A side bun with curls is one of those effortlessly elegant looks that blends classic bridal beauty with a soft, asymmetrical twist. It works across hair textures and lengths, adding romantic volume while keeping every strand secure through a long day of photos and dancing.
Below you’ll find twenty gorgeous ways to master the bridesmaid side bun with curls, from sleek and formal to soft and bohemian. Whatever your wedding vision, there’s a version here that will make the whole party look cohesive and breathtaking.
Curly Side Bun With Tendrils
Focusing on face-framing elements, this look is designed to soften the features and add a touch of whimsy. The bun stays relatively compact while long, spiraled pieces hang freely from the temples and behind the ears.
These tendrils should be curled away from the face to create an open, bright look for photos. It’s a favorite for bridesmaids who prefer not to have all their hair pulled back tightly.
It provides the security of an updo with the flattering benefits of loose hair. A versatile choice that suits a range of face shapes.
Sleek Side Bun With Curls
A sleek side bun with curls offers a beautiful contrast between a polished crown and a textured finish. The top and sides are smoothed with a light gel or pomade for a mirror-like shine, while the bun explodes with voluminous, pinned curls.
This juxtaposition creates a modern, editorial look perfect for black-tie or evening weddings. Keeping the base sleek focuses all attention on the artistry of the curls.
It’s a sophisticated way to manage frizz and ensure every bridesmaid looks impeccably groomed. Polished from the ceremony until the final send-off.
Braided Side Bun With Curls
Combining braids with a curly side bun adds a level of detail that looks professionally crafted and high-end. A French or Dutch braid typically starts at one temple and wraps around the back, leading directly into the curly bun.
This structural element keeps shorter layers secure while adding bohemian flair. The curls within the bun should be pinned loosely to contrast with the tighter braid.
It’s a fantastic option for rustic or garden-themed weddings where traditional and whimsical elements mix. Artful and beautifully balanced.
Low Side Bun With Curls
A low side bun with curls is the gold standard for traditional wedding elegance. The hair is gathered at the nape, shifted slightly to one side, for a sophisticated silhouette.
Pre-curling with a medium-barrel iron lets the stylist pin individual ringlets into a clustered bun that looks intricate and soft. This placement is excellent for one-shoulder dresses, balancing the neckline beautifully.
A high-shine hairspray keeps the curls defined against outdoor humidity. A reliable, high-impact choice that suits bridesmaids of all ages and hair types.
Messy Side Bun With Curls
For a more relaxed and contemporary theme, the messy side bun with curls offers effortless charm. This look thrives on texture and intentional imperfection with loose, beachy waves gathered into a soft bun.
Leaving a few curled tendrils out to frame the face enhances the romantic feel and prevents the updo from looking too severe. It’s especially effective on highlighted hair, catching light and showing off dimension.
It’s incredibly comfortable for all-day wear and looks better as the night goes on. Beautiful, easy, and undone in the best way.
Dutch Braid Side Bun With Curls
The Dutch braid side bun with curls is a standout for bridesmaids who want a bold, three-dimensional look. The Dutch technique crosses sections under each other, making the braid pop out against the head.
This inside-out braid adds significant texture leading into a cluster of bouncy curls on the side. It’s a sturdy hairstyle that stands up well to wind and movement, perfect for destination or beach weddings.
The thickness of the braid serves as a natural accessory, often negating the need for extra hair jewelry. Bold, textured, and beautifully secure.
Side Bun With Curls And Flowers
Incorporating natural elements, a side bun with curls and flowers perfectly complements a botanical or outdoor wedding theme. Small blooms like baby’s breath or individual rosebuds are tucked into the crevices of the curls.
This adds a pop of color and a feminine touch that ties the hair into the wedding’s floral palette. The curls should stay soft and slightly undone to match the organic beauty of the fresh flowers.
It’s a classic romantic gesture that makes the bridal party look like they’ve stepped out of a fairytale. Dreamy and coordinated with the venue.
Twisted Side Bun With Curls
A twisted side bun with curls replaces traditional braids with elegant, rolled sections of hair. Two or three large twists are created along the side, converging into a voluminous curly bun at the nape.
These twists add a smooth, architectural quality to the front and sides, while the curls provide a soft, romantic finish. It’s excellent for bridesmaids with very thick hair, helping manage the bulk.
It’s a refined look that appears far more complex than it actually is. Elegant, secure, and beautifully textured.
High Side Bun With Curls
While most side buns sit low, a high side bun with curls provides a playful, energetic alternative. Positioned just above the ear, it draws the eye upward and creates a flattering lifting effect for the face.
The curls are often stacked vertically within the bun to maximize height and drama. This placement is especially effective for bridesmaids with shorter necks or high-neckline dresses.
It’s a fashion-forward take on the traditional updo that adds a youthful, spirited vibe. Fun and flattering all at once.
Loose Side Bun With Curls
When comfort and softness are the priority, a loose side bun with curls is the ideal solution. It avoids heavy tension by using large pins and a light touch during styling.
The hair is often curled with a large wand to create S-waves rather than tight ringlets, giving the bun a cloud-like, airy appearance. Its loose placement gives natural bounce and movement that looks stunning in motion.
It’s great for fine hair, as the loose curls can be fluffed up for the illusion of much more volume. Soft, comfortable, and effortlessly pretty.
