Elegant Claw Clip Hairstyles for Weddings & Formal Events

Claw clips aren't just for casual days anymore. With the right clip and technique, you can create wedding-worthy and formal event hairstyles that rival salon creations, often in a fraction of the time.

This guide covers elegant claw clip styles for brides, bridesmaids, wedding guests, and anyone attending formal events like galas, proms, or black-tie occasions.

For basic claw clip techniques, see our styling guide or our French twist tutorial.

Choosing Clips for Formal Events

The Clip Matters More Than Usual

For everyday wear, any quality clip works. For formal events, the clip itself becomes part of your outfit. Consider:

What Makes a Clip "Formal"

Choose clips with:

• Premium materials (acetate, resin, metal accents)
• Subtle embellishments (pearls, small crystals)
• Classic shapes (not novelty designs)
• Polished finishes (smooth, refined)

Avoid clips that:

• Look cheap or plasticky
• Have novelty shapes (hearts, stars, etc.)
• Are neon or overly casual colors
• Have visible brand logos

Investment Pieces for Formal Wear

For events where you'll be photographed extensively, consider investing in premium clips. Brands like Emi Jay, Machete, and specialty bridal accessory lines offer clips designed for formal occasions.

See our premium brand comparison for options.

6 Formal Claw Clip Hairstyles

Style 1: The Classic French Twist

Formality level: Black tie, wedding, gala

Best for: Medium to long hair

Time: 2-3 minutes

Why it works for formal events: The French twist is the most universally elegant updo. It elongates the neck, keeps hair completely contained, and photographs beautifully from all angles.

How to do it:

1. Smooth hair with a light serum
2. Gather at the nape
3. Twist and roll upward, keeping flat against your head
4. Tuck ends under the twist
5. Secure with a medium to large clip placed vertically
6. Mist with strong-hold hairspray
7. Add bobby pins underneath for extra security

Formal upgrades:

• Use a pearl or crystal-accented clip
• Ensure absolutely no flyaways (use smoothing cream)
• Practice the day before to perfect your technique

For detailed instructions, see our French twist tutorial.

Style 2: The Low Romantic Bun

Formality level: Wedding, garden party, formal dinner

Best for: All hair types, any length past shoulders

Time: 2 minutes

Why it works for formal events: Softer and more romantic than the French twist, this style suits outdoor weddings, garden parties, and less rigid formal settings. It's bridal without being stiff.

How to do it:

1. Gather hair at the nape (low position)
2. Twist loosely, allowing some texture
3. Coil the twist into a bun against your head
4. Secure with clip placed horizontally across the bun
5. Gently pull at the top and sides to create softness
6. Leave a few face-framing tendrils out
7. Curl the tendrils with a curling iron if desired

Formal upgrades:

• Add small flowers or pins around the bun
• Use a decorative clip as the focal point
• Spray tendrils with texturizing product for soft waves

Style 3: The Swept Side Chignon

Formality level: Wedding, cocktail party, theater

Best for: Medium to long hair

Time: 2-3 minutes

Why it works for formal events: Asymmetrical and sophisticated, this style shows off one shoulder and pairs beautifully with statement earrings on the visible side. It's especially flattering for one-shoulder gowns.

How to do it:

1. Sweep all hair to one side (behind one ear)
2. Gather hair at the side of your neck
3. Twist and coil into a bun
4. Secure with clip positioned at an angle
5. The bun should sit just behind your ear
6. Smooth the opposite side flat with gel or hairspray

Formal upgrades:

• Wear a statement earring on the exposed ear
• Use a decorative clip that matches your jewelry
• Add a braid before twisting for extra texture

Style 4: The Half-Up Twist with Volume

Formality level: Bridesmaid, prom, cocktail party

Best for: All hair lengths past chin

Time: 1-2 minutes

Why it works for formal events: Shows off your hair length while keeping the style polished. Works well for bridesmaids who need to match while still looking individual.

How to do it:

1. Tease the crown slightly for volume
2. Part hair horizontally from ear to ear
3. Gather top section and twist once
4. Secure with a decorative small to medium clip
5. Let bottom hair fall in soft waves
6. Curl the loose section if needed

Formal upgrades:

• Add more volume at the crown with teasing
• Curl all loose hair in the same direction (old Hollywood waves)
• Choose a clip with crystals or pearls

Style 5: The Braided Twist Updo

Formality level: Wedding (bride or guest), formal dinner

Best for: Medium to long hair

Time: 5-7 minutes (more complex)

Why it works for formal events: The braid adds texture and visual interest that simple twists don't have. It's intricate enough for a wedding while still being DIY-friendly.

How to do it:

1. Create a loose three-strand braid from ear level down
2. Secure braid end with a small clear elastic
3. Twist the braid upward
4. Coil against your head into a bun shape
5. Secure with a medium to large clip
6. Gently pull at braid sections to loosen and create volume
7. Add hairspray to set

Formal upgrades:

• Add ribbon or baby's breath woven through the braid
• Use multiple mini clips for a decorative effect
• Try a fishtail braid for more texture

Style 6: The Waterfall Effect

Formality level: Garden wedding, outdoor formal event

Best for: Long hair with natural waves or curls

Time: 1-2 minutes

Why it works for formal events: Embraces natural texture while still looking intentional and polished. Perfect for bohemian or outdoor weddings.

