Braided bridal hairstyle | The most beautiful braided hairstyles for the bride
Do you want to wear your bridal hairstyle braided? Then we have the most beautiful inspirations for you, including instructions: from modern braid crown to elegant fishtail braid.
by Sarah Glasbergen on 8 April 2026
Web editor
TLDR: Braided wedding hairstyles are romantic, photogenic, and incredibly versatile. From Dutch crown braids and fishtail accents to loose bohemian braids woven with flowers, braids work as the main style or as a detail in an updo or half-up look. ThePerfectWedding.com's bridal beauty experts share the most stunning braided styles for every wedding aesthetic and hair length.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Braided bridal styles have grown 40% in Pinterest searches over the past 2 years (Source: Pinterest Trends, 2025)
- A braided bridal style costs $175 to $400 depending on complexity (Source: The Knot)
- Braids work on medium to long hair. For shorter hair, partial braids add texture without needing full length (Source: WeddingWire)
- Braids are the most secure bridal hairstyle for outdoor and windy locations (Source: Brides.com)
- See all bridal hair on our bridal hairstyles page on ThePerfectWedding.com
Choosing the right bridal hairstyle is almost as difficult as choosing the wedding dress. Do you want to leave your hair down, pin it up in a loose bun, or wear the bridal hairstyle braided? A beautiful braid can give you a modern look. Especially for women with long hair, it is a good way to keep the hair out of the face. Get inspired by our ideas for your braided bridal hairstyle. Which one is your favorite?
Braided bridal hairstyle and with braid
There are so many types of braids that you can vary endlessly. With a little practice, you can even do it yourself. Once you get the hang of it, create a braided bridal hairstyle. Would you rather leave it to a professional and are looking for inspiration? No problem. We show you the most beautiful bridal hairstyles with braids.
Tip: Curl your hair first before braiding it, this gives the hairstyle more structure.
Braided with side braid
The casual fishtail braid is very popular and beautiful as a bridal hairstyle. Especially for women with long hair, it is well suited. It may look tricky, but it's not that difficult to recreate. We show you how it's done:
- Part your hair to the side and divide your hair into two halves.
- Take a small strand from one side and lay it over the other, wider strand.
- Repeat the same with the other strand.
- Continue braiding in this way until you reach the bottom of the braid.
- Finally, secure with a thin or clear hair tie.
Pull the braid apart a bit at the end to achieve a fuller braid. For the fishtail braid, the messier, the better. Even with thin hair, you can braid a beautiful, full braid.
Loosely braided and pinned up
Even elegant updos get a modern upgrade with braids. First, braid a loose fishtail or French braid as a base. You can then fold it up at the back of the head or twist it loosely. Make sure to secure everything with enough hairpins. Et voilà! A braided bridal hairstyle that stays perfect all day!
Read more: The Bridal Hairstyle Trends 2020
Half-up braided
Do you want to wear your bridal hairstyle half-up? Then braided sections are ideal to separate the loose hair from the rest and pin up part of the bridal hairstyle. Additionally, you have countless options when braiding to wear your hair half-up:
- Separate two side strands and braid them into small braids. Then pin them together at the back of the head.
- Braid a French braid from your top hair at the crown. Leave the rest of your hair loose.
- Or a combination of both: a waterfall braid. To do this, section off two side parts, which you then divide into three strands each. Then start braiding along the side of the head, similar to a French braid. The difference here is that you always let the bottom strand fall and then grab a new one. The two braids are then braided together at the back of the head into one braid.
Braided bridal hairstyles are very pretty! However, braiding can be tricky if you're not practiced. That's why you can also get help from a hairdresser or your bridal stylist. Good luck!
Bridal hairstyle with braid crown
Wearing your hair as a crown - your bridal hairstyle couldn't be more regal. This hairstyle trend looks great and is easier to do than you think. First, braid two "normal" braids at the back of your head. Then lay them around your head and secure them on the other side with hairpins. It gets a bit more challenging if you want the hair to be braided in. To do it perfectly, you should get help from a hairdresser.
Expert Tip: "If you want braids to look soft and romantic, the secret is pulling them apart after braiding. A tight, neat braid looks sporty. A gently pulled, loosened braid looks bridal. Ask your stylist to 'pancake' the braid, which means gently tugging sections wider. That one step transforms the entire look from athletic to elegant."
Sarah Glasbergen, Founder at ThePerfectWedding.com
Is my hair long enough for braids?
Most braided styles need hair past the shoulders. For shorter hair, partial braids like a braided crown, side accent, or braided headband work beautifully. Extensions can add length specifically for braiding.
Will braids hold all day?
Braids are actually the most durable bridal hairstyle. Once braided and pinned, they stay intact through dancing and wind. A light mist of hairspray is usually all you need. This makes braids ideal for outdoor and summer weddings.
Can I wear a veil with braids?
Yes. A veil attaches with a comb that tucks under or above the braid. A crown braid with a cathedral veil is one of the most dramatic and beautiful bridal combinations.
Find Braided Hair Inspiration on ThePerfectWedding.com
Browse all styles on our bridal hairstyles page. Pair braids with seasonal flowers for a natural look. Complete your vision with dress styles and color palette ideas. Plan with our 12-month checklist. Find hair stylists on our vendor directory.
