Aside from your wedding dress, the hairstyle you wear on your big day may be the most visible part of your entire look. This is the reason why most brides want to find and achieve the perfect hairstyle — one that’s flattering and coordinates with the rest of their bridal aesthetic.
Your hairstyle, and the bridal hair accessories you choose to wear in it, will depend on personal preference. You don’t have to wear a veil just because some other brides do. And if you decide you want to wear, say, a bejeweled snake clip, you should go for it.
Brides with a more traditional style may want to consider the Yalice Women’s Sequins Edge Bride Wedding Veil. Lace and sequined appliques around the edge accent two layers of soft tulle as it frames your face and floats around your shoulders, arms and back.
What to know before you buy a bridal hair accessory
Determine your desired hairstyle
Don’t buy bridal hair accessories until you’ve determined the hairstyle you want on your wedding day. Make a final decision about your hairstyle and work with your hairstylist (if you’re using one) to test the style to ensure it’s flattering on you.
Choose accessories that are suitable for your hair type
If you have thick hair, delicate hairpins or hair clips might slide right out of it or might not hold it up in the first place. Conversely, if you have fine hair, it might look better worn down and held back loosely by a veil, rather than styled in an updo. These are just a couple of examples that illustrate why you should always choose bridal hair accessories that are suitable for your hair type.
Conduct test runs with the accessories before your wedding day
Unless you’re styling your hair in a way you have worn it many times and using accessories you’ve used previously, you should conduct several test runs with your chosen accessories. Doing so will allow you to see if you like the way you look in the hairstyle and whether the accessories will work with it. You should also have your hairstylist or a loved one take pictures of the hairstyle from the front, sides and back for replication on your wedding day.
Bridal hair accessory features
Veil bridal hair accessories
The veil is one of the most iconic bridal hair accessories. Once synonymous with wedding dresses, the role of the veil has become optional. Some brides love the traditional look, while others eschew a veil in favor of a more modern style. Veil lengths range from face-framing to floor-length, with some of the latter trailing behind as the bride walks down the aisle.
Hair clips or hair combs bridal hair accessories
Pretty hair clips and hair combs work particularly well in bridal updos. They add the perfect element of femininity. These accessories come in many shapes, sizes and designs including bejeweled and floral.
Headband bridal hair accessories
Whether you plan to wear your hair down or swept up, a headband is an easy and lovely bridal hair accessory to accentuate your wedding aesthetic. Plus, brides that desire the look of a tiara can get a hint of it from a headband, without going overboard. And headbands are always in style.
Bridal hair accessory cost
In general, bridal hair accessories aren’t expensive. You can find them for as low as $10. Keep in mind that sometimes you do get what you pay for, making it critical to examine the quality and conduct a test run (or two) before the big day. Accessories for brides can cost as much as $85, but this is somewhat rare and usually limited to designer pieces.
Bridal hair accessory FAQ
What kind of bridal hair accessories are best?
A. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. The answer depends entirely on your personal preferences, desired hairstyle, bridal aesthetic and hair type. Look for accessories that are suitable for all four and you’ll have a look you love.
What’s considered a bridal hair accessory?
A. While certain accessories like hair combs, headbands, hair clips, bows, scarves and veils are most commonly used, just about anything can work as a bridal hair accessory, For example, you might tuck a sprig of flowers into your updo.
Which bridal hair accessory should I get?
Best of the best bridal hair accessories
Yalice Women’s Sequins Edge Bride Wedding Veil: available at Amazon
Our take: The soft drifts of tulle on this elegant wedding veil are edged with lace and applique embellishments that add the perfect hint of glamour.
What we like: You don’t have to worry about fussing with this veil for the perfect fit, thanks to the convenient plastic comb sewn onto the veil. The size of the veil makes a statement without overwhelming your frame. Two layers frame your face and float around your shoulders, arms and down your back. You can choose a white or ivory shade.
What we dislike: A few buyers felt that the quality of the veil was subpar and at least one buyer said the sequins made the veil look cheap.
Best bang for your buck bridal hair accessories
EBOOT Flower Crystal Rhinestone Hair Pins: available at Amazon
Our take: Sold in a 40-pack, these hairpins give you myriad styling options — and backups if any get lost.
What we like: Since these hair clips are designed as single pieces, you can personalize your hairstyle for a unique and memorable look. The metal alloy and rhinestone design is pretty while being sturdy at the same time. And if any of the hairpins slip out and get lost, never fear, you’ll have plenty of clips left.
What we dislike: The smattering of dissatisfied buyers reported that the hairpins fell out of their hair easily.
Honorable mention bridal hair accessories
Yean Bridal Birdcage With Comb Fascinator: available at Amazon
Our take: With a look that’s reminiscent of European royalty, this bridal birdcage veil will elevate your aesthetic to a spectacular effect.
What we like: If you desire a vintage style on your wedding day, this hair accessory will help you achieve it. Rhinestone and pearl embellishments adorn white tulle shaped into a birdcage. The attached comb makes this striking veil easy to secure to your hair.
What we dislike: The most consistent complaints among unhappy buyers were that the piece looked cheap and that it was difficult to maneuver into the shape they preferred.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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