Last week, I grew up a teensy-weensy bit more when that twenty-something rite of passage happened: the first couple in my college circle got hitched!

Needless to say, the ceremony was trés sweet and the open-bar reception a big hit. But no one really tells you how stressful things are going to get before the wedding—even if you’re not the one getting married.

The prep process—for us ladies, at least—goes something like this. You have to find a frock or get one tailor-made according to the dress code. You have to clue into the terrain at the venue so you can heel yourself accordingly. You have to pin down who’s going to do your makeup and which celeb you’re going to copy when you get it done (I mean, that’s what I did). Then there are manicures and pedicures and appointments for brow grooming and leg waxing and all manner of girly unmentionables.

And of course, the cherry on top: you have to figure out your coif. Hair up? Hair down? Half-up, half-loose? Pin-straight? Artfully curled? Naturally wavy? Wing it (To put it in the vernacular of my generation: hashtag wedding problems)?

When it comes to dress-up occasions like these, the hair portion of the program stresses me out the most. Maybe it’s because I have so much of it (you can check out my FN author page for proof), but I’ve always viewed hair as the best accessory a girl could work with. After all, to quote my mother: “Your hair is 50 percent of your face. Good hair makes you prettier. Bad hair... well.”

Thank God for Pinterest and its endless archives of hair brilliance. Prepping for my friends’ wedding resulted in a well-stocked board devoted to hair ideas—pegs, if you will! If you need a few suggestions for all the nuptials in your summer calendar, read on: I’ve compiled 10 timeless styles you wouldn't be able to resist!

(All photos via Pinterest)

ROMANTIC TOPKNOT

This modern classic is perfect for a summertime ceremony, especially if you’re looking to beat the heat. Keep it soft and natural instead of tight and slick—a few flyaway tendrils will up the romance factor. If your hair isn’t long enough to achieve this abundant bun, ask your hairstylist to put in extensions.

(Photo source: WeddingChicks.com via MarLeigh Mathews on Pinterest)

ROLLED-BACK UPDO

Subtle yet sophisticated, this symmetrically rolled updo highlights your face without taking away attention from your dress. The central part comes off tidy and sleek—plus, it’s so on-trend with all the hating-gitna hairstyles that are happening this season.

(Photo source: StyleBistro.com via Total Beauty on Pinterest)

LOW-ROLLED CHIGNON

A different take on the rolled updo has it lying closer to the neck. It still frames your face as prettily as the previous version, but this one also accommodates the addition of a dainty, delicate headband. Is it just me or does this have Blair Waldorf written all over it?

(Photo source: LanaRedStudio.blogspot.nl via Tori Litardo on Pinterest)

WRAPAROUND BRAID

A great plait exudes sunshine and sweetness, whatever the style. Divide your hair into two sections, braid them, and pin each section at your nape in an overlapping fashion. It’s a simple, elegant ‘do which makes it seem as if you put in a lot of effort.

(Photo source: Flickr.com via Elissa R on Pinterest)

TWISTED HIGH PONY

For a healthy dose of summer glam, go for a high ponytail that shows off your cheekbones. This version has a little height in the center and rolled-back sides for a playful twist. Longer hair will give you a swishy, seductive tail, while shoulder-length locks will produce a shorter, edgier pony.

(Photo source: SoulLovelyFashion.tumblr.com via Charitie Mancuso on Pinterest)

WATERFALL BRAID

This half-up, half-down ‘do gives you the drama and movement of loose locks while still keeping your mane at bay. Treating your hair to a large barrel curling iron will add softness and texture to this charming coiffure. Click here for the tutorial!

(Photo source: OnceWed.com via Gail Lanphere on Pinterest)

LONG WAVES WITH BARRETTE

This look works with both straight and wavy hair. It’s simply a matter of finding a beautiful, wedding-worthy barrette and figuring out the proper placement. Here, the barrette is pinned at the temple across a swoop of hair (if you have sideswept bangs, this makes things even easier). Remember, your hair should be parted on the side, not the center, for best results.

(Photo source: LuckyMag.com via Traci’s Mixed Bag on Pinterest)

SHORT CURLS WITH BARRETTE

Here’s another take on the barrette effect—this time, with shorter locks. While the hair is still parted on the side, the barrette is now fixed behind the ear, pulling one section back, as the other falls softly across the forehead. While this also works splendidly with long hair (look how Sandra Bullock did it!), I love the flirtatious vibe of this cropped, curly coif.

(Photo source: Refinery29.com via Holly Miller on Pinterest)

HALF-UP WRAPAROUND TWIST

It looks youthful, feels fresh, and exudes effortless chic—what else could you ask for in a nuptial ‘do? I love how the natural waves cascade underneath the twist; I imagine this is how a Disney princess would do her hair, if she were to walk down the aisle this summer. In any case, anything that’s simultaneously beach-ready and bridal-worthy is a good choice in my book.

(Photo source: OnceWed.com via Melissa Tenri on Pinterest)

STATEMENT HEADBAND

For a look that’s pure whimsy, leave your hair loose and slide an extravagant headband over your crown. It’s the grown-up girl’s answer to fairytale tiaras—and much easier to pull off in the real world.

(Photo source: Brides.com via Sarah Lawson on Pinterest)