Planning the perfect wedding aesthetic involves every detail from the flowers to the bridal party’s hair. A bridesmaid side bun with curls is a timeless choice that combines classic elegance with a modern, asymmetrical twist. This versatile look works beautifully for various hair textures and lengths, ensuring each bridesmaid feels confident and polished. Whether you are aiming for a sleek, formal appearance or a soft, bohemian vibe, incorporating curls into a side-positioned updo adds necessary volume and romantic texture. It is a practical yet stunning way to keep hair secure throughout a long day of photos and dancing. In this guide, we explore twenty unique ways to master the bridesmaid side bun with curls for a cohesive and breathtaking wedding party look.
1. Low Side Bun With Curls
A low side bun with curls is the gold standard for traditional wedding elegance. This hairstyle focuses on gathering the hair at the nape of the neck, shifted slightly to one side to create a sophisticated silhouette. By pre-curling the hair with a medium-barrel iron, the stylist can pin individual ringlets into a clustered bun that looks both intricate and soft. This specific placement is excellent for bridesmaids wearing one-shoulder dresses, as it balances the neckline beautifully. Adding a high-shine hairspray ensures the curls remain defined against the humidity of an outdoor ceremony. It is a reliable, high-impact choice that suits bridesmaids of all ages and hair types.
2. Messy Side Bun With Curls
For a more relaxed and contemporary wedding theme, the messy side bun with curls offers an effortless charm. This look thrives on texture and intentional imperfection. Instead of tight, structured coils, the hair is styled into loose, beachy waves before being gathered into a soft bun. Leaving a few curled tendrils out to frame the face enhances the romantic feel and prevents the updo from looking too severe. It is particularly effective for bridesmaids with highlighted hair, as the “messy” overlapping sections catch the light and show off color dimensions. This style is incredibly comfortable for all-day wear and looks better as the night goes on.
3. Braided Side Bun With Curls
Combining braids with a curly side bun adds a level of detail that looks professionally crafted and high-end. A French or Dutch braid typically starts at one temple and wraps around the back of the head, leading directly into the curly bun. This structural element helps keep shorter layers secure while adding a bohemian flair to the overall aesthetic. The curls within the bun itself should be pinned loosely to contrast with the tighter, more controlled texture of the braid. It is a fantastic option for rustic or garden-themed weddings where a mix of traditional and whimsical elements is desired for the bridal party.
4. Curly Side Bun With Tendrils
Focusing on the face-framing elements, a curly side bun with tendrils is designed to soften the features and add a touch of whimsy. The bun is kept relatively compact, allowing long, spiraled pieces of hair to hang freely from the temples and the back of the ears. These tendrils should be curled away from the face to create an open, bright look for wedding photos. This hairstyle is a favorite for bridesmaids who prefer not to have all their hair pulled back tightly. It provides the security of an updo with the flattering benefits of loose hair, making it a versatile choice for various face shapes.
5. Sleek Side Bun With Curls
A sleek side bun with curls offers a beautiful contrast between a polished crown and a textured finish. The top and sides of the hair are smoothed down using a light gel or pomade to achieve a mirror-like shine, while the bun itself explodes with voluminous, pinned curls. This juxtaposition creates a modern, editorial look that is perfect for black-tie or evening weddings. By keeping the base sleek, the focus remains entirely on the artistry of the curls at the side. It is a sophisticated way to manage frizz and ensure every bridesmaid looks impeccably groomed from the ceremony until the final send-off.
6. Loose Side Bun With Curls
When comfort and softness are the main priorities, a loose side bun with curls is the ideal solution. This hairstyle avoids heavy tension on the scalp by using large pins and a light touch during the styling process. The hair is often curled with a large wand to create “S” waves rather than tight ringlets, giving the bun a cloud-like, airy appearance. Because it sits loosely, this style has a natural bounce and movement that looks stunning in motion. It is a great choice for bridesmaids with fine hair, as the loose curls can be fluffed up to create the illusion of much more volume.
