Deemed the ‘finishing touches’ to a bride’s attire, wedding hair accessories can often be a last-minute buy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prep for the purchase in advance.
For those of you currently waiting for weddings to be taken off standby, the enforced lockdown presents the perfect opportunity to do some pre-shopping research. This way you can whittle down the accessory options from the comfort of your own home and order in time for restrictions being eased.
The good news? You don’t need to have had a wedding hair trial or even decided on your final bridal hairstyle to get started. The somewhat bad news? There is an incredible amount of choice when it comes to accessories, which can be a little overwhelming. As such, we’ve put together this helpful guide on how to choose your wedding accessories; covering everything from where to source inspiration and key considerations, through to the varying types and styles of hair accessories you can choose from.
RESEARCH
Pinterest & Instagram
The holy grail of wedding inspo, Pinterest and Instagram are popular planning start points for many brides-to-be. In terms of hair accessories, you will find an abundance of imagery and video footage showcasing numerous designs, plus helpful bridal hairstyling tutorials too. Pin and save what makes your heart sing most. This should help you focus on individual styles, and hopefully, specific designers that appeal.
Hair Stylist
Whether you’ve had your initial hair trial or not, checking in with your stylist is a great way to gain advice on what accessories will best work with your hair type, and the style of bridal do you are considering. If, however, you are really struggling to decide on your hairstyle, I’d suggest discussing the option of a hair vine and matching pins like the Star and flower accessories below. Hairpins and vines are among the most versatile accessories and should provide many styling options and work with different textures and lengths of hair.
Dress Boutiques
Another great option is to talk to the boutique where you found your dress. They stock accessories that will work with their gowns so will be well placed to advise you on what pieces to wear with your chosen look. Some boutiques are offering virtual appointments during the current restrictions, so it may be worth seeing if they are able to provide a video accessory shopping experience to help get your search underway.
Designer Websites
If you’ve managed to shortlist a lust list of accessory designers, head directly to their websites to view designs and gather styling inspiration. As well as shooting my accessories on different hairstyles and in different positions, I make simple videos which show the same piece styled in various ways. If you can’t find what you want here on my website, take a look at my YouTube channel, Pinterest boards and Stories, or my Instagram Reels for videos. Experienced designers should be able to help you narrow down the choices with a few simple questions about you and your wedding. I regularly do this for my brides, both in person and via email – so lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t have a bespoke consultation with your favourite designer.
Price Range & Lead Times
To ensure you’re extra-prepared before the inevitable rush to place orders or make appointments once lockdown restrictions are relaxed, do some additional research whilst on accessory designer websites. Check the pieces you like are in budget, the supplier is reputable, that they explain how they are handling orders during lockdown, and that their general ethos fits with yours. Boxes ticked? Then you can go ahead and purchase the pretty!
If pieces are handmade like mine they are often made to order. Check out the advertised lead times to make a piece (mine is usually 2-3 weeks) and if time is tight check whether you can place rush order. If you choose my rush order option I can make and dispatch your piece within a week for a small additional fee. Delivery in the UK is next-working day and international customers can upgrade to rush courier - perfect if you require your accessories in double-quick time.
CONSIDERATIONS
Hairstyle
As mentioned, you don’t have to decide on your final bridal hairstyle to choose a headpiece. There are lots out there that will work with pretty much every hairstyle you can think of - hair vines and hairpins being your best friends here! But if you can narrow things down to a general style – such as a low or high bun, a half-up hairstyle, loose waves, or a sleek high ponytail – this can help to guide you towards certain headpiece styles and make choosing your hair accessory easier.
Hair Type
Whether fine, thick, poker straight or super curly, there are accessory options for all hair types, though some may be better suited than others. A common concern for those with finer locks is what will stay put. The trick here is to go for lighter, smaller options, such as hairpins, or pieces that don’t rely solely on being pinned into place to stay in place - so we’re talking headbands and crowns. Having said that there are plenty of tips and tricks to tame fine or short hair to wear the headpiece of your dreams - just drop me an email with any concerns or questions about wearing any of my designs if you think they might not work with your hair.
If the thought of a headband brings back painful tear-inducing childhood memories of such accessories digging in, then fear not. All my fixed metal headbands are light, super-flexible and are wrapped in satin ribbon which makes them really comfortable and unlikely to pinch behind your ears. I also offer the option of wrapping headbands in a ribbon colour to tone with your hair, so it’s both hidden and comfortable.
I also have lots of headpieces with an organza ribbon tie for pain-free security - these are a really comfortable and easy way to wear a hair vine.
Curly hair concerns come a close second with the worry that accessories will either not sit right or become lost amongst the sea of waves – but there are many styling options for girls with curls; from hair vines and pins to statement combs and crowns. You can see lots of ideas in this handy how to style wedding hair accessories with curly hair blog post that I put together on the topic.
Wedding Attire
Some brides can get hung up on trying to match their wedding accessories with their dress perfectly, but it’s more about finding something that complements...or even contrasts. Generally, a more minimalist dress will be able to take a statement hair accessory with lots of bling and ornate detailing. At the other end of the scale, a detailed heavily embellished dress would work well with a simple or delicate bridal headpiece to enrich rather than overshadow your dress. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule - if you’re going for a 1920s look, for example, a highly embellished slim-line beaded dress will work perfectly with a statement crystal bridal headband or forehead band. You may not be wearing a dress at all, perhaps opting for a contemporary jumpsuit or chic blouse and trouser separates. In this instance, simple accessory designs using large pearls clustered together in pins, combs and earrings create a more modern, streamlined look.
