35 Classy Mother of the Bride Hairstyles For Every Hair Type and Length

Planning
one woman with medium shoulder length fine hair and one woman over 50 years old with an elegant short bob with text overlay that says "classy mother of the bride hairstyles for every hair type and length"
photos: Meraki Weddings and Bassos Photography

As the mother of the bride, you’ve helped your daughter pick out her gown, her flowers, and her gorgeous hairstyle, but now the big day is approaching and you’re left wondering: what about my hair? To help you choose a style that makes you look and feel your best for the ceremony, the reception, and all the photoshoots in between, we’re rounding up classy mother of the bride hairstyles for every hair type and length.

So whether you have medium length hair or ultra fine strands, we’ve found a mother of the bride hairstyle that’s guaranteed to wow. But first, we’re sharing a few tips, tricks, and expert advice to help you choose the best ‘do for your unique MOB look. Keep scrolling for our complete guide!

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Everything You Should Know Before Choosing Your Hairstyle

a mother of the bride with elegant curly half up half down medium length hair helping her daughter put on her gown
photo: The Apartment Photography

We get it: choosing a classy mother of the bride hairstyle can feel seriously overwhelming. Should you wear your hair up or down? Are some hairstyles more flattering than others? What if you have thin hair?

Below, we’re answering all your must-know questions, so you can choose a mother of the bride hairstyle that makes you feel like your most confident self on the big day. Let’s get into it!

The Essential Elements to Consider When Choosing Classy and Elegant Mother of the Bride Hairstyles

mother of the bride with shoulder medium length fine hair wearing a classy wavy hairstyle with an elegant side part and posing with her daughter outside
photo: John Cain Photography

With so many classy hairstyles to choose from, how do you decide on the perfect ‘do for your mother of the bride look? To help you find your picture-perfect style, here are a few factors to consider first, from the ceremony dress code to your unique hair texture!

  • Your MOB outfit: Your hairstyle should enhance your mother of the bride outfit, not overshadow it. To choose the right ‘do for your wedding day look, think about the style and neckline of your attire. For example, an elegant updo pairs perfectly with a high neckline, while loose curls add a romantic touch to a v-neck gown.

GWS Pro Tip! If you’re getting your hair professionally styled on the big day, we suggest showing your hairstylist a photo of your MOB outfit beforehand to brainstorm ideas. They can help you choose a hairdo that’s customized to your ensemble!

  • The dress code: Your entire mother of the bride look should reflect the theme, dress code, and overall vibe of the wedding — and that includes your hairstyle! Pick a style that seamlessly blends with the ambiance of the event, such as boho braids for a beach wedding or an intricate chignon for a black tie optional affair.
  • Your face shape: For the most flattering and classy mother of the bride hairstyles, it’s important to factor in your face shape. Different hairstyles accentuate different features, so you want to choose a design that highlights your best assets. (We’ve listed the best mother of the bride hairstyles for each face shape down below!)
  • Your hair texture and length: The best hairstyles for mothers of the bride with medium length fine hair might not be the best for those with short and thick hair. When choosing your MOB hairdo, work with your natural hair texture and length — not against it!
  • The season of the ceremony: The weather can be a huge factor when it comes to the best hairstyles for the mother of the bride. Is it a humid summer ceremony? A slicked-back updo will keep you cool in the heat. A chilly winter event? A long and flowy style will add glamour (and warmth!) to your look.

GWS Pro Tip! Weddings are all-day events, so you need a hairstyle that will stay put from the first photo to the very last dance. Because of this, it’s important to factor in the comfort and longevity of your hairdo. Opt for styles that are not only stunning, but also secure and long-lasting!

Is it necessary to get your hair professionally done or can you DIY your hairstyle?

mother of the bride with long hair wearing a classy and curly side part hairstyle as she helps her daughter get ready
photo: Meraki Weddings

While it’s not necessary to get your hair professionally done as the mother of the bride, a little expertise is never a bad idea — especially if you’re not great at DIY hairstyles. Professional hairstylists know exactly how to achieve those dreamy and intricate hairdos that will stay picture-perfect all day long. Plus, they can also suggest classy hairstyles that will suit your face shape, hair texture + length, and mother of the bride outfit.

