Systems and methods for generating head-up displays (HUDs) using waveguides incorporating Bragg gratings in accordance with various embodiments of the invention are provided. The term HUD is typically utilized to describe a class of displays that incorporates a transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints. HUDs can be incorporated in any of a variety of applications including (but not limited to) vehicular and near-eye applications, such as googles, eyewear, etc. HUDs that utilize planar waveguides that incorporate Bragg gratings in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can achieve significantly larger fields of view and have lower volumetric requirements than HUDs implemented using conventional optical components.