Whether you’re a bohemian bride or an effortlessly chic and romantic kind of girl – nothing says relaxed elegance quite like a wedding braid or plait.

Rosemary gold hair vine and coordinating Haillie hair pins

Minna hair pins plait set by Debbie Carlisle worn with a Dutch braid by hair expert Jenn Edwards

Braids can be incorporated into your bridal look in so many different ways – from a tiny plait worked into the most elegant of up-dos to a hair-up style created entirely from intricately woven braids. However you choose to style yours, the braided bridal up-do is one of the most natural and romantic looks you could choose for your wedding.

Hair by www.jennedwards.com      Picture by www.jesspetrie.com

From a simple yet striking fishtail plait to an intricately woven combination of braids that finish in one long plait – the single braid is the perfect style for accessorising with hair pins or hair vines. Go simple and fresh with carved mother of pearl flower pins with gold, rose gold or silver accents – or go for a statement bejewelled look with sparkling crystal pins mixed with a hair vine.

Annette rose gold wedding hair vine with matching Coralie hair pins

Scarlett hair vine with matching Saffron hair pins

If you’re planning a half-up half-down wedding hairstyle then loose waves teamed with a waterfall plait will create just the right boho-chic mix which will show you've made an effort, without looking too 'done’. Add a few sparkling hair pins or a delicate hair vine along the braided area to turn this relaxed look into a picture perfect bridal style.

Saffron and Minna hair pins - hair by Jenn Edwards, picture: Shelley Richmond

If you want to introduce plaits into your bridal hair style then your overall bridal look will help you decide how – for example you can keep your plaits tight and smooth for a more refined and put-together look or loosen your plait and let tendrils of hair escape for a more relaxed bohemian style.

Belle wedding hair vine ribbon tie headband

Cora bohemian wedding hair vine comb

Isabella gold floral wedding hair vine or ribbon tie headband

Sylvie trailing wedding hair vine

And if one of your guests is nifty with hair (maybe it’s time to get really friendly with your hairdresser) you could even change your look from day to night by turning your plait into an up-do with a few well-placed hair pins!