Bridal Hairstyles for Long Hair: Perfect Looks for Veil-Wearing Brides

Your wedding day is one of the most important milestones of your life, and every detail—down to your hair—plays a vital role in creating the perfect bridal look. If you’re a bride with long hair, you have a stunning range of hairstyles to choose from, especially when paired with your chosen wedding veil or cape. But with so many options available, how do you know which bridal hairstyle for long hair will work best with your chosen wedding veil or cape?

Whether you're envisioning soft waves, intricate updos, or something more modern, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the best looks for long-haired brides who plan to wear a veil or a cape.

Classic Chignon: Timeless Elegance

The chignon is a timeless bridal hairstyle for long hair. This low, smooth bun worn at the nape of the neck exudes refined sophistication and provides a solid base for securing your wedding veil while keeping the focus on your face and dress. It’s also a style frequently used by Tara Bridal in our lookbook photoshoots. An added benefit is that you can use bobby pins to secure the veil to the bun, ensuring it stays in place and allows you to move freely without worrying about it slipping.

The beauty of the chignon lies in its versatility. You can wear it sleek for a polished look or let it flow with romantic tendrils for a softer vibe. Pairing this hairstyle with a long cathedral veil creates a regal look, while a shorter birdcage veil is charming and vintage.

 Bride: Kate Wheless. Photo: Erica J. Veil: Lilly

 Bride: Erica Winn - NC, USA - Photo: Griffin Hart Davis - Veil: Lacy veil.

Key Tips:

• Add delicate hair accessories like pearl pins or floral combs for extra character.
• Use a wedding veil that attaches easily to the low bun without disturbing the structure of the hairstyle.

At Tara Bridal, we use metal combs, which the veils are sewn onto by hand. This allows brides to pin and secure the veils in their hair easily, enabling them to move confidently and comfortably throughout their wedding day.

Soft, Flowing Waves: Effortless Romance

For brides who prefer a more relaxed and free style, soft waves are an excellent choice. This bridal hairstyle for long hair enhances your hair’s natural beauty and gives off an effortless, confident vibe. Waves work particularly well with longer, similarly flowing wedding veils, such as those with chapel length or cathedral length, especially lace veils, embroidered veils, and floral veils.

 Bride: Gretchen Stern. Photo: Julieta. Veil: Kayla

 Bride: Nicola Coetzee - Mackay, Australia. Photo: Estellaphoto. Veil: Kaitie

 

 Waves also provide a more modern option for boho or beach weddings. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, consider pairing your soft waves with a lightweight wedding veil that won’t overpower your hairstyle.

At Tara Bridal, we use soft, lightweight tulle to create our wedding veils, so whether you choose a chapel-length or cathedral-length veil, you can move easily during your wedding. As mentioned above, you can use bobby pins or a metal comb to secure the veil to your hair, giving you more confidence to move freely.

Half-Up, Half-Down: Best of Both Worlds

Are you torn between choosing an updo or letting your hair down for your big day? The half-up, half-down hairstyle might be the perfect solution! This versatile look allows you to showcase the length of your hair while keeping part of it secured, making it manageable throughout your wedding day.

 Bride: Marina Mia. Photo: victorsilveriofotografia

You can customize the half-up, half-down hairstyle to fit your personal style, whether you prefer something simple or more intricate. For a relaxed, bohemian feel, consider soft waves with loose sections pinned back. If you’re aiming for a more formal look, try braiding the top portion of your hair or adding twists for some extra texture.

This versatile style works beautifully with various veil lengths, including elbow or fingertip wedding veils, and looks stunning whether you position the bridal veil high on your head or closer to the back.

Veil: Kaitie

With this hairstyle, you have the option of choosing either a cape or a veil. A cape can be elegantly secured at your shoulders without disrupting your hair, while a wedding veil can be tightly fastened to your bun. Feel free to select any length and style of veil that complements your wedding gown.

For additional insights on choosing the perfect wedding veil, be sure to check out our blog on Wedding Veil Recommendations for Wedding Concepts. Below is a photo of Amanda Smiley from MI, USA, a Tara Bridal bride at her beach wedding, featuring the stunning Kaitie cape.

Braided Crown: Bohemian Beauty

A braided crown is the epitome of bohemian chic and a stunning option for brides with long hair. This bridal hairstyle weaves together the natural elegance of long locks with intricate braiding, creating a halo effect around your head. It’s a look that exudes both femininity and strength, making it a popular choice for brides with a free-spirited and adventurous style.

 Bride: Tegan Consol - Devon, UK. Photo: pinkwavephotography. 

Braided crowns work exceptionally well with shorter wedding veils, like a blusher wedding veil, which can sit gently behind the braids without covering the intricate details. Alternatively, you can pair this look with a mid-length bridal veil secured at the back, allowing the braid to frame your face.

Key Tips:

• Keep the braid slightly loose for a softer, more relaxed appearance.
• Decorate the braid with tiny flowers or beaded accessories for a whimsical touch.

High Ponytail: Sleek and Modern

For brides seeking a modern twist on classic bridal hairstyles, the high ponytail is a chic and stylish choice. While it may look simple, a high ponytail can make a bold statement when executed well. This style not only elongates the neck but also adds height to your overall appearance, making it a flattering option for brides who want to radiate a confident elegance.

 Elevated Ponytail. Photo: Alicia Padilla

 Pretty Ponytail. Photo: Nicole Little

 Romantic Ponytail with Flower Hair Clip. Photo: Katie Kav

The high ponytail pairs especially beautifully with wedding veils attached lower on the head, like at the base of the ponytail. This placement ensures that the veil flows gracefully with the length of the hair without competing with the height of the hairstyle. You can opt for a sleek, straight ponytail for a more formal appearance or add soft waves for a fun, playful touch.

Key Tips:

• Secure the ponytail tightly to ensure it holds up throughout the ceremony and reception.
• Add extensions for extra volume and length if needed, especially for brides with finer hair.
• Place the wedding veil at the base of the ponytail, allowing it to drape elegantly along the length of the hair without obscuring it.

Fishtail Braid: Intricate and Eye-Catching

For brides looking to make a bold statement with their hair, the fishtail braid is a breathtaking choice. This beautiful hairstyle creates a stunning woven pattern that adds texture and detail—perfect for boho, rustic, or outdoor weddings. Fishtail braids work best for brides with thick, long hair, but extensions can be added to achieve the look if needed.

 Messy Braids. Photo: Stephanie Brinkerhoff

 Braids with Pearls. Photo: Lyndi Mishe

 Long Braid with Pearl Accents. Photo: Joseph Rogero

The fishtail braid pairs wonderfully with veils of varying lengths. For a whimsical, romantic feel, opt for a veil that starts at the back of the head, allowing the braid to take center stage. You can also add small flowers or ribbons to the braid to match your bouquet and wedding theme.

Key Tips:

• Keep the braid loose for an effortless, bohemian look.
• Consider a veil that complements the braid's texture without overshadowing it.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect bridal hairstyles for long hair is crucial to achieving your desired wedding day look. With options ranging from elegant updos to soft waves and intricate braids, each hairstyle can beautifully complement your wedding veil or cape, enhancing your overall appearance. Regardless of the hairstyle you choose, it’s important to select one that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable.

Don’t hesitate to contact us or send photos of your wedding dress and desired hairstyle via WhatsApp to receive personalized advice on choosing the perfect wedding veil for you!