There are many ways you can wear your hair on your wedding day. Irrespective of whether you let your hair secure or let it flow freely, hair accessories can enhance the impact of your bridal hairstyle. More importantly, they are the crowning glory that allows you to stand out in the wedding scene.
The veil has always been a traditional wedding hair accessory. However, there are more accessories that brides use to enhance their bridal look. Today, we will take a detailed look at these different accessories. But before that, let us discuss about the different factors to consider when choosing your bridal hair accessory.
Factors to consider when choosing your bridal hair accessory
The bridal hair accessory is just one component of your wedding day look. Nonetheless, it is important, as it determines how your overall look turns out. Hence, choose your bridal hair accessory with care.
Here are the different factors to consider when choosing it.
Your wedding dress: One rule to follow when you choose wedding accessories is that your dress and accessories should come together. You will find it easier to find accessories that match a wedding dress, than the other way around. So, start you search for the right hair accessory only after you buy your wedding dress. Then, choose accessories that complement your dress style for the best results.
Facial structure: The right choice of hair accessories will enhance and draw attention to your best assets. Choose the right headpiece that is suitable for your face shape. For instance, pointed tiaras look good on round faces while flat headbands look best on square and oval faces.
Length and color of hair: Your headpiece should be visible to onlookers. Choose the right metal and embellishments that stand out against your hair color. For dark hair, most hair accessories are suitable. However, if you have light-coloured hair, pick pieces that differ from the color of your hair. Different types of headbands are ideal for different hair lengths. While most accessories work for long hair, dainty accessories look good on hair of short or medium length.
Wedding day hairstyle: With the wide variety of hair accessories available in the market, you have ample choice. Depending on whether you plan to leave your hair down or secure it in an updo, pick accessories that draw attention to the details in your hairstyle. If you have short hair, you can choose hair accessories so they are the focal point of the hairstyle. In this case, this element can transform a basic hairstyle to one that instantly wows!
Wedding style: Certain accessories suit certain themes better than others. For instance, oversize floral crowns look better at casual weddings than at formal ceremonies. When you go shopping for wedding accessories, choose ones that will look good in the venue. It should also blend well with the theme. Only then will you look like a bride that belongs.
The rest of the wedding jewelry and embellishments: Your hair accessories should work well with your wedding dress and complement your jewelry. Keep the rest of your jewelry simple if your hair accessory is ornate and elaborate. However, if you pick statement jewelry pieces, choose dainty head pieces that will not clash with the rest of your jewelry.
Pay attention to these rules of accessorizing your hair, and you will dress in style with your hair accessory being the crowning glory of your look. And what are the different options available to you in the form of hair accessories? Let us find out now.
The different bridal hair accessories
Bridal tiaras
A bridal tiara is a stunning choice if your dress has crystal accents or is relatively simple. Tiaras with pearls or crystal details go well with most wedding dress styles. This hair accessory is a statement piece; there are a few other occasions when you can flaunt one.
A tiara is a formal piece of jewelry. Hence,it suits traditional and opulent wedding themes very well. When wearing a tiara, don’t add too many other pieces or you will end up with a cluttered look. Pair it with simple studs and a thin pendant or necklace that doesn’t compete with it.
Tiaras come in different shapes, sizes and styles. These include the wishbone, regal style, double band, bun wrap, headband and wreath. Please consider where and how you pin it to achieve the right effect. A tiara placed at the crown will look entirely different from one pinned above a bun. For more valuable advice on choosing and wearing a tiara for your special day, visit this article on Wedding Ideas Mag.
Headbands
The headband is one of the most versatile types of hair accessories. It works on most hair lengths and complements almost every face shape. You can pair it with most hairstyles; it has always been a trendy accessory.
Headbands come in various sizes and shapes. You will also find that they feature various embellishments, making it easy to find one that fits your wedding day style. Wedding headbands may contain rhinestones, crystals, metals, lace and even feathers.
Headbands are the ideal choice to keep your hair away from your face. They also add an exciting touch of sophistication and sparkle to simple, open hairstyles. You will find classic, modern, Boho and even colourful headbands.
Hair combs
If you plan to lock your tresses in a bun or similar hairstyle, hair combs are an excellent accessory to enhance your hairstyle. These accessories come with embellishments on the top of a comb, and are inserted into a portion of the hair. They will stay in place, and also keep the hair pinned down.
Hair combs may have simple details or elaborate embellishments. Although most bridal combs are embellished with sparkling details, there are also those with feathers, flowers and other dainty details. Hair combs look best when paired with braided hairstyles or updos, since these hairstyles make the details on these accessories more pronounced.