We suggest checking with your daughter’s hair and makeup artist to see if they can style your hair on the big day, as well. Many brides ask their artists to do the glam for their entire wedding party, so adding you in should be no problem!

GWS Pro Tip! If you do decide to get your hair professionally styled for the big day, make sure to schedule a trial to finalize a hairstyle and take it for a test run before the big day. This will help you feel confident for your MOB grand entrance!

Should the mother of the bride wear her hair down or up for her daughter’s wedding?

mother of the bride with long hair wearing a classy wavy side swept hairstyle
photo: Mackenzie Callaghan as seen in this enchanted boho ceremony in the woods

It’s the ultimate dilemma: should you wear your hair up or down for your daughter’s wedding day? While there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, there are a few different factors to consider before making your choice. To help you look and feel your best for the big day, here are our tips for deciding the best classy hairstyle for your mother of the bride look!

  • The formality of the ceremony: Think about the dress code when choosing your mother of the bride hair design — updo hairstyles tend to look more formal and classy, while long and flowy locks give off a relaxed and casual vibe.
  • The neckline of your outfit: If your mother of the bride attire has an embellished neckline or detailed back design, it’s best to wear your hair up in a classy bun or chignon hairstyle. After all, the last thing you want to do is hide your outfit with your hair! On the other hand, wearing your hair down is a great way to balance a strapless gown or off-the-shoulder neckline (like the MOB above!)
  • The season and weather: For mothers of the bride who are attending a spring or summer ceremony, updo hairstyles are a great way to stay cool and reduce frizz — especially in humid climates. This is also true for regions where you might be battling rain or snow in the fall or winter, which could wreak havoc on flowy locks.
  • Your personal style: At the end of the day, the best mother of the bride hairstyle is the one that makes you feel the most confident. Whether you prefer wearing your hair up or down, choose the style that feels most like you!

GWS Pro Tip! Can’t decide between these two hairdos? Get the best of both worlds with a half-up half-down mother of the bride hairstyle! This versatile option gives you the elegance of an updo with the romance of loose locks. It’s a win-win!

elegant wavy hairdo with an intricate fishtail braid and romantic floral pins

Looking for more classy mother of the bride hairstyle ideas? Check out our round-up of gorgeous half up half down hairdos for every length, texture, and style!

How to Choose The Best Mother of the Bride Hairstyle Based On Your Face Shape

mother of the bride with short hair wearing a classy curly bob hairstyle
photo: John Cain Photography

The right hairstyle will highlight your best features and give you that mother of the bride glow on the big day — and your face shape can be a huge factor! Below, we’re breaking down the hairdos that look best for each face shape, plus a few tips for choosing the most flattering style.

  • Oval face shape: Lucky you! As the most versatile shape, an oval face can pull off just about any mother of the bride hairstyle. Feel free to experiment with different hairdos, depending on your hair length and texture. From loose chignons to blunt bobs, no hairstyle is off-limits!
  • Round face shape: For mothers of the bride with a round face, the best hairstyles add height and length to create the illusion of a longer face. Opt for high buns, layered curls, and classy half up half down styles. Side-swept bangs will also add definition to your face — super flattering for a round face shape!
  • Square face shape: With a strong jawline and forehead, square-shaped faces look best with mother of the bride hairstyles that soften your angular features. Instead of super straight styles, add some movement with soft curls, tousled updos, and face-framing tendrils. A deep side part is also a great way to soften your look!
  • Heart face shape: Heart-shaped faces feature a wider forehead and a narrower chin, so look for mother of the bride hairstyles that balance your proportions. This could be a low bun (leave some strands loose for extra volume around your jawline!) or a chin-length bob styled with relaxed waves.
  • Diamond face shape: If you’re a mother of the bride with a diamond face shape, your goal is to find a hairstyle that accentuates those show-stopping cheekbones. Anything with loose layers, soft curls, and strands that frame your face will be a winner for the big day!
  • Rectangle face shape: A rectangular face is similar to a square face shape, but with longer features. To balance your look, stick to mother of the bride hairstyles that add volume to the sides of your face, like defined curls or low updos. Short hair and pixie cuts also look stunning with this face shape!

