How to Do a Braid for a Wedding

Vary a French braid by doing it on the side instead of the back.

Wedding braids can be fancy and elaborate or simple, depending on the style of wedding you are having. Elaborate braids are best for the bride only, as she is the center of attention, while variations on simple braids work for both the bride and bridal party. A pretzel braid combines a knotted look with a beautiful up do. For a low-key yet elegant approach, perfect for an outdoor wedding, try a twist and braid combo. A French braid can be a good choice as it pulls hair back and allows you to highlight with statement earrings.

Things You'll Need

• Hair tie
• Hairpins

Instructions

Pretzel Braid

1. Pull your hair into two side pigtails near the back of your head. The pigtails should be about medium high on your head so you can twist them.

2. Braid each pigtail and fasten the ends with a hair tie. Slide the hair ties off the top end of the braids but leave the ones at the end.

3. Twist the braids over each other and tuck each end under the beginning of the opposite braids. The twisting is where the pretzel term comes from.

4. Pin the braids up and spray with hairspray to secure.

Twist and Braid

1. Start with two strands of hair on the right side of your hair. Twist the strands together once, then add more hair to each strand and twist again. Continue adding hair until you’ve twisted around towards the back of your hair.

2. Repeat Step 1 with the left side of your hair.

3. Gather all of your hair together and divide it into three sections. You should still have loose hair once both twists have worked to the back of your hair; use each twist as one section and gather the remaining loose hair in between the twists to be the third section. Hold the hair securely to keep the twists intact.

4. Braid the rest of your hair together in a simple braid and secure with a hair tie at the end. Even with the twisted hair, you should have enough that it would form a ponytail. By braiding the end, you'll pull the entire hairstyle together.

French Braid

1. Gather a small section of hair from the top and back of your head and divide into three sections.

2. Cross the right side over the middle section, then the left side over the new middle section to start the French braid.

3. Pull a small strand of hair to the right section and cross the new, bigger section of hair over the middle. Repeat with the left section.

4. Continue to add more hair and braid down the back of your hair so that all of your hair is gathered into the braid.

5. Use a hair tie to fasten the braid.

References

• “The Complete Book of Hairstyling”; Charles Worthington; 2002
• “Great Hair: Elegant Styles for Every Occasion”; Davis Biton et al; 2007
• “Good to Great Hair: Celebrity Hairstyling Techniques Made Simple”; Robert Vetica et al.; 2009
• “388 Great Hairstyles”; Margit Rudiger et al.; 1998
• “Beautiful Braids: The Step-by-Step Guide to Braiding Styles for Every Occasion and All Ages”; Patricia Coen et al; 1996