In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

It is only fitting to talk about “headpieces” after blogging on veils. Chances are this is the first time you have given much thought to “headpieces”, or maybe you briefly thought of “an image” when reading our last blog. Like veils, headpieces can be completely overwhelming. So to help you sort through your many options, I wanted to offer a few tips and some advice in hopes to help you find a perfect finishing touch for your special day.

Once you know the different options, it’s easy to top off your bridal ensemble with the perfect headpiece. Options can range from simply chic to dramatically striking. The best advice, experiment with different shapes, sizes, and styles to find a look that coordinates best with your gown & one that you feel comfortable with. Remember, a headpiece should show your true personality.

Tiara: A jeweled or beaded semicircle headpiece worn on top of the head. Like its sister, the crown, the tiara has long been considered a symbol of prosperity and glamour. Wear yours alone or combine it with a veil for a breathtaking bridal look. Tiaras look fabulous with up-dos, as well as partial up-dos and short hair. Tiaras also provide a strikingly regal look when paired with long, feminine locks.

Headband: An embellished version of your favorite everyday style, available in varying widths and materials. Adorned with crystals, pearls or beads, bridal headbands offer an easy, yet sophisticated accent to any style. Headbands are an excellent option for brides with short hair. They also work well with longer styles because they play up your features by gathering hair off your face.

Pins and Combs: Decorative hair accessories designed with crystals, rhinestones or floral motifs. Scatter glittering pins throughout your hair for a touch of elegance. Create a modern look with a clip accented with flowers, crystals and/or feathers. Placement can make all the difference. For a dramatic effect that resembles a tiara, wear an ornate comb on top of your head. A headpiece jauntily perched behind your ear evokes a saucy, yet sophisticated look. Or try one of the hottest emerging trends: a clip or comb with large, fabric flowers (lace, organza or chiffon) placed at the base of your hairline (or upswept hair) and paired with a long, allover lace veil. Bejeweled pins add sparkle to up-dos, partial up-dos or short hair. Decorative combs are among the hottest hair accessories right now – they look great with any hairstyle.

Brides often wonder if the best plan is to start with a hairstyle or headpiece? Either way works just fine! If you’ve fallen in love with a hairstyle or headpiece (or both), it’s easy to coordinate a complementary look. Let your consultant in on your first decision, then she’ll  lead the way to a perfect look for your wedding day.

Whether you plan to wear your hair long and flowing, swept up in an “up-do” or halfway in between, you’ll find an array of headpiece options for each style.

With a little help, it’s easy to pair your gown with the perfect headpiece. Just follow a few simple guidelines from our experts and you’ll soon discover a headpiece look that accentuates your dress and individual style. Coordinate the type of embellishment on the headpiece with that of your gown. Pair a pearl-beaded dress with a headband ornamented in pearls. Choose a tiara with sparkling Swarovski crystals to complement your crystal-laden gown. Try a veil with gold or sliver edging to coordinate with metallic embroidery on your dress. Highlight your gown’s lace accents with a lace-trimmed veil ? you get the idea.

If you’ve already found the perfect gown and coordinating headpiece and veil, your hairstyle options will easily fall into place. Schedule a trial session with your hairstylist in plenty of time before your wedding. Lay it all out by bringing a photo of your gown and some of the essential details of your wedding. The stylist should have a feel for your overall theme and location in order to best complement your style. Bring your actual headpiece(s) and experiment with hairstyle options until you find the best look for you.
Remember that there is no right or wrong answer for your dream day-be creative and express your personal style!

You probably had your engagement ring on your finger less than twenty-four hours before you bought your first bridal magazine.  In the months since, you’ve been keeping a file of photographs of the dresses you like best, organized by ceremony-type, much like Monica Gellar of “Friends”.  You have formal evening gowns, floor length gowns in various shades of white, some with long trains, some with elegant beading or even a short gown selected.  You know what gown would flatter your shape best—princess, ball gown, sheath or empire waist.  You have gone beyond doing your homework. You are the “Good Will Hunting” of wedding gown shopping.

