26 mother of the bride (& Groom) Medium Length Hairstyle ideas

Choosing the perfect hairstyle for the wedding day is a meaningful part of preparing to celebrate your child’s big day, whether you’re the mother of the bride or the groom.

As a key member of the wedding party, you’ll share the spotlight in cherished photos and moments, making it essential to find a style that complements your outfit, suits the wedding theme, and makes you feel confident and radiant.

From timeless classics to modern trends, there are countless options for medium-length hair that balance elegance and practicality.

In this guide, we’ve gathered 15 of the best hairstyles to help you look and feel your absolute best, no matter the setting or style of the celebration.

Medium-length hair typically falls between the shoulders and the armpits. It’s a practical length that balances the manageability of shorter hair with the styling options of longer locks.

Head to our Mother of the bride hairstyle guide for all lengths and styles.

1. Elegant Chignon

A low chignon is a classic choice for mothers of the bride.

This polished style keeps the hair off the face and neck, ideal for formal or black-tie weddings. It suits medium to thick hair and works well for all face shapes.

2. Side-Swept Curls

Hair is curled and swept to one side, creating a glamorous and romantic look.

This style pairs beautifully with asymmetrical or off-the-shoulder dresses, drawing attention to the neckline and shoulders. It’s a great option for medium or long hair.

3. Twisted Half-Up Style

Sections of hair are twisted back and pinned, leaving the rest flowing freely. This versatile style works for semi-formal weddings and flatters mothers with soft, layered hair.

Adding decorative pins or flowers can elevate the look. Head to our half up hairstyle guide for lots of ideas.

4. French Twist

A sleek French twist is timeless and chic. This updo keeps the hair securely styled throughout the day and is ideal for oval or heart-shaped faces.

It pairs perfectly with elegant, classic dresses.

5. Voluminous Blowout

A voluminous blowout adds bounce and shine to medium-length hair. It’s perfect for mothers who prefer wearing their hair down while still looking polished and professional.

This style works best for straight or wavy textures.

6. Curly Updo

Curls are gathered and pinned into a voluminous updo that celebrates natural texture.

This look is ideal for mothers with naturally curly or wavy hair and creates an effortless, romantic feel.

7. Sleek Low Bun

The hair is pulled into a low, sleek bun at the nape of the neck for a minimalist, modern style.

This look is perfect for formal weddings and works well for mothers who prefer a fuss-free yet elegant hairstyle.

8. Messy Low Bun

A loose, messy bun at the base of the neck creates a relaxed and romantic vibe.

This style is ideal for outdoor or rustic weddings and works well for mothers who want an effortless yet stylish look.

9. Braided Crown

A crown braid wraps around the head, creating a regal and elegant look. This style is perfect for boho or garden weddings and works best for medium-thick hair.

It’s ideal for mothers who want a secure, all-day style.

10. Straight and Sleek with a Center Part

For a modern and polished look, hair can be worn straight with a sharp centre part.

This minimalist style suits contemporary weddings and mothers who want a no-fuss yet sophisticated look. Smoothing serums and flat irons are key to achieving this look.

11. Side Bun with Twists

A side bun with twisted sections adds a unique and creative touch.

This style frames the face beautifully and pairs well with dresses featuring intricate necklines or sleeves.

12. Beehive-Inspired Updo

A modern take on the classic beehive adds height and elegance. This voluminous updo is perfect for mothers who love vintage-inspired styles and works well for formal weddings.

Adding a jewelled hairpiece can enhance the look.

What to Know About Styling Medium-Length Hair

Elegant, versatile looks for shoulder-length hair

Medium-length hair is a dream to work with—long enough for stylish updos or flowing waves, but short enough to be manageable and low-maintenance. Whether your hair sits just above your shoulders or brushes your collarbone.

This guide covers everything you need to know to choose a wedding-day hairstyle that feels flattering, comfortable, and totally you.

1. It’s the most versatile length

One of the biggest perks of medium hair is flexibility. You can wear it up, down, or half-up without the need for extensions or added volume.

Styles like low buns, soft blowouts, vintage waves, and braided accents all work beautifully with shoulder-length cuts.

2. Less Hair Doesn’t Mean Less Styling

While medium hair typically requires fewer pins and products than longer styles, it can still fall flat—especially at the crown or around the face.

A bit of root lift, teasing, or volumizing spray can help your style look fuller and more balanced in photos.

3. The Cut Will Shape Your Options

The way your hair is cut has a big impact on how styles hold and sit:

Blunt cuts look sleek and modern but may struggle to hold curl.

Layered cuts add movement and volume, which is great for curls and waves, but may need extra smoothing for more formal looks.

Plan your hairstyle around your current cut—or talk to your stylist about a trim that will enhance your chosen look.

4. The Venue and Weather Play a Role

For humid or windy settings, go for structured styles like low buns or half-updos that are pinned in place and won’t collapse.

At indoor or formal weddings, smoother styles like a sleek blowout or polished chignon tend to suit the occasion best.

Outdoor or casual settings call for looser waves, texture, or softly pinned styles that move naturally without looking too “done.”

5. Preparation Makes All the Difference

Give your hair the best chance to shine—literally. Schedule a trim about one to two weeks before the big day to clean up the shape without risking any last-minute surprises.

