|
This can be
an interesting new experience as most of us aren’t used to
wearing decorations in our hair. The good news is that selecting
a headpiece doesn’t have to be an intimidating or budget-breaking
enterprise. The headpiece is meant to be the crowning touch –
a beautiful accessory to complete your polished look on your wedding
day.
Preparation
Everyone has
a different way of going about it, but here are some tips you
might like to consider before heading out to look at headpieces:
- You might
want to look through some bridal magazines or websites to see
what is out there. Which styles grab your attention? Which styles
look good with your wedding dress and desired hairstyle? It
is also helpful to determine what you don’t like as well
as what you do.
- You can
talk to your hairstylist about potential ways of wearing your
hair, and see if they have any suggestions about what would
work especially well with your hair colour, length and your
face shape. Are there any styles that they would recommend against?
It is very valuable to get some opinions with experience behind
them.
- Alternatively
you can take magazine photos or go and do some legwork in the
stores first, see a few styles you are interested in and then
speak to your stylist about how he/she could work with that
for you.
Headpiece
Shopping
- It doesn’t
hurt (or cost anything) to go into a shop and have a good look
around. Don’t be afraid to ask to try the headpieces on
as that’s what they are there for, and you never know…that
style that has potential but looks “too much” or “too
simple” on the shelf could look absolutely perfect once
you try it on.
- Shop around!
Feel free to check out the selection in bridal boutiques, but
to save some money it really pays to check out the smaller accessory
shops as well. Often you can find the same items or very similar
ones for much less money
- Will it
match my dress? There are no hard and fast rules about what
to wear in your hair. Everyone is unique and has different preferences
and tastes and there are a vast range of styles to choose from.
You are free to try and match the beading in your dress (if
any) to that in your headpiece but you definitely don’t
have to. No one will be scrutinizing your bodice and headpiece
to make sure everything is identical. Many of the dresses these
days are very simple with little or no beading, and a headpiece
with a touch of sparkle can be just the thing to ‘dress
it up’.
Why
is there such a range in prices?
There are
two main criteria which determine a headpiece’s price: First
are the materials it is constructed from, and the second is where
you buy it from. It is important to bear in mind that if you are
buying from a fancy bridal boutique then as with all designer
items you will pay a premium for their name on the label (and
on the shopping bags, and in the ads etc.)
What are the choices?
- Stores
with a good selection of headpieces can offer you a variety
of styles from traditional, to modern to specialty (e.g. Renaissance
or Medieval styles, or coloured crystal accents etc.)
- There are
also other choices for you to wear in your hair. Be open-minded
and creative. Ask about the current trends or new styles. You
certainly don’t have to wear a traditional tiara, you can
use pearl or crystal twists, a beautifully beaded comb to top
a veil, flowers on wires, or even delicate white feathers in
your hair!
- Be aware
that you generally have the choice of colours of pearls in at
least two shades: white and ivory, and often in a third “diamond”
or off-white, which is a shade in-between. The metal finishes
are usually available in silver or gold-tone.
Veils
- Typical
bridal tulle (veiling) comes in three shades: white, diamond/off-white
and ivory. It is also available in different widths, and this
determines the fullness of the veil. The tulle itself is not
expensive. The cost of a veil is generally determined by where
you buy it, the edging used, the length, number of layers and
the decorations (e.g. scattered crystals or pearls).
- Again,
there are no strict rules about the length of your veil, but
consider your dress: if it has a beautifully detailed waistline,
you may want a veil that comes to that point to draw the eye.
If you have a very simple dress you may want a longer veil to
add a bit of drama.
- Veils are
available with a wide range of edgings. You can have a simple
serged or rolled edge, a satin cord or ribbon edge in a variety
of widths, a pearl edge, an embroidered edge, or no edge at
all, just well-cut tulle.
- It is not
difficult or expensive to dress up a plain veil. You can buy
fabric glue and decorate your veil with a scattering of crystals,
sequins or rhinestones.
In conclusion
there is a world of choice out there when it comes to headpieces
and veils. It certainly pays to shop around and talk to other
brides and brides-to-be about their experiences. The factors that
can make buying a headpiece and veil a very pleasant experience
are informing yourself of your choices, being in a comfortable
atmosphere with a great selection, reasonable prices and helpful
staff.
|
