Your daughter’s wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life. You want to look and feel your absolute best. Mother of the bride updo hairstyles are the perfect choice. They are elegant, polished, and keep your hair off your face so you can enjoy every moment without fussing with your hair.
I know the challenges that come with choosing a wedding hairstyle. Maybe you have fine hair that needs volume. Or you have thick hair that feels heavy. Perhaps you want something that looks sophisticated but doesn’t take hours to create. Or you want to incorporate a special accessory like a jeweled pin or fresh flower.
I have been there, and I am here to help.
The perfect mother of the bride updo should be elegant, comfortable, and long lasting. It should look beautiful in photos and feel secure through tears of joy, dancing, and hugging. Softness is key. Face framing pieces soften the look. Volume at the crown adds height. And the right accessories add a personal touch.
This guide breaks down 20 gorgeous mother of the bride updo hairstyles. You will find chignons, French twists, buns, braided styles, and textured updos. I will share exactly how to create each style. Plus you will get pro tips on adding volume, securing your updo, and choosing the perfect accessories.
Let us find your perfect wedding day look.
Classic & Elegant Mother of the Bride Updo Hairstyles
These timeless updos are sophisticated, polished, and perfect for any wedding style. They work well with veils, fascinators, or statement earrings.
1. Voluminous Sculpted Updo with Face-Framing Curls
Description: This elegant updo features sculpted volume at the crown and soft face framing curls. The overall shape is full and polished. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a volumizing mousse. The vibe is elegant, polished, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The sculpted volume adds height and makes fine hair look thicker. The face framing curls soften your features. This style works on medium to long hair of fine to medium thickness. It is perfect for formal weddings or evening ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Apply volumizing mousse to damp roots before blow drying. Use a curling wand to create the face framing curls. The sculpted updo should be secure and long lasting.
2. Classic French Twist with Modern Textured Crown
Description: This classic French twist features a modern textured crown for added volume and interest. The twist is smooth and elegant. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a texturizing spray. The vibe is classic, modern, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The French twist is a timeless updo that works for every wedding style. The textured crown adds volume and a modern touch. This style works on medium to long straight or blow dried hair. It is perfect for mother of the bride who wants a classic look with a twist.
Pro Tip: Tease the crown section lightly before creating the French twist. Use texturizing spray for grip. The French twist should be tight and secure.
3. Polished Low Chignon with White Floral and Crystal Pin
Description: This polished low chignon features a smooth bun at the nape accented with a white floral and crystal pin. The style is clean and elegant. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a floral crystal pin. The vibe is polished, elegant, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The low chignon is comfortable and secure for all-day wear. The white floral and crystal pin adds a special, personal touch. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal weddings or church ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use a smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways. The white floral and crystal pin should be inserted at the side of the chignon. The low chignon should be smooth and polished.
4. Classic Swept-Back Chignon with Pearl Accessories
Description: This classic chignon features hair swept back from the face into a low bun accented with pearl accessories. The style is timeless and elegant. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and pearl hair pins. The vibe is classic, elegant, and very timeless.
Why It Works: The swept back style opens up your face. The pearl accessories add a touch of classic elegance. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for traditional weddings or evening ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use a boar bristle brush to smooth hair back before creating the chignon. Insert the pearl hair pins randomly throughout the bun. The swept back chignon should be smooth and secure.
5. High Rose-Shaped Bun with Sleek Tapered Back
Description: This dramatic high bun is shaped like a rose with a sleek, tapered back. The style is artistic and eye catching. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a strong hold gel. The vibe is artistic, dramatic, and very high fashion.
Why It Works: The rose shape is unique and beautiful. The sleek tapered back keeps the look clean. This style works on medium to long straight or blow dried hair. It is perfect for modern or high fashion weddings.
Pro Tip: Use a strong hold gel to create the rose shape. Wrap sections of hair around each other to form petals. The tapered back should be smooth and sleek.
Romantic & Soft Mother of the Bride Updo Hairstyles
These updos are softer, more romantic, and perfect for outdoor or garden weddings. They feature loose waves, tendrils, and feminine details.