Clips and pins
Hair clips and pins are smaller hair accessories that add sparkle to a hairstyle. The benefit of using these hair accessories is that they can be paired with any hairstyle, however complex or straightforward. They add a romantic, feminine touch and are very pleasing to the eye.
Hair clips use a clasping mechanism and hold the hair in place. They may have a jaw between which they secure the hair strands. Hair pins are pushed into position, with the lower half concealed within the strands of hair while the upper portion is visible.
Choose hair clips or pins that match the embellishments in your dress by picking out flowers, stars or similar motifs that repeat on your dress. You can also add a dash of color to your hairstyle by using hair pins with colourful embellishments. These are small enough to add just a subtle dose of colour without overwhelming presence.
Fascinators
Fascinators are bold and beautiful accents to fancy hairstyles. They add a lively flourish of details to your hair. These accessories also draw attention to your facial features. Most fascinators are impressive with attractive embellishments like feathers, flowers, net, lace and faux flowers.
Ideally suited for Boho, retro and vintage style wedding themes, you will not need any other accessory to complete your look when you wear a fascinator. Fascinators are suitable for most hair lengths. Choose one that works well with the proportions of your face, and enjoy a unique look that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Floral crowns
Big or small, floral crowns are a wonderful accessory to enhance your bridal look manifold. They are very easy-to-wear accessories that instantly add a punch to any style. This article on the Brides website suggests that it can be used as a statement accessory. Moreover, flower crowns and veils are a match made in heaven. You do not have to give one up for the sake of the other.
Although floral crowns look best at outdoor weddings in spring and summer, they are also suitable for the cooler season. Delicate blooms like baby breath and daisies add a soft, romantic touch, while large floral crowns add a Bohemian touch.
Trust your florist to fashion a floral crown that goes well with your wedding theme, bridal bouquet and bridal dress. Alternatively, you can also make it yourself if you are crafty. Ensure you choose hardy blooms that will not wilt easily so your floral crown stays fresh for longer. Alternately, have one made from fabric or paper flowers. Such a crown will not become shabby or wilt over time. You can also save it as a valuable keepsake.
Flowers
Fresh flowers are a refreshing and attractive addition to any bridal hairstyle. Flowers in your hair are perfect for a romantic, dreamy wedding day look.
There are many ways in which you can wear flowers in your hair. You can position it in different locations to achieve the intended effect. The size, color and quality of blooms will determine the impact of your hairstyle. From simply pinning flowers into your hairdo to weaving it into a braid, there are several ways in which you can add flowers to your hair.
A few flowers tucked into the hair look classic. You can also wrap garlands around your hair or use individual blooms to substitute hairpins. For more ideas on using flowers as your hair accessory, visit this article on the Knot website.
Hair vines
Bridal hair vines are whimsical, adding subtle glamour to any hairstyle. They create a dramatic effect and look amazing when paired with braided hairstyles. Hair vines can easily be inserted into your tresses, adding a hint of sparkle to a simple hairstyle.
Hair vines are usually made with Swarovski crystals, enamel details, faux silk flowers or similar embellishments. These accessories have a natural effect that isn’t overpowering. It is suitable for both formal and informal wedding styles and you can wear it at any position on your head.
Veils
Although veils are short pieces of fabric, they create a bridal look instantly. Hence, this traditional and classic wedding hair accessory is closely associated with the bridal trousseau. They come in various lengths and can be made of different materials.
The fabric, length and style determine the impact of the veil. Some veils are better suited for formal weddings than informal wedding styles. Veils also have the power to transform your overall bridal look and tie it to the theme. For instance, a birdcage veil suits a vintage wedding, whereas a long cathedral veil looks amazing at a church wedding.
Look at this previous article for a comprehensive guide to the different types of veils available, and find out what is best suited to your needs.
Hats
A wedding hat is a unique accessory that not all brides are bold enough to try. However, this is a definite option if you are searching for something original. Hats are practical and functional for outdoor weddings. You may even find hats the right choice for cowboy and retro wedding themes. While a hat is a statement accessory like a fascinator, miniature versions pair well with birdcage veils for a stunning combination.
Now tell us, which of these is your preferred choice? At Best for Bride, we have a wide range of bridal hair accessories to add the finishing touches to your bridal look. Visit us in-store or at our gallery here to discover the different options and pick your favourite.
Very thorough list to go through. I am planning a wedding for a friend of mine and think this list will be very helpful!
Unless you have long hair, these are not going to always work. What do you have or suggest for those with a shorter, tight style of hairdo?
Another sore theme for me. Wedding hair accessories. How I hate artificial flowers in the hair and tiaras! Bad taste! But floral crowns, this is straight my love. Easy and so tenderness!