Creating Wedding Headpieces: A Guide To Bridal Headwear

Wedding headpieces can be expensive, but they don't have to be. With a little creativity and patience, you can make your own unique headpiece for a fraction of the cost. In this introduction, we will explore the steps and materials needed to create a beautiful and affordable wedding headpiece, including beading, attaching veils, and using hair accessories to secure the headpiece in place. We will also discuss how to repurpose vintage headpieces and veils for a sentimental touch. So, whether you're a bride on a budget or simply looking to add a personal touch to your wedding ensemble, read on for tips and tricks to make your own stunning wedding headpiece.

Choosing a base for your headpiece

Headband or Hairband:

A headband or hairband can be a great base for your wedding headpiece. It provides a comfortable and secure fit, and you can easily attach embellishments to it. Look for a headband that is the right width and thickness to suit your chosen decorations. You can find plain headbands in craft stores or online, and they typically come in a variety of colours to match your hair colour or wedding theme.

Comb or Clip:

If you want a more secure and adjustable fit, consider using a comb or clip as the base for your headpiece. These can be easily attached to your hair and provide a sturdy base for decorations. You can find decorative combs and clips, or you can attach embellishments to plain ones. This option is especially good if you want a more subtle headpiece that blends seamlessly into your hairstyle.

Tiara or Crown:

For a more regal look, you could choose a tiara or crown as the base for your headpiece. These can be made from metal, plastic, or even flexible wire, and they typically have teeth that grip your hair to hold them in place. You can find simple tiaras and crowns that you can decorate yourself, or you can buy ones that already have crystals, pearls, or other embellishments attached.

Bracelet:

For a unique and creative base, consider using a bracelet, especially if you want a side headpiece. Look for a bracelet with a bendable or mouldable material, such as metal, that can be shaped to fit your head comfortably. You can then attach beads, crystals, or other decorations to create a truly one-of-a-kind headpiece.

Veil:

If you want a veil as part of your headpiece, this can also form the base for your design. You can attach the veil to a comb, clip, or headband, and then add embellishments such as beads, crystals, or pearls. The veil can be a simple piece of tulle or lace, or you can go for a more intricate birdcage-style veil.

Remember, when choosing a base for your wedding headpiece, consider your chosen decorations, the level of comfort, and how you want the headpiece to be secured to your hair.

Attaching a veil

There are several ways to attach a veil to a headpiece, and the best method for you will depend on the style of your veil and headpiece, as well as your hairstyle.

If you want to keep your veil on for the reception, the simplest method is to sew the veil onto the headpiece. You can then secure the headpiece to your hair with pins or combs.

If you want to remove the veil after the ceremony, there are a few options for making it detachable:

• Sew a comb to the veil and secure it in your hair near the headpiece.
• Attach bridal loops to the veil and then attach the veil to the headpiece with the loops. You may want to double up the end loops for additional strength.
• Use Velcro: attach the loop side to the headpiece and the hook side to the veil.
• If your veil has elastic loops, you can pin these into your hair.

When attaching a veil to a headband, it is not necessary to attach it directly to the headband. Simply place the headband on your head and secure it with bobby pins, then place the veil either right up against the headband or slightly further back.

If you are wearing your hair in a low updo, you may need to insert the comb upside down or replace it with elastic loops.

If you are wearing a hair vine, you can position it anywhere in your hair without interfering. Pairing a vine with a veil worn slightly further back can give a soft, romantic look.

Remember to consider the weight and balance of your headpiece and veil. If your headpiece is heavy, you may need to reinforce it with extra pins. Similarly, if your veil is long and voluminous, make sure it is anchored securely so it doesn't pull on your headpiece.

Using beads and wire

Making a bridal headpiece with beads and wire is a simple and inexpensive way to add some sparkle to your wedding look. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful beaded bridal headpiece:

Materials and Tools:

• Beads: 6mm transparent glass beads, 6mm and 4mm white pearl beads, 6mm red pearl beads, pink cat eye beads, 8mm round glass pearl beads, 6mm clear bicone crystal glass beads, and any other beads of your choice.
• Wire: 0.3mm golden copper wire, 1.5mm golden aluminium wire, and 5x1mm platinum iron hair band or headband.
• Tools: Diagonal pliers, needle-nose pliers, round-nose pliers, stainless-steel scissors, and a hot glue gun (optional).