6. Curly Messy Low Bun with Jeweled Hair Vine
Description: This romantic low bun features soft, messy curls and a jeweled hair vine woven through. The style is relaxed and beautiful. You will need bobby pins, a curling wand, and a jeweled hair vine. The vibe is romantic, soft, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The messy texture hides imperfections and looks effortlessly romantic. The jeweled hair vine adds sparkle and elegance. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor weddings, garden parties, or beach ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use a curling wand to create soft curls before pinning. Weave the jeweled hair vine through the bun. The messy low bun should look soft and undone.
7. Loose Textured Chignon with Wavy Side Bangs
Description: This loose chignon features textured volume and wavy side bangs that sweep across your forehead. The style is soft and romantic. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a curling wand. The vibe is soft, romantic, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The wavy side bangs hide forehead lines. The loose textured chignon is comfortable and romantic. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor weddings or daytime ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use a curling wand to create waves in the side bangs. The loose chignon should be secure but not tight. The wavy side bangs should be curved across your forehead.
8. Romantic Curly Low Updo with Side-Swept Bangs
Description: This romantic updo features soft curls and side swept bangs that frame your face. The bun sits low at the nape. You will need bobby pins, a curling wand, and a texturizing spray. The vibe is romantic, soft, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The side swept bangs soften your features. The soft curls add volume and movement. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for evening weddings or romantic ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use a curling wand to create soft curls throughout. The side swept bangs should be curved across your forehead. The low bun should be secure.
9. Soft Curly Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
Description: This soft updo features loose curls and face framing tendrils left out around the face. The bun is relaxed and romantic. You will need bobby pins, a curling wand, and texturizing spray. The vibe is soft, romantic, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The face framing tendrils soften your features. The soft curls add volume and movement. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for garden weddings or daytime ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Leave out two thin tendrils on each side of your face. Curl them with a small curling wand. The soft curly updo should look effortless and romantic.
10. High Tousled Bun with Long Face-Framing Waves
Description: This playful high bun features tousled texture and long face framing waves. The style is voluminous and romantic. You will need bobby pins, a curling wand, and texturizing spray. The vibe is playful, voluminous, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The high bun adds height and keeps hair off your neck. The long face framing waves soften your features. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor weddings or bohemian ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use a curling wand to create long waves on the face framing pieces. The high tousled bun should look messy and undone. Use texturizing spray for grip.
Braided & Twisted Mother of the Bride Updo Hairstyles
These updos incorporate braids and twists for added texture and detail. They are perfect for women who want something unique and eye catching.
11. Intricate Rosette Bun with Soft Finger Waves
Description: This intricate bun is shaped like a rosette with soft finger waves at the hairline. The style is artistic and elegant. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a strong hold gel. The vibe is artistic, elegant, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The rosette shape is unique and beautiful. The soft finger waves add a vintage touch. This style works on medium to long straight or blow dried hair. It is perfect for formal weddings or vintage themed ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use a strong hold gel to create the finger waves. The rosette bun should be smooth and secure. This style is very detailed and requires practice.
12. Elegant Twisted Low Bun with Floral Accent
Description: This elegant low bun features twisted sections and a fresh or silk floral accent. The style is soft and romantic. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a floral accent. The vibe is elegant, romantic, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The twisted sections add texture and visual interest. The floral accent adds a personal, romantic touch. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for garden weddings or spring ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Twist small sections of hair before pinning them into a bun. The floral accent should be inserted at the side of the bun. The twisted low bun should be secure.
13. Twisted Low Bun with Side-Swept Bangs
Description: This elegant low bun features twisted sections and side swept bangs that frame your face. The bun sits at the nape. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a curling wand. The vibe is elegant, polished, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The twisted sections add texture and detail. The side swept bangs hide forehead lines. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal weddings or evening ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Twist sections of hair from each side and pin them at the nape. The side swept bangs should be curved across your forehead. The twisted low bun should be secure.
14. Textured Multi-Twist Updo with Tendrils
Description: This textured updo features multiple twists and soft tendrils left out around the face. The style is detailed and romantic. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is textured, romantic, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The multiple twists add texture and visual interest. The tendrils soften your features. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor weddings or bohemian ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Create small twists by twisting sections of hair and pinning them. Leave out thin tendrils on each side of your face. Use texturizing spray for grip.