7. Dutch Braid Side Bun With Curls
The Dutch braid side bun with curls is a standout choice for bridesmaids who want a bold, three-dimensional look. Unlike a French braid, the Dutch technique involves crossing sections under each other, making the braid pop out against the head. This “inside-out” braid adds significant texture and visual interest leading into a cluster of bouncy curls on the side. It is a sturdy hairstyle that stands up well to wind and active movement, making it perfect for destination or beach weddings. The thickness of the braid serves as a natural accessory, often negating the need for extra hair jewelry or floral pins.
8. Side Bun With Curls And Flowers
Incorporating natural elements, a side bun with curls and flowers perfectly complements a botanical or outdoor wedding theme. After the curly bun is secured, small blooms like baby’s breath or individual rosebuds are tucked into the crevices of the curls. This adds a pop of color and a feminine touch that ties the bridesmaids’ hair directly into the wedding’s floral palette. For a cohesive look, the curls should be kept soft and slightly undone to match the organic beauty of the fresh flowers. It is a classic romantic gesture that makes the bridal party look like they have stepped out of a fairytale.
9. High Side Bun With Curls
While most side buns sit low, a high side bun with curls provides a playful and energetic alternative. Positioned just above the ear, this style draws the eye upward and creates a flattering lifting effect for the face. The curls are often stacked vertically within the bun to maximize height and drama. This placement is particularly effective for bridesmaids with shorter necks or those wearing high-neckline dresses, as it clears the shoulders completely. It is a fashion-forward take on the traditional updo that adds a youthful and spirited vibe to the wedding party’s overall appearance and style.
10. Twisted Side Bun With Curls
A twisted side bun with curls replaces traditional braids with elegant, rolled sections of hair. Two or three large twists are created along the side of the head, converging into a voluminous curly bun at the nape. These twists add a smooth, architectural quality to the front and sides of the hairstyle, while the curls provide a soft, romantic finish at the back. This style is excellent for bridesmaids with very thick hair, as the twists help manage the bulk while the curls show off the hair’s natural weight and shine. It is a refined look that appears much more complex than it actually is.
11. Side Bun With Curls For Short Hair
Bridesmaids with shorter hair can still achieve a beautiful side bun with curls using clever pinning and texturizing products. By curling the hair in small sections, a stylist can create the appearance of a full bun by overlapping the curls and securing them closely to the head. A side-swept fringe or a few loose pieces at the front help blend the short layers into the updo seamlessly. This hairstyle proves that you do not need waist-length locks to enjoy the elegance of a classic side-positioned bun. It is a chic and inclusive option that ensures every member of the bridal party feels part of the aesthetic.
12. Side Bun With Curls And Braids
For a truly intricate finish, the side bun with curls and braids utilizes multiple braiding styles in one look. A thin accent braid might run along the hairline while a thicker fishtail braid wraps around the base of the curly bun. This layering of textures creates a rich, detailed appearance that looks incredible in close-up photography. The curls serve as the focal point, acting as a soft “nest” for the various braided elements. This is a top-tier choice for a bridesmaid who wants a unique, custom-feeling hairstyle that showcases the stylist’s technical skills and artistic vision.
13. Curly Side Bun With Sparkly Pins
Adding a bit of glamour to the wedding day is easy with a curly side bun and sparkly pins. After the curls are arranged into a side bun, decorative hairpins featuring crystals or pearls are strategically placed throughout the updo. These accessories catch the light during the reception and add a formal, luxurious feel to the bridesmaid’s look. The pins also serve a functional purpose by providing extra security for the curls. This style is especially popular for winter or evening weddings where a touch of shimmer helps the bridesmaids stand out in dimmed lighting and candlelight.
