WHAT'S YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE?
You want your wedding accessories to be an extension of you and to reflect your personality. When Brides ask for recommendations of which hair accessories they should choose, I always recommend not veering too far away from their regular personal style and to think about the overall vibe of their wedding. The aim is for you to feel like the best version of yourself, not to try and imitate something way left field you've seen on others or spotted in a bridal magazine. For example, if you're a hippy at heart and having a rustic barn wedding, you could rock a flower crown. If you're looking for an elegant traditional style, then a simple pearl hair vine woven into an updo would fit the bill. The key is that you must be happy and comfortable wearing it all day.
2. WHAT HAIRSTYLE WILL YOU BE WEARING?
This is key to the wedding hair accessories that you choose. Will you wear your hair up or down? Are you incorporating plaits or curls? Where do you want the bridal hair piece to sit - over the top of your head like an Alice band, round the back above a messy bun or even asymmetrically to the side? Google is your friend here. You have thousands of bridal hair inspiration ideas literally at the tips of your fingers. Nail down what hairstyle you would like and where you want the piece to sit, and this will go a long way to helping you decide whether to select a crown / tiara style piece, a hair vine, a hair comb or pins.
3. WHAT TYPE OF HAIR DO YOU HAVE?
Is it thick or thin? Curly of straight? Hair combs look absolutely fantastic embedded in thick luscious locks, but can easily slip out of thinner hair. Curling your hair can help to add the necessary volume to lock the hair comb in. Ask your stylist for ideas or have a go yourself with a curling tool. Hair vines are favoured by Brides with all hair types as they can be woven into updos and secured using a ribbon or bobby pins.
4. YOUR WEDDING DRESS
Your wedding dress sets the tone for everything. Are you going for a simple satin dress or does your dress have a lot of lace, beading or detailing? The less 'busy' your dress is the more freedom you have to add striking accessories without risking a clash or overload. If your dress is highly ornate, then let it sing by pairing it with simple accessories and hair pieces.
5. COLOUR
Consider the colour of your dress and the colour of any jewellery you wish to wear with it. Silver and gold are absolute classics, but over recent years rose gold has really grown in popularity. It's a good idea to make sure that your hair accessories match the colour of your wedding jewellery for an all over coordinated look. Whilst mixed metals are a hot look right now, when it comes to bridal unity of form is key.
6. WHAT TYPE OF HAIR ACCESSORY?
There are so many different types of hair accessories on the market today that it can be a little overwhelming! Here's a run down of some of the most popular:
Bridal Hair Comb or Clip - These are the bridal best sellers. Hair combs have a fantastic classic look: they work best with updos and can be slotted into the hair either above, below or to the side of your hair style.
Hair vines - The new kid on the block when it comes to bridal hair pieces, hair vines are long flexible pieces, variously adorned with gems and pearls, that can be added to a range of different bridal hairstyles. They come in a wide range of lengths and styles, and the beauty of these pieces is how flexible they are. The same hair vine could be worn with multiple hair styles and bent and twisted in multiple different ways.
Tiara or headband - This look has a wholesome, whimsical quality and is really classically pretty. Headband and tiaras look good when the hair is up or down. They come in many different styles, from a simple understated band to big blingy crown style statement pieces.
Hair pins - Stunning in their simplicity, hair pins are perfect for an uber chic 'less-is-more' kind of look. They can be naturally interspersed into your wedding hair, adding a touch of sparkle without looking over the top.
7. REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN!
When I've talked to bridal hair stylists over recent years, the stand out takeaway is that Brides want to express their personal sense of style whilst having fun with their look. One idea is to wear a couple of different looks throughout the day. You could change it up, wearing an updo and bridal hair comb (with veil) for the wedding ceremony and then a cheeky down-do with a headband for the evening reception.
8. TALK TO A STYLIST YOU TRUST
Stylists have seen it all when it comes to wedding hair. Take your hair accessories along to your hair trial and make sure you like what you see if you don't want to leave anything to chance. Your stylist may have some useful advice when it comes to matching your hairstyle with the perfect accessories.
Finally, remember that there are no hard and fast 'rules' when it comes to choosing the perfect bridal hair accessories. Go for something that you love and brings you joy, whilst bearing in mind the overlook look and feel of your wedding. Above all else, express yourself and have fun!