How to style the modern chignon wedding updo

Blending Parisian-chic with timeless appeal, elevate a modern chignon wedding updo with carefully chosen bridal accessories.

For lovers of wedding hairstyles, you can’t go pass the chignon wedding updo. The chignon is a classic wedding hairstyle that exudes elegance and sophistication. Over the years, this timeless updo has been reinvented with modern twists, making it a favourite among contemporary brides. The modern chignon is versatile, chic and suitable for various wedding themes, from classic and traditional to bohemian and modern.

We love to accessorise a bridal chignon with intricate and detailed hair pieces that will instantly elevate your bridal look. Whether it’s a wedding headpiece or a bridal veil, a chignon is the perfect foundation to secure a beautiful heirloom piece.

What is a chignon?

A chignon (pronounced “shee-nyon”) is a hairstyle where the hair is pinned into a knot or bun at the nape of the neck or the back of the head. The word ‘chignon’ comes from the French phrase “chignon du cou” which means “nape of the neck”. This elegant hairstyle is perfect for brides who want a sophisticated and polished look.

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Our favourite bridal chignons

Combining the classic chignon shape with an undone—almost messy—aesthetic, a relaxed bridal chignon is the ultimate in bohemian bridal styling. This look can take you to the red carpet, wedding aisle or your engagement party. The look feels effortless, is anything but polished and can be styled with structured wedding gowns through to soft and billowy dresses.

Whether you have long, short, thick or fine hair – this relaxed hairstyle will work for you. The messy structure can be formed with the help of texturizers and hair extensions to add volume and thickness to the bun.

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How to accessorise a bridal chignon

The low set structure of a chignon is the perfect foundation for bridal hair accessories

1. Choose an upwards facing headpiece to frame your hairstyle

A headpiece positioned at the back centre of your chignon will create the perfect focal point as you walk down the aisle. This look is beautiful for wedding gowns with low V backs, long sleeves or off-the-shoulder necklines as it will draw attention upwards, frame your shoulders and elongate your silhouette.

The beauty of an upwards facing headpiece is it will accentuate the natural shape and curves of your hairstyle. We all know how long it can take to choose the perfect hairstyle for your wedding day so why not put it on full display.

2. Choose a headpiece that curves around or down to frame the bun

A headpiece that curves downwards will direct the eye down towards the shoulders and frame your veil. There’s a feeling of effortlessness with this look as it curves around and down the contours of your chignon.

This look is beautiful with smaller earrings and suits both refined or relaxed bridal updos.

3. A side hair comb will feel effortless

For a look that’s more relaxed, position a hair piece or pins to the side of your updo. This asymmetrical look feels at home with bohemian inspired hairstyles with loose tendrils around the face.

If you like the idea of smaller pins and a minimalist aesthetic, simple pearls scattered along your chignon can create an equally beautiful finish.

4. A wedding crown will frame your face

Depending on your face shape and the size of your chignon, a crown will frame your face and provide balance to your overall bridal look. This is a beautiful way to style high necklines, long sleeves or covered backs as it will draw attention forwards.

5. Add a classic wedding veil

Just because you love a bridal headpiece, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear it with a veil. We adore the chignon for its versatility which allows you to easily style it with a simple wedding veil. For a touch of the traditional, choose a mid to long wedding veil, with or without a blusher layer. Simply position your veil comb to the top of your chignon and then position your headpiece into place.

Need personalised styling advice?

Feel free to send us an email with photos of your wedding dress and bridal hairstyle and we would be happy to send you recommendations and ideas via email.

Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and hairstyle. We love to work with our brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day. We are based in Australia and ship worldwide.