The Best Bridal Hairstyle Ideas for Your Wedding Dress Neckline (2024)

By

• Shelsea Patton is a bridal beauty expert and professional makeup artist with a decade of experience.
• Brittany Guzman Dion is a hairstylist and the artistic director of hairstyling for the North America sector of Aveda.
• Claudine Fay is the owner of Hair & Makeup by Claudine, a boutique-style beauty company that serves clients in Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With Strapless Necklines

Strapless necklines, sleeveless designs that expose your bare shoulders, are one of the most versatile silhouettes, Patton says. Since this cut comes in a range of styles, from sweetheart to straight, there isn’t one correct hairstyle—it all boils down to your personal style and which features you want to spotlight. “You truly get the most freedom to choose your hairstyle with this neckline, so go with the style you feel the most confident in,” she advises.

A Playful Ponytail

If you want to show off your décolletage, chest, and shoulders, an updo like a high ponytail is your best bet. This bouncy, effortless hairstyle will bring a fun, playful feel to your wedding look. And if you opt to slick back your strands, such as this bride did at her coastal California wedding, you’ll radiate romance and elegance, too.

A Pulled-Back Low Bun

A sleek low bun with a middle part, such as this bride’s at her rustic nuptials in Virginia, is another option that will make your strapless neckline the focal point of your look. This neat, polished hairstyle is a suitable choice for more formal affairs and gowns. Patton points out that if you’re planning on layering accessories like earrings and a necklace, an updo won’t overshadow your jewels.

Side-Swept Old Hollywood Waves

For those who prefer to wear their hair down, parting your hair to the side and sweeping your locks over one shoulder will still play up your strapless neckline—but more covertly. You can style your mane in any way that you please, but if your wedding dress and overall aesthetic are vintage or glamorous, Old Hollywood waves (like this bride’s hairstyle at her timeless affair in Atlanta) will match the lavish feel.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With Off-the-Shoulder Necklines

An off-the-shoulder neckline is romantic and effortless, so your hairstyle should follow suit. Since this type of style entails draped sleeves, you’ll probably want to style your hair in a way that will feature your shoulders and collarbone.

A Romantic Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle

A half-up, half-down hairstyle, such as this bride’s at her French garden nuptials, is one of the most romantic possibilities for your locks, making it the ideal choice for an equally romantic neckline. Since draped sleeves and a half ponytail both frame your face, in turn, your look will feel balanced and whole.

Barreling Waves

Although you’ll be baring skin with an off-the-shoulder neckline, there isn’t a rule that prohibits you from rocking a down-style. For romantic or timeless brides and aesthetics, barreling waves that tumble down your back will fit the romance of this design. To let your neckline shine, tuck most of your strands behind your shoulders—like this bride did at her Gatsby-inspired celebration on Long Island.

A Low Fishtail Braid

Unsurprisingly, updos are a go-to choice for this wedding gown neckline. While a classic low bun is always an option, if you’re looking for something more unique, consider a low fishtail braid. This is an especially strong candidate for ethereal dresses made of tulle and embellished with intricate details like lace, such as the one this bride wore to her dreamy soirée in Philadelphia.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With Portrait Necklines

Closely resembling an off-the-shoulder neckline, portrait necklines take on a classy-yet-sultry look. With a scoop that extends from one tip of the shoulder to the other, this cut emphasizes your collarbone—so your hairstyle should, too.

A Tucked-Back Down-Style

Wedding hairstylist Claudine Fay asserts that this structured neckline calls for a clean, polished hairstyle. One idea is effortless waves with front pieces that are pinned back behind your ears—perfect for modern brides. The neat down-style will reflect the cut of the dress, especially if the silhouette entails clean lines and a minimalist canvas (such as the one this bride wore to her summer celebration in New York).

A Bedazzled Coiffure

Patton poses the possibility of a low bun, accented with a hair accessory, to accompany this elegant neckline. “It frames the face flawlessly and ensures the dress remains the centerpiece of your bridal look,” Patton says. You can even include a hair insert for added height and magnitude. To select the appropriate accessory, consider the rest of your look. For instance, at her botanical garden wedding in Chicago, this bride wore a lace frock and diamond jewelry, so a sequined pin was a suitable choice.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With One-Shoulder Necklines

One-shoulder necklines are asymmetrical, Grecian-inspired designs that underline your face, meaning you’ll want to select a complementary hairstyle that balances the overall look, according to Fay. Since this style is unexpected, you can also get creative with the way you style your tresses.

A Voluminous Chignon

If your neckline is a focal feature of your big-day look, you can’t go wrong with an updo; pulling your hair back will keep your neck and shoulders unobstructed. You can also tease the crown of your head for imbued volume and magnitude, which matched this bride’s billowing cape at her intimate, modern fête in Los Angeles. Fay also suggests opting for an asymmetrical placement that mirrors the strap to create balance.

Pin-Straight Locks

Many brides settle on a textured ‘do for their special day, but pin-straight tendrils will generate noticeable, glass-like shine. To coordinate with your wedding gown neckline, pin the front strands behind your ears, which is what this bride did at her regal-inspired weekend affair in Barcelona, so your mane won’t hide your shoulders.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With High Necklines

If you’ve chosen a wedding gown with a high-neck detail (à la Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn), whether it’s a halter or a mock neck, you’ll want your hairstyle to match the sophistication and elegance of this feature. Since these necklines rest at or above the neck, choose tresses that balance this high-coverage look.

