20 Messy Bun Wedding Hairstyles That Feel Effortless Yet Elegant

When Meghan Markle walked down the aisle at St. George’s Chapel wearing her signature messy bun, it didn’t go unnoticed. Brides everywhere began embracing the undone, soft look. Sleek updos and classic chignons still have their charm, but there’s something irresistible about a bun that feels a little lived-in, a little playful. It’s relaxed yet refined.

“I like to call it disheveled elegance,” says Nunzio Saviano, a hairstylist in New York. “A more polished style reminds me of the kind of hair your mom might’ve worn at her wedding.”

But how do you actually create a messy bun that looks effortless—without feeling like it’s falling apart? We turned to hair pro Kelly De Serio to get her favorite tips for nailing the perfectly undone vibe. From texture and volume to accessories that tie it all together, scroll down for all the inspiration (and expert tricks) you need.

Messy Bun Tutorial, How to Do Messy Bun

Creating that perfectly undone messy bun might look effortless, but there’s a little trick to getting it just right. Whether you’re styling freshly washed hair or working with day-three texture, here’s a simple step-by-step you can follow.

Messy Bun Wedding Hairstyle Ideas

Double Messy Buns

Ashley Antoine went for something creative with this fun double bun look. While the pearl details may feel a bit extra for everyday wear, the idea of two mini messy buns adds a playful twist. It’s casual, quirky, and a great way to switch things up when you want to try something a little different.

High Messy Bun With Scrunchie

Veronica Nunez tied everything together in this look by matching the scrunchie with the client’s makeup and outfit. Inspired by the cozy, romantic cottagecore trend, this style blends comfort with intentional details. The result is a soft, rosy vibe that feels sweet and styled without looking too done.

A Voluminous Messy Bun

Why not go all in with texture and volume? This bride embraced a full, playful bun that’s big on personality. If your hair needs a little help, that’s totally fine. De Serio suggests building volume with meshy nylon strips to get that boosted, fluffy look without the weight.

A Low Bun With a Veil

This easy, tucked-back bun pairs perfectly with just about any bridal style. We especially love the way the veil is placed here, allowing the updo to stay front and center. And when the wind hits just right for a romantic photo? Absolute perfection.

A Low Bun With Unrestrained Tendrils

This bride styled her hair into an elegant bun tucked at the nape of her neck, but it’s the long, loose tendrils around her face that give it that dreamy, beachy vibe. The free-flowing strands add softness, making the whole look feel relaxed and perfect for a garden party celebration.

An Unraveling Side Bun

A sleek side part sets the tone, but take a closer look and you’ll see a beautiful balance of polish and undone charm. The asymmetric side bun looks almost as if it’s unraveling, with curly ends and airy spirals that cascade down to highlight the bride’s intricate spine tattoo. It’s stylish, sensual, and full of little details.

A Perfectly Imperfect Updo With Braids

A hidden braid and carefree tendrils make this style feel soft and romantic. Tiny buds are tucked in without a strict pattern, adding to the laid-back beauty. A bit of volume at the crown gives just enough structure to keep everything in place while still feeling light and effortless.

A Messy Bun of Curls

This bride’s curly updo gets an extra touch of sparkle with a crystal halo. It’s the perfect mix of casual and refined. De Serio recommends dressing up a tousled bun with a glam hair accessory to create that balance of softness and shine. It’s playful, a little whimsical, and just right for a rustic-chic wedding.

Messy Bun With Bangs

Hairstylist and makeup artist Ashley Antoine created this soft look that keeps the attention right where it counts. Instead of focusing on the bun itself, this style highlights the client’s face-framing bangs. It’s a great reminder that sometimes, the charm of a messy bun lies in the details you leave out, not just the ones you pin up.

Braided Messy Bun With Scarf

Lauren Davis adds a playful twist by braiding a scarf into her hair before finishing it with a messy bun. It’s a fun way to bring in color and texture, especially if you want your hairstyle to make a statement without needing a lot of styling effort. This look feels fresh, fun, and easy to make your own.

High Messy Bun With Headband

Ashley Antoine used a curling wand to add soft waves to her client’s tendrils, creating texture before pulling it all into a high messy bun. A printed headband adds a pop of color and pattern that makes the style feel glam but still effortless. It’s perfect for adding a little extra flair to your everyday look.

A Relaxed French Twist With a Veil

The French twist doesn’t always have to be polished and sleek. This bride softened the classic style by letting her bangs fall freely, creating an undone feel that’s totally modern. According to De Serio, allowing some fringe to hang down brings an instant effortless vibe to an otherwise structured look.

Low And Loose Messy Bun

Veronica Nunez keeps it simple and elegant with a low-effort bun that still looks beautifully styled. A few loose tendrils in the front soften the look, while wrapping a piece of hair around the base hides the elastic for a more polished finish. It’s proof that minimal effort can still feel special.

A Relaxed, Low Chignon

A delicate crystal hair accessory brings just the right amount of sparkle to this loose, relaxed bun. It’s a simple style elevated to something truly special. We’re loving how the regal, old-world headpiece transforms the humble chignon into something worthy of this bride’s magical desert wedding.

Curly Top Knot

Veronica Nunez highlights her client’s natural curls with a simple top knot that lets the texture do all the work. She used products from Rizos Curls to define and enhance the curls, giving the final style volume and bounce. It’s an easy look that celebrates natural hair while keeping things playful and fresh.

Rosie The Riveter

This playful style by Nikki Lee is perfect for warmer days when you want your hair up and off your neck. The look is topped with a tied bandana, giving it a relaxed, vintage-inspired touch. It’s a cute option that works whether you’re out running errands or spending time in the garden.

Wraparound Braid On A Low Messy Bun

Lauren Davis shares a style that gives you a choice between a low messy bun or a ponytail finish. The wraparound braid brings extra detail that keeps the look feeling polished, even if the bun itself is laid-back. It’s one of those versatile styles that can go from casual to dressy in just a few steps.

A Relaxed Curly ‘Do

There’s something so charming about the soft balance in this bride’s style. It’s relaxed, yet still feels thoughtfully pulled together. It works beautifully with a plunging, sweetheart neckline and pairs effortlessly with sparkly drop earrings for a look that feels complete without trying too hard.

Simple Scarf Style

Blogger Lauren Davis calls this one of her favorite go-to looks because of how easy and versatile it is. A scarf adds instant style with minimal effort. You can watch her tutorial or follow the written steps to recreate this fuss-free bun at home. It’s a great option for mornings when you need something quick but cute.

A Relaxed Low Tuck With a Gold Tiara

There’s something almost fairytale-like about this look. The bride’s soft tendrils paired with a delicate gold tiara give off total princess bride energy. The Art Deco-inspired piece enhances the curve of the hair so beautifully, and with a neckline like that, the whole look is a total swoon.