Pin-Up
Brides
The modern bride is rarely dictated by outdated traditions. Instead, women are ditching the veil in favour of bold or delicate accessories that complement their taste and personality. With the right hair accessory able to elevate any look, Tegan Lyon collated some of the most tasteful and striking embellishments to adorn your locks on your wedding day.
Image Credit: Tamara Bellis via Unsplash
The Not So Humble Headband
In the past few years, the headband has undergone a reinvention of sorts, reaching a more mature market and cementing its place as a fashion staple. In fact, the headband just might be the ultimate low-maintenance bridal accessory, bolstering a simple hairstyle into something unique and eye-catching. Think of the headband as the modern bride’s answer to a tiara. Not only does a headband draw attention to a bride’s face, it also keeps your hairdo in place throughout wedding celebrations and well into the night.
For the daring bride-to-be, a thick, ivory headband embellished in pearls, sparkling studs or flowers will look stunning atop sleek, straight hair or loose waves. These elegant flourishes add a touch of
runway glam to a natural hairstyle or act as the centrepiece for a polished low bun. For a less refined, but equally beautiful look, bring the front section of your hair forward so that it loosely frames your face.
To make a real statement with your headband, select a twisted knot design for added flair and height.
If you would still like to embrace the headband but want to opt for a pared-back accessory, consider a single or double-stranded pearl, crystal or rhinestone headband. Such minimalist, yet stylish pieces nestle beautifully in a range of hairstyles, from messy or braided buns to ponytails and blown-out tresses.
Embrace The Barrette
Much like the headband, this understated accessory has made a major comeback after its heyday in the 90s. A wealth of designs have emerged in the past two years, ranging from slim, classic hair slides, to jewel-studded clip backs.
Extremely versatile in their size, shape and appearance, barrettes can be tailored to complement any hairdo, makeup or bridal gown.
A shimmery clip with delicate floral detailing pairs perfectly with swept back, half-up half-down locks, holding this soft style in place, and can provide beautiful aesthetic balance when paired with a low, deep side parting and bun. Alternatively, brides wearing their hair slick and straight can pin back one side with a slender, crystal or pearl-embellished barrette for a pop of sophistication and visual interest. To take this hairpiece to new heights, go larger with an oversized sparkly barrette and make a splash in your wedding photos.
For brides in search of a discreet hair clip, consider a circle, crescent moon or heart-shaped barrette. A classic pairing with gently pulled back styles, these simplistic designs stun in gold, silver or studded jewels without overwhelming your locks.
Going ‘Round In Circlets
This hairpiece is the quintessential accessory for an enchanted, fairytale theme or summer woodland wedding. Dainty, with a vintage, renaissance-feel, bridal circlets and halos add a whimsical flourish to a relaxed hairstyle. Typically constructed using silver, gold or rose gold plated wire, circlets and halos include petite floral, leaf and jewel detailing – the ideal, versatile design to accompany a bohemian, romantic or classic-style bride. For those leaning into the fairytale theme, opt for a circlet with a ribbon entwined at the base that blends into the length of your hair.
Worn in a similar fashion to circlets and halos, bridal hair vines are woven into locks to offer just a hint of glimmer and sparkle, creating a restrained yet fanciful appearance. Entwined with
crystal, pearl, floral or leaf clusters, hair vines are made from flexible wire so they can be moulded to fit against your head shape. This creates an ‘invisible’ appearance in the hair, giving both your ‘do and accessory equal room to shine. These hair accessories are ideal for brides with finer hair as they add texture and interest without dominating headspace or adding unnecessary weight your carefully-styled hair.
Such delicate headpieces deserve an equally exquisite hairstyle, and there are ample options for circlet and halo-loving brides. Long, soft waves are the obvious choice here, but a half updo, waterfall braid or low bun will all work wonderfully. Hair vines lend themselves to a number of braided styles, including a traditional and single side braid, tousled milkmaid braids or a braided ponytail.
Hidden Gems
For those who prefer a subtle approach to hair accessorising, single hair pins will brighten up any pinned back style, braid or updo. Choose from elegant floral, crystal, pearl or rhinestone pins for a gentle sparkle. Floating pins allow brides to be as bold or simplistic as they wish, threaded through mounds of curls or laid discreetly in the back of the hair. Much like a barrette, this is a cost-effective option for brides on a budget, and pins can be reused again for other special occasions.
Contemporary brides are blessed with myriad options to accessorise their hair for their wedding, catering for preferences from daring to discreet. From ornate headbands, to stylish clips and dreamy circlets, there is a unique embellishment to enhance every woman’s natural beauty.