Braided bridesmaid updos have a lovely way of feeling special without looking overly formal.

I’m especially drawn to styles that tuck a soft bun around a few delicate braid details, so the hair has a little texture and personality from every angle.

The trick, to me, is finding that sweet spot between romantic and secure enough to last through photos, hugs, and a busy dance floor.

These ideas play with that balance in all sorts of pretty ways, with details that can make a classic updo feel a little more personal.

Braided Low Bun With Face-Framing Pieces

A thick braid sweeps across the crown and curves into a low bun at the back, giving this updo a soft, gathered shape. Loose blonde strands around the face keep it from feeling too tightly pinned.

I like the way the braid creates a clear focal point while the bun stays relaxed rather than overly polished. For a bridesmaid style, it’s a lovely option if you want hair secured off the neck but still want a few pieces left loose.

Loose Side Braid Gathered Into a Relaxed Low Bun

A loose, low bun sits at the nape, with a braid sweeping along the side of the head and joining the gathered hair. Wispy strands and long, side-swept bangs keep the updo relaxed rather than tightly pinned.

For a bridesmaid version, I’d keep the bun softly textured and let a few fine pieces fall around the face. The braid gives the style a clear romantic detail without making the bun feel too formal.

Braided Crown With a Low Bun

A braid follows the hairline on each side and meets at a tucked low bun, keeping the shape neat while leaving a few loose strands by the face. It’s a romantic updo that suits the article’s braid-and-bun theme without feeling overly formal.

I’d keep the bun slightly relaxed rather than pulling every section tight, so the braids remain the main feature. This approach works especially nicely with dark hair, where the woven sections are easy to see.

Braided Crown With A Soft Updo

A thick braid curves around the crown and joins a loose, textured bun at the back. Blonde highlights stand out against the darker base, while a few long pieces are left loose around the face.

For a bridesmaid updo, I like this braid-and-bun combination because it has a gathered shape without looking too neat. The loose pieces and slightly undone finish suit a romantic wedding style, especially with softly textured hair.

Side Braid With a Soft Low Bun

A braid tucked along the side leads into a loose low bun, with curled pieces left out around the face and neck. The dark brown base and warm blonde ribbons make the braid’s shape easier to see.

I’d keep the bun relaxed rather than tightly pinned, so it suits the soft, romantic feel of a bridesmaid updo. A few loose strands can be adjusted to suit your preference, while the braid keeps the style anchored.

Chunky Twists With a Curly Low Bun

Chunky twists sweep back into a rounded low bun, while two long twists hang loose at the front. The contrast between the neat crown and the bun’s natural curl gives this updo a relaxed, romantic shape.

For a bridesmaid version, I’d keep the front pieces loose and let their curled ends show. The style also offers a lovely option for natural-textured hair when you want an updo that feels polished without smoothing away every curl.

Side Braid With a Textured Low Bun

A loose braid sweeps from the temple along the side of the head and feeds into a relaxed low bun. The remaining wavy length hangs below the bun, keeping the updo from feeling too tucked away.

I’d keep the braid slightly loose so its woven sections stay visible, then let a few fine strands fall near the face. It’s a romantic option for bridesmaids who want an updo with some texture and length still showing.

Ribbon-Wrapped Braided Low Bun

A braided low bun gathers the hair at the nape, with pale ribbons woven through the loops for a delicate detail. Wispy bangs and a few loose strands keep the updo from looking too tightly arranged.

For a bridesmaid style, I’d keep the bun softly textured so the ribbons feel part of the hairstyle rather than an afterthought. The loose pieces can be left around the face or tucked back for a neater finish.

Dutch Braids With a Braided Low Bun

Two Dutch braids run from the crown toward the nape, where they join into a compact braided bun. The raised braid pattern gives this updo definition while keeping the overall shape neat and close to the head.

I like the way the braids continue into the bun, so the back feels connected rather than like two separate styles. A few loose strands around the face keep it relaxed enough for a romantic bridesmaid look.

Braided Headband With a Loose Side Bun

A slim braid follows the hairline like a headband, while the rest of the dark brown hair is gathered into a relaxed bun at the side. Loose strands keep the updo from feeling too neat or tightly pinned.

I’d keep the braid simple and let a few wisps fall around the face to echo the relaxed shape of the bun. It’s a lovely direction for a bridesmaid who wants an updo with a braided detail but a softer finish.

Dutch Braid Crown With a Loose Low Bun

A broad Dutch braid curves from the side part across the crown and meets a relaxed bun at the nape. Loose tendrils around the face keep the updo from feeling too tightly pinned.

I’d keep the bun a little undone for a bridesmaid style like this, especially with naturally textured hair. A few wisps can be left free to echo the braid’s softer finish.

Crown Braid With a Low, Soft Bun

A braid follows the crown and blends into a low bun, keeping the updo neat while leaving a few loose pieces around the face. The auburn color makes the braided detail easy to pick out.

For a bridesmaid style, I’d keep the bun softly gathered rather than tightly polished so it suits the relaxed braid. A few fine pins can help secure the shape without hiding the plait.

Interwoven Braids Gathered Into a Low Bun

A pair of broad braids crosses over a low bun, creating a woven shape at the nape. The blonde hair has darker roots, and a few loose strands around the sides keep the updo from looking too tightly arranged.

I’d keep the braid sections full and slightly relaxed so their pattern stays visible when pinned into the bun. This is a lovely option for bridesmaids who want an updo with braided detail rather than a smooth, tucked-in finish.

Braided Updo With a Rounded Low Bun

A braid sweeps along the side of this dark-haired updo and tucks into a rounded bun at the nape. Loose strands around the face keep the pinned shape from feeling too neat.

For a bridesmaid style, I’d keep the braid relaxed and let a few fine pieces fall near the cheeks. The low placement also makes the bun easy to pair with a veil or hair accessory.

Crown Braid Blended Into a Relaxed Textured Bun

A thick braid curves across the crown and joins a low bun at the back, giving this updo a softly woven shape. Loose curls around the face keep the pinned style from looking too neat.

For a bridesmaid version, I’d keep the bun slightly loose and let a few strands fall naturally around the cheeks. The braid can be adapted to suit different hair lengths, though longer hair makes it easier to build a fuller crown.

Twisted Low Bun With Loose Face-Framing Pieces

A loosely twisted bun sits low at the nape, with a few curled strands left free around the face. The soft, slightly undone shape feels romantic without looking overly formal, making it a natural fit for a bridesmaid updo.

I’d keep the twists relaxed rather than smoothing every strand into place, so the bun retains its texture. This style suits medium to long hair, and the loose pieces can be adjusted to sit closer to the face or tucked back.

Dutch Braid Crown With a Messy Low Bun

A thick Dutch braid follows the side of the head and curves into a loose bun at the nape, making this a romantic updo with a little texture rather than a tightly polished finish. The pale blonde color shows off the woven sections, while a few long pieces are left loose around the face.

For a bridesmaid hairstyle, I’d keep the bun softly gathered so it feels in keeping with the relaxed braid. It suits medium to long hair, and fine wisps around the crown help the updo feel less rigid.

Half-Up Braided Bun With Long Waves

Long, loose waves keep this half-up style relaxed, while a small braided bun adds height at the crown. The center part and slim pieces left out around the face soften the transition from the gathered top to the rest of the hair.

For a bridesmaid version, I’d keep the bun loose rather than tightly wound so it sits naturally with the waves. The style suits long hair and gives you a braided detail without gathering everything into an updo.

Twisted Side Braids Wrapped Into a Low Bun

Two broad side twists sweep back into a rounded low bun, giving this updo a braided look without a tight, intricate plait. The brunette hair is kept softly textured, with a few loose pieces around the face and nape.

I’d keep the twists slightly relaxed for a romantic bridesmaid style that feels polished but not overly formal. It’s a lovely option for medium to long hair, especially when you want the bun to sit low and the details to show from the side.

Braided Crown With a High Messy Bun

A slim braid follows the hairline and blends into a loose, high bun, while long wavy blonde lengths remain down around the shoulders. The mix of an updo and flowing hair gives this bridesmaid idea a relaxed, half-up feel.

I’d keep the bun slightly undone so it sits comfortably with the loose waves rather than looking too formal. A few fine pieces left around the face help soften the braid’s neat line.

Braided Updo With a Curled Crown

A thick braid sweeps across the crown and joins a compact low bun at the back, while a few loose curls soften the outline. The dark hair’s natural texture keeps the updo from looking too smooth or formal.

For a bridesmaid style, I’d keep those tendrils loose rather than pinning every strand back. They give the braided shape a relaxed finish, and the low bun keeps the overall silhouette neat.

Braided Low Bun With Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs and a loosely braided low bun give this updo a relaxed shape, with a few longer pieces left out around the cheeks and neck. The soft fringe is a nice detail if you want an updo that does not pull every strand away from your face.

For a bridesmaid version, I’d keep the bun loosely gathered and let the braid show through at the back. It suits medium-to-long hair, and a little natural texture helps the loose pieces sit comfortably rather than look too arranged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far ahead should I choose my bridesmaid updo? A: Try the style at least a few weeks before the wedding, especially if you’re considering a braided bun or a loose, romantic updo. That gives you time to see how it works with your hair length, accessories, and dress.

Q: Will a braided updo hold in fine or slippery hair? A: Yes, but ask your stylist to add texture before braiding and secure the bun with pins that match your hair color. A little looseness can still look soft without making the style feel fragile.

Q: Can I wear a veil or hair accessories with one of these updos? A: Absolutely. Bring your veil or accessory to the trial so your stylist can place it without flattening the braids or soft bun.

Q: What should I do with flyaways during the wedding? A: Keep a few bobby pins and a small amount of flexible-hold hairspray handy. Smooth only the pieces that bother you, since a few wisps suit the relaxed look.