Summer weddings are magical. The sun is warm and bright, the flowers are in bloom, and there’s just an air of fun! But for brides on a short timeline who are opting for an outdoor ceremony or reception in the upcoming months, heat and humidity can make bridal hair a bit tricky. We have rounded up a few styles that are as functional as they are beautiful to ensure that hair issues don’t cause any stress or distraction on your big day!
Braids with a bohemian feel are having a major moment in hair styling! If you are having an outdoor wedding with more of a relaxed feel, incorporating braids is a great way to add a fresh and fun twist to any updo. Take these photos to your stylist at your engagement shoot or styling trial for inspiration! This is also a great option for brides on a budget as braiding is a very easy DIY style! Check out a few YouTube tutorials on different techniques, braid and pin up a few sections, set with hairspray, and you are good to go.
Half-up with Braids
Half-up hair is a bridal classic. This look would fit in any setting, from a traditional church to a beachfront ceremony. Take two sections from the front of your hair and create two loose dutch braids and pin them into place. Where they overlap, simply tuck the ends under the braids and pin. Pull out a few face-framing tendrils (a la Meghan Markle!) and let them add softness. You can then add soft curls to the remaining hair with a curling iron or wand, or simply leave natural if you have wave or curl in your hair!
Double Dutch Braids
This style is perfect for the curly girl looking to keep her locks out of her face! Simply divide hair into two sections, create loose dutch braids, and combine into one hair tie. Take a small piece of hair and wrap it around to cover the hair tie, then secure with a bobby pin. This style can be kept more structured or easily loosened for a more full, romantic look if wind is not a concern.
Modern Braided Updo
This modern updo is so fun! This look is perfect for a boho bride who marches to the beat of her own drum and wants a non-traditional look. The top bun lends an elegant bridal feel while the bubble braid brings an air of fun playfulness. To recreate this look, pull the top third of your hair into a high bun and pin into place. Then, grab the remaining two-thirds and pull it into a high pony just below the bun. Create a loose dutch braid, pulling each piece to create plenty of fullness. Add a few bobby pins to the underside of the braid to secure it in place.
Loose and Romantic Updo
This up-do is better suited for a more formal setting, yet retains a freshness that makes it modern and fun. As an added bonus, this style works with a variety of different hair types. Create a similar look by dividing the top half of your hair into two to three sections and loosely twisting back as you pin into soft buns. Repeat this with the second section, then take the remaining hair and finish with fishtail braids or topsy-tails. Loose sections are key—be sure to leave plenty of volume and fullness at the root!
Crown Combo
You can never go wrong with a flower crown or braid crown for an outdoor or beachy wedding, so why not take it up a notch and combine the two! Take two front sections and create full dutch braids, and combine them at the ends. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, this is a beautiful style to showcase it. Otherwise, add some in with a curling iron or wand. Pin your flower crown in place and that’s it! If you are at a destination location, it would be so fun to create a flower crown from local wildflowers for a special touch.
Looking for more tips to help simplify the planning process for your wedding day? Check out our digital planning guide, “How to Plan Your Wedding in Six Months or Less” today!
