When you start planning your wedding, the big decisions usually come down to the venue, the dress, the guest list, and the photographer. But as the big day draws closer, it’s the smaller details of your makeup, your bouquet, your wedding hairstyles that suddenly feel so incredibly important. And as someone who’s walked down the aisle myself and now works closely with hundreds of beauty and hair professionals across South Africa through The Bridal Plan, I can tell you this: your bridal hairstyle matters.
It’s not just about what’s trending or what looks good on Pinterest. Your wedding hairstyle should be a true reflection of you, your personality, your dress, your vision, and yes, your face shape too. When your hairstyle complements your facial features and enhances the design of your dress, it elevates your entire bridal look from pretty to picture-perfect.
Let’s dive into how to choose a bridal hairstyle that flatters your face shape and works beautifully with your dress neckline with personal tips, stylist insights, and visual inspiration along the way. Choosing the right wedding hairstyles is not just about trends; it’s about finding looks that highlight your beauty, complement your dress, and last the whole celebration.
Featured Vendor: Veil Atelier
Why Face Shape Matters
Your face shape is the foundation of how hairstyles frame your features. A well-chosen hairstyle can highlight your cheekbones, soften sharper features, elongate the face, or create balance where needed.
Here’s a quick guide to identifying your face shape:
- Oval: Forehead is slightly wider than the chin, with balanced proportions and soft curves.
- Round: Equal width and length, with softer angles and fuller cheeks.
- Heart-shaped: Wider forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a narrower chin.
- Square: Strong jawline and broad forehead, with a more angular structure.
- Long/Rectangular: Face is longer than it is wide, with a narrow chin and high cheekbones.
Featured Vendor: YR Makeup Artistry
Matching Wedding Hairstyles to Your Face Shape
Oval Face Shape
If you have an oval face, congratulations, this is considered the most versatile face shape, meaning nearly all styles suit you. You can wear your hair up or down, straight or curly, sleek or tousled.
Style suggestions:
- Classic chignon
- Loose waves with a middle or side part
- Half-up styles with braids or twists
- Sleek low bun for a modern feel
Round Face Shape
With round faces, the goal is to create the illusion of length and structure. Avoid styles that add width to the sides of your face, and opt for volume at the crown or length at the bottom.
Style suggestions:
- High ponytail or voluminous bun
- Long, cascading waves
- Side-swept styles
- Half-up styles with volume at the crown
Heart-Shaped Face
With a wider forehead and a narrow chin, the goal is to balance the top and bottom of your face. Softness around the jawline helps, while fringe or side-parts can reduce forehead width.
Style suggestions:
- Side-swept curls
- Low, romantic bun with soft tendrils
- Loose updo with curtain bangs
- Half-up style with braids or twists
Square Face Shape
A square face shape has strong angles and a defined jawline. The key here is to soften those features with romantic, textured hairstyles.
Style suggestions:
- Soft waves with a side part
- Loose, textured updos
- Face-framing layers or wispy fringe
- Half-up styles with curled ends
Long or Rectangular Face
With a longer face shape, it’s best to add volume at the sides rather than the top. Bangs can also help shorten the appearance of your face.
Style suggestions:
- Loose waves with side volume
- Crown braids or horizontal elements
- Half-up, half-down with side-swept fringe
- Updos with volume at the sides, not the top
How Your Dress Neckline Influences Your Wedding Hairstyles
Your dress neckline plays a surprisingly powerful role in shaping your hairstyle. The wrong combination can make your look feel disconnected, but the right pairing creates elegance and harmony in every photograph.
Strapless or Sweetheart Neckline
Strapless gowns leave your neck, shoulders, and collarbones exposed, which is perfect for showing off a statement hairstyle.
Best hairstyles:
- Soft curls worn down to add romance
- Half-up styles with volume for balance
- Sleek ponytail or updo to draw focus to the neckline
- Loose side bun with soft tendrils
Off-the-Shoulder Neckline
This is one of the most romantic and feminine styles, and the key is to not overwhelm the openness of your shoulders with heavy hair.
Best hairstyles:
- Low chignon or soft bun
- Side-swept waves that rest gently over one shoulder
- Loose updos with texture
- Ponytails with curled ends and a ribbon
Halter or High Neckline
High necklines are elegant and architectural, so it’s best to keep your hair up and off the shoulders to avoid a cluttered look.
Best hairstyles:
- Sleek high bun
- Polished low bun at the nape of your neck
- Braided crown or updo
- Chic ponytail with volume
V-Neck or Plunging Neckline
This style draws the eye downward and elongates the body, so your hairstyle should mirror that grace and fluidity.
Best hairstyles:
- Long waves or curls
- Half-up styles with flowing back pieces
- Ponytail or updo with curled pieces cascading down
Boat Neck or Bateau Neckline
A wide neckline that runs straight across the collarbone is very elegant and classic.
Best hairstyles:
- Elegant bun or chignon
- Side part with soft volume
- Half-up with floral pins or pearls
Wedding Hairstyles Trials: Your Secret Weapon
I cannot stress this enough: please book a hair trial to test your wedding hairstyles in advance. This is where you’ll discover what actually works with your face shape, your dress, and your personal comfort. A trial allows you to test how your hair behaves with heat, humidity, veils, and accessories. You can take photos from different angles and see how it all comes together.
What to bring to your trial:
- A photo of your dress (or wear a similar neckline)
- Your veil or hair accessories
- Inspo pictures for styles you like
- An open mind, your stylist might surprise you!
Accessories & Final Touches
Don’t forget how powerful accessories can be! A well-placed hairpin, pearl comb, or floral vine can elevate even the simplest style.
Top accessory tips:
- Match your accessory metal to your jewellery (silver, gold, rose gold).
- If your dress is busy, keep hairpieces minimal.
- Consider changing accessories between the ceremony and the reception for two different looks.
At the end of the day, your bridal hairstyle should feel like an extension of you. It’s not about copying someone else’s Pinterest board; it’s about finding a look that enhances your beauty, suits your dress, and stays true to your vibe.
Whether you’re going for soft and romantic, polished and modern, or somewhere in-between, take the time to explore options, talk to your stylist, and honour what makes you feel beautiful.
And remember, your wedding day is not a photoshoot. It’s a celebration of love, connection, and new beginnings. You deserve to feel confident and radiant every step of the way.
Need inspiration or want to book a talented local stylist? Browse our vendor directory or follow The Bridal Plan on Instagram for real bride stories, expert tips, and hairstyle ideas tailored to South African brides.
