20+ Short Mother of the Bride Hairstyles for an Elegant Look

Your outfit is chosen and all your accessories are picked. Now all you need to sort is your hairstyle.

Short mother of the bride hairstyles can seem like a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be though.

Yes, there may be fewer options if not adding extensions but there are lots of elegant choices to go for.

You want your hair to look amazing and extra special of course. But you also want to look like you. So think about how you would normally wear your hair and if you can upgrade that style.

Are you wearing a hat? Remember you will want to take this off at some point, consider this with your hairstyle choice and make sure it suits you with and without the hat.

Head to our complete guide for mother of the bride and groom hairstyles.

Short mother of the bride hairstyles

mother with short hair and big textured waves

@ kristinaGasperas

1. For modern mothers

This is a modern way to curl short hair.

It gives a modern edgy look that is still elegant.

back view of a mother of the brides hair in a bon and wearing a fascinator

@ hair.so.boho

2. Twist bun mother of the bride’s hair

The perfect short hairstyle for mothers wearing a fascinator.

You can add extensions or use a bun to bulk it out.

mother with slipped back short hair with high quiff

@ GitaBass

3. For an edge mother

I love this style!

She has a bun but I’ve seen it done with shorter hair just pinned back on the sides.

@ StyledByKarenm

4. short mother of the bride’s hair with a hat

This is the perfect side updo to wear with a hat.

You can then remove the hat later and have a stunning updo.

back view of hair with a double plait half up do

@ AmieeGranth

5. PLait short hair for the mother of the bride

This hairstyle is so romantic.

I think it is a lovely young looking style that will suit any age.

back view of mother of the bride with her short hair pinned lossy on the back

@ HairByTonySaid

6. Loose pinned short hairstyle

This is a lovely relaxed but elegant hairstyle.

Perfect for giving short hair some volume and structure.

back view of hair in a tight bun and a gold side clip

@ Hair.By.Pinky

7. Tight bun with hair accessory

A tight bun looks stylish and neat.

The perfect short mother of the bride hairstyle for adding a pretty hair accessory.

short mother of the bride hair in a straight bob and wearing a hat

@ LizzieMakeup

8. Let the hat do the talking!

If you have a stunning hat you can’t wait to show off then keep your hair simple.

A straight bob like this doesn’t overshadow the hat.

before and after of mother short hair tied in loose bun

@ Sola_Salons_Longisland

9. Use some exstentions

Using hair extensions when having an updo is a great way to add extra hair to work with.

You can create a fuller bun like this and no one will ever know.

@ RoseyBreen

10. loose romantic waves

A loose wavy look is a romantic way to wear your hair down for any event.

3 different mothers of the brides with short hair clipped up in different ways

@ Wayne_K_Artistry

11. Some up and some down

A stylish classic. Use a pretty clip, and some nice curls and your perfect.

Love this style? Head to our half up mother of the bride and groom hairstyle guide.

bride with her mother - mother with hair down

@ PninaTornai

12. Wear your hair down

You don’t have to go with an updo or anything fancy.

A nice blow dry and your hair down works so well.

13. Braided Crown with Soft Curls

A beautiful combination of polish and texture. This short hairstyle uses a thick crown braid to add structure.

While keeping the rest of the hair in soft, vintage-inspired curls.

It’s a great way to elevate shoulder-length hair without needing extensions or a full updo.

14. Floral Braid with Glossy Waves

This style features a delicate braid tucked into softly curled waves, finished with miniature flower accents.

It’s the ideal blend of relaxed and elegant, making it a standout look for spring or garden weddings.

The added volume gives short hair a fuller appearance without over styling.

15. Tapered Bob with Long Fringe

A modern take on a classic bob, this style keeps the volume at the crown while allowing the sides to fall naturally toward the face.

The long fringe adds softness and frames the eyes, offering a chic but easy-to-manage look for shorter hair lengths.

16. Twisted Half-Up Style with Sculpted Curls

This polished half-up style starts with a gentle twist that pulls hair away from the face and finishes in soft, sculpted curls.

The shape adds height at the crown while maintaining movement through the ends—ideal for mid-length to short layered cuts.

17. Low French Roll with Natural Highlights

A softly structured French roll is created using shoulder-length hair, proving that classic elegance is absolutely achievable with shorter cuts.

The smooth finish highlights natural color dimension, especially around the crown and nape.

18. Elegant Side Bun with Crystal Accents

This style pulls the hair into a structured low side bun and adds subtle crystal pins to accentuate the shape.

The controlled twist pattern creates a soft, polished silhouette and works especially well for layered or fine short hair.

19. Textured Updo with Braided Detail

Using clever pinning and braiding, this look gives the illusion of a fuller updo on shorter hair.

The soft braids weave into the main structure and are decorated with pearl pins for added detail and dimension.

20. Knotted Low Bun with Soft Texture

A knotted style forms the base of this elegant low bun, with short, textured layers softly curled and pinned in place.

The shape is neat yet natural, offering a modern finish that doesn’t feel overly styled.

Top Tips for Styling Short Hair

For mothers of the bride or groom who want a stylish, confident look—no length required

Short hair can be every bit as elegant, flattering, and wedding-ready as longer styles.

Whether you’ve always worn your hair short or you’ve recently embraced a cropped cut, the key is to work with your natural shape and texture to create a style that feels polished, secure, and most importantly, like you.

Here’s how to make the most of your short hair on the big day.

1. Choose a Style That Highlights the Cut

The beauty of short hair is in its shape. Whether you wear a bob, pixie, or cropped layers, choose a style that enhances your existing cut instead of trying to force a transformation.

A few tweaks like soft waves, added volume, or strategic pinning—can turn your everyday look into something special without losing your personal style.

2. Add Volume Where It Counts

Volume at the crown or around the face helps balance your profile and makes a style feel more occasion-ready.

Even very short hair can be lifted slightly with mousse or root-boosting spray. If your hair is fine, try a dry texture spray or light teasing at the roots to build shape that lasts through the day.

3. Keep It Soft and Face-Framing

Short hair can sometimes appear severe in formal settings, so soften it with a side-swept fringe, loose waves, or curled ends.

Even a slight bend in the hair adds movement and dimension. Leaving a few strands around the face can also balance your makeup and soften the overall look in photos.

4. Accessorise Smartly

Hair accessories are especially impactful with short styles. Since you have less hair to work with, choose one statement piece or a few delicate accents that complement your outfit and don’t overwhelm the look.

Small combs or clips can be tucked into the side or back

Pearl or crystal pins work beautifully in pixie or tapered styles

Fresh florals or metallic details add a romantic or modern touch

Avoid oversized pieces that may not sit securely or compete with the style’s shape.

5. Plan for Longevity

Short hair generally holds its shape better than long styles, but it still needs some prep to last all day.

Use lightweight, long-wear styling products that won’t flatten your hair or create stiffness. If you’re adding curl or wave, set it with heat protectant and a medium-hold spray.

Book a blow-dry or style appointment on the morning of the wedding to freshen up your look and ensure it’s picture-ready from start to finish.

6. Think About Your Hair’s Natural Texture

The best wedding hairstyles for short hair work with—not against—your natural texture. Trying to completely change your texture may result in a style that doesn’t last or feels uncomfortable.