Bridal Hair by Bellus
Bridal Braids
Romantic bridal braids and boho wedding hairstyles — fishtail details to full crown braids. Amanda travels to your venue across Newcastle and Hunter Valley. Book your trial.
Wedding Diaries Editor’s Choice Award
18+
Years of Experience
Bridal Braids By Bellus
Bridal Braids
There’s a timelessness to braided bridal hair that goes beyond trend — though braids are absolutely having their moment right now, and I am completely here for it. Whether it’s a delicate fishtail woven through the back of a soft updo, a romantic crown braid wound with wildflowers, or a loose bohemian braid falling over one shoulder — braided styles bring texture, character, and a handcrafted quality to bridal hair that’s genuinely unlike anything else.
Why Braids Work So Beautifully for Bridal Hair
Braids add detail, dimension, and a touch of the handcrafted to any style. They’re one of the few techniques that look intentional and effortless at exactly the same time — which is a quality every bride is chasing on her wedding morning.
I’ve been weaving braids into bridal styles for 24 years across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, the Central Coast, and Lake Macquarie. I’ve done minimalist fishtail details that you might almost miss at first glance, and full crown braids wound with greenery and blooms for brides who wanted their hair to feel like part of the landscape. The range is enormous.
Braids also hold exceptionally well through a long day — which is one of the practical reasons they remain so popular alongside the aesthetic ones. When a braid is properly set, it doesn’t fall out or lose its shape. It tends to age beautifully through a wedding day rather than deteriorating — the texture often looks even better by the time the reception begins.
Braided styles feel especially at home at outdoor and vineyard weddings, garden ceremonies, heritage estate weddings, and anywhere with a natural or bohemian quality. Though I’ve also created beautiful intricate braided styles for formal venues — the elegance of a refined braid works absolutely anywhere.
The Variants
Types of Bridal Braids I Create
Fishtail Braid
The fishtail is one of the most requested braid styles in bridal hair. The interlocking herringbone pattern creates a beautifully woven texture that
sits differently from a traditional three-strand braid — more intricate, more unusual, with a quality that people notice and can’t quite name. It can
be worn as a standalone style (a long fishtail over one shoulder is endlessly romantic) or woven as a detail into the back of an updo or half up style.
Crown Braid / Halo Braid
A crown braid sweeps the hair around the head in a wreath-like halo — and the effect is genuinely breathtaking. This style is especially popular
for outdoor and garden weddings and works beautifully with fresh flowers, boho veils, and accessories woven through the braid. It requires enough length to wrap fully around the head, and the result is a style that feels almost regal in its simplicity.
Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid sits proud of the surface of the head rather than woven into it — creating more visible texture and a slightly bolder look. I often use Dutch braids as structural elements within larger updos, or as a detail running through the crown of a half up style. They photograph beautifully.
Loose Bohemian Braid
Not every bride wants a tight, precise braid — and the loose, relaxed version is just as beautiful. Pulled gently apart to create volume and a slightly undone quality, a boho braid has a casual romanticism that suits brides who want something that feels genuinely relaxed rather than polished and structured. It’s one of the most sought-after styles for vineyard and outdoor weddings.
Braided Updo
A full updo built primarily from braided sections — twisted, coiled, and pinned into an intricate gathered style. Each braided updo I create is unique. No two look exactly the same. The results are extraordinary — a style that is both genuinely complex and genuinely personal.
Braided Detail Within Another Style
This is probably the most common use of braiding in bridal hair — a fishtail or braid woven as a detail through the back of an updo, the crown of a half up style, or the side of a swept look. It adds interest and texture to a style that might otherwise feel a little plain, and it’s a very accessible way to incorporate braiding even if you don’t want a full braided look.
ACCESSORIES
Bridal Braids & Hair Accessories
Braids and accessories are one of the most beautiful combinations in all of bridal hair — the structure of the braid provides a perfect foundation for almost anything you want to add.
Fresh flowers are the most popular choice — small blooms tucked between the plaits of a crown braid create a garden-wedding quality that I find genuinely gorgeous. Gypsophila, small white roses, wax flower, and eucalyptus sprigs all work beautifully. If you’re working with a florist, it’s worth discussing your hair style early — they can set aside small stems for your hairdo.
Pearl and crystal pins dotted through a braid add sparkle without weight. Gold wire accessories woven through the braid create a delicate, whimsical quality.
Velvet bows or ribbon worked into a longer braid or low braided ponytail adds a romantic vintage touch.
Veils position beautifully with braided styles — a floating veil pinned beneath a crown braid, or set at the nape beneath a low braided bun, creates beautiful layering that’s particularly striking in portraits.
FAQ
Bridal Braids — Frequently Asked Questions
What hair length do I need for bridal braids?
Most braided styles need at least shoulder-length hair. Crown braids generally need medium-long to long hair to wrap fully around the head. For shorter hair, I can work with what you have and discuss extensions if needed. We'll assess at your trial.
Will braids hold through a full wedding day?
Braids are one of the most durable bridal styles you can choose. When set correctly, they hold their shape beautifully through a full day and into the evening. The texture of your hair affects this slightly — which is another reason the trial is so valuable.
Can I have fresh flowers in my braided hair?
Yes — and I love when brides do this. Fresh flowers in braids are one of the most beautiful things I create. I'll advise you on which blooms hold up well through the day and how to keep them looking their best.
Can braids be incorporated into a style that's mostly up or mostly down?
Absolutely — in fact the most popular braided bridal looks use braiding as a detail within a larger style. A fishtail through the back of an updo, or a braided crown detail on a half up style, are things I create regularly.
Are braids appropriate for formal venues?
Yes — while braids have a natural association with bohemian and outdoor settings, an intricate braided updo or a refined braided detail is completely appropriate for formal venues. The formality is in the execution and finish.
Do you travel to my venue?
Yes — I travel to your accommodation or venue across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, and the Central Coast. You get ready in the comfort of your own space, surrounded by your people.
Limited Dates Available
Ready to Start Planning Your Braided Bridal Look?
Let’s talk about your vision. Whether you have a clear style in mind or you’re
just beginning to explore, I’d love to hear from you.
Or call me directly: 0402 905 765