Hello lovelies! I am starting the week this week with some bridal beauty inspiration (something you will be seeing much more of on Chic Vintage Brides in the coming weeks and months) by taking another look at fabulous and fun bridal braids. It hardly seems possible that it has been almost 2 years since my first post on this oh so sweet Bridal look, yet it is! And still the braids trend is going strong, which is hardly surprising because not only is it oh so pretty but there are also endless methods, finishes and possibilities; all of which create very different looks. So, whether your hair is lusciously long or stylishly short; your style elegant, traditional or bohemian I have just the braided bridal updo for you…..

Photography by Erich McVey via Wedding Chicks

Braided Updos

Braids are such a stylish way to add a little texture and softness to even the most formal of updos. These romantic braided updos, with just a hint of old world elegance, look exquisite finished off with a beautiful hair comb and are perfect for those of you planning a more traditional or formal wedding…..

 Photography by Gabe Aceves

Photography by Carmen Santorelli

Photography by Nicola Inglis via Magnolia Rouge

Photography by Brumley and Wells via Once Wed

Kat Willson Photography via Ruffled

Photography by Wendy Laurel via Style Me Pretty

Marianne Wilson Photography via Ruffled

Traditional Braids

When I hear the word braid this is the look that springs into my mind – it is how we first learnt to braid and how our Mum’s liked us to wear our hair to school. But these ‘traditional braids’, swept to the side or straight, are anything but childlike! Oozing effortless elegance and a sweet sophistication I especially love the 1960s mod edge given to the braid in the third image, all thanks to a slight bouffant…..

Ben Q. Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

Photography by Bryce Covey via Once Wed

Photography by We Are the Parsons via Ruffled

Via Belle the Magazine

Braided Crown

If you want to make a statement then this is the updo for you, for braided crowns (or halos) are the grand diadems of bridal updos. They are bold, romantic, fancy yet rustic, utterly modern and ancient-looking (can’t you just imagine them adorning Greek goddesses, supporting their laurel wreaths) all at the same time. The position of the crown on the head (low over the forehead and high at the back, or further back and sitting above the nape of your neck) drastically changes how they look, so it is definitely worth experimenting before the big day!…..

Photography by Erich McVey via Wedding Chicks

Photography by Ryder Evans Photography

Photography by Hello Miss Lovely via Paper + Lace

Photography by  Maria Longhi via Style Unveiled

Jill Thomas Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

Half Braid Half Loose Updos

For a more relaxed and bohemian look have your hair loose with a braided band or fringe, or if your hair is long enough even a crown. This is a more subtle braided look and a much more laid back bridal hair style, just perfect for a beach babe or woodland wedding. It’s also the ideal updo for any of you not used to wearing your hair up, wanting to look like yourself, yet create something special for your big day….

 Photography by Origami Creatives via Magnolia Rouge

 Lora Grady Photography via Bridal Musings

Photography by Perry Vaile via Style Me Pretty

Photography by Brumley and Wells via Once Wed

Aren’t they lovely? Such a perfect look for your big day….or any day come to that! They so make me wish I had mastered braiding my own hair – I’ve never managed to do much more than the most basic braid or ponytail. If these beautiful bride-worthy braids have you inspired but you haven’t seen anything that’s quite you, then take a look at Chic Vintage Brides’ Braids Pinterest board – with almost 200 pins you almost certain to find something you love!

Amy

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