15. Tucked Braided Updo with Salt and Pepper Highlights
Description: This elegant updo features tucked braids and beautiful salt and pepper highlights. The style is natural and sophisticated. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a smoothing serum. The vibe is natural, elegant, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The tucked braids add texture without being overwhelming. The salt and pepper highlights are naturally dimensional. This style works on medium to long gray or silver hair. It is perfect for mothers who want to embrace their natural color.
Pro Tip: Create small braids and tuck the ends under the updo. The salt and pepper highlights need a purple shampoo once a week. The tucked braided updo should be smooth and secure.
16. Braided Chignon with Decorative Pearl Hairpiece
Description: This elegant chignon features a braided detail wrapped around a low bun, accented with a decorative pearl hairpiece. The style is classic and sophisticated. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a pearl hairpiece. The vibe is classic, elegant, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The braided detail adds texture and visual interest. The pearl hairpiece adds a touch of classic elegance. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal weddings or evening ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Create a three strand braid from a section at your temple. Wrap the braid around the base of the chignon. Insert the pearl hairpiece at the side.
Voluminous & Textured Mother of the Bride Updo Hairstyles
These updos have more volume and texture. They are perfect for women with fine hair who want the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
17. Messy Textured French Twist with Loose Strands
Description: This modern French twist features messy texture and loose strands left out for a soft, undone look. The style is edgy and romantic. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is modern, edgy, and very chic.
Why It Works: The messy texture hides imperfections and looks effortlessly romantic. The loose strands soften your features. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor weddings or bohemian ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use texturizing spray to add grip. Leave out a few loose strands around your face. The messy French twist should look undone but secure.
18. Voluminous Curly Updo with Delicate Pearl Earrings
Description: This voluminous updo features bouncy curls and is paired with delicate pearl earrings. The style is glamorous and elegant. You will need bobby pins, a curling wand, and pearl earrings. The vibe is glamorous, elegant, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The voluminous curls add body to fine hair. The delicate pearl earrings complete the elegant look. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal weddings or evening ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use a curling wand to create bouncy curls before pinning. The voluminous updo should be full and secure. Pair with pearl earrings that match your other accessories.
19. Polished Swirled Top Knot with Smooth Side Panels
Description: This polished top knot features smooth side panels and a swirled bun at the crown. The style is sleek and modern. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a smoothing serum. The vibe is sleek, modern, and very chic.
Why It Works: The smooth side panels keep hair off your face. The swirled top knot adds height and drama. This style works on straight or blow dried hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for modern weddings or evening ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Use a smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways on the side panels. The swirled top knot should be smooth and secure. This style is very modern and chic.
20. Dimensional Textured Updo with Tucked Ends
Description: This dimensional textured updo features tucked ends and multi tonal highlights that add depth. The style is detailed and beautiful. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is dimensional, textured, and very elegant.
Why It Works: The tucked ends create a clean, seamless finish. The multi tonal highlights add dimension and depth. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal weddings or evening ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Tuck the ends of your hair under the updo for a clean finish. Use texturizing spray for grip. The dimensional highlights need a purple shampoo once a week.
Conclusion
Your daughter’s wedding day is a celebration of love, family, and new beginnings. Your hairstyle should make you feel as beautiful as you are. Mother of the bride updo hairstyles are elegant, comfortable, and long lasting. Whether you choose a classic French twist, a romantic low bun, a braided chignon, or a voluminous textured updo, the key is finding a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
I hope these 20 mother of the bride updo hairstyles have inspired you for your special day. The best advice I can give is to schedule a trial run with your stylist a few weeks before the wedding. Bring photos of exactly what you want. And don’t forget to consider your dress neckline, your accessories, and whether you will be wearing a veil or fascinator.
Now I want to hear from you. Which of these 20 mother of the bride updo hairstyles will you try for your daughter’s wedding? Do you have a question about how a certain style would work with your hair length or texture? Drop a comment below. I read every single one and I am happy to help you find your perfect wedding day look.
