Hello, Bridal Musings readers! Bené, BM’s resident fashion contributor, here stopping by to share some beautiful bridal hair inspiration.

If you’re anything like me, then you probably have a go-to hairstyle for balmy summer days—maybe it’s a topknot, a chignon, or even a classic ponytail? For me, I’m all about the braid.

Wedding Hair Inspiration: 32 Fresh & Feminine Braids | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

There’s definitely a new “it” braid when it comes to bridal hairstyles. We’ve seen it on the runways during Bridal Market (a.k.a., Bridal Fashion Week), and we’ve also seen a number of real brides trying it out for themselves.

If you’re thinking about donning a braid on your big day, get ready to be seriously persuaded. I’ve put together a lookbook of 32 fresh and feminine braids.

32 Fresh & Feminine Bridal Braids

There are hundreds of variations of the new “it” bridal braid, but a few similarities tie them together:

The braids all look too beautifully intricate and styled not to be thought-out and intentional. But they also have an ethereal and windswept look, so they always look natural and never, ever overdone.

The look can be accomplished with a fishtail or a simple side braid, and the braids can also be adorned with floral crowns or headpieces. Anyway you have it, the result is stunning.

Take a peek at my favorites below. And don't forget to pin a few standout styles to share with your hairstylist!

Fishtail BraidsWedding Hair Inspiration: 32 Fresh & Feminine Braids | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

The fishtail braid has long been one of our favorite hairstyles over at BM. It's ideal for the bride with a boho side. The look is effortless, yet elegant.

A fishtail braid is especially gorgeous on brides with long hair. The key is to not braid the hair too tightly and to leave a few windswept pieces out.

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Fishtail Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Hannah Suh Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Fishtail Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Jessica Janae Photography via Bridal Musings

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Fishtail Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by This Modern Romance via Ruffled

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Fishtail Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Bryce Covey via OnceWed

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Fishtail Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Coco Tran Photography via Style Me Pretty

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Fishtail Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Jose Villa Photography via Style Me Pretty

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Fishtail Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Pabelona Studio via 100 Layer Cake

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Fishtail Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Ben Q. Photography via Green Wedding Shoes


Braids with Floral CrownsWedding Hair Inspiration: 32 Fresh & Feminine Braids | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

It's no secret that we're obsessed with floral crowns. And when a floral crown is paired with a pretty braidit's a match made in hairstyle heaven. Floral crowns can be dainty or elaborate. Either way, they add a final touch to any braided hairstyle that is whimsical and fun.

Oh, and if you're thinking of wearing a floral crown on your big day, be sure to read up on our tips for wearing fresh flowers in your hair.

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Floral Crown | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Anastasiya Belik via Burnett’s Boards

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Floral Crown | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Melanie Nedelko via Hochzeits Guide

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Floral Crown | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Lovedale Photography via Polka Dot Bride

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Floral Crown | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Lad & Lass via Ruffled

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Floral Crown | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Rebekah Westover Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Floral Crown | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by JoPhoto

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Floral Crown | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Jenna Bechtholt via Magnolia Rouge

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Floral Crown | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Jose Villa Photography via Style Me Pretty


Not-So-Basic Side BraidsWedding Hair Inspiration: 32 Fresh & Feminine Braids | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

There's something about a side braid that's always timeless. But, take a close look below, and you'll see a few not-so-basic side braids. These braids have incredible finesse and reflect extreme attention to detail.

The one common thread? They're all beyond romantic.

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Side Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Bryce Covey via OnceWed

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Side Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Caroline Frost Photography via Style Me Pretty

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Side Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by This Modern Romance via Green Wedding Shoes

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Side Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Heather Hawkins via Magnolia Rouge

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Side Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Alixann Loosle Photography via Ruffled

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Side Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Leighanne Herr Photography via 100 Layer Cake

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Side Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Jamie Rae Photo via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Side Braid | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Shane & Lauren Photography via 100 Layer Cake


Braids with HeadpiecesWedding Hair Inspiration: 32 Fresh & Feminine Braids | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

The bridal headpiece trend is still going strong, and we honestly couldn't be happier. It's amazing how hair adornments can completely transform an entire look.

We love seeing brides add a little something extra to their braided hairstyles. A headpiece is the icing on the cake.

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Headpiece | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Olive Photography via Style Me Pretty

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Headpiece | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Amy Nicole Photography via Ruffled

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Headpiece | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Carmen Santorelli Photography via Style Me Pretty

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Headpiece | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Anja Schneemann via Wedding Chicks

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Headpiece | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Nati Hortig

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Headpiece | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Erich McVey via Swooned

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Headpiece | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Greg Finck via Style Me Pretty

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Braid with Headpiece | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog

Photo by Tulle & Grace via Coastal Bride

There you have it, all the bridal braid inspiration you could ever ask for! Aren't they gorgeous?

Which are your absolute favorites? I'd love to hear in the comments below.

I must say that I'm quite keen on braids with floral crowns. The pairing is just too fabulous not to love.

Find even more beautiful bridal hair inspiration on Pinterest.