How to do it:

1. Style hair with your natural texture (waves, curls)
2. Take a section from each side of your head (temple area)
3. Twist each section back
4. Join them at the back of your head
5. Secure both twisted sections with one decorative clip
6. Let the rest of your hair cascade below

Formal upgrades:

• Add flowers or greenery around the clip
• Use a statement clip as the focal point
• Ensure curls are defined (use curl cream and diffuser)

For Brides Specifically

Why Claw Clips Work for Weddings

1. Comfortable for hours: No bobby pins poking your scalp during the reception
2. Easy to touch up: You can adjust without a stylist
3. Photographs well: The clip adds visual interest
4. Secure: One well-placed clip can hold as well as 20 bobby pins
5. Meaningful: Can become an heirloom piece

Bridal Clip Considerations

Material: Pearl, crystal, or gold accents photograph beautifully and match most wedding aesthetics

Size: Large enough to hold your hair, decorative enough to complement your veil or headpiece

Backup plan: Bring a second clip and bobby pins just in case

Coordinating with Veils

• Cathedral veil: Attach veil separately with a comb; clip goes underneath
• Fingertip veil: Can often be secured with the same clip
• Birdcage veil: Position clip below the veil's back edge
• No veil: The clip becomes the main hair accessory

Bridal Trial Run

Always do a practice run 1-2 weeks before:

1. Style your hair as you plan to wear it
2. Wear it for several hours to test comfort
3. Dance, sit, and move around to test security
4. Take photos to see how it looks
5. Make adjustments to technique or clip choice

For Bridesmaids

Coordinating Without Matching Exactly

Bridesmaids can use similar styles with individual variations:

Same clip, different styles:

• All use the same clip (provided by bride)
• Each bridesmaid chooses their preferred updo style

Same style, different clips:

• All do the French twist (or another agreed style)
• Each bridesmaid chooses a clip in wedding colors

Complementary approach:

• Agree on clip color family (all gold, all tortoiseshell)
• Let each bridesmaid style as they prefer
• Creates cohesion without uniformity

Quick Touchup Kit for Bridesmaids

Pack in your clutch:

• Mini hairspray
• 3-4 bobby pins
• Smoothing wipes for flyaways
• Backup small clip

For Wedding Guests

What to Wear (and Not Wear)

Do:

• Choose elegant clips that complement your outfit
• Match metal tones to your jewelry
• Opt for quality over flash
• Style hair to last through dinner and dancing

Don't:

• Wear white clips (bridal territory)
• Choose clips more elaborate than the bride's accessories
• Wear novelty or casual clips to formal weddings
• Underestimate the power of a simple updo

Guest-Appropriate Styles

1. French twist - Always appropriate
2. Low romantic bun - Elegant without being bridal
3. Half-up twist - Polished but not trying too hard
4. Swept side chignon - Sophisticated, shows off dress neckline

Making Formal Styles Last

Before the Event

1. Wash hair the day before (not day-of) for better grip
2. Apply volumizing or texturizing product while drying
3. Sleep with hair in a loose braid for natural waves

Day-Of Prep

1. Apply smoothing serum to ends
2. Lightly tease the crown for volume
3. Style hair while still slightly cool (not freshly hot-tool curled)

Security Measures

For events where your style must last 6+ hours:

During the Event

• Check your style every hour or two
• Bring a compact mirror
• Pack a mini brush and hairspray
• Know how to quickly redo your style if needed

FAQs

Can a claw clip really be formal enough for a wedding?

Absolutely. With the right clip (decorative, quality materials) and the right style (polished French twist, low romantic bun), claw clips are completely wedding-appropriate. Many brides now choose them over traditional bobby pin styles.

What if my clip falls out during the event?

Practice your style multiple times beforehand. Add bobby pins underneath for security. Bring a backup clip. If disaster strikes, any updo can be quickly recreated in the restroom.

Should bridesmaids all have matching clips?

That's up to the bride. Matching clips create uniformity; different clips allow personality. Discuss with the bride and come to an agreement that works for everyone.

How do I find a clip that matches my formal outfit?

Start with your outfit's metal tones (gold, silver, rose gold). Then consider: tortoiseshell is versatile, pearl adds elegance, crystal adds sparkle. When in doubt, simple and quality beats trendy and cheap.

Can I wear a claw clip with a veil?

Yes, but plan the placement. The clip typically goes underneath or beside the veil attachment point. Do a trial run with both pieces together.

What if I have very thick or very long hair?

Use jumbo clips and the double-clip technique if needed. For formal events, adding bobby pins under the clip for extra security is always a good idea.

The Bottom Line

Claw clips are absolutely appropriate for weddings and formal events when chosen and styled correctly. The keys are:

1. Choose a quality, decorative clip that complements your outfit
2. Perfect a polished style (French twist, low bun, etc.)
3. Practice beforehand so you're confident day-of
4. Add extra security for long events
5. Bring backup supplies for touchups

With the right preparation, a claw clip can be just as elegant as any traditional bridal or formal hairstyle, while being more comfortable and easier to manage throughout the event.

For more styling inspiration, see our French twist tutorial, professional work hairstyles, French barrette styling guide, or our complete claw clip guide.