About Wedding Dress Headpieces

The finishing touch on a bridal ensemble, wedding headpieces add pizazz to hairstyles on that special day. Different kinds include combs, tiaras and headbands, but whether your style is flashy or low-key, the right headpiece is available to complete your wedding day look.

Types

Wedding headpieces include tiaras, headbands and combs. They can be fabric-covered or decorated with clear or colored faux jewels, such as crystals, pearls and beads. Tiaras sit atop the crown of the head in a circular shape (either partial or full) and are raised. Headbands hold back hair, sit close to the head and can be decorated in the same ways as tiaras. Combs are toothed and are pushed into the hairstyle to keep it secure. They can be slightly raised and also are fabric or crystal-covered. Although generally regarded as separate from headpieces, veils may be attached to some styles.

Function

Worn as part of a wedding dress ensemble, bridal headpieces are accessories that bring attention upward and highlight a bride's hairstyle and makeup. They coordinate with the bride's wedding gown and other accessories, such as jewelry and veils, to create a cohesive look.

Considerations

The kind of headpiece to wear on your wedding day depends on a number of factors, such as personal preference, hairstyle and budget. Some headpieces can be purchased through online retailers at better prices than found at bridal shops, where most of the time there are big markups on bridal accessories. Carefully select a headpiece that works for your needs and that coordinates with your overall look.

Size

Make sure that the headpiece you choose isn't too large or too small for your wedding day hairdo and the size of your head. Women with smaller head circumferences should wear a headpiece that is proportionate. Also take into consideration the hairstyle--bigger, more elaborate hairdos call for larger tiaras or combs. Otherwise, they will get lost in the hair and won't stand out.

Features

Most headpieces are shaped from metal into a headband, tiara or comb. In addition to the comb style, tiaras and headbands may have small combs attached to the ends in order to secure them to the bride's hairdo, keeping the headpiece in place throughout the wedding day.

Effects

Headpieces are the crowning touch when it comes to bridal ensembles, and say a lot about who you are. Depending on the style, they also create a theme for your outfit--choose a floral headpiece for a soft, more casual look or try a period-style tiara or headband to complete a Victorian or Medieval look. Tiaras especially play into the fantasy aspect of dressing up for your wedding day, because they bring to mind princesses and queens.