Brides keep ahead in style

Crowns and other types of headpieces, often made with crystals, rhinestones and pearls, are becoming more popular among brides, experts say, writes Mai Al-Khatib-Camille.

Delicate or statement-making, a bridal headpiece serves as a finishing touch, a way to add a little bit of extra glamour to a wedding-day outfit.

“They’re really an exquisitely beautiful way to finish your look, and something that’s really special, rooted in tradition but really modern,” says New York luxury accessories designer Jennifer Behr, whose designs have been worn by many A-list celebrities.

“It’s really jewellery for the hair,” she said, adding that like make-up, headpieces ‘bring a lot of brightness and attention and beauty to the face’.

With all eyes and cameras on the bride, Jennifer, who has a namesake accessories company, says the headpiece is the bride’s most important accessory, and can be worn with or without a veil.

The floral crown made of fresh flowers or fashioned from metal or silk is a standout among headpieces, said Shane Clark, senior fashion and accessories editor at Brides magazine.

“Floral crowns are the biggest hair accessory trend we’ve been seeing,” he added. “It makes it feel more romantic. You have that ethereal, hippie, romantic, laid-back vibe.”

And, I couldn’t agree more!

I donned a floral fabric crown to my beach wedding which I purchased off an online site called Etsy which features handmade goods fashioned together by different home-businesses looking to sell their products. It fit my colour theme and casual, free-spirit-style wedding.

Jennifer also offers several golden, metal floral styles she calls ‘a more sophisticated take on the floral crown. It’s a little bit more elegant’. However, if a crown’s not your thing, it is suggested that brides consider a decorative comb, clip or pins. A beautiful comb can hold your veil in place, or pins or combs could be tucked into an updo or low chignon.

Headbands too, are plentiful. Newer versions, called circlets and halos, which often have ties at the ends, can be worn across the top of the head like a traditional headband or lower down, toward or across the forehead. Hair vines are flexible strands that can be woven into bridal braids.

Tiaras, famously worn by British royals, are there for those princess moments, and are making a bridal comeback too. However, while a tiara is befitting the bride tying the knot in a ball gown in a castle, a flower crown works well with a boho, romantic gown or a beach wedding.

A deco or vintage look is often well suited by a comb or a pin. “Choose something that complements your gown, wedding venue and hairstyle, and a design that feels natural,” Shane advised.  “Make it your look, but make sure you feel comfortable.”

There are now many choices in metals, with yellow and rose gold mixing in with the traditional silver finish among hair accessory options. A different colour gives the same accessory a completely different feel.

Jennifer says her gold pieces work well with cream or lace gowns. Shane advises matching the metal in a headpiece to the finish of any jewelry. If you’re using the headpiece to add colour, wear fresh blooms in the same colour family as your bouquet and keep the colours appropriate for the season.

Pay attention to scale so your hair accessory isn’t out of balance with or competing with details on your gown, was another tip. Remember to try the hair accessory on with your gown and, ideally, bring it to a trial hair appointment, so the stylist can find the best placement to go with your bridal hairstyle.

Fashion note: If nothing else, brides should remember this about a headpiece. It shouldn’t be the centre of attention … because the gown should be.