Personal Style
It’s easy to slip into full bride mode; picking your wedding attire based on what you think you should wear but a little individuality will help define and elevate your big day look. Think about your personal style and how that can be reflected on your wedding day. So, if you have a big personality and tend to wear statement accessories in your day-to-day life, then you might want to look for a hair crown or forehead band that will really wow. If you usually prefer low-key accessorising, you might want to go for something more simple or delicate, such as a dainty hair vine or pretty pins.
Setting & Season
While you don’t need to overthink this too much, considering the possible weather conditions on your wedding day and the style of your venue may help sway your hair styling and accessory decisions. In winter, if rain or snow is likely, then you might want to opt for an updo to prevent ‘the frizz’, equally, if you’re forecast a summer scorcher you may want your hair up and away from your face. Your venue could also be reflected in your accessory choices. Converted barn and open-air woodland nuptials will summon relaxed, rural feels; a stately manor house will have an air of regality, while industrial city buildings will project cool, urban vibes.
ACCESSORY STYLES
Statement
In simple terms, the bigger and sparklier your headpiece, the more head-turning the look. A small sparkly comb or twinkling hairpins will create a modest look while something with a lot of bling, such as a lavish headband or crown, will create more of a red-carpet glamorous feel. If you want to make a statement but don't want too much bling, one of my mother of pearl carved flower designs would work perfectly, creating a more subtle sparkle than a piece made entirely from crystals. My Katya hair vine below is a perfect example of a statement wedding headdress that won't overwhelm your look.
Subtle
A beautiful alternative to sparkle is pearls or mother of pearl, which both add a gorgeous bridal glow without the full-on bejewelled factor. I use mother of pearl flowers and freshwater pearls in a lot of my designs which create a soft, natural feel and work well with the softness of a lace gown. Choosing coloured crystals over clear, or gold or rose gold metal instead of silver can dial down the sparkle a little too.
Timeless vs On Trend
Classic bridal accessories tend to be simple and delicate designs featuring traditional embellishments, such as luxury high lustre crystals and pearls. These are usually in the form of combs or tiaras. For those wanting something a little more contemporary, larger sparkling designs, including headbands, trailing hair vines or clusters of hairpins can work well, as can those with ethereal floral detailing. Meanwhile, for the fashionistas; modern bridal crowns, statement earrings and chic hair slides and pins are currently big news, featuring either celestial detailing or supersized gems.
ACCESSORY TYPES
Headbands & Crowns
These headpieces are among the easiest to wear and work with a vast range of hairstyles, making them an ideal option for those who aren’t planning to hire a wedding hairstylist. If buying directly from a designer, they should be able to offer tips tailored to your hair type, particularly useful if you have short or fine hair. Some favourites from our collections include the Orion crystal crown (above) and the Etta headband and Cressida ribbon tied hairvine headband (below).
Hair Vines
Another super-versatile option. Long pieces of around 28-30cm can be worn as a headband, tiara or forehead band, or will sit perfectly in the back or side of a half updo or low bun, or even trailed down a plait. All my hair vines which can be worn as a headband or forehead band come with removable ribbon ties – such as India, Larissa or Katarina - so you have the option to tie or pin it in place. Hair vines work with most hairstyles and are my favourite option for wearing with long loose waves and bohemian looks. My Sydney, Scarlett and Sylvie designs each sit on a comb, which makes it super-easy to hold them in place, and have longer strands which can be trailed around your hair and pinned into place for lots of different looks. Alternatively a more clustered hairvine looks amazing in the side of the head or back of an updo – try Lunella, Cherry or Ella.
Combs & Clips
These classic bridal accessories work incredibly well worn in the back or side of an updo or half-up hairstyle. It’s also a lovely way to add interest to down dos – simply pinning back a section of the hair behind one ear. A sleek ponytail can also work with a comb placed above the ear or ponytail. For a classic vintage glamour look to our Elsa design, for ethereal boho feels Imogen is your girl, and fashion-forward brides, check out our oversized pearl clip Mona and the pearl and star crystal Asteria bridal hair comb.
Hairpins
Small but mighty, wedding hairpins can instantly add style to any bridal do - updo, half-up or bridal plait – think pearls, stars or flowers depending on your bridal look. The styling possibilities here really are endless. Hairpins come in varying sizes and can be classic and elegant like our Maisie design; whimsical and boho such as Daisy; or modern and cool celestial Star hairpins or oversized luxury crystal pearl hairpin sets like Prudence or Perla – there’s something for everyone.
Earrings
Ok, so not strictly a hair accessory, but don’t under-estimate the power of a statement bridal earring. If you’re really unsure about a headpiece, then a chandelier or hoop earring can be the way to go. Better still, they are an effective and straightforward way to switch up your bridal look from day to evening. Tempted? Then take a look at our statement Mona hoop pearl earrings and Beth floral chandelier hoop earrings for inspiration. Each of these designs come with matching combs - perfect for building your look during the day or from day to night.
ABOVE ALL ELSE
Just like your wedding dress (and the person you’re marrying) your chosen accessories should give you all the loved-up feels! If they resonate with your wedding style vision, make your heart skip a beat and leave you excited about wearing them, then you’ve aced it!
