Bridal Hair Accessories: How to Choose
The right bridal hair accessory starts with your hairstyle: a comb for an updo, a bendable vine for braids and half-up styles, a headpiece to frame hair worn down. Our three pearl and crystal picks are below, then how to choose.
3 curated picks, all available on Amazon
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Pearls and crystals on a bendable wire with a comb, about 5 by 3 inches. Made for updos and half-up styles, and it can be worn with a veil. In silver or gold.
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A bendable vine of pearls and crystals about 40 inches long, in an art deco pattern, with three hair pins included. Suits braids, a low bun or a vintage, 1920s-style look.
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Crystal-set metal leaves with pearls on a bendable wire, about 13.75 inches long, with loops at each end and bobby pins included. Sits across the back of hair worn down like half a crown, or with a half-up style or an updo.
View on AmazonHow to choose a bridal hair accessory
Start with the hairstyle
- Updo or low bun: a comb tucked beside the bun (the JAKAWIN comb), or a long vine wrapped around it (the Denifery vine). The JAKAWIN listing names low buns, French twists and other updos.
- Half-up: a vine or headpiece across the back, where the top section is pinned.
- Hair down: a headpiece that sits across the back of the head like half a crown (a half halo), like the SWEETV headpiece, or a comb above one ear.
- Short hair: a comb or a short headpiece. A 40-inch vine is too long for most short cuts.
With a veil, or without
Most veils attach with a comb at the crown or under the bun. A hair accessory usually sits just below or beside the veil comb, so it shows through sheer tulle and stays in place when the veil comes off for the reception. Bring both to your hair trial and let your stylist place them together.
Match the metal and the tone
Silver and clear crystals suit bright white gowns, cool shades and silver or white gold jewelry. Gold suits ivory, champagne and warm metals. Pearls vary from bright white to cream, so hold the piece against your gown or a fabric swatch before the day. The JAKAWIN comb comes in silver or gold; the Denifery vine and the SWEETV headpiece are linked in silver; check each listing for other finishes. Silver can still look lovely with an ivory gown, especially if your jewelry is silver too; hold it against the gown to be sure. If the accessory is a surprise gift, ask for a fabric swatch or a photo of the gown first.
Size and coverage
A comb is small and light. The SWEETV headpiece, at about 13.75 inches, covers the back of the head. The Denifery vine, at about 40 inches, can wrap a bun or run the length of a braid. All three are on soft wire, so your stylist can bend them to the shape of your hair.
How it stays in
Combs slide into the hair. Vines and headpieces are pinned with bobby pins through the end loops or along the wire, which is a job for your stylist. Buy bobby pins in your hair color, and try the piece at your hair trial so you know how it feels after a few hours.
When to buy it, and how to wear it on the day
- Buy it before your hair trial, so your stylist can plan the style around it. Bring the veil and a photo of the gown’s neckline too.
- Pack spare bobby pins and give a few to a bridesmaid, along with the emergency kit.
- Put it on after the hair is finished and before the veil, then take a photo from behind so you can see how it sits.
- For bridesmaids and flower girls, the SWEETV listing suggests its headpiece for them as well as the bride, which makes it an easy way to match.
Common questions
What hair accessories go with a veil?
A comb, a short vine or a headpiece placed just below or beside the veil comb, so it shows through the tulle and stays in place after the veil comes off. Bring both to your hair trial.
What bridal hair accessory is best for hair worn down?
A headpiece that sits across the back of the head like half a crown, like the SWEETV headpiece, or a comb placed above one ear.
Should I choose silver or gold?
Match your jewelry and the tone of your gown: silver and crystal with bright white and cool shades, gold with ivory, champagne and warm metals. The JAKAWIN comb comes in both.
How do I keep a hair vine in place?
Your stylist pins it with bobby pins through the end loops or along the wire, then bends it to your head. The SWEETV headpiece comes with bobby pins and the Denifery vine with three hair pins.