14. Side Bun With Curls For Long Hair
Bridesmaids with long hair have the advantage of creating a truly massive and impressive side bun with curls. The extra length allows for large, cascading curls that can be draped and pinned into a voluminous, rose-like shape. To prevent the bun from feeling too heavy, the stylist may use a donut form or “stuffing” to provide a lightweight base for the curls to rest upon. This ensures the bun remains perfectly positioned on the side without pulling. It is a high-glamour look that provides a sense of drama and opulence, making it a perfect fit for a grand cathedral wedding.
15. Side Bun With Curls And Headband
Using a headband with a curly side bun is a practical and stylish way to keep hair away from the face while adding a decorative touch. Whether it is a thin metallic band or a wider fabric piece, the headband acts as a focal point that separates the smooth front section from the curly bun at the side. This is an excellent solution for bridesmaids with growing-out bangs or shorter layers that might otherwise fall out of the updo. The headband also helps define the “side” nature of the bun, anchoring the look and providing a structured frame for the textured curls behind it.
16. Natural Hair Side Bun With Curls
Celebrating natural texture is a major trend, and a natural hair side bun with curls is the perfect way to do it. This style works with the hair’s original curl pattern rather than fighting it. By using curl-defining creams and oils, the natural coils are gathered to one side to create a lush, textured bun. The result is a look that feels authentic and incredibly elegant. It requires less heat styling, which is healthier for the hair, and results in a bun with unparalleled volume and personality. This is a beautiful, empowered choice for bridesmaids who want to showcase their natural beauty.
17. Side Bun With Curls And Side Bangs
A side bun with curls and side bangs is a classic pairing that offers a very flattering silhouette. The bangs are typically swept across the forehead to meet the side where the bun is positioned, creating a continuous line that elongates the neck. The bangs can be styled sleek or with a slight wave to match the texture of the curly bun. This style is particularly effective for balancing high foreheads or highlighting the cheekbones. It provides a polished, “finished” look that feels intentional and well-designed, working well with almost any bridesmaid dress style or wedding theme.
18. Vintage Side Bun With Curls
Drawing inspiration from the 1940s and 50s, the vintage side bun with curls uses structured pin curls to create a retro aesthetic. The hair is often parted deeply on one side, with a prominent “victory roll” or smooth wave leading into the curly side bun. These curls are typically more uniform and polished than modern messy buns, giving the bridesmaid a classic Hollywood starlet appearance. This look is perfect for themed weddings or for brides who love a timeless, antique feel. It is a sophisticated and high-fashion choice that adds a unique character to the wedding party’s overall style.
19. French Twist Side Bun With Curls
The French twist side bun with curls merges two iconic updos into one sophisticated look. The hair is gathered and twisted upwards at the back, but instead of finishing in the center, the twist is angled toward one side. The ends of the hair are then left out and curled into a beautiful, side-resting cluster. This creates a very clean and elongated look from the back, with all the romantic volume concentrated on the side. It is a hybrid style that offers the formality of a French twist with the soft, modern appeal of a curly side bun.
20. Side Bun With Curls And Ribbon
For a soft, feminine finish, adding a ribbon to a side bun with curls is a charming touch. A velvet or silk ribbon can be tied around the base of the bun or woven through the curls themselves. This accessory can be color-matched to the bridesmaid dresses or the wedding’s secondary accent color. The ribbon adds a sense of movement and a “gift-wrapped” quality to the hairstyle that is incredibly sweet and photogenic. It is a simple addition that makes the curly side bun feel more personalized and integrated into the overall wedding design and color story.
Conclusion:
Choosing a bridesmaid side bun with curls ensures a balance of elegance, comfort, and style for the entire bridal party. This versatile hairstyle adapts to various hair lengths and textures, making it an inclusive choice that looks stunning on everyone. From the structured beauty of a vintage pin curl bun to the relaxed charm of a messy side-swept look, there is a variation to suit every wedding theme. By considering elements like braids, flowers, or sparkly accessories, you can further customize the look to match the specific vision of the big day. Ultimately, the side bun with curls is a timeless updo that provides a polished and romantic finish for every bridesmaid.
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