Eli Rallo, a well-known influencer, recently sparked a heated discussion online regarding the hairstyles of her bridesmaids for her upcoming wedding, set for June 2026. In a TikTok video that has gained considerable traction, amassing over 1.5 million views, Rallo shared her preference against a slicked-back bun for her cousin, who is also one of her bridesmaids.
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In the original video, Rallo explained that, as the one funding her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup, she was keen on ensuring the styles reflected her vision for the special day. “The salon requested that my bridesmaids send in their preferred hairstyles, so they could prepare accordingly,” she said. While Rallo encouraged her bridesmaids to choose whatever styles they liked, she expressed a particular concern when her cousin proposed a slicked-back bun.
“What if I wasn’t paying for the hair and makeup?” Rallo remarked, conveying a sense of frustration. She went on to joke that while slicked-back buns have their place, they were not suited for her wedding. “I’m giving you PTO from the slick back bun for one day—my wedding day,” she said light-heartedly, adding that she would prefer any other style, even a shaved head or a vibrant colour.
Reactions to Rallo’s video were mixed, provoking a flurry of comments. Some viewers sided with her, indicating that they too found the slicked-back bun overdone for weddings. “It feels like so many have gone for slicked-back styles at weddings; I want something different,” one user wrote. Conversely, others defended the choice of hairstyle, arguing that bridesmaids should have the freedom to choose what they like regardless of the bride’s preferences.
The debate surrounding Rallo’s hairstyle guidelines escalated, prompting further commentary from various creators, including TikToker @annaknichols. She remarked on how surprising it was to engage in a discussion about the acceptability of slicked-back buns at weddings, emphasising that the couple’s happiness should outweigh concerns about hairstyles.
In a subsequent video, Rallo sought to clarify her stance amid rising tensions. “Normally, I step back when my videos gain significant traction,” she said, noting the broader discourse around her original comments had led her to feel compelled to provide additional context. “My cousin specifically asked if she could wear a slicked-baked bun while others simply picked hairstyles they liked,” Rallo clarified.
She further explained that she believed she had an obligation to address the query given the differing styles chosen by other bridesmaids. “I never intended to dictate their choices—everyone else had diverse styles, so there felt to be a clear contrast,” she stated. According to Rallo, when she discussed the matter with her cousin, the latter was completely open to selecting a different hairstyle.
Rallo dismissed the notion that her preferences were rigid or controlling, suggesting instead that her intent was to ensure cohesion among the bridal party’s appearance. “It’s not that deep,” she remarked, referencing the uproar around her comments. Yet, she disclosed that she had received unwarranted backlash, leading to a stream of vicious private messages declaring her a tyrant for her opinions.
The influencer, who has cultivated a significant following across social media platforms, has also been candid about the pressures of wedding content creation. In a separate interview, Rallo expressed her concerns about maintaining engaging content during the planning process, feeling a personal drive to meet the expectations of her audience. Despite the challenges, she remains enthusiastic about sharing her journey, including her bridal shower and menu selections for the event.
As she continues to prepare for her wedding, Rallo finds herself at the intersection of personal choice and public perception—navigating the expectations of both her bridal party and her considerable online audience. With the wedding date approaching, it is clear that Rallo’s experience speaks to broader themes surrounding individuality, decisions, and the complex dynamics within wedding planning.