24 Low Bun Wedding Hair Ideas for Your Big Day

If you're looking for a classic, versatile wedding hairstyle, a low bun is always a good choice.

couple embracing at table during wedding reception
Photo: Perry Vaile

Looking for a classic big-day hairstyle that's subtle enough to keep all the attention on your wedding dress? Pull your hair back into a low bun. The style may be simple, but there are dozens of ways you can make it your own without distracting from the rest of your look. From traditional, understated interpretations like tight ballerina buns to relaxed braided styles that result in textured, bohemian looks, your options really are endless.

If you're worried that a low bun is too simple for an event as special as your wedding, don't be. In fact, there are so many ways you can transform the style into a refreshed, contemporary look. Modernize your hair with headpieces, accessories, or veils—or add a pop of color with fresh greenery for an eye-catching finishing touch.

Ready to discover which low bun wedding hairstyle is right for you? We're sharing our favorite low bun wedding hair ideas, courtesy of real brides. Each one offers a fresh take on this easy-to-accomplish look that will make you feel like your most beautiful self on your big day.

01 of 24

Open Back

bride and groom kissing at wedding reception
Stetten Wilson

If your wedding dress has an open back that you want to show off, a low bun—like this one by Caitlyn Meyer—is the perfect way to highlight it.

02 of 24

Diamond Pins

bride getting ready
Clay Austin Photography

Elevate your bridal ensemble by accessorizing your low bun with a couple of chic hair pins. When styling this bride's hair, Chiali Meng wrapped her curls into a classic bun and held a few strands in place with diamond-studded accessories.

03 of 24

High and Low

wedding couple dancing groom dipping bride while laughing
Alain M.

Torn between wearing your hair down or up? According to this bride, you don't have to choose. For her ceremony, she wore her hair down in bouncy waves—then asked her stylist, Modern Bride Paris, to sweep it back into a classic low bun before she hit the dance floor.

04 of 24

Veil Tuck

bride hugging grandma outside
Jennie Raff Photography

Want your veil to be the focal point of your big-day beauty look? A low bun actually serves as an anchor for this accessory—and since your veil will largely cover your pulled-back look, it won't compete with or detract from it. Here's proof: On this bride's big day, a classic Sara Gabriel veil was neatly tucked into the top of her bun by stylist Amie Decker Beauty.

05 of 24

Low Chignon

bride and groom holding hands outside
Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Few hairstyles are as timeless as a low chignon, a classic twist (pun intended!) on the low bun; plus, it's a stunning way to show off the neckline of your gown. To highlight this bride's something blue—a strapless collar connected to an asymmetrical bow in the back—stylist (Amie Decker Beauty) swept all of her hair back into this low updo.

06 of 24

Fresh Flowers

bride hugging wedding party member
Larissa Cleveland

Wearing your hair down with a dress that has a high neckline can make your look feel too busy. A low bun simplifies the ensemble without being boring—but if you want to add a statement accessory to your streamlined hairstyle, look to flowers. This bride had Davida Buggs of Flowers by Lady Buggs make a hairpiece with flowers that referenced those seen in her bouquet; it also nodded to the embroidered flowers on her high-neck gown.

07 of 24

Metallic Accessory

bride hairstyle metallic accessory
As Ever Photography

A metallic accessory, like this gold prong, can modernize a classic low bun. We love how Simply Mindy K. used it to add a pop of color to this look.

08 of 24

Relaxed Bridal Party

relaxed bride and bridesmaids hairstyles
Dear Lovers Photography

If all of your bridesmaids are wearing their hair down, contrast their styles with a low bun so you stand out. Elwynn and Cass pulled out strands from the front of this bride's updo to create a relaxed look that differed from her attendants' cascading curls.

09 of 24

Matching Brides

matching brides low buns hairstyles
Luck & Love Photography

Matching low buns can tie your looks together, especially if you and your soon-to-be wife are opting for different dress silhouettes. Finish off the updos with blooms from your coordinating bouquets, like Ana B and Sungold Flower Co. did here, to complement one another even more.

