When preparing for their wedding, many brides fall into the trap of feeling pressure to ‘optimise’ every aspect of their beauty routine. And often, the first change made is to start growing out their hair. For many, it’s the desire to have endless styling options on their wedding day that drives brides to skip regular snips at the hair salon. But we’re here to provide a counterargument.

There are a couple of reasons why we don’t think you need to grow out your hair. First, if a blunt bob or a choppy pixie cut is your signature style and makes you feel the most, well, you, then why wouldn’t you want to feel that way on your wedding day?

Our second argument is that you aren’t really limited at all by how many options you have with short hair. They might just be different from those who have long, flowing tresses.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up 12 gorgeous examples of short hairstyles that prove short hair is perfect for any wedding.

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Bombshell Bob

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Sydney Sweeney proved that bombshell waves aren’t reserved for longer hairstyles at the Vanity Fair 2024 Oscars after-party. Channelling Marilyn Monroe, the star’s tousled bob (and slinky dress) screams bridal.

Statement Headband

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If you’re feeling uninspired by your short-hair options, add a statement headband like Amanda Gorman did at the 2024 Met Gala. Headbands also offer a convenient anchor point for a veil.

Soft Micro Fringe

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Taylor Russell’s slick-back bun at the 2024 Met Gala was softened by sleek micro bangs. The combination is perfect for a bridal look because it maintains personality while looking effortlessly polished.

Dramatic Volume

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We adore the drama of a bouffant style, particularly for a big event like a wedding. Zendaya‘s style but with a shorter, flicked-out bob is perfect for short-haired beauties on their wedding day.

Delicate Finger Waves

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Jodie Turner-Smith always provides the ultimate beauty inspiration on the red carpet. At the 2022 Met Gala, she confirmed that soft finger waves work for all hair lengths. For this red carpet look, her hair is styled into a small bun, with a rhinestone embellishment clip that descended down her back for extra va va voom.

Tucked Under Bob

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There’s just something about a polished, tucked-under style that makes a bob look expensive. And that’s exactly how we want to feel on our wedding day.

Old Hollywood Glamour

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The red lip might be optional for a wedding day, but we wholeheartedly endorse it. Along with these old Hollywood curls, of course.

Embellished Bun

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A slick bun removes any stress about weather-induced frizz, or wind-mussed hair on your wedding day. If you still want to add some interest to your slick look, make like Ayo Edebiri at the 2024 Met Gala by adding floral embellishments.

Slick Crop

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Sophie Wilde often wears chic, slick styles on the red carpet. It’s a look that we particularly love here, with a deep side part and closely cropped cut.

Feathered Curls

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Tracee Ellis Ross is the queen of curly bangs. Her slightly feathered, soft curls are also a bridal dream because they look classic and put-together, but not doused in hairspray or other styling products.

Beachy Waves

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Beachy waves are an effortless style for summer and daytime weddings. (Bonus points if you’re getting married on an actual beach.)

This article originally appeared in ELLE AU. 

Read more:
These Six Hair Trends Are Going To Be Everywhere This Summer
The Prettiest Short Wedding Dresses for Summer 2024
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