Which MOB hairstyles are best for thin hair?

mother of the bride with an elegant chignon updo hairstyle with side bangs helping her daughter get ready
photo: John Cain Photography

If you’re a mother of the bride with thin hair, it may feel like a struggle to find classy hairstyles that work for your fine strands. But we’re here to help! We’ve rounded up a few tried-and-true hairdos that will give your tresses some extra oomph. So whether you have medium length fine hair or short thin strands, here are the best mother of the bride hairstyles for the big day!

  • A slicked-back bun: When it comes to mother of the bride hairstyles, sometimes it’s better to embrace your natural hair texture rather than try to fight it. With this trendy hairdo, you don’t have to worry about creating volume or height. Just pull your strands back into a sleek bun, tame any flyaways with a styling cream, and get ready for major compliments!
  • A classy chignon: This is one of the tried-and-true hairstyles for mothers of the bride, and as a bonus it also works great with thin hair! Tease the roots of your hair to add volume, and opt for a low and slightly messy bun to create a fuller look.
  • Soft waves: Add some dimension to your thin hair with mother of the bride hairstyles that feature soft waves. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create the waves, and add a texturizing spray for maximum body and movement. You can also part your hair slightly off-center for an extra touch of volume!
  • A curly half up hairstyle: If you want to give your thin hair more body, opt for this classy two-in-one mother of the bride hairstyle. Tease the hair at the crown of your head for volume, and opt for soft curls or ringlets for extra fullness. It’s the best way to take your hair from one-dimensional to full and voluminous!

GWS Pro Tip! If you have thin hair, a few strategically placed hair pins can be a great way to achieve more intricate mother of the bride hairstyles, such as a classy updo or a side-swept style. Opt for accessories like embellished combs, pearl hair pins, or even a statement headband or hat to add extra volume (and glamour) to your look!

Which MOB hairstyles are best for thick hair?

mother of the bride over 50 years old with long thick grey hair wearing an elegant curly updo hairstyle
photo: Kelly Pullman Photography

On the other end of the spectrum, mamas with thick hair have seemingly endless options for their mother of the bride hairstyles — but it can still be tricky to choose a style that keeps your strands neat and frizz-free for hours at a time. Read on for the best MOB hairstyles that will ensure your thick hair looks just as good at the end of the night as it did at the start!

  • An intricate updo: Thick hair is perfect for creating complex hairstyles like braids, twists, and updos, so you can make your mother of the bride ‘do as intricate as you’d like. Add some romance with a French braided crown, or twist your strands into a curly chignon. Just be sure to secure your hair with plenty of bobby pins to keep it in place!
  • Straight strands: With thick hair, even the most understated mother of the bride hairstyles look full and luscious — so don’t be afraid to keep it simple! For a polished and effortless look, use a flat iron and a smoothing serum to create a glossy, shiny, and frizz-free hairdo that lasts all day long.
  • A full half down style: This hybrid mother of the bride hairstyle allows you to showcase your thick hair while still keeping it under control. Use a styling spray to reduce frizz, and embrace your natural texture with straight or curly hair. You can even add twists or braids to the sides or top of this hairdo for an ultra romantic look!
  • An elegant middle part: While a deep side part will emphasize the volume of your hair (a great option for more formal or glamorous ceremonies!), a middle part will give your thick strands a balanced look that keeps them from appearing too heavy. Customize this hairdo with any texture, from tight ringlets to beachy waves!

Our Favorite Mother of the Bride Hairstyle For Every Hair Length and Type

mother of the bride and her daughters with elegant wavy medium length hairstyles wearing classy strapless gowns
photo: John Cain Photography

Whether you’re helping your daughter get ready before the ceremony or showing off your dance moves at the reception, you need a hairstyle that’ll look picture-perfect all day and night long. So to help you find the perfect ‘do, we’ve rounded up classy hairstyles from real mothers of the bride that you can use as inspo — from chic styles for fine hair to elegant designs for medium length locks.

Plus, we’re also sharing a few tips, tricks, and must-have products to help you recreate these looks yourself (or brainstorm with your hairstylist on the big day). Let’s dive in!