10 of 24

Ballerina Bun

bride hairstyle ballerina bun
Rae Tay Photography

A ballerina bun is a sleek and understated choice for any bride who'd rather keep all of the attention on her intricate dress or sparkling accessories.

11 of 24

Braided Texture

wedding bride hair updo bun
Charla Storey Photography

Braid your hair from the crown of your head down into a low bun to add texture to an otherwise classic look, like SASA Hair & Makeup did here.

12 of 24

Elongated Waves

bride low bun hairstyle elongated waves
Meghan K Sadler

Make like Katie Nash and create an elongated low bun that stems from a wavy, layered base for a fresh take on the style.

13 of 24

Swept Back Casual

bride low bun hairstyle swept back casual
Rachel Moore

Note how Parlour 3 enhanced a casual low bun by pulling out a few strands around the bride's face for a natural frame. This technique is perfect for a loose, swept-back style.

14 of 24

Statement Veil

bride
Abby Jiu Photography

Wearing a statement veil on your wedding day? A slicked-back bun that rests at the nape of your neck will ensure your hair doesn't get in the way of your accessory as it trails behind you.

15 of 24

Swept Romance

bride low bun hairstyle spiral volume
Rachel Solomon

Add texture to your low bun by curling the front section of your hair and loosely pinning it back so the spiral shape adds volume to the side. We love how Julia Hernandez of Leidan Mitchell Salon's creation gave this bride a romantic faux side bang, too.

16 of 24

No Accessories

gloria zee wedding bride close up veil
Blush Wedding Photography

If you're forgoing earrings in favor of a veil, cover your ears altogether with a low bun (Carol Hung Makeup Artistry created this updo) for a romantic look that complements your dreamy accessory.

17 of 24

Classic Volume

bride hairstyle low bun classic volume
Matt and Julie Weddings

Accent your look by overlapping strands of hair above your bun to add volume to a simple, but classic hairstyle, like Tovah Prue and Savanah King did for this bride.

18 of 24

Sock Bun

bride with open-back dress and chic bun
Kibogo Photography

Copy this bride's look by wrapping your locks around a sock bun and securing it at the bottom of your neck with pins. This handy hair tool creates a perfectly circular 'do that'll hold your hair in place throughout your event.

19 of 24

Faux Flowers

margaux patrick wedding updo
Rachel Havel Photography

Brittani Estes used Twigs & Honey hairpins that looked like fresh buds to add whimsical flair to this bride's low bun. We suggest opting for faux flowers, like these clips, as opposed to real blooms to ensure your accessory lasts all night.

20 of 24

Seamless and Contemporary

modern wedding hairstyles
Sylvie Gil Photography

A modern wedding dress deserves an equally contemporary hairstyle—so try out Ava Belle's take on a tight, knotted bun. The look involved pulling the bride's hair over her ears for a seamlessly sleek updo.

21 of 24

Simply Timeless

jamie jon wedding bridal updo
Rachel Havel Photography

A low bun with a center part as clean and simple as this one by The Side Door Salon is timeless. Even better, it'll keep all your hair out of your face.

22 of 24

Ballet Bun

bridal updos clary pfeiffer
Clary Pfeiffer Photography

Allude to your ballet-inspired look by doing your hair like a professional dancer would. Start by creating a ponytail at the nape of your neck, twisting it from the bottom, and then wrapping the twist around itself to form a low bun.

23 of 24

Framed Accessories

jenna alok wedding wine country california bride smiling
Corbin Gurkin

Leave your hair accessories on full display with a clean, understated low bun, like Gabriel Mendoza of Bomane Salon created here. This newlywed's traditional Indian bridal jewelry ran down her center part onto her forehead, which framed the piece beautifully.

24 of 24

Fresh Greens

unique wedding color palettes burnt orange suit pink white flowers
Dawn Charles

Instead of wearing a greenery crown, make like this bride and tuck a sprig of fresh leaves into the side of your slicked-back bun for a colorful accessory that doesn't overpower your hairstyle. Brittany Blanchard and Good Seed Floral executed this look.

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