Now that you've chosen your bridal gown, it's time to put the icing on the cake!
Shopping for a headpiece, veil and other accessories gives you a chance to put your personal stamp on your wedding day appearance. Keep in mind that your personality can most come through with accessories that complement, not exactly match, your gown.
The following information on headpieces, veils and other accessories can help you appear exactly as you want on your wedding day.
Headpieces: When you meet with your hairstylist for your wedding hair consultation, the two of you can determine what hairstyle suits your face shape: updo, loose and flowing, or somewhere in between. Then you can consider what headpiece would best complement your gown and your hairstyle. Here are a few of the most popular:
- A bunwrap is a decorative circular band that gets wrapped around a chignon or updo. Bunwraps look best with traditional, simple gowns.
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- A crown is a full, high circular piece that circles a bun or updo and is adorned with gems or beads. If your dress has some embellishment, a crown can tie the look together.
- A headband is a half-circle band of either plain fabric or fabric embellished with gems and beads. Headbands also are available in styles that have a wider middle, and tapered ends.
- A tiara is a jeweled or beaded semi-circle that sits on top of the head and can give a bride a regal look.
- A wreath may be a good match for a flowing ethereal gown. It features a full circle of flowers and ribbon that rests on the crown of the head. A wreath looks best with a loose, flowing hairstyle.
Veils: A veil, once a must-have for all weddings, is now more of an optional accessory. Whether or not you want to wear a veil depends on your personality, the style of gown you are wearing and the overall feel of your wedding. Veils are seen most often at more formal, elegant weddings.
When you're considering veils, first look in the mirror. The shape of your face - whether soft and curved or more angular - will help determine what kind of veil you should have.
- A round-faced bride should consider a veil that falls along the sides of the face, helping it to appear more narrow. This effect is further complemented by hair worn down in loose curls or a bob.
- A square jawline can be softened by a longer veil and loose tendrils surrounding the face.
- An oblong face - or longer oval - looks good with a veil that adds width. A "waterfall" veil paired with a simple updo and elegant headpiece looks wonderful. However, stay away from high-piled hairstyles that accentuate the face length.
- For a heart-shaped or triangular face, consider a veil that attaches behind the neckline - best with a chignon.
- A bride with a diamond or oval face has limitless options, since those shapes are symmetrical.
Accessories: There are more accessories that you can use to further personalize your wedding day look.
- A shawl or wrap can accentuate your dress and keep you warm.
- Your shoes, no matter what style you choose, should be comfortable.
- Gloves can add that extra touch of elegance to any gown.
- Your engagement ring and wedding band(s) will be slipped on your finger during the ceremony.
- A necklace can accentuate certain necklines.
- Earrings should be ornate with a simple gown, or simple when worn with an embellished gown or other extravagant jewelry.
