18 Braided Bridal ‘Dos to Wear When Saying “I Do”

Nov 09, 2014

Looking for some wedding hairspiration? It’s pretty much a shared feeling among brides to want to feel like a fairytale princess when walking down the aisle. Ranging from classic to unconventional, braids work in short and long hair and can be worn by brides and bridesmaids alike. While you should avoid certain wedding hair mistakes, don’t be afraid to let some pieces fall or to have imperfect braids. It adds to the personality and uniqueness of your look. Have fun with these 18 down-the-aisle ‘dos.

1. The Peekaboo Braid: A tiny braid peeking out from the bottom of your updo adds texture to a tousled look. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

2. Split Down The Middle: Simple and chic. Add a pop of color with lipstick or a flower off to the side… or both! (via The House That Lars Built)

3. Asymmetrical Wrap Around Braid: A twisted chignon is so dreamy. (via Confetti Daydreams)

4. Heart Braid: A heart-shaped execution is a romantic and playful braid for the bride, bridesmaids or flower girl. (via A Cup of Joe)

5. Sparkly Braid Bun: DIY this ‘do by braiding in a necklace or headband into a single braid then wrap and pin the hair into a bun. (via Glamour)

6. Side Fishtail Braid: Did someone just say Frozen? Wear your hair down but kept out of your face with a soft and sweet fishtail braid pulled to the side. (via Jessica Jane Photography)

7. Zip Up Braid: Another style that works for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls alike is a zip-up braid. It’s the perfect stem to the blooming flower that is the sock bun or top knot. (via Sara Lucero)

8. Simple Side Braid: A simple side braid is laid back and easy. Add some drama with a floral crown. (via Wedding Chicks)

9. Fishtail Flower Braid: Add a pop of color to your braid as you bloom into this next stage of your life. Yeah, we’re deep and symbolic like that. (via Magnolia Rouge)

10. Neat and Tidy Milkmaid Braids: Want to let your dress and earrings be the stars of the show? This hairstyle allows you to do just that. (via BHLDN)

11. Upside Down Milkmaid Braids: Similar to the milkmaid braids that sit atop your head, these two braids are twisted around each other and pulled to the side. The flower is optional, but highly recommended. (via Rachel May Photography)

12. Mixed Braids: Having mixed feelings about what kind of braid you want? Do them all! This lovely bride chose a mix of regular braids up top with a fishtail down the middle. (via Rebecca Hollis)

13. Braid Headband: This half-up/half-down style uses small braids to create a halo-type headband for a look we like to call “woodsy boho.” (via Paper Antler)

14. French Braid Up-Do: A few fierce French braids à la Game Of Thrones is EXACTLY what your wedding day needs. (via Glamour and Grace)

15. Swooping Side Braid: A whimsical option that also works well for shorter hair — braid a large piece (or your bangs) and swoop that into the rest of your loosely pinned hair. (via Wedding Chicks)

16. Floral Crown with Tiny Twists: We’re fans of the floral crown and the mini braids weaved throughout… such a fairytale look! (via Polka Dot Bride)

17. Mermaid Braid: You might wanna grab some extensions for this full and beautiful mermaid braid, accented with baby’s breath. (via Magnolia Rouge)

18. Braid With Headband: Adorn your beautifully braided locks with a regal headband. (via Etsy)

Which braid would you say “I do” in? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook!

3 Summer Updos You Can Do in Under 5 Minutes

Summertime, and you know what they say about the living being oh-so-easy. Your hair should be easy, too! The best thing about summer hairstyles is that somehow the more messy and undone the finished look is, the better. Can't really beat that, can you? Here are three super easy, super fresh updos to add to the mix this summer.

Now, can someone mix me up a refreshing cocktail? ;)

Totally Twisted

1. Start off by separating your hair on one side, a little behind your ear.

2. Use a clip to hold the front section in place and out of your way.

3. Do the same thing on the other side.

4. Now, working with the back section, split it into two sections (it is okay if it is not perfectly even) and twist each section.

5. Join the two twists together and secure in place with an elastic.

6. Remove the clip from one of the sections in the front.

7. Twist the front section until you get to the ends.

8. Cross the twisted front section over the back ponytail and then secure the end of the twisted hair with a bobby pin into the previously twisted section.

9. Repeat the same steps for the other side.

10. Back comb the hair that is in the original ponytail to create a messy, fuller look.

11. Pull out some random pieces in the front to keep the look more playful and undone.

We love this take on the low pony.

Effortlessly Tousled

1. Pick up a small section of hair from the front and twist it in the direction away from your face.

2. Using a fine toothed comb, backcomb gently to create a messy curl that will stay in place.

3. Do this all throughout your hair on both sides of your head remembering to twist away from your face.

4. Gently pull your hair back in a low pony trying not to pull out the shape you just back combed in.

5. Twist the hair around until it is in a secure place to pin.

6. Using bobby pins that match your hair color, pin the twisted hair into place. Don't worry about a few stray hairs — they add to the tousled look.

7. Repeat the same steps on the other side of your head. Done!

Va va voom!

Ultimate Texture

1. Pick up a small section of hair from one side of your head leaving out some of your bangs or front section of your hair.

