Journal · Destination weddings · France
Wedding chignon: Louise’s elegant look at a château near Paris
Paris, the city of love, is the perfect setting for vows, wedding gowns and, of course, a custom hair and makeup look. For Louise, for example, I created an elegant twist on the classic chignon, paired with bold yet understated makeup. Below, you’ll see how we built her look, as well as how to choose the wedding chignon that suits you.
By Corrie Elle, founder and lead makeup artist · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read
The short version
- Louise wore an elegant twist on the classic chignon, with added volume and side-swept pieces tucked into the style.
- Her makeup was bold yet understated: neutral eyes smoked out at the edges, flawless natural skin and pops of colour.
- Each bridesmaid had her own look, kept soft to suit their dusty rose gowns.
- A wedding chignon lasts best with good prep, secure pinning and a trial with your veil.
A wedding chignon for Louise and Marc
I had the pleasure of working with Louise, a beautiful bride, to create a most elegant and sophisticated look. Meanwhile, the wedding itself took place at Château de Vallery, a picturesque spot south of Paris.
Everything about this wedding was based on elegance. For that reason, I created an elegant twist on the classic chignon, which suited both the venue and her lace gown. Above all, working with Louise, her family and her bridal party was simply a delight. So, a very big and happy congratulations to Louise and Marc, and thank you so much for having me as part of your special day!
Louise’s wedding chignon and makeup, step by step
Her look balanced classic elegance with a little softness, so it felt timeless rather than formal.
01
Add volume
First, I built a little volume at the crown, so the chignon had a soft, lifted shape instead of looking flat.
02
Sweep and tuck
Next, I side-swept the front pieces, then tucked them away so they melted into the style.
03
Smoke out the eyes
Then I used a mix of neutrals, smoked out on the edges (more in my guide to smokey eye wedding makeup), which let Louise’s eyes steal the show.
04
Keep skin flawless
After that, I kept her complexion looking natural yet flawless, so it would look beautiful up close.
05
Add pops of colour
Finally, a pop of colour on the cheeks and lips brought warmth and balanced the defined eyes.
Wedding chignon styles to suit your day
A chignon is simply a bun at the nape or the back of the head. However, there are many ways to wear it, and these are the styles brides ask me for most.
Timeless and polished
Classic low chignon
- For instance, a smooth, sleek bun at the nape
- Perfect with a cathedral veil as well as high necklines
- Ideal for black-tie and formal venues
Soft and romantic
Textured chignon
- Similarly, a looser bun with gentle texture
- Pretty with face-framing pieces, as well as a hair pin
- Lovely for garden and countryside weddings
Elegant with a twist
Side-swept chignon
- In addition, side-swept front pieces with volume
- Just like Louise’s, tucked in so it melts into the style
- Flattering with lace and off-the-shoulder gowns
Not sure which one suits you? Bring photos of your gown and veil to your bridal trial, and we’ll try two options side by side.
Bridal party hair and makeup to match
For the bridal party, I created individual looks for each bridesmaid. Since they wore soft, dusty rose gowns, we kept the colours quite soft with a focus on the eyes.
As a result, the group looked cohesive in photos, while each bridesmaid still felt like herself. Thank you to my terrific artist assistant, Silviana, who made the morning run so smoothly!
Making your wedding chignon last
A chignon is one of the most reliable bridal styles, especially with the right preparation. Planning a wedding abroad, too? Read my tips on destination wedding hair and makeup.
01
Prep the hair
First, wash your hair the day before, rather than on the morning, since slightly lived-in hair holds pins better.
02
Build a strong base
Next, your stylist adds texture and a secure foundation, so the bun stays put without feeling heavy.
03
Pin with care
Then every section is pinned in place, which keeps the shape through hugs, dancing and the breeze.
04
Plan the veil
After that, decide where your veil sits, either above or below the chignon, and test it at your trial.
05
Pack a few pins
Finally, keep spare pins and a small comb in your touch-up kit for quick fixes during the day.
Wedding chignon: your questions
For more real weddings and bridal hair, follow us on Instagram.
What is a wedding chignon?
It’s a bun worn at the nape or the back of the head. It can be sleek and classic, soft and textured, or side-swept like Louise’s. Moreover, it suits almost every gown and veil.
Can I wear a veil with a chignon?
Yes. In fact, a chignon is one of the best styles for a veil. We’ll place the comb above or below the bun, depending on your veil and the look you want.
Does a chignon suit short or fine hair?
Often, yes. Added texture and volume help fine hair look fuller. Meanwhile, for shorter hair, extensions can create a fuller chignon.
Should bridesmaids match the bride’s hair and makeup?
Not exactly. Instead, give each bridesmaid a look that suits her, within one colour story, so the group looks cohesive without being identical.
Dreaming of an elegant chignon? Let’s create your look.
Share your date, your venue and your gown. Then we’ll design your hair and makeup at your trial and check availability in Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa, or for your destination wedding.