Written By: Tris Alves Makeup and Aesthetics
When planning your wedding morning look, it’s easy to focus on your own hairstyle and forget about the rest of your bridal party. However, your bridesmaids’ hairstyles play a big role in the overall look and feel of your wedding photos.
One question many brides ask is: Should all of my bridesmaids have matching hairstyles, or should each person have something slightly different?
The answer depends on your wedding style, your bridal party, and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
The Case for Matching Hairstyles
Matching hairstyles create a polished and uniform appearance. Every bridesmaid wears the same style, which can look beautiful and elegant in photographs.
Benefits of matching hairstyles include:
- A cohesive, formal look
- Consistency in group photographs
- A traditional bridal party aesthetic
- Less decision-making for bridesmaids
Matching styles often work well for:
- Formal weddings
- Classic weddings
- Black-tie celebrations
- Smaller bridal parties
A sleek low bun, soft upstyle or Hollywood wave can create a stunning, coordinated look when worn by everyone.
The Case for Complementary Hairstyles
In recent years, complementary hairstyles have become increasingly popular.
Rather than every bridesmaid having identical hair, each person receives a style that suits their hair type, face shape and comfort level while still fitting within the overall wedding aesthetic.
For example:
- One bridesmaid may wear a low textured bun.
- Another may have a braided upstyle.
- Another may wear soft waves partially pinned back.
While the styles differ slightly, they all work together beautifully.
Benefits include:
- Each bridesmaid feels comfortable and confident
- Hairstyles suit different hair lengths and textures
- A softer, more modern look
- More natural group photographs
This approach is particularly popular for:
- Garden weddings
- Boho weddings
- Outdoor celebrations
- Relaxed luxury weddings
Consider Your Bridesmaids’ Hair Types
One of the biggest reasons I often recommend complementary styles is that not all hair behaves the same way.
Your bridal party may include:
- Fine hair
- Thick hair
- Curly hair
- Short hair
- Long hair
Trying to force everyone into exactly the same hairstyle can sometimes result in a look that flatters some bridesmaids more than others.
A professional hairstylist can adapt each style while maintaining a cohesive overall appearance.
Think About Your Bridal Style
Your hairstyle should remain the focal point of the bridal party.
Whether your bridesmaids’ hairstyles are matching or complementary, they should support your overall bridal vision rather than compete with it.
For example:
- A bride wearing a romantic upstyle may choose bridesmaids with softer low buns and textured styles.
- A bride wearing her hair down may opt for bridesmaids with elegant upstyles to create contrast.
- A boho bride may choose a mix of waves, braids and soft pinned styles.
The goal is harmony, not duplication.
What Photographs Best?
Many brides are surprised to learn that complementary styles often photograph just as beautifully as matching styles.
In fact, a variety of textures and shapes can add depth and visual interest to bridal party photographs while still looking cohesive.
The secret is having a clear overall theme rather than insisting on identical hairstyles.
The Best of Both Worlds
One of my favourite approaches is what I call “matching with flexibility.”
For example:
- All bridesmaids wear their hair up.
- All hairstyles include soft face-framing pieces.
- All styles incorporate texture or braiding.
This creates a coordinated look while allowing each bridesmaid’s hairstyle to be customised to suit her individual features.
Final Thoughts
There is no right or wrong answer when choosing between matching and complementary bridesmaid hairstyles.
The best choice is the one that fits your wedding style, your bridal party and the overall look you want to achieve.
Whether you choose perfectly matching buns or a collection of beautifully coordinated styles, the goal is the same: a bridal party that feels confident, looks cohesive, and complements the bride beautifully.
Need Help Choosing the Right Bridesmaid Hairstyles?
Every bridal party is unique, and what works beautifully for one wedding may not be the best fit for another. The size of your bridal party, your wedding style, your bridesmaids’ hair types, and your own bridal hairstyle all play a role in deciding whether matching or complementary hairstyles will work best.
If you’re unsure which approach will suit your wedding day, I’d love to help. Contact Tris Alves Makeup to discuss your bridal hair vision, and together we’ll create a cohesive, beautiful look for you and your bridal party that photographs beautifully and feels authentically you. info@trisalvesmakeup.co.za www.trisalvesmakeup.co.za