Classy Mother of the Bride Hairstyles for Short Hair

mother of the bride with short shoulder length hair wearing a classy bob hairstyle with bangs and laughing with her daughter outside
photo: Rachel May Photography

If you’re a mother of the bride with short hair, you may feel like your hairstyle options are limited. But these gorgeous hairdos are here to prove you wrong! From glamorous curly designs to sleek slicked-back styles, we’ve rounded up show-stopping short hairdos for every style, dress code, and hair texture.

Scroll on for the best classy mother of the bride hairstyles to help you make the most out of your short strands!

1. Classy + Modern Pixie Cut

mother of the bride with short straight hair wearing an elegant pixie cut hairstyle with classy side swept bangs

photo: Aurelia D’Amore Photography

It doesn’t get much more elegant than this! For an ultra modern and polished hairstyle, we LOVE this mother of the bride’s classy pixie cut hair. The side-swept bangs are extremely flattering, especially if you have a round or oval face shape like this MOB.

Use a smoothing serum to add shine, and stock up on hairspray to keep your strands in place all night long. Best paired with a glamorous high-neck gown!

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2. Glamorous Side-Swept Waves

classy wavy shoulder length bob with an elegant side part

mother of the bride hairstyles via @kristinagasperasmua

Calling all glamorous mamas! If you’re looking for universally flattering and formal mother of the bride hairstyles, it doesn’t get much better than this. We love how the soft curls add volume and movement to the strands, especially when combined with that dramatic side part.

Perfect for a formal or black tie optional ceremony!

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3. Half Up Mother of the Bride Hairstyle for Short Hair

mother of the bride with short thin hair wearing a classy half down hairstyle with bangs and laughing with her daughter and husband

photo: Silver Seas Weddings as seen in this California winery ceremony 

If you have short shoulder-length hair, a classy half up half down hairstyle is a gorgeous way to elevate your mother of the bride look. And as a bonus, it’s super easy to do yourself!

Just pull back the top section of your hair (leaving your bangs or front strands free), and secure it with an elegant hair pin. Tease your roots for extra volume, and let your natural hair texture shine — whether you have thin straight strands or thick and curly tresses!

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4. Simple Bob Mother of the Bride Hair

woman with a classy straight bob with an elegant middle part

photo: K. Engel Photography

Looking for simple and classy mother of the bride hairstyles for thin hair? Skip the intricate twists and braids and opt for this straight style instead!

To get the look, part your hair in the middle using a fine tooth comb, then curl the ends of your strands toward your chin so that they frame your face. Middle parts are super flattering for most face shapes, so you can feel confident when it’s time for family photos!

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5. Classy Mother of the Bride Hairstyle for Natural Curls

natural thick curly classy mother of the bride hairstyles for short hair

photo: Nordstrom as seen in this MOB outfit round-up

Where are our curly hair mamas at?! Show off your gorgeous ringlets with a short and curly hairstyle like this mother of the bride’s hair. Simple and fuss-free, it gets your hair up and out of your face while still showcasing your beautiful natural texture.

Use some curl cream for definition, moisture, and frizz control, and let those curls do the rest!

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6. Romantic Half Up Half Down Hairdo

classy curly twisted half down mother of the bride hairstyles for short shoulder length hair

MOB robe: ModParty on Etsy

If you love intricate mother of the bride hairstyles, but are worried about them staying in place with your short hair, this classy half up twist is the perfect solution. The twisted style make it look more complex than it is, while also adding volume to your hairdo.

And how romantic is that floral hair pin? It’s the perfect finishing touch for a spring or summer ceremony!

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7. Classy Mother of the Bride Hairstyle for Thin Short Hair

a simple straight bob hairstyle with classy side bangs for a mother of the bride over 50 years old with short hair

photo: Bassos Photography

For mothers of the bride with extra short and thin hair, opt for hairstyles that give your strands a light and weightless look. Aka, this classy ‘do!

The key to this mother of the bride hairstyle is to add a texturizing powder to your hair, then tease your roots with a fine tooth comb. This will lift your strands and give your hair a full and floaty finish. Just be sure to finish with a strong hairspray to ensure your locks stay voluminous until the very last dance!

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8. Classy Slicked Back Pixie Cut

mother of the bride with short hair wearing a classy slicked back pixie cut hairstyle

via @wona_concept

If you’re a mother of the bride with a pixie cut, this slicked-back hairstyle is guaranteed to earn you MAJOR style points on the big day!

