It is difficult enough to decide on the perfect hairstyle for the bride; figuring out the best look for a group of bridesmaids too can be even more challenging. If your bridesmaids have medium length hair, you will at least find that it is a versatile length with many pretty options for hairdos. Try out one or more of these lovely bridesmaid hairstyles for your attendants with medium length hair.



The first thing to keep in mind is that it is important that your bridesmaids have hairdos that match the style of their dress and the tone of your wedding. This is not to say, however, that they should also match each other. In fact, a group of bridesmaids all with the same hair and makeup like a line of chorus girls is a very passé look. Not to mention which, it is unlikely that one style is going to be equally attractive on all of your attendants. It is much better to give them some general guidelines and then allow them to work with their hairstylist to come up with the best individual option for each woman.

If your wedding is formal or in the evening, you may wish to request that your bridesmaids wear their hair up. Medium length hair is great for this; there is enough hair to fashion into a style that will hold, and yet not so much hair an updo becomes too heavy or cumbersome to endure all night. The trend these days for both brides and bridesmaids is for updos that feel natural, rather than too stiff or contrived. What to avoid? Anything that smacks of the high school prom, such as stiff curls pinned atop the head or formed curled tendrils on each side of the face.

A soft bun at the nape of the neck is one very pretty look for bridesmaids. This looks especially nice for ladies who have a bit of wave in their hair. The sides of the hair should be loosely gathered to allow the natural wave to show. Then the back is pinned into a slightly messy bun with a few little sprouts of hair peeking out to keep the effect natural. Dress it up with a sparkly hairpin or two that matches the rest of the bridesmaid jewelry.

If your bridesmaids (or you) prefer a more classic hairstyle, a lovely option is a chignon. This classic twist has been in style with society ladies virtually forever, and it always looks neat and polished. To keep it modern, avoid pulling the hair back from the hairline too tightly (you don't want your attendants to look like aging ballet instructors!); a soft sweep is much more contemporary. The French twist is an excellent choice for bridesmaids with anything from just below the shoulder medium length hair down to long hair almost to the waist.

Half up hairstyles are very pretty for bridesmaids, and most will prefer them over a full updo if the wedding is not very formal. Even though it is a relatively simple way to wear the hair, it will still turn out best if it is done by a professional. It takes a trained hand to elevate the half up hairstyle from everyday basic to something pretty enough to wear in a wedding.

One way to make a half up hairstyle look special is to gently backcomb the top before securing it. Another very trendy look is to weave in a few small braids along the sides of the hair. Never pin this style back with a basic drugstore barrette. Either choose a jeweled clip that coordinates with the bridesmaid jewelry, or use a clear hairband and cover it by wrapping a strand of the bridesmaid's own hair around it. This way, your bridesmaids will look fresh, modern, and pretty as a picture for your wedding day.