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 or need bridal hair accessory inspo, 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 hairstyle can be smooth and sleek, braided, or loose and breezy. It can sit directly at the nape or off to the side. Meanwhile, a chignon is a more specific type of bun. Derived from the French word "chignon du cou," its name literally means "nape of the neck." Thus, when wearing a chignon, it's generally pinned into a knot or a twist and placed centered at the base of the hairline.

Low Bun and Chignon Wedding Day Hair Styles

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 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, a sparkling wedding headpiece elevates your look to extraordinary. Lots of headpieces lend themselves to this updo, including wedding hair vines, bridal hair combs, and headbands.

Bridal hair vines: Wrapped around your bun's base, woven through your hairstyle, or wound around to frame your face, hair vines can be worn almost any way you like. Plus, from statement to art deco to minimalist, there's one for every aesthetic under the sun. If you can't find it, we'll happily custom-design one for you.

Halos: 360 degrees of shimmer is never wrong! A wedding halo encircling your head is a dazzling complement to a low bun or chignon. This wedding hair accessory definitely has flair and can convey a vintage, bohemian vibe.

Bridal combs: Placed to the side of your bun or just behind and above your ear, a bridal hair comb adds a fabulous focal point. This accessory can be bold, delicate, floral-inspired, ornate, or modern—it all depends on which hair comb (or combs!) you choose.

Headbands: A classic and versatile choice, these accessories can add an extra touch of elegance to a low bun or chignon. Whether adorned with crystals, pearls, or delicate floral motifs, a bridal headband can match the overall theme of the wedding.

To find the perfect bridal hair pieces for your big day look, 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.