The Modern Bride's Guide to Low Buns and Chignons

In the lexicon of wedding day hairstyles, low buns and chignons are synonymous with timeless elegance. At the same time, these looks are versatile—from simple low buns and those with carefully crafted texture to tousled chignons, these classic updos can complement any bride’s wedding day style.

If you’re trying to figure out how to wear your hair on your wedding day, read on! With help from our real brides and their wedding headpieces, we’re exploring all the low bun and chignon options.

The Difference Between a Low Bun and Chignon

Though often used interchangeably, low buns and chignons have subtle differences. A low bun is an updo where the hair is gathered and secured into a bun at the back of the head near the nape of the neck. A chignon is a specific type of low bun where the hair is twisted or rolled into a knot and pinned.

A good way to remember the difference is that the word Chignon is derived from the French word "chignon du cou," which literally means "nape of the neck." If you are wondering how to pronounce 'chignon' when you visit your hair stylist, try saying "sheen yaan!"

Low Bun and Chignon Bridal Up Dos

There are many ways to style a bridal low bun or chignon. You can pull your hair tight, loose, or somewhere in between. The bun itself is another variable. Sometimes it’s large and sculpted, other times it is created of loosely gathered curls or coiled braids.

The low bun wedding day hairstyles we encounter in our wedding accessories boutique are often styled in the following ways: 

1. Modern: A glossy bun exudes a contemporary, clean look. Sometimes the stylist will work in sculptural waves to add texture to this otherwise sleek look.
2. Timeless: With gentle lines and curves, a classic chignon or bun brings a touch of ballerina grace.
3. Romantic: A loose, low bun offers a softer, more whimsical, and slightly vintage appearance. Add in a few tendrils or loose curls flowing freely to add movement.

Accessories for Low Buns and Chignons

No matter how you wear your bridal bun, the right accessories will elevate your look to extraordinary.

Headpieces

A well-chosen headpiece can add just the right amount of sparkle and sophistication to your bridal 'do. While pretty much anything goes, our brides often pair the following with their low buns and chignons:

Bridal hair vines: Wrapped around your bun's base, woven through your hairstyle, or wound around to frame your face, hair vines offer a vast amount of styling flexibility. Plus, from statement to art deco to minimalist, there's one for every aesthetic under the sun.

Halos: 360 degrees of shimmer is never wrong! A wedding halo encircling your head is a dazzling complement to a low bun or chignon. Depending on placement, a halo can convey different vibes. Some women wear like a circlet, meaning it sits across the forehead (think Danerys Targaryen) to convey a vintage, bohemian vibe. Others position their halo so that it sits where a headband or tiara might.

Bridal combs: Placed to the side of your bun or just behind and above your ear, a bridal hair comb is a fabulous focal point. Like may accessories, they’re available in all sorts of motifs, including , Art Deco, floral, baroque, or modern—it all depends on you!

Headbands: A classic choice, a wedding headband enhances the refined sophistication of a low bun or chignon. They can be worn as you might a fabric headband, or they can be slightly angled as you might place a tiara. The latter option brings a little more height and a regal feel to your overall look. 

Bridal Veils and Low Buns

A veil is one of those accessories we hope every single bride considers. They bring an ethereal feel to your wedding day look—especially when you were a veil with a blusher. Low buns and chignons are particularly great at providing a secure spot to position a cathedral veil. No matter what sort of veil you choose, here are two  of the popular ways to place them:

• For a traditional look, attach your veil at the crown of your head. This allows the veil to drape over your bun and down your back, to ultimately frame your shape in gossamer tulle.
• For a more understated approach, position the veil just above your bun.

Tips for Choosing Hair Accessories for Your Low Bun or Chignon

When selecting hair accessories to pair with your low bun or chignon, consider the following tips:

• Choose pieces that complement your overall bridal style and the formality of your dress. Your hair accessories are an opportunity to express your unique personality.
• Play with proportions to underscore your wedding hair style. Dainty bridal hair  combs can add a subtle touch of sparkle, while an extravagant wedding tiara or crown makes a mega statement. The key is choosing pieces that make you feel beautiful and confident.
• Think about placement options. Tuck a comb to the side of your bun, wrap a vine around the base, angle your headband like a tiara, or frame your face with a halo. Experiment to find what you love!
• Mix and match details. Crystals and cubic zirconia add glamorous sparkle, pearls offer a rich luster and sense of tradition, and ceramic flowers read romantic. Don't be afraid to choose a piece that combines multiple elements. In many cases, more than one embellishment type increases texture and depth.
• Above all, choose accessories that make you feel radiant, comfortable, and true to you. The most important thing is that you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself.

Finding Accessories for Your Low Bridal Bun

At Bridal Styles Boutique, we delight in helping you find the perfect finishing touches for your bridal look, and we're always here to offer personalized advice as you explore the options. Browse our large selection of bridal hair vines, enchanting halos, bridal hair combs, and more in our bridal accessories shop. If you'd like to try all the options in person, we'd love for you to visit us at our NYC wedding accessory boutique.