As the mother of the bride, you want to look elegant, classy and beautiful on your daughter’s big day.
Your hairstyle plays a major role in completing your look.
A half up style is a gorgeous choice that is both chic and practical.
It keeps some hair down to softly frame your face while pulling back the top section neatly.
This allows you to show off your lovely features and jewelry without looking overly done.
There are many stunning versions of half up dos to consider from sophisticated chignons to pretty braided designs.
The key is finding an option that fits your hair type and length while complementing your dress and personal taste.
Soft Chignon
The classic chignon bun is a timeless hairstyle that always appears elegant.
For a mother of the bride look, creating a looser, more relaxed chignon results in a beautifully soft and romantic updo.
Start by applying a volumizing mousse and texturizing spray to add body and hold.
Next, gather the top section of hair and lightly backcomb then brush it smooth.
Twist into a loose bun, leaving ends loose. Pin into place at the nape of your neck, leaving a soft, wispy chignon. Finish by curling face framing pieces.
The softly cascading shape is incredibly flattering.
It works well with fine to thick hair as you can always tease more for fullness. Pair this do with an off the shoulder or v-neck dress to beautifully highlight your neck and shoulders. Delicate jewelry completes the feminine look.
Low Chignon with Braid
For a bit more detail, try a chignon style that incorporates a french braid.
Starting just behind the ear, loosely french braid a diagonal section back along the side of the head. Gather the rest of the top section, lightly tease and sweep into a bun.
Wrap the braid across the front of the bun, tucking the end under to anchor it.
The braid adds a delicate detail and visual interest while the low bun has a chic, sophisticated vibe.
It works nicely on longer hair but also looks beautiful on shorter lengths.
The loosely wrapped braid keeps it soft and romantic rather than too severe.
Add sparkling hair pins or a vintage hair comb to amp up the style.
It pairs wonderfully with a cap sleeve or off the shoulder lace dress. Go minimal on accessorizes to let the gorgeous braided updo take center stage.
Finish with dainty jewelry like stud earrings and a thin bracelet or cuff.
Twisted Low Bun
For an easy, fuss-free hairstyle that still looks put together, opt for a twisted low bun. Part your hair slightly off center and create a deep side part.
Gather the heavier side into a low ponytail behind the ear, then twist the length into a rope.
Wrap the twisted section into a messy bun, coiling it in place and leaving ends loose.
Repeat on the other side, twisting the hair back and incorporating into the bun.
Fan out the curly ends and lightly pull out pieces around the face.
The result is soft and low-key but still stylish. It works with any hair length and thickness, managing to stay secure all day. The organic shape gives it a modern feel while keeping it soft.
Pair it with a flowy halter style dress or wrap dress. Finish the look with wedges or block heels and a delicate necklace.
Braided Crown and Bun
Upgrade your standard bun with a braided crown for a regal take on the half updo.
Part your dry hair down the center and create two dutch braids on either side of the part. Join the braids together at the nape of your neck.
Gather the rest of your locks into a low bun, rolling and tucking under the braided crown.
Fan the braid out to create a headband effect. For extra elegance, sweep side fringe pieces back and secure with bobby pins.
The braided crown adds intricate detail while the low bun keeps it classic.
It works with all hair types and lengths but looks especially whimsical on curly hair. Pair the do with a coordianted outfit featuring lace accents, jewel tones or metallics.
Opt for a bracelet that fits under the braid and elegant earrings to complete the royal look.
Textured Half Up Bun
For a soft, carefree take on the half up style, go for a textured low bun.
Begin by applying a beach wave spray or texturizing product from roots to ends.
Part your hair deeply off center, leaving a swept fringe on the heavier side.
Loosely gather the rest of your locks atop your head, allowing pieces to fall out naturally for an imperfect look. Twist loosely and secure into a textured bun low at the nape of your neck.
Pull out tendrils around the face and lightly tease the crown for volume.
The beachy waves and lived-in finish create a relaxed vibe perfect for a garden wedding or daytime ceremony.
Embellish as desired with a floral hair comb or accessories that coordinate with your dress.
Finish with neutral makeup and natural sandals or wedges.