Start by teasing your roots for extra oomph, then slick your strands back with a lightweight gel or styling cream. Sleek and simple, it’s the perfect hairdo for showing off an intricate neckline or statement earrings!

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a woman wearing a sleek grey two-piece outfit with animal print heels and standing next to her newly married daughter in a white gown

Calling all stylish mamas! Show off your unique style on the big day with this list of classy mother of the bride pantsuits. Such a chic and modern alternative to a traditional gown!

9. Wavy Mother of the Bride Hairstyle With Romantic Twists

mother of the bride with classy short hair wearing an elegant curly bob hairstyle with intricate twists and posing with her daughter outside

photo: Lauren Williams

The romance! For a mother of the bride hairstyle that looks straight out of a storybook, add some dreamy twists to your short and wavy hair. To get this relaxed and effortless look, we suggest using bobby pins rather than a hair tie to pin your front strands back.

Leave a few curls free for an extra dose of romance, and get ready for some serious compliments!

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10. Curly Side Part Mother of the Bride Hairstyle

mother of the bride with short hair wearing a curly bob hairstyle with an elegant side part as she walks her daughter down the aisle

photo: Niki Marie as seen in this winter greenhouse ceremony

Curls instantly make any hairstyle look more romantic, and this classy mother of the bride hair is proof!

If you have thin hair, part most of your hair on one side for maximum volume (you can add a hair comb or barrette on the other side to balance the look!). This will give your curls show-stopping movement for your walk down the aisle, your family photoshoot, or your shining moment on the dance floor.

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11. Simple Mother of the Bride Hair With Bangs

simple straight bob with bangs classy mother of the bride hairstyles for short hair

mother of the bride hairstyles via @hmu_atelier

Keep things short and sweet with this classy mother of the bride hairstyle!

With a simple bob and wispy bangs, this hairdo is perfect for MOBs with short and thin hair. No need for anything fancy — just blow dry your locks for that light and airy look, and use this styling cream to keep the frizz away all day (and night) long.

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12. Old Hollywood Inspired Mother of the Bride Hairstyle

mother of the bride with short shoulder length hair wearing an elegant wavy hairstyle with a classy side part posing with her daughter

photo: John Cain Photography

If you want your mother of the bride hair to look timeless and romantic, look no further than this glamorous hairstyle. The side part and soft waves give it an Old Hollywood vibe, especially paired with an off-the-shoulder gown. Get ready to embrace your inner starlet!

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13. Short Layered Bob Mother of the Bride Hair

mother of the bride with short hair wearing a classy simple layered bob hairstyle with elegant bangs

photo: The Brothers Martens

If you’re wearing a more elaborate mother of the bride outfit, you may want to stick with a simple hairstyle to keep all the attention on your gown. This layered bob is the perfect example — it’s understated but still flattering, with subtle curls and soft bangs that frame the MOB’s face.

Pro tip: For extra volume, pin different sections of your hair in velcro rollers, spray them with hairspray, and let them sit for around 30 minutes. This will give you a soft and natural look without weighing down your strands!

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Medium Length Mother of the Bride Hairstyles

mother of the bride with medium shoulder length hair wearing a glamorous curly hairstyle with an elegant side part and smiling next to her daughter
photo: John Cain Photography

Want to wear your hair down and curly? Up and elegant? Half up and half down? With medium length hair, you have tons of options for your mother of the bride hairstyle. The hard part is choosing just one!

To help you narrow it down, we’re sharing the best mother of the bride hairdos for medium length hair — from flattering hairstyles for fine hair to classy updos for formal dress codes. Keep scrolling for our favorites!

14. Curly Half Up Mother of the Bride Hairstyle

mother of the bride with thin medium length hair wearing a classy curly half up half down hairstyle laughing with her daughter

photo: Davy Whitener

How romantic is this half up hairdo?! This is such a flattering look for mothers of the bride with fine medium length hair who want to rock an intricate hairstyle, while also adding a bit of volume to their strands.

Start by curling your hair with a thin curling wand, then twist the front pieces of hair back and secure them with bobby pins (or embellished hair pins!). The result? A relaxed hairdo that’s perfect for a dreamy garden or backyard ceremony.

