Bridal Headpieces Buying Guide

When your wedding day approaches, you want everything to look flawless, including yourself!  No gown  is complete without a bridal veil or headpiece, which seems to finish off any traditional wedding look.  If you're unsure about  what accessory  would look best on you or just don't have any idea of your options, you've come to the right place.  Below are some of the most popular bridal headpieces, from the sparkling and the floral to the simple and elegant.

Tiaras  and Crowns  If you're aiming for glamorous, tiaras and crowns are the perfect pieces for you.  Some brides use them to add glitz to an otherwise simple gown, while others match their headpieces to the bead work on their dresses.	Headbands  and Wreaths  For a softer, more whimsical theme, floral head wreaths make a great addition to any gown.  For a subtle effect, hair-bands with pearls, crystals and other beading are a nice choice.	Mantillas  and Speciality Veils  Mantillas, or lightweight lace scarves, often take the place of traditional veils to add softness, or a more Latin flair.  Other specialty veils can be made to the bride's specifications, with ornamental stitching being a popular choice.	Hair Rings  and Brow Bands  If you're wearing your hair in a bun, a hair ring is a great way to add a little interest to an otherwise simple hairdo.  Brow bands also help to bring attention to the face if your hair is pulled back.

Hair Pins  and Hair Combs  Hair pins and combs can be both functional and beautiful.  From hair pins with small gems that can be used to hold buns and other updos in place to hair combs that can be used  to hold veils, these options are often small and inexpensive.	Top of Head Pieces  and Back of Head Pieces  Hold your veil with ornamental pieces that fit into your bridal updo.  Littered with floral pieces, gems and feathers, these items can often add a wow factor to your wedding look.	Bridal Hats  An older tradition, bridal hats are often worn at outdoor weddings where they might actually be functional--they'll keep the sun out of your eyes and your hair in place.  Small hats often come with blusher veils attached, like the one pictured here.	Hair Jewellery  and Hair Arches  Hair jewellery and arches come with various designs to fit the look of almost any dress.  From flowers and ivy to hearts and fairies, these pieces can add a playful feeling as well.

Veil Lengths

Picking the right veil length for you may mean putting aside some childhood dreams.  You may have always wanted a gargantuan sized veil that requires several people to carry its end, but if you're a petite woman, this may simply envelop you.  You don't want to be overshadowed by your own veil!  And the same sort of restrictions exist for taller brides.  You may have wanted a short and simple shoulder length veil, but this often looks awkward against your frame.  To help you choose wisely, here are some helpful length descriptions.

Blusher Veil  Worn over the face, a blusher veil may be combined with another length veil, in both formal and semi-formal  weddings. Blushers are often seen as simpler than a traditional veil, with the ability to soften a bride's face.	Shoulder Length  Shoulder length veils are not much longer than blushers, but they offer a bit more of the traditional veil feel.  This length works very well on more petite brides, as it doesn't overpower the body and the gown.	Elbow Length  The elbow  veil is one of the most popular lengths, generally used for gowns without a train.  This length veil also helps to place focus on detailing around the waist of the gown and complements a fuller skirt.	Fingertip Length  The fingertip veil is best worn with a full  length gown and is not recommended for gowns with a train.	Chapel Length  A chapel length veil is slightly shorter and less grand than cathedral length, and should be worn with a gown of a similarly long fashion.

Cathedral Length  Cathedral veils are typically worn only in formal  weddings, as they are very grand in scale.  The dramatic stature of this veil calls for an equally dramatic gown, like the princess style shown here.	One-Tier  One-tier veils do not have a blusher, so they carry off a more minimal feel. These work best attached to back or top of the head pieces.	Two-Tier  Two-tier veils have a blusher and thus a fuller look that frames your face. They can be worn with any hairstyle and can be both formal and semi-formal.	Colours  White, diamond white, ivory and champagne are the most popular colour choices for veils.  They often complement or accent the gown colour.  Always opt for a shade lighter than your dress.

External Links

• BridalFashionMall.com: How to choose the best veil for you.
• HeadpieceHeaven.com: Get ideas for headpieces that are old, new and blue!