Step 1: Create a Base:

Start by creating a sturdy base for your headpiece. Cut a piece of golden copper wire and fold it in half. Make a small loop at one end and braid the two strands together to your desired length. Form another loop at the other end and wrap the excess wire around the braided section. This will be the stem of your headpiece.

Step 2: Add Branches:

Cut another piece of copper wire and fold it in half. String a 6mm transparent glass bead onto the fold and then braid the two strands together to your desired length. Repeat this process, creating multiple branches of different lengths to give your headpiece a layered look.

Step 3: Assemble the Headpiece:

Combine the stem and branches by wrapping the excess braided wire from the branches around the stem. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the joints for added stability. Cut another piece of copper wire and attach a silver brass chain to the stem using the wire.

Step 4: Embellish with Beads:

Cut a piece of copper wire and wrap one end around the stem. String your chosen beads onto the wire, mixing and matching sizes and colours as you like. Secure each bead by wrapping the wire around the stem. Leave a small space between each bead to allow for movement and flexibility. Continue adding beads until you are happy with the design.

Step 5: Finishing Touches:

You can add further embellishments like crystals, pearls, or rhinestones to your headpiece for extra sparkle. You can also attach a veil, a small birdcage, or some fresh flowers to complete your bridal look.

Your beaded bridal headpiece is now ready to wear and will surely make you feel like a princess on your special day!

Adding combs to secure the headpiece

Adding combs to your wedding headpiece is a great way to secure it in your hair and ensure it stays put throughout the day. Combs are a basic attachment for headpieces and come in a variety of colours and sizes, with metal and plastic being the most common materials.

When adding combs to your headpiece, it is best to do so before you begin beading or decorating it. You can sew or glue the combs directly into the headpiece, usually at the centre front or back, depending on how you want the headpiece to sit. If using plastic combs, you can cut them to a custom length with wire cutters. Wrapping the base of the comb in ribbon will give you a more secure attachment and improve the overall appearance.

If you want to be able to adjust the placement of the comb, you can attach it with elastic loops. This is ideal if you plan to wear your headpiece over an updo, as it allows you to manipulate the comb for better attachment.

To secure a comb in your hair, first prepare your hair by teasing or backcombing a layer of hair where you plan to place the comb. You can also use small clear elastic bands to create miniature ponytails and nestle the comb's teeth into them. Another option is to create a pincurl by twirling a small section of hair around your finger and pinning it to your head, then nestling the comb behind the pins.

When inserting the comb, start by placing it into your hair with the teeth pointing in the opposite direction of where you want the comb to sit. Once it is partially inserted, gently flip it in the direction you want it to face. This will help anchor the comb in your hair. To add extra security, slide a couple of bobby pins over the teeth of the comb and use hairspray to set your hairstyle.

Creating a sunburst headdress

Materials:

• A plain headband, preferably a very narrow metal one.
• Zip ties in two different lengths, such as 4-inch and 5.6-inch. Black zip ties are recommended, but any colour will work.
• Sparkly accents (optional): Beads, sequins, glitter, or any other decorative elements you prefer.
• Glue: A strong adhesive such as super glue or a specialised glue like Gem-Tac.

Instructions:

• Find the upper centre point of your headband. Secure one of the longer zip ties at this spot by pulling it tight. This will form the top of your sunburst crown.
• Add three smaller zip ties on either side of the central long tie. Ensure they are tightly cinched and facing the same direction.
• Attach a longer zip tie to each end, followed by three more shorter zip ties on each side.
• Repeat this pattern until most of the headband is covered, leaving a few inches at the bottom for comfort.
• Prepare your work area by covering it with newspaper, plastic, or a large box to protect it from spray paint.
• Spray paint one side of your crown with short, sweeping motions. Layer the paint gradually to avoid drips and ensure an even finish.
• Once the first side is dry, flip the crown and spray paint the other side. A small amount of black zip tie showing through can add visual depth to the final look.
• Inspect your crown for any spots with inadequate paint coverage and touch them up as needed.
• Bring your crown indoors and embellish it with sparkly accents if desired. For example, you can use super glue to attach beads, sequins, or glitter to the ends of the longer zip ties.

Your sunburst headdress is now ready to be worn and admired! This project is an excellent way to add a personalised and creative touch to your wedding attire.

Frequently asked questions