You can also consider a gloss, smoothing treatment, or deep conditioning in the weeks leading up to the event for added shine and manageability.

A professional blowout on the morning of the wedding can elevate any look and give your hair structure and smoothness, even if you plan to style it further from there.

Best Wedding Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair

Shoulder-length hair is incredibly versatile, giving you the freedom to wear it up, down, or somewhere in between.

Here are some of the most flattering, event-appropriate styles that work beautifully with medium-length cuts—whether you’re attending a formal black-tie wedding or a more relaxed celebration.

1. Half-Up with Crown Volume

One of the most popular and flattering styles for mothers. Lifting the crown adds subtle height and structure while keeping the sides gently pulled back.

The lower half can be styled in soft curls, polished waves, or left straight for a clean finish. It’s a great option if you want to wear your hair down but keep it off your face.

2. Textured Low Bun

A go-to for formal or classic weddings. Hair is softly twisted or braided at the sides and gathered at the nape for an elegant low bun.

The texture adds interest, while the low placement feels refined and modern—no need for excessive volume or extensions.

3. Sleek Blowout

Clean, timeless, and easy to wear. A professional blow-dry using a round brush can add just the right amount of body and polish, especially with a side part or soft ends.

Perfect if you don’t want pins, curls, or an overly structured style.

4. Loose Waves with Side Part

Soft waves always look polished and feminine, especially when parted to the side for added shape.

This style works well with most face shapes and is ideal for medium hair with subtle layers. You can leave it natural or tuck one side behind the ear with a decorative pin.

5. Braided Accent or Crown Detail

Add a touch of charm with a small braid woven into one side or wrapped across the crown.

It adds subtle texture and works especially well for outdoor or less formal weddings. You can pair it with loose waves, a low bun, or even a half-updo.

6. Faux French Twist or Rolled Updo

Medium-length hair is long enough to fake a classic twist or rolled style. This creates a sleek, structured look that’s perfect for more traditional settings without needing the volume of long hair. Add a hair comb or clip at the base for extra polish.

7. Side-Swept Curls

This style brings all the volume and softness of a down-do while creating shape by sweeping the hair over one shoulder.

Works especially well with shoulder-grazing curls or waves and pairs beautifully with one-shoulder or strapless dresses. Secure one side with a comb or pin for hold and balance.

FAQs from Mothers with Medium Hair

💬 “Can I wear my hair down for a wedding?”
Yes, medium-length hair is perfect for down styles—just make sure it’s prepped to hold shape and avoid frizz. Side-swept curls or softly pinned sections work beautifully.

💬 “Will my hair hold curls all day?”
It depends on your texture. For finer or straighter hair, prep with heat protectant and setting spray, and use smaller sections when curling. A flexible hold spray will keep things in place without stiffness.

💬 “Is medium hair long enough for an updo?”
Absolutely. Low buns, French twists, and even braided styles can be done with medium hair—sometimes with a little teasing or strategic pinning.

💬 “Should I get layers before the wedding?”
Light layering adds movement and shape, but avoid any major cuts right before the event. Stick to subtle adjustments and leave time to get used to them.

💬 “What accessories work best?”
Comb clips, mini pins, floral accents, or a decorative headband. Medium-length hair holds accessories well—just avoid anything too heavy.

Top Tips for Styling Medium-Length Hair

1. Book a Hair Trial Early

A trial isn’t just for testing how a style looks—it’s your chance to check comfort, longevity, volume, parting, and how accessories sit. Bring inspiration photos, your outfit neckline, and any accessories you plan to wear.

2. Factor in the Weather and Venue

Your style needs to suit the setting. For example:

Humid or windy? Choose something pinned and secure.

Hot weather? An updo or half-up will feel cooler and last longer.

Indoor or formal? Sleek styles and smooth blowouts work well.

Always have a backup plan in case of weather changes.

3. Match the Style to Your Outfit

Your hairstyle should highlight your outfit—not compete with it.

High necklines or embellished shoulders pair well with updos.

Strapless or minimalist dresses look great with soft waves or side-swept styles.

Bring a photo of your dress to your trial for a cohesive look.

4. Know What Feels Comfortable

If you never wear your hair up, your child’s wedding isn’t the time to start. Stick with what feels like you—whether it’s softly curled down, half-up with volume, or a sleek blowout. The goal is polished, not unfamiliar.

5. Prep Your Hair in the Weeks Before

Get a trim 1–2 weeks before the wedding to clean up the shape.

Avoid major changes like a new cut or color right before the big day.

Consider a gloss or deep conditioning treatment to boost shine and softness.

6. Don’t Skip Volume at the Crown

Shoulder-length hair can sit a little flat, especially in photos. Even if your style is down or half-up, ask your stylist to add subtle lift at the roots or crown for a more flattering silhouette.

7. Keep a Small Touch-Up Kit

Medium hair usually holds up well, but a quick fix mid-day never hurts. Pack a few essentials just in case:

Travel-sized hairspray

A few bobby pins or clips

A comb or mini brush

Hair accessories (if not already worn)

8. Align with the Overall Aesthetic

While you don’t need to match the bridal party, your hairstyle should feel in sync with the overall vibe—whether that’s elegant and classic or relaxed and boho.

Let the bride’s style guide, not dictate, your own.

Head to our Mother of the bride hairstyle guide for all lengths and styles.