Side Bun With Curls For Short Hair
Bridesmaids with shorter hair can still achieve a beautiful side bun with curls using clever pinning and texturizing products. Curling the hair in small sections lets the stylist create the appearance of a full bun by overlapping curls close to the head.
A side-swept fringe or a few loose pieces at the front blend the short layers into the updo seamlessly. It proves you don’t need waist-length locks to enjoy this classic look.
It’s a chic and inclusive option that ensures every member of the bridal party feels part of the aesthetic. No length left out.
Side Bun With Curls And Braids
For a truly intricate finish, the side bun with curls and braids uses multiple braiding styles in one look. A thin accent braid might run along the hairline while a thicker fishtail braid wraps around the base of the curly bun.
This layering of textures creates a rich, detailed appearance that looks incredible in close-up photography. The curls serve as the focal point, acting as a soft nest for the braided elements.
It’s a top-tier choice for a bridesmaid who wants a unique, custom-feeling hairstyle. A showcase of technical skill and artistry.
Curly Side Bun With Sparkly Pins
Adding a bit of glamour is easy with a curly side bun and sparkly pins. After the curls are arranged, decorative hairpins featuring crystals or pearls are strategically placed throughout the updo.
These accessories catch the light during the reception and add a formal, luxurious feel. The pins also serve a functional purpose by providing extra security for the curls.
It’s especially popular for winter or evening weddings where a touch of shimmer helps bridesmaids stand out in dimmed lighting and candlelight. Sparkle with substance.
Side Bun With Curls For Long Hair
Bridesmaids with long hair have the advantage of creating a truly impressive side bun with curls. The extra length allows for large, cascading curls that can be draped and pinned into a voluminous, rose-like shape.
To prevent the bun from feeling too heavy, a donut form or stuffing provides a lightweight base for the curls to rest on. This keeps the bun perfectly positioned without pulling.
It’s a high-glamour look with a sense of drama and opulence. A perfect fit for a grand cathedral wedding.
Side Bun With Curls And Headband
Using a headband with a curly side bun is a practical and stylish way to keep hair away from the face while adding a decorative touch. Whether a thin metallic band or a wider fabric piece, it acts as a focal point separating the smooth front from the curly bun.
It’s an excellent solution for bridesmaids with growing-out bangs or shorter layers that might fall out of the updo. The headband helps define the side nature of the bun.
It anchors the look and provides a structured frame for the textured curls behind it. Chic, functional, and endlessly flattering.
Natural Hair Side Bun With Curls
Celebrating natural texture is a major trend, and a natural hair side bun with curls is the perfect way to do it. This style works with the hair’s original curl pattern rather than fighting it.
Curl-defining creams and oils gather the natural coils to one side to create a lush, textured bun. The result feels authentic and incredibly elegant, requiring less heat styling.
It results in a bun with unparalleled volume and personality. A beautiful, empowered choice for bridesmaids who want to showcase their natural beauty.
Side Bun With Curls And Side Bangs
A side bun with curls and side bangs is a classic pairing that offers a very flattering silhouette. The bangs are typically swept across the forehead to meet the side where the bun sits, creating a continuous line that elongates the neck.
The bangs can be styled sleek or with a slight wave to match the texture of the curly bun. This style is especially effective for balancing high foreheads or highlighting cheekbones.
It provides a polished, finished look that feels intentional and well-designed. Works well with almost any dress or wedding theme.
Vintage Side Bun With Curls
Vintage Side Bun With Curls
Drawing inspiration from the 1940s and 50s, the vintage side bun with curls uses structured pin curls for a retro aesthetic. The hair is often parted deeply on one side, with a prominent victory roll or smooth wave leading into the curly side bun.
These curls are more uniform and polished than modern messy buns, giving a classic Hollywood starlet appearance. It’s perfect for themed weddings or brides who love a timeless, antique feel.
It’s a sophisticated, high-fashion choice that adds unique character to the wedding party. Elegant nostalgia at its finest.
French Twist Side Bun With Curls
The French twist side bun with curls merges two iconic updos into one sophisticated look. The hair is gathered and twisted upwards at the back, but instead of finishing in the center, the twist angles toward one side.
The ends are then left out and curled into a beautiful, side-resting cluster. This creates a clean, elongated look from the back with all the romantic volume concentrated on the side.
It’s a hybrid that offers the formality of a French twist with the soft, modern appeal of a curly side bun. The best of both classics.
Side Bun With Curls And Ribbon
For a soft, feminine finish, adding a ribbon to a side bun with curls is a charming touch. A velvet or silk ribbon can be tied around the base of the bun or woven through the curls themselves.
The ribbon can be color-matched to the dresses or the wedding’s accent color. It adds a sense of movement and a gift-wrapped quality that’s incredibly sweet and photogenic.
It’s a simple addition that makes the curly side bun feel more personalized. A lovely way to tie hair into the overall color story.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a bridesmaid side bun with curls ensures a balance of elegance, comfort, and style for the entire bridal party. This versatile hairstyle adapts to various hair lengths and textures, making it an inclusive choice that looks stunning on everyone.
From the structured beauty of vintage pin curls to the relaxed charm of a messy side-swept look, there’s a variation to suit every wedding theme. Add braids, flowers, or sparkly accessories to customize it, and you’ll have a timeless updo that gives every bridesmaid a polished, romantic finish.
