Creating Wedding Hair Accessories: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are endless options for wedding hair accessories, from clips to headbands, and they are a great way to add fashion and flair to your wedding look. You can buy them online or make them yourself. When choosing a hair accessory, consider your hairstyle, wedding theme, and attire. If you are wearing a very formal and glamorous dress, for example, you may want to avoid anything overtly bohemian. You should also think about the jewellery you plan to wear and choose a hair accessory that will complement it. Another