Planning a wedding can be stressful. So many things land on that to-do list and so many of them should be fun. Yet, often they wind up a little less fun than expected, because ladies… wedding planning can be so doggone stressful! Just keeping it real.

Even shopping for a wedding dress can be exciting, exhilarating, and anxiety-producing, all rolled into one. Getting your hair done!

All that pampering like manis, pedis, massages, facials, and of course, getting your haircut, colored, and styled for the big day are some of the most fun and relaxing aspects of planning your wedding. So, bring on the hair salon!

First though, you have to decide on what kind of unique hairstyle you want to go with. This can be so hard to do! Maybe you want to try a beautiful updo, to show off your graceful neck and those regal shoulders.

Or, maybe you want to wear your hair down, to give your look a delicate and ethereal softness, or a little classy sex appeal. Whatever your hair tastes, we thought we’d share some of the most popular bridal hairstyles from 2018 for you to use as inspiration! Last year was really all about elegant, natural beauty. No fuss, no muss, with plenty of texture and movement. Basically, stunning hair that looks totally effortless. No pressure, right?

The Low, Messy, Wedding Bun

A bun is such a simple and timeless look, and it can go with almost any style of dress and feel. Just gather up a loose, low bun with a few strategic strands left free to frame your face, and viola! You’re almost ready to recite those vows at the big ceremony. The nice thing about this hairstyle is that it’s casual enough for an outdoor, woodsy wedding, a sunny beach wedding, or something even less conventional… yet it can be totally dressed up with a sparkly princess tiara or a short or long veil for a more formal look and work just as well for an indoor wedding.

Low, Textured Updos

The modern, textured updo is an iconic style that’s chic yet doesn’t look overdone. Even though some of the updos can be quite delicate and intricate, with plenty of braids and twists, your guests would never know how much effort went into it just by looking.

You can ask your stylist to leave a few strands of hair out to frame your face for a soft, elegant and slightly messy look, and you can pair the style with a sweet veil, a pretty tiara, or beautifully ornate wedding combs. Or you can use pretty little bridal hairpins strategically placed all about your head to really create a dramatic wow factor.

The Glam Chic Ponytail

This style was another big winner for 2018. A ponytail can be super glamorous, with lots of teasing and positioned high and proud. Or you can tie a loose pony right at the nape of your neck, with lots of waves and curling tendrils free to frame your face. Tie them with pretty ribbons, or wrap them with extra hair. It all depends on you and what feels most comfortable. Pair the style with long, dangling earrings that match your dress for a look that will knock your groom off his feet.

Braided Half-Updos

Did we mention braids were in this year? They are very boho and can work for a variety of different looks, including a half-updo. Whether you’re going for a whimsical, fairy-bride look or a bohemian glam-girl look, this style is perfect. You can sweep everything off to the side, keep your hair out of your face with pretty braids and twists, and still ooze a little sex appeal with flowing locks draping your back and shoulders. Or course, you can also add all the pretties and really make this style look fancier than it really is. We promise we won’t tell anyone your secrets.

Fuss-Free Locks

Finally, another popular bridal look in 2018 was hair that simply… was. Long, wavy locks? Women were rocking them right and left. Short, straight, edgy lob cuts? We saw those too. Untamed curls? Women in 2018 embraced their natural-born beauty and looked amazing doing it. Who says you have to spend hours styling your hair and feeling uncomfy?

The bottom line is YOU are the one getting married. It’s YOUR wedding. You can do whatever you want to your hair and be absolutely beautiful, no matter what. There are no hard and fast rules to choosing bridal hairstyles. Heck, you can simply wash, dry, and go if you want. We won’t tell if you won’t.