Side Braided Updo
A french braided updo is an elegant choice for a mother of the bride.
Part your hair dramatically to one side, leaving a sweeping fringe along one side.
Loosely french braid the heavier side from near the ear back toward the nape of your neck.
Secure the braid ends with a clear elastic.
Next, gather the rest of your locks into a side ponytail, brushing it smooth.
Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap into a messy bun, pinning it just under the braid. Fan the braid out across the bun and tuck the ends under to hold it in place.
The gorgeous braid and softly cascading bun create visual interest and dimension.
It lets you show off beautiful earrings and draws attention to your neckline.
Save it for a formal occasion and pair with a dress featuring an open back or deep v-neckline.
Half Up Bouffant
A voluminous half updo makes a gorgeous statement hairstyle for a mother of the bride.
Start by backcombing the crown area to create a lifted bouffant texture. Smooth over the top lightly with a brush.
Gather hair from behind the ears to the nape of your neck.
Twist loosely and pin into a rolled bun, leaving ends loose and tousled. Set the style with a flexible hold hairspray. For volume boost, occasionally tease under the base of the bouffant.
This bouffant bun pairs perfectly with ornate hair combs, dazzling hairpins or other eye catching accessories. Make it suit a formal black tie wedding or complement a colorful dress.
Finish with striking statement earrings and bold lip color to balance the volume on top.
Curly Half Up Style
If you have naturally curly hair, show it off in a simple half updo.
Part your curls down the center and gather the top half, securing with a clip or ribbon just behind the crown. Allow the rest to fall freely in its natural curl pattern.
To amp it up, define curls starting from roots for extra bounce.
Or, tease the crown area while swooping remaining locks to the side for a pretty curved shape. Add slim hair pins or a vintage comb for ornamentation.
This curly half up style celebrates your gorgeous natural texture.
Keep makeup fresh and dewy and opt for dangly earrings to further draw attention to your face. Pair with a wrap dress or gown with an open neckline.
Low Curly Bun
For curly manes, a half up curly bun creates a softly romantic look.
Part your curls off center and gather one side up high near the crown. Secure with bobby pins, leaving length loose and free.
On the other side, sweep hair back loosely forming a low curly bun at the nape of your neck. Wrap ends under and pin to secure, while leaving tendrils free to add dimension.
Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to tame flyaways.
The asymmetrical look provides visual interest and volume while showing off your glorious curls. Accent with pearl pins or barrettes for a touch of sparkle.
Let your dress and jewelry remain simple to keep the focus on the beautiful bouncing curls.
Twisted Half Updo
A twisted half up style has a chic, contemporary vibe perfect for a modern wedding. Start with dry hair and create an off center side part.
Loosely gather hair from one side, twist ends as you pull it back. Form it into a low messy bun, leaving ends loose.
On the other side, take a 1 inch section and loosely twist back toward the bun.
Pancake the hair to add fullness then pin it into the bun, creating a twist effect. Repeat on any sections you want to incorporate. Finish the style with hairspray.
The multi twisted look has lots of texture and dimension for an eye catching result.
It lets you highlight gorgeous balayage, ombre or highlights. Pair with edgy accessories like a leather wrap bracelet and bold earrings.
Half Up Fishtail Braid
For a super on-trend braided style, go for a half up fishtail braid and bun.
Part your hair slightly off center. Gather the heavier side up high and begin a fishtail braid toward the opposite side. Continue braiding loosely down past the ear.
Split the hair below into a ponytail and secure ends with a clear elastic.
Next, gather remaining locks into a messy bun, incorporating the ponytail. Wrap the braid across the front, tucking end under bun.
This half updo features beautiful dutch braid detailing for a head turning style. It complements both bold prints and simple silhouettes. Opt for statement floral earrings and metallic sandals to coordinate with the modern braid.
The gorgeous half up hairstyles featured here provide ample inspiration for mothers of the bride looking for the perfect elegant yet practical style.
Focus on finding a half updo that works with your hair type and length.
Keep styling minimal and let your lovely dress and radiant smile take center stage. Most importantly, select a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your daughter’s special day.