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15. Elegant Updo for Medium Length Hair

elegant chignon updo with classy pearl pins

mother of the bride hairstyles via @thehairbookweddingstylist

Want a MOB hairstyle that shows off your beautiful neckline? Then you can’t go wrong with this chic twisted updo!

To ensure that your medium length fine hair stays put all day, use a few classy pearl hair pins to secure this mother of the bride hairstyle in place. Not only does this protect your gorgeous updo, but it also adds a touch of glamour to your finished look!

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mom wearing a pink ruffle gown and elegant chignon updo while posing with her daughter in a white gown

If you’re still looking for the perfect outfit for the big day, don’t miss our list of the best mother of the bride gowns (that aren’t frumpy). We’re sharing our favorite picks for every style and dress code!

16. Wavy Mother of the Bride Hairstyle for Fine Medium Length Hair

mother of the bride over 50 years old with thin medium length hair wearing a classy curly hairstyle with an elegant side part posing with her daughters outside

photo: John Cain Photography

Give your fine + medium length hair its moment in the spotlight with this stunning mother of the bride hairstyle!

To get this light and voluminous style, tease your roots before curling your strands up and away from your face. We also suggest using a heat protectant spray to prime the curls — this will give them long-lasting (and photo-worthy) shine!

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17. Curly Mother of the Bride Hair With Bangs

mother of the bride with an elegant medium length barrel curled hairstyle with classy side bangs laughing and posing with her daughter

photo: John Cain Photography

Speaking of curly hairstyles, this is another classy mother of the bride hairdo that features ultra romantic and voluminous curls. Use a curling iron to create tight ringlets, then brush them out for a soft and bouncy look. Finish with a lightweight curl spray to lock in moisture and shine, and you’re good to go!

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18. Simple Medium Length Mother of the Bride Hairstyle for Fine Hair

mother of the bride with thin medium length hair wearing a simple wavy hairstyle with an elegant side part

photo: John Cain Photography

If you have fine medium length hair, this mother of the bride hairstyle is made for you. We love how effortless and natural it looks, with subtle teased roots for volume and light waves for movement. It’s like an elevated version of your everyday hairstyle — perfect for a classy yet carefree garden party dress code!

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19. Voluminous Half Up Hairdo

mother of the bride with medium length hair wearing a classy voluminous half up half down hairstyle and laughing with her daughter outside

photo: John Cain Photography

Va-va-volume! This mother of the bride hairstyle will give your medium length locks some major oomph, with a classy half up style that adds serious height to the crown of your head. When you want a simple hairstyle that stands out from the crowd, this is the one for you!

Plus, with the front sections of hair pulled back, this mother of the bride hairstyle is perfect if you want to show off a pair of statement earrings on the big day. Bring on the bling!

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20. Face-Framing Mother of the Bride Hairstyle

woman with classy face framing bangs and an elegant twisted hairdo

photo: Kristen Thomison Photo

For a soft and romantic look, leave a few face-framing strands loose from your mother of the bride hairstyle. It’s simple, but SO effective! And as a bonus, this medium length hairstyle works for all styles and textures — from twisted updos (like this mother of the bride’s fine hair) to dreamy half down designs.

Pro tip: For the most flattering style, trim your face-framing bangs so that they end just below your chin. This accentuates your best features and gives you a softer look!

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21. Curly Medium Length Hair With Side-Swept Bangs

mother of the bride with medium shoulder length hair wearing a classy wavy hairstyle with elegant side bangs and posing with her daughter outside

photo: John Cain Photography

If your bangs are on the shorter side, we LOVE this classy side-swept mother of the bride hairstyle. The combination of asymmetrical bangs and loose curls is simply to die for!

Side-swept bangs are especially flattering for round and oval face shapes — they add dimension to your face and complement the rest of your hair. Just be sure to stock up on dry shampoo to keep your bangs fresh, even after a night of dominating the dance floor!

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22. Classy Mother of the Bride Updo Hairstyle

mother of the bride with thin medium length hair wearing an elegant updo hairstyle with wavy side bangs posing with her daughter on a doorstep

photo: John Cain Photography

Updo hairstyles are a lifesaver for outdoor ceremonies in the warmer months — they keep your medium length fine hair off your neck and let your mother of the bride outfit shine. Case in point: this dreamy hairdo!