But what if the most important accessory to the wedding gown was forgotten?  What if the piece that ties the entire look together was omitted?  According to Missy Spearman, owner of Southern Bride in Greenville, SC, the veil is usually an essential yet overlooked piece.  She says she meets brides on a regular basis that are extremely knowledgeable about wedding gowns but seem to have forgotten about the veil.  “I prefer to custom design the veils to coordinate with the gown.  Each gown is individual and I believe each veil should be as well,” she says.  However, some brides hear “custom design” and fear the worst.  The truth is, it is no more expensive to custom design your veil and there are so many ways to personalize the look so that it can truly become a family heirloom.

The price of a veil can range from $45.00 to $400.00 with the average being around $120.00.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a gorgeous veil!

Let’s take this time to look at some things to consider when choosing a veil.

First, consider the style.  How sheer do you want your veil to be?  Fabric will also play a role in this, and we will cover that more a bit later, but one or two layers should be considered. The top layer is typically worn as a “blusher”.  Also, consider the width. 72” is a thinner veil and 108” gives a fuller appearance.  You must bear in mind length as well as there are several lengths to consider:  shoulder, 18”; elbow, 30”; fingertip, 40”; waltz or ballet, 54”, hits around the knee; chapel, 60-90” and hits at the floor; and cathedral, 106”, falls at the end of a chapel length gown.

Veil Lengths

As I mentioned earlier, you must think about fabric.  The most popular fabric for veils by far is tulle.  However, you may like English netting, birdcage netting, organza, chiffon, silk, or lace.  The question you will need to ask yourself when choosing a fabric is do I want my veil transparent or opaque?  The choice is yours!

The most important element to consider when selecting your veil is the design.  Your personality can shine through and through here.  This can be as common and simple as you like with an unfinished edge, a pencil or rolled edge, a ribbon edge, or a satin-corded edge.  You may choose a more complex design to include rhinestones, pearls, beads, or lace appliqués.  You will also need to consider how you plan to secure it to your head when you select the design.  Again, you can be simple and just pin it, or use a simple headband or comb.  Many brides like the idea of being the princess for the day and opt for the huge rhinestone tiara!  You will want to plan your hairstyle in advance as well.

Now that you are in the know on some things to think about when choosing a veil, let’s look at the three hottest trends projected for veils for 2010:

• Simple, sheer, cathedral (cut to the edge of your train), featuring a simple flower adorned with rhinestones.
• Shoulder-length, or birdcage veils, accented by a few ostrich feathers and rhinestones.
• Sheer, fingertip-length with a pop of color, typically to match the bridal party and/or flowers, added with scattered rhinestones in the headpiece.  Usually a soft color such as pink or aqua.

As you can see, the pattern seems to be simple, sheer, elegant, and sassy!

Simple, Elegant Flower

With all the planning the bride has to do, it’s no wonder some things get forgotten.  The wedding veil should not be one of those things.  It is the essential accessory, the piece that ties the whole look together, head to toe.  It is sometimes the one piece that becomes the family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation.  Sometimes it is the only part of the wedding ensemble that survives the generations.  It is the “something old.” It can be very difficult to know how to choose the perfect veil, how to design it to match your gown perfectly, or how to personalize it so that it becomes you.  There is also a lot of information here and “out there” about veils and what you should do. That is why it is so important that you meet with someone who knows his or her stuff!  Regardless of whom you choose to purchase your veil and accessories from, make sure they are trained and knowledgeable in all of the latest fashions and trends for veils, headpieces, and accessories.

This isn’t rocket science, it’s more important than rocket science, it’s your wedding!  It is an ever-changing industry.  Stay current as you select your accessories and make sure your consultant is as well.  Good luck!

Post written by Amanda Doohen