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Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and makeup artist whose work has appeared on HelloGiggles, Slate, Elite Daily, and Bustle.
Photo by Liz Fogarty Photography
Vintage wedding hairstyles are always a popular choice for brides who love the classic, elevated looks first made famous by silver-screen legends like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Brigitte Bardot. Styles like big, voluminous Old Hollywood waves, victory rolls, and dramatic updos adorned with old-fashioned pins and barrettes are the perfect choice for weddings because they’ve truly stood the test of time. These styles are also so different from what you typically do on a day-to-day basis, which makes them feel more special and formal.
If you’re a retro-loving bride, chances are your wedding already has a few timeless touches that pay homage to your favorite decade, whether that’s the roaring '20s or the swinging '60s. A classic wedding hairstyle completes the vintage vision, along with romantic, period-appropriate makeup details.
From bouffants to finger waves, we've rounded up the best vintage-inspired wedding hairstyles for the retro-loving bride.
Jazz up an updo by adding a sparkling headpiece over top, like this Art Deco-inspired accessory above. The flowing face-framing pieces of hair add a modern touch to this bridal look, creating the perfect mix of old and new.
Short, shoulder-length hairstyles were all the rage back in the day. Add some body to your bob with a few soft waves, which you can achieve by curling the hair with a large barrel curling wand or sleeping overnight in large rollers. Brush out to create that cascading wave of curls.
Few wedding hairstyles can compete with the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood waves. Made famous by movie stars like Veronica Lake, these sleek, retro waves can be achieved with a large barrel curling iron, curling the hair all the way down the ends of the hair. Set the curls by pinning them and letting them completely cool before brushing through with your fingers.
These soft, loose barrel curls and a chic center part scream old Hollywood glamour. A pair of long pearl earrings elevate the retro aesthetic.
Inspired by the Harlem renaissance, this Brooklyn couple wanted their wedding day to reflect their love of 1930s style. This Jazz Age-inspired updo topped with an embroidered veil from New York Vintage fits the vibe flawlessly.
Photo by Lydia Jane Photography
This voluminous bridal bun is part beehive, part ballerina, and entirely retro. The fun fringe feels very '60s and goes perfectly with the neckline of the dress.
A modern take on old Hollywood waves, these tight, glossy curls will complement your vintage wedding aesthetic perfectly. The style also pairs well with bombshell makeup and a contemporary nude lip.
Photo by Photo by Abby Jiu Photography
We love everything about this stunning bridal look, which feels both timeless and of the moment. The soft, retro-inspired waves pay homage to a bygone era without looking too over-the-top.
Photo by Alicia Mink Photography
These oversized pearl beads add a pop of texture, which is important to consider when wearing a long-sleeved wedding dress. A pulled-back bun and all-matte eye look add to the classic, sophisticated aesthetic.
Photo by Clean Plate Pictures
Hairpins and accessories make for the perfect "something borrowed" in a vintage wedding. Place on one side of the hair just beneath the part to upgrade any simple bridal hairstyle.
Photo by Eileen Meny Photography
When in doubt, add an accessory. This double-row headband adds elegance to any bridal look and frames the face beautifully. Add volume at the crown before sliding on the headpiece to glamorize the look.
Photo by Jami Laree Jeskey
These glamorous waves are red-carpet-ready. Lean into the retro silhouette by pinning the first inch or two of hair back behind the ears to show off the volume.
Photo by Jenn Smith & Co
This soft, romantic look never goes out of style. For a fluffy, voluminous look, brush out your curls with a paddle brush.
For the modern-vintage-loving bride, try this sweet and simple updo. The low looped bun is the perfect combination of retro and contemporary.
PHOTO BY LARISSA CLEVELAND PHOTOGRAPHY
This rhinestone beaded headband goes underneath the hair instead of on top, which keeps the hairstyle from looking too over-the-top. The glamorous band of jewels sparkles in the side profile while remaining subtle from the front.
Photo by Liz Fogarty Photography
This bride proves that just because you have short hair doesn't mean you can't rock a curly bridal look. Use a small barrel curling iron and work in small sections to add tons of volume and get that effortlessly messy look. Pull one side back to show off a pair of statement earrings.
This cheekbone-grazing bob is made more romantic with the just the ends curled up around her face. A pop of red lipstick adds to the overall nostalgic feel.
Photo by Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay
This Gatsby-inspired bridal style is giving us all the retro vibes. The shape of the hair paired with a silver-embroidered gown cap sleeve gown and Juliet veil completes the glam 1920s look.
The bride's short bangs give this hairstyle a sophisticated yet trendy look. Loose waves add plenty of movement and a dark lip pulls the whole thing together.
Brushed over and pinned into a vintage low bun, this relaxed updo is accented with a beautiful brooch tucked just behind the ear. The matching gemstone earrings and beaded dress help transport this bride into another era with her wedding day look.
Two Twenty by Chi Chi
This look is all about texture and shape. Show off your natural curls and separate the front pieces to frame your face. Tuck a flower behind the ear, pinning it down with bobby pins, for a pop of color.
The key to achieving the perfect voluminous ponytail that would make Barbie proud is teasing. Lots and lots of teasing! This adds volume and it also makes the pony more secure, so it'll stay perky all night long.
Add some sparkle to a simple updo with a headpiece. The bride pictured here went with a Maria Elena headpiece accented with blue topaz earrings sourced from Colombia as her something blue.
Accessorize your bridal hijab with a headpiece, like this 1920s-inspired jeweled option featuring a large gemstone in the center, which drapes neatly along the hairline and towards the crown.
Photo by Paul O'Reilly
Brigitte Bardot curtain bangs are the epitome of a romantic bridal hairstyle. The free-flowing waves feel very vintage—stylish yet effortless. No accessories are needed for this chic style, but we love how this bride tied the rest of her hair back with a piece of ribbon.
Photo by Kelly Anne Berry
Another way to style a bob haircut is to add just a hint of a wave through the hair. You can do this with a straightener or a small barrel curling wand. Leave the ends straight for a modern twist on this classic style.
Photo by Michael Stephens Photography
This voluminous bridal bun oozes '60s glamour. The retro feeling comes from the shape and height of the bun—the bigger and taller, the better. Let a few face framing layers loose to modernize this timeless style.
Reminiscent of the flower child era, this effortless half-up, half-down style featuring loose curls and a flower arrangement is a lovely '60s-inspired 'do that never disappoints.
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