For an updo with a relaxed and romantic vibe, opt for a low bun with a few loose strands to frame your face (which you can curl for an extra dreamy look). We also love how this mother of the bride’s hair compliments her daughter’s hairstyle…such a sweet detail!

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23. Fun + Flirty Mother of the Bride Hairstyle for Medium Length Hair

a classy side twist hairstyle with curled ends for a mother of the bride over 50 years old with medium shoulder length hair

photo: Meraki Weddings

If you want to keep your hair down and loose — but still want a little somethin’ somethin’ that makes your hairstyle stand out — take a note from this mother of the bride’s classy side-swept look!

For a unique touch, this mama added a twist to one side of her hair, then curled the ends for a fun and flirty finish. We love!

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24. Bold Mother of the Bride Hairstyle With Blunt Bangs

mother of the bride with medium length hair wearing a classy and curly half down hairstyle with bangs as she walks her daughter down the aisle

photo: Cacie Carroll Photography

We don’t know what we love most about this mother of the bride hairstyle: the blunt bangs, the elegant ringlets, or the classy pulled-back style. Perhaps it’s the combination of all three!

Pro tip: If you have dyed hair like this MOB, be sure to use a treated conditioner in the days and weeks leading up to the big day. This will keep it looking vibrant for your walk down the aisle with your daughter!

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25. Simple + Straight Mother of the Bride Hair

a mother of the bride over 50 years old wearing a classy straight medium shoulder length hairstyle for thin hair

photo: From the Daisies

This classy mother of the bride hairstyle is proof that sometimes less really is more! The side part adds an elegant touch (great for fine or thin hair) while the ultra-straight strands look sleek and polished.

For extra shine, we suggest using a defrizzing spray before straightening your hair — this will protect your strands and add mega shine!

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Elegant Mother of the Bride Hairstyles for Long Hair

mother of the bride with a long curly half up half down hairstyle with face framing bangs helping her daughter put on her gown
photo: Luna Marie Photography as seen in this destination ceremony in the Swiss Alps

Let’s show off those long and luscious locks, shall we?? With long hair, you can really take your mother of the bride look to the next level with endless classy and show-stopping hairstyle options. Whether you want to dazzle with bouncy curls or an intricate updo, no style is off-limits! So to help you find your perfect ‘do, here are the best classy mother of the bride hairstyles for mamas with long hair.

26. Elegant Chignon Updo for Long Hair

mother of the bride with long hair wearing an elegant chignon updo hairstyle and kissing her daughter on the cheek

photo: John Cain Photography

A mother of the bride hairstyle that will look classy at the ceremony AND withstand hours of dancing at the reception? Say no more!

An elegant chignon is one of the most classic mother of the bride hairstyles, especially for long hair. It’s flattering for all hair textures, it looks good for every dress code, and it’ll keep your hair out of your face, so you can focus on more important things — like watching your daughter get married!

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27. Glamorous + Voluminous Beachy Waves

mother of the bride with a long voluminous curled hairstyle with an elegant side part smiling next to her daughter

photo: Meraki Weddings

With loose waves and plenty of volume, this mother of the bride hairstyle is an effortlessly glamorous look for the big day.

Recreate the design by adding a thickening spray to your strands (great for thin hair!), then curling different sections of your hair to create that bouncy style. Don’t worry about making your curls uniform — the goal of this hairstyle is to channel a relaxed and carefree vibe, rather than a stiff and formal look!

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28. Classy Half Up Mother of the Bride Hairstyle for Long Hair

mother of the bride with long blonde hair wearing an elegant curly half up half down hairstyle and posing with her daughter outside

photo: John Cain Photography

When it comes to mother of the bride hairstyles for long hair, it doesn’t get much more flattering than this half down design. Just pull your top section of hair back, loosely secure it with bobby pins (or a classy barrette), and leave the rest of your locks loose and curly.

It’s an easy hairdo that looks just as good in photos as it does IRL!

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29. Romantic Side Braid Mother of the Bride Hairstyle

elegant curly side swept long mother of the bride hairstyles with a classy pearl hair pin

mother of the bride hairstyles via @hollywoodhairbytracey

Up the romance for your mother of the bride look with this curly + classy hairstyle. It gives you the unfussy style of an updo, plus the softness of loose locks. Talk about the best of both worlds!

