It's also good for shoulder-length hair if you use a ponytail hair extension to add some length to your locks. Easily attached (and removed), it is an instantly different-looking style. Add accessories if you like, and concentrate on curling or waving any front pieces that are hanging loose.

Best For: With a false ponytail, it's great for anyone with shorter or finer hair to add volume and length. With longer and thicker hair it's good for taming your mane and it lasts all day. Wear it with any wedding look.

14. Brushed-Out Waves

There aren't many wedding guest hair ideas as classic as brushed-out waves. Old Hollywood in spirit, these barrel waves are easy enough to do. To get a great hold that lasts all day and night, use a protecting spritz with heat memory to keep the waves intact. After creating the waves, allow them to cool totally before brushing them out, and set them with a light layer of hairspray.

Best For: All types of wedding! These waves work well with an off-the-shoulder dress, chic tuxedo jacket or backless gown.

15. Curly French Twist

Embrace your curls and make them work for you with this very stylish and voluminous French Twist. This style involves rolling your hair in on itself from the crown to the nape of the neck. Bobby pins are used to secure the twist and if any hair escapes at the front, it makes it look more modern and casual.

Best For: Curly-haired wedding guests who don't want to blow dry or straighten their hair. The beauty of this kind of updo is that any differences of colour through the hair from Balayage or natural tones give the hair a great textured look.

16. Accessorise Your Style

There could be a lot of versatility with this style and its simple accessories. Pearl pins are one option, here they work beautifully with the earrings, but there are lots of options. Diamonds, gold pins, or something more vintage-looking could be tied in with your jewellery on the day. Different, but very interesting.

Best For: Accessorising the hair like this is very easy to do, but it elevates the hairstyle. This could be the finishing touch for a more elegant wedding, a castle affair, perhaps.

17.Volumise or Lengthen With a Clip-in

A clip-in ponytail or hair extension is perhaps one of the simplest wedding guest hair ideas. Not only can a fake piece give you extra length, but some are better for filling out thinner or finer hair. An extension will last years if cared for correctly, so get a piece you will love to wear again and again.

Best For: Any type of wedding and venue to dramatically change your look. Get the best hair extension or clip-in you can find for repeated use (see our guide here) and practice styling it before the big day.

18. Modern Hollywood Waves

A twist on classic Hollywood waves that traditionally had a side parting, these modern and looser waves with a centre parting look very chic and sophisticated. Achieved with a straightener or large tonging wand, the key to it feeling very updated is that the ends aren't curled. As well as that, the crown of the head is smoothed into place with styling cream or gel. A style that will last all day.

Best For: Longer hair that hasn't many waves and any type of wedding from a beach celebration to an upmarket hotel. This hairstyle also works beautifully with an off-the-shoulder dress or gown.

For more hair, makeup, skin and wedding preparation posts see here or follow us on Instagram.