A Sleek Updo

One of the best hairstyles for a high neckline? A sleek updo. Pinning your tendrils at the nape of your neck (which is what this bride did at her high-fashion wedding weekend in Italy) will allow the fabric around your shoulders and chest to shine. If your mock-neck gown includes long sleeves and lace detailing, an elegant low bun will reinforce the class and grace of these details.

A Glitzy Ponytail

Another iteration of an updo that won’t divert attention away from your neckline is a high ponytail. For instance, at her luxe black-tie wedding, this bride donned a high-neck gown featuring long sleeves, puff shoulders, and lace embroidery, so her pulled-back hairstyle added chicness in a subdued way. For glamorous gowns, aesthetics, or settings, completing your hairdo with a beaded pin will augment the glitz and glamour of your look and big day.

Textured Waves

Just because you’re wearing a high neckline doesn’t mean you have to wear your hair up. Tousled tresses that pile around your shoulders will definitely work for bohemian, free-flowing gowns, such as the one that this bride wore to her maximalist disco wedding.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With V-Neck or Plunging Necklines

With a V-shaped neckline, either a moderate (V-neck) or exaggerated (plunging) cut, your wedding gown will likely have straps or sleeves. Since these types of dresses provide a pretty balanced fabric-to-skin ratio, you can wear your hair in any way that you please—whether that’s up or down.

Tight Curls

Tight ringlets that fall close to your face (like this bride wore to her glamorous nuptials in Chicago) will cover your shoulders without concealing your V-shaped neckline. Instead of blatantly showcasing your décolletage, this textured, down-style will provide partial coverage, creating balance.

A Soft Coif

If your V-neck has an intricate design, such as the scalloped edge on this bride’s dress at her garden party in Italy, an elegant coif will guarantee that these details will take center stage. This soft style will also coordinate with a romantic gown, such as ball gowns trimmed with lace or tulle.

All Natural

While you can certainly embrace your natural hair texture with any neckline, rocking your authentic locks (like this bride did at her opulent affair in Paris) is a fitting choice for a plunging cut. Not only will this hairstyle allow you to confidently express your true identity, but it will also underscore the style of your gown.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With Sweetheart Necklines

Sweetheart necklines are one of the most romantic options for your wedding gown. Resembling the top half of a heart, this cut focuses on your collarbone. Since it comes in any style, from strapless to long-sleeved, this neckline offers a lot of flexibility regarding your hairstyle choice. “Whether you opt for an updo or soft waves, both will pair perfectly with this romantic and relaxed design,” Patton shares.

A Messy High Bun

For sweetheart necklines supplemented by a strapless cut, an updo will illuminate your neck, chest, shoulders, and arms. If your dress includes free-flowing movement—like this bride’s ball gown at her glamping-inspired event in San Francisco—go for a high, messy bun. Plus, the unkempt look will inject effortlessness and personality into your look.

Side Waves

Since sweetheart necklines have a curved, flowing design, consider twisting your tendrils in waves. “Soft waves complement a sweetheart neckline because they replicate the movement over the bust,” Fay mentions. If your sweetheart neckline includes an off-the-shoulder design (like the gown at this bride’s Old-Hollywood wedding in Rome), waves will also enhance the romantic feel.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With Bateau or Boat Necklines

With a wide, high shape, a bateau or boat neckline is a classic cut that frames the collarbone. Take cues from Meghan Markle and flaunt an updo, or go with a stunning down-style—either way, you can’t go wrong.

Dense Curls

If your wedding gown has a bateau neckline, plus long sleeves (like this bride’s at her micro-wedding in the Berkshires), wearing your hair down is acceptable—your locks won’t hide all of the fabric. For dresses that have a clean slate sans embellishments, dense curls will bring a bit of texture to your look.

A Face-Framing Chignon

Another option that’s equally gorgeous for a bateau neckline is a classic updo, such as this bride’s at her vintage affair in South Carolina. “[This style] will elegantly showcase your neck and collarbone,” Patton points out. To incorporate a hint of whimsy, add face-framing tendrils.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With Scoop Necklines

Defined by a curved U-shape, scoop necklines expose the chest area. Since they often come with straps, you have the leeway to choose virtually any wedding hairstyle that you fancy.

An Unkempt Updo

Updos are best for brides with scoop necklines who want to give prominence to their chest area. For those who aren’t keen on a trim, tidy look, pull out a few pieces to manufacture a chic-yet-slightly-messy hairdo—such as this bride’s ‘do at her modern nuptials in New York.

Tousled Tendrils

Whether your natural hair length is short or long, tousled waves will embed texture and depth into your wedding look. Short locks, such as this bride’s at her autumnal woodsy wedding in California, will particularly heighten your scoop neckline.

Brushed-Out Waves

Fay explains that since scoop necklines have a relatively structured nature, voluminous curls will suit the style particularly well. If your style is more relaxed and subtle, opt for brushed-out waves like this bride’s at her garden-themed soirée in Brooklyn. This soft, delicate style is also a strong candidate for wedding dresses with intricate designs.

Hairstyles for Wedding Gowns With Square Necklines

Square necklines, which feature sharp right angles and clean lines, are modern and tailored. So, these attributes should inform your chosen wedding hairstyle.

A Simple Low Bun

Want to show off the angular shape of your neckline? Fay suggests keeping your hair off your shoulders with a classic updo. This hairstyle is especially effective for wedding dresses with low backs, such as the one that this bride donned at her moss-adorned fête in Savannah.

A Slicked-Back Side Style

To wear your tresses down in a way that doesn’t block your square neckline, slick back one side of your strands and pin them to the side (like this bride did for her vibrant function in Maryland). The sleek, shiny look will bring a touch of romance to your modern neckline.