Pretty Mother of the Bride Hairstyles to Inspire
There are many decisions to be made when you are the Mother of the Bride, and one of the most stressful, next to what to wear, is how to style your hair. Should you wear it up, or down, curly or straight, traditional or modern? After all, you want to look your best, and those family wedding photos are going to be around for a very long time.
Here are some inspiring photos from real-life Mother of the Bride hairstyles to help you decide how you want to look when you are escorted down the aisle on one of the proudest days of your life.
Style Snapshot
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Waves are winning. Soft curls, loose waves, and romantic half-updos flatter almost every face and feel modern yet timeless.
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Short hair, big style. Add volume, texture, or a statement earring—short bobs and pixies can look just as elegant as updos.
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Let your hair suit you. Whether sleek, curly, or natural, the best MOB style is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
If you ever wanted to try gentle waves, a wedding is an excellent time to go for it. Laura usually sports a short, straight silver bob, but decided to try soft waves for a more romantic look. The result is stunning. I love the way her wavy, silver locks frame her face, giving her a relaxed yet glamorous look. It’s a very chic but soft look.
When you’re a mother of the bride with a headful of gorgeous long hair, what’s the best way to style it? This Mother of the bride opted for full-on curls, and she couldn’t have looked lovelier! I like the way the sides are pulled up and away from her face in a half-updo, allowing her beautiful smile to shine.
As you can see, waves seem to be the way to go these days, and the softer, the better. This long, loose style is smooth and flat at the top with a cascade of curls from the cheekbones down. It’s formal without being stuffy.
Here’s another wavy bob that resembles ringlets and has a fun, beachy vibe. It’s a very relaxed and slightly whimsical look, and the soft blonde highlights add shine and depth. This style would be great for a mom with a thin face because the big curls add nice volume to the sides of the face.
If your hair is short and layered like Dianne’s, try adding some volume to give it a more formal look. The beautiful thing about short styles like this is that they allow statement earrings to shine!
This short, perky MOB hairstyle highlights the natural beauty of the Mother of the bride’s silver hair. Sometimes less is more.
Pinned back curls and face-framing bangs with side ringlets are beautiful on this MOB. This style is an attractive option for gals with medium-length hair and for those who don’t want a full updo.
Whether you have a pixie or bob, if your hair is too short for an updo, consider adding volume. This hairstyle also hits perfectly at the jawline, which makes this MOB look youthful and perky.
This angular, short style is polished and perfectly coiffed. Modern, stylish layers add dimension and texture to this chic look.
If you have naturally curly hair, you won’t feel like yourself if you let a stylist straighten it or pin it back. Let your curls do their thing, and you’ll feel much more confident and comfortable than you would in a style that just isn’t you.
This breezy, tossed look is natural, fuss-free, and perfect for a daytime wedding. If you have a shortcut like this, Mother of the Bride, a texturizing mousse will add extra volume to your hair and help it stay in place, allowing you to enjoy the day worry-free.
A fancy hat is a great way to play up a sleek bob. This dramatic look is perfect for MOBs who want a dramatic touch.
Here’s an all-over curly style that perfectly frames the face. Be sure you use enough spray or setting lotion so the curls hold their shape and don’t flatten on you at the most unexpected moment.
QUICK Q&A
Both styles work beautifully—it depends on your hair type, personal style, and dress neckline. Updos and half-up styles highlight the face and jewelry, while loose waves or curls create a softer, romantic look.
Short styles can look elegant with added volume, layers, or soft waves. Chic bobs, pixie cuts with texture, or polished silver styles are all timeless choices that highlight features and pair well with statement earrings or accessories.
Long hair looks stunning in full curls, soft waves, or half-updos. These styles frame the face beautifully and add elegance without feeling overly formal or stiff.
Embrace your natural curls instead of straightening or pinning them back. Allowing curls to shine creates a confident, authentic look that feels comfortable throughout the day.
Yes, accessories like statement earrings, a dramatic hat, or even a textured hairpiece can elevate a simple hairstyle and tie the whole look together while complementing the outfit.
All beautiful and over 40! I love the hat on the gorgeous lady with the lavender dress. Stunning.