Get the look by curling your long strands before twisting them back into a loose French braid on one side of your head. Complete with a dazzling hair comb that matches the beading on your mother of the bride outfit, this hairstyle is guaranteed to wow!

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32. Simple + Long Mother of the Bride Hair With a Statement Hat

woman wearing a classy long straight hairdo styled with an elegant floral hat and posing with her family

photo: Colin Ross Photography as seen in this Tuscan black tie ceremony

If you’re going for a more traditional or formal vibe for your mother of the bride look, why not accessorize your hairstyle with a statement fascinator hat? This look is giving us serious royal wedding vibes, and we’re not mad about it!

To balance this eye-catching accessory, keep your mother of the bride hairstyle simple — long and straight strands or a classy low bun are the perfect plus one to this glamorous style.

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30. Intricate Twisted Chignon Hairdo

mother of the bride and her daughter wearing matching elegant low bun hairstyles with intricate curls designed for long hair

photo: Amy Rizzuto Photography 

Take your classic updo to the next level with this intricate and classy mother of the bride hairstyle! Having longer strands means you can try out more complex hairdos, and this twisted chignon is one of our all-time faves.

Tease the crown of your head for extra volume, add strong hairspray to keep it in place, and let the intricate twists do the rest!

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31. Classy Mother of the Bride Hairstyle With Face-Framing Waves

a curly half up half down hairstyle with an elegant middle part for a mother of the bride over 50 years old with long hair

photo: Brooke Stone Photo

For mothers of the bride with long and thick hair, this classy hairstyle will keep your tresses looking elegant and frizz-free for an entire day of mingling, dancing, and sipping champagne.

To get the look, start by loosely curling your strands to create a wavy style, then pull back a small section of hair on the crown of your head (starting about an inch behind the front). Secure this section with hair pins, and leave those front strands free to frame your face. Gorgeous!

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34. Elegant Red Carpet Waves

mother of the bride with a long blonde hairstyle with soft barrel curls and an elegant side part posing with her family outside

photo: Nicole Ivanov Photo

Turn the aisle into the red carpet with this simple and classy mother of the bride hairstyle!

Also known as “red carpet waves,” this celeb-approved hairdo is such a timeless look for the big day. Use a curling iron to curl large sections of hair away from your face, then run your fingers through the strands (or use a wide-tooth comb) to soften the ringlets. So glamorous!

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33. Boho Braided Mother of the Bride Updo Hairstyle

classy wavy chignon updo with elegant twisted details mother of the bride hairstyles for long hair

mother of the bride hairstyles via Melissa Cook

Want to add a boho touch to your mother of the bride hairstyle? Incorporate a loose French braid into your updo! We love how these braided strands seamlessly transition into the loose and voluminous chignon bun. Such a stunning look for a bohemian outdoor ceremony or laidback beach wedding!

Pro tip: This braid balm will help you create smooth, frizz-free braids that stay put for hours, while also strengthening your hair. Great for the wedding day and beyond!

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35. Classy Mother of the Bride Hairstyle With a Middle Part

woman with a simple wavy middle part hairdo posing with her daughter and husband

photo: Anthony Vazquez Photography as seen in this candlelit Brooklyn ceremony

How cute is this matching mother-daughter look?! For a hairstyle that looks good for ALL ages, you can’t go wrong with this mother of the bride’s classy hair. Curl the ends for extra volume and movement, and add leave-in conditioner for all-day shine. It’ll have everyone saying, “Like mother like daughter!”

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Get Ready to Stun With Our Fave Mama of the Bride Fashion Guides

mother of the bride with elegant half up half down wavy medium length hair posing with her daughter in front of mountains outside
photo: John Cain Photography

Now that you’ve narrowed down the best classy hairstyle for the big day, let’s complete the rest of your mother of the bride look!

If you’re still looking for the perfect outfit to go with your hairstyle, don’t miss our list of classy mother of the bride gowns that definitely aren’t frumpy. And for the modern mamas, we also rounded up the best chic pant suits for your mother of the bride style!

And for a sweet finishing touch, also check out these best-smelling perfumes for women. Because every MOB needs a signature scent?

Which of these classy mother of the bride hairstyles were your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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