2. Braid that section and use a bobby pin to hold in place. You can set this braid aside for now.

3. Backcomb the back section of your hair to create volume.

4. Place another small braid on the same side.

5. Repeat the same thing on the other side of your head.

6. Pin the braid towards the back of your head in the lower back section of your head.

7. Pick up another small section of hair and this time twist it back and then pin it as well.

8. Pull all the hair from that side into a low pony in the back of your head, twist it up and secure it with a few bobby pins.

9. Now, pull the original braid you placed in the front section back and pin it in place.

10. Repeat these steps on the opposite side of you head.

11. For all those stray hairs that fell out and the section of hair you left out in the front, use a ½-inch curling iron to place tiny random curls for a contrasting texture.

12. Use your fingers to pull some of the curls a little looser for an even more textured look.

That's it!

We can't wait to lounge on the beach, go window shopping, and grab our favorite lattes this summer. After a year spent indoors, we're ready to throw our hair up and get outside. Good thing these summer hairstyles only take five minutes!

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty inspo!

This post has been updated.

updo summer hair

5 "Overrated" Beauty Finds I Regret Buying In 2024

You'd think someone with acne-prone skin wouldn't buy viral beauty finds without doing thorough research, but I'm not above trying to recreate all the latest makeup trends at home. All this did was remind me that everything isn't for everyone — and that's okay! Well...it's not okay I fee like I wasted money, but at least I know what to stay away from. And now I'm here to help you figure out what to avoid as well!

Even though this products didn't work for me, that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't use them. These are just my least faves of the year — take 'em or leave 'em!

Here are all the overrated beauty finds I wish I wouldn't have bought

Amazon

1. MILK Hydro Grip Primer

I should've known better than to buy this again, but I wanted to see if my skin would react better to it. The first time I tried to use this, I broke out along my jaws in tiny, red bumps. They were itchy and eventually turned into dark spots that took me over a year to get rid of.

Instead of letting that be the red flag that kept me away from this beauty find, I decided to use it in place of my trusted e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer I've been relying on. Two things happened:

It created a beautiful base for my makeup.
I didn't break out, but my faced still felt itchy.

I even switched my makeup brushes and checked to make sure other makeup products weren't expired. The culprit continued to be this primer so it's made it to my overrated list.

Amazon

2. KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum

I was initially sent this to test, but I decided to buy it myself to see if I truly like it. While it was easy to add to my skincare routine lineup, I realized I actually didn't need to spend $70+ for an effective Vitamin C serum. The only difference between this serum and the one I truly love are their colors and textures.

This one has a slightly yellowish-orange tint to it while being a little thicker compared to the Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C serum I use. The latter is thinner and 100% transparent, plus the odor is slightly stronger. However, both of them aid in smoother skin, smaller pores, and a healthy glow.

I honestly wouldn't buy this one again just because I can get the same benefits for a lesser price.

Amazon

3.NYX Cosmetics Fat Oil Lip Drip

This is a controversial take, but I honestly didn't love the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip. Although I love the color payoff, it was too sticky for my liking. I saw reviews that mentioned this, but I've purchased lip glosses other people didn't love that worked for me in the past. However, the reviews are telling the truth: the stickiness takes away from what could've been a great formula.

I'll just stick to my Tower 28 Lip Softie Hydrating Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla!

Amazon

4. L'Oréal Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

I know people love this beauty find because it is great. I just didn't think the hype was enough to convince me to buy it again because my essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara gets the job done for $5. I will say I love the washable feature of L'Oréal's version, but it's still not enough to make me willingly spend over $10 for it.

As great of a product as this is, it's overrated to me because of the price tag.

Sephora

5. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

Sigh...it's so hard for me to admit this, but this Haus Labs foundation has become my most overrated beauty find of 2024. It's not that it doesn't work for a few hours, but my skin prefers tinted moisturizers more than anything. I talked about it briefly on TikTok, but skin tints feel like you're not wearing anything on your face.

I'm always really oily after wearing this foundation for a few hours, but I can get extended wear out of the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint I've been wearing. I like to think it's because it has vegan collagen, ceramides, and cactus extract in it whereas this foundation has ingredients like fermented arnica in it.

Both do a great job of calming inflammation, but something about this foundation makes my skin think it's incredibly dry.

Visit our Amazon Storefront for a list of beauty products we do love!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

beauty makeup products self care

37 ‘I Do’-Worthy Wedding Hairdos

Deciding who to marry is arguably the biggest decision of your life (no pressure). But even after you've chosen the person, the decisions just keep coming: the place, the cake, the dress, and, of course, your hairstyle. With seemingly endless options out there, we're here to assist you with the best look for your big day. Are you leaning towards soft, romantic waves? Or perhaps a classic updo? Or maybe you're all about standout accessories? Whatever the case may be, below you'll find 37 wedding hair ideasto help you decide on a 'do to say “I do" in.

1. A Braid Crown (via Brit + Co)

18 Braided Bridal ‘Dos to Wear When Saying “I Do”

Totally Twisted

Effortlessly Tousled

Ultimate Texture

Here are all the overrated beauty finds I wish I wouldn't have bought

1. MILK Hydro Grip Primer

2. KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum

3.NYX Cosmetics Fat Oil Lip Drip

4. L'Oréal Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

5. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

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Romantic Silhouettes

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Embellishments

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