A Bride's Attire... Tips and Ideas: Headpieces

So far in this "Bride's Attire" blog series, we've discussed wedding dresses - and then wedding shoes. Today, I want to chat about headpieces... the crowning touch to your bridal attire!

As in all other aspects of wedding wear - the options available to brides are endless! And again, what a bride chooses to wear on her head or in her hair is often dependent on the style of her dress and the theme of her wedding.

So, for a more traditional bridal look, veils are still the option of choice. Veils are usually attached to a comb so that they can be easily removed, while leaving the rest of the headpiece intact. Veils come in several different lengths (elbow, fingertip, chapel, cathedral lengths) and can be simple, plain tulle or embellished with pearls, crystals, ribbons, etc.

More modern options include combs, barrettes or headbands adorned with pearls, crystals, flowers or feathers and these can range from simple elegant styles to ornate, flasy "statement" creations. For those who love the princess look, what better headpiece than a sparkly tiara. Pillbox hats with bird-cage veils are a blast to the past and look lovely with a vintage look dress. Flower wreaths are a nice touch for soft, romantic, whimsical weddings. Thanks to Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge and her recent Royal Wedding, hats and fascinators are more popular than ever at weddings both for brides, bridal parties and guests!

A fascinator is a head piece, or style of millinery, commonly made with feathers, flowers, jewels or beads that attaches to the hair by a comb, headband or clip, and is usually worn on the side of the head. For a bridal fascinator, there is often a bird-cage style veil included that is detachable, making it easy for the bride to have one look for the ceremony and a different look for photos and reception.

Many brides today are choosing to not wear any headpiece or veil, but instead, to just add small jewels or flowers to their hair style, giving them a simple and natural look.

So... here's my tips for headpiece shopping:

* keep in mind your dress style - and whenever possible, try on various headpiece options while wearing your dress so you can be sure that the headpiece looks appropriate with your dress. Sometimes, brides who are indecisive about a wedding dress find that by adding a headpiece and/or veil to the dress is all they need to convince them of the dress and the whole look comes together.

* be sure your hair is clean and nicely styled when trying on headpieces... maybe bring along a brush and some pins/hair elastics if you think you might wear your hari up abit... style your own hair a couple different ways to see how it affects the look of the headpiece.

* if your wedding will be outdoors, think carefully about whether to have a veil or not - I've seen several brides who have become flustered during the processional, ceremony and photos as their veil was whipped around by wind.

* when you go for your hair trial, be sure to take your headpiece or hair accessories with you so that the stylist will know how to do your hair while incorporating your headpiece for the best possible look.

So... dress, shoes, headpiece... check! Last items to discuss for your complete bridal attire... accessories & undergarments! Stay tuned...