How to Choose a Headpiece for Your Wedding Dress

The headpiece you choose will depend a great deal on whether your hair will be short or long, up or down. Style your hair in a fashion similar to the way you'll wear it for the wedding, then shop around for the perfect addition to your bridal ensemble.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Wedding Veils

1. Slip on a decorated headband, which you can also have designed to closely match the fabric of your dress. Choose a narrow and delicately jeweled band if your hair is short; for long hair, choose from a wider silk or satin band.
2. Adorn your hair with a decorated comb. These are best for shoulder-length or longer hair.
3. Choose a floral wreath if you're wearing a semiformal dress; wear a more elegant wreath of pearls and flowers for a formal dress.
4. Accessorize with a tiara - a fashionable, contemporary choice good for any length hair, worn up or down.
5. Wear a hat if you've got a sassy short haircut - anything from a subtle pillbox to a wide-brimmed Southern-style hat, depending on the style of your dress.
6. Clip long hair back in a satin, beaded or lace barrette. For shorter hair, try a smaller jeweled version to hold back your bangs.
7. Use your face shape as an additional guide: Oval-faced women can generally choose from all styles; those with round faces can charm in tiaras; floral wreaths and headbands flatter women with longer faces.

Tips & Warnings

• Take some time to check out your options. Bridal stores, magazines and beauty supply stores are good places to start.
• Prepare a swatch of your wedding gown and/or a photograph of the entire dress - this will help you look for headpieces that complement the fabric or styling of your wedding gown without competing for attention.
• Wear an additional headpiece with your veil if you plan to remove the veil at the reception. That way you'll be adorned throughout the event.
• Some designer wedding gowns offer matching headpieces for a hefty price - visit shops that specialize in headpieces for large selections at lower prices.