Most wedding headpieces fall into five basic categories. Once these basics are understood, it's much easier to determine which styles work best with the various popular wedding hairstyles.
Different Basic Styles of Wedding Hair Accessories
- Tiaras (including diadems). This is the classic bridal headpiece shape that has been an elegant hair accessory for thousands of years.
- Headbands. Gaining again in popularity, as short hair becomes more trendy.
- Combs. An embellished headpiece that gives a very similar look to a tiara, but is built around one large comb. Extremely secure and comfortable to wear. Popular with Irish step dancers and stage performers as well as brides because of the ease and security.
- Backpiece. Similar to a tiara, but oriented and shaped in a way so that the attractive side faces the correct direction when arranged around a low chignon at the nape of the neck.
- Hairpins. Small, versatile wedding hair accessories that can be clustered together for a dramatic look, or scattered through a hairstyle.
Headpieces That Work with Hair Worn Down
As low-key and destination weddings become more popular, hair worn down has become increasingly common. That doesn't mean that the bride wants to sport an everyday look, however. The right hair accessories can create drama and elegance, while keeping a casual vibe.
Tiaras, combs, and headbands work well with wedding hair worn down. Combs and headbands are the most secure—great for a windswept beach or fun on the dance floor at the reception. Combs provide the most elegant and modern look with long hair.
Headpieces That Work with Hair Worn Up
The classic updo is incredibly versatile. Tiaras, combs, headbands, and hairpins all work well with these elegant, timeless styles. When a headband is worn with an updo, it is typically angled so that it works more as a very low/band-style tiara rather than a standard headband. A backpiece will not work correctly with hair worn in a classic all-up style.
Headpieces That Work with Hair Worn Half-Up/Half-Down
Most same bridal headpieces that work with updos work well with half-up/half-down styles. Tiaras, headbands, and hairpins all work wonderfully. A comb will only look right if there's at least a little bit of height to the up portion of the hairstyle. If there's no height to the look, a comb headpiece is not a good option. A headband can work, but hairpins or a tiara are the best option.
Headpieces That Work with a Chignon
Only a tiara, backpiece, or hairpins will look right with a chignon. Backpieces and hairpins can be arranged right around the knot of hair at the nape of the neck, and emphasize the elegant style. A tiara would be worn, as usual, on top of the head. The way that a tiara curves back from the front of the head looks lovely on sleek hairstyles with no height.
Headpieces That Work with Short Hair
Almost all of them! Short hair actually has the widest range of options when it comes to hair accessories. A backpiece is the only option that won't work with short hair. Tiaras, combs, headbands, and hairpins all look gorgeous in modern short tresses.
What About Veils?
Veils can be worn with absolutely any style and length of hair. Veils typically come attached to combs. Look for a metal comb rather than a plastic comb; it has a slimmer, less obvious profile, grips the hair better, and is easier to put in and remove without mussing a wedding hairstyle.
Nicole Wills - Nicole Wills is the President and Lead Designer for Tradewind Tiaras, Inc., where she has built a business and designed accessories for ...
