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An Evening in Florence

The half up, half down hairstyle is a much loved classic that can be customised to suit your style and wedding theme. With the right accessories, you can personalise your hair for a truly unique bridal look.

The classic wedding half up, half down hairstyle has been a bridal favourite for decades, and for good reason. It’s the perfect balance between polished and relaxed styling, and adapts beautifully to luxe, boho and minimalist bridal looks. On a practical note, the half updo creates the perfect base for your headpiece and veil while keeping your hair off your face.

This hairstyle works beautifully with various hair lengths and textures, and can be customised with accessories to complement your bridal look.

Let’s explore why the half up, half down hairstyle is a favourite among brides and how to style it to perfection.

Shop this look: MEADOW hair pins

1. The half updo knot

Looking for something a little different, modern, yet still chic?  The half updo knot might be perfect for you. For boho lovers, experiment and mess it up. For a more glamorous and polished look, style it with soft waves and a smooth finish.

How to style a half up knot

  • Depending on the size of the knot, you might be able to give hair accessories a miss and focus on statement earrings to balance your look.
  • A simple hair pin or a delicate vine can create a beautiful focal point for simpler hairstyles.
  • Planning to wear a veil? Choose one that has been attached to a smaller comb like our AUDREY, THEODORE or MORNING MIST styles. Position it directly above your updo if the knot volume isn’t too grand.  Or, just underneath to create a beautiful waterfall-like feel.

Shop this look: OYSTER hair pins, AUDREY wedding veil, GEMINI hair piece

2. The relaxed boho half updo

We love this style for its relaxed intricacy. Loosely inspired by the fishtail braid, this updated hairstyle feels unrestrained yet formal enough to wear on your wedding day.

Braids and plaits are perfect for brides with thin hair wanting to achieve some volume. Weave in some subtle extensions to help create a romantic updo, while providing that much sort after volume. We are a little obsessed with braids that overlap each other, yet sit flush against the crown.

Images: Pinterest | Pinterest

How to style a relaxed boho half updo

  • For simple elegance, set dainty hair pins or a medium sized comb amongst your braids.
  • If you’re looking to add a touch of opulence and regality, pair this look with a wedding halo or crown.
  • Planning to wear a wedding veil? Position your veil’s comb just above or just below your braids.

Shop this look: WHISPER hair pins, HARLOW headpiece, SOMERSET headpiece, ODE TO DUSK hair comb, RAFAEL hair piece

3. Twisted half upstyle

Initially adored by bohemian and beachy brides, this sophisticated half updo works gloriously for those with natural (or stylist-set) curls. To create a look that showcases your cheekbones, start your twists above your ear level and create a little volume at your crown. For a more relaxed vibe, sit your twists a little lower – at or below ear height – and loosen your twists.

How to style a twisted half upstyle

  • Choose a wedding hair comb or vine that accentuates the twists and curves of your hairstyle.
  • A veil that’s attached to a comb (1.5-3.5 inches wide) will feel flattering and proportional.
  • A sheer drop veil will offer a beautiful transparency which will let your hairstyle shine through.

Shop this look:  VERSE bridal comb, WILDERMERE headpiece, WISTERIA headpiece

4. French twist inspired hairstyles

This romantic updo is as effortless as it is chic.  This simple half updo hairstyle is brought to life with sculptural twists and folds, at times reminiscent of a French twist.

How to style this look

  • Scatter hair pins along the curves and twists of your half up hairstyle
  • Nestle a hair comb into the back of your hair to add a touch of drama
  • Consider a veil that’s attached to a small hair comb (1.5-2 inches) to not overwhelm your hairstyle. Our favourite styles include the AUDREY and THEODORE.
  • A birdcage veil will draw attention to the front and sides of your face, showcasing your hairstyle.

Shop this look: MEADOW hair pins, GILDED LILY hair piece, OYSTER pearl hair pins

Need personalised styling advice?

Feel free to send us an email with photos of your wedding dress and bridal hairstyle and we would be happy to send you recommendations and ideas via email.

Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and style. We love to work with our brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day. We are based in Australia and ship worldwide.

SHOP BRIDAL ACCESSORIES FOR UPDOS

Discover beautiful bridal accessories for classic updos; customisable to suit you, your wedding dress and bridal hairstyle.

If you’re a little like us, you’re a tad obsessed with Pinterest. It’s easy to spend hours exploring new hair and makeup artists, and we can’t resist the tutorials.

Here are our top 5 wedding updo tutorials we’re loving. Even if you don’t try them for your wedding day, they may be useful for your bridesmaids, engagement party or your bridal shower.

1. Dutch braid crown

Simple. Elegant. Textured. There’s the perfect amount of volume, texture and detail without feeling overwhelming.  Finish it with a set of hair pins tucked into the braids or a simple hair vine that meanders along the line of the braid.

Image source: Waiting on Martha

2. Twisted chignon

Looking for a traditional wedding updo with a modern edge? We just love this twisted chignon. The understated twists are on trend, positioned low for to create a romantic silhouette, and easily accommodates a wedding veil and comb to elevate your whole look.

Image source: Pinterest

3. Messy ballet bun

We just love the softness of this ballet bun. It elongates the face and draws attention to the cheek bones and eyes.

Consider styling this look with a statement bridal comb or hair vine that wraps around the bun. For a look that adds to the effortless of this style, pin some delicate hair pins to the side for a touch of perfection.

Depending on the size of your bun, position a veil or comb above the bun to beautifully frame your hairstyle.

Image source: Pinterest

4. Low knotted bun

Continuing on our bridal bun journey, we can’t take our eyes off this low knotted version. The subtle back-combing at the crown creates a hint of height while the low position reduces any hair headaches. Add a soft, lace trimmed, chapel length veil and some bridal pins to complete your bridal look.

Image source: Pinterest

5. Boho braids

We love the way the braids on this updo frame the face and adds texture and detail.  How to accessorise this look? Less is more. Some delicate earrings will be the perfect accompaniment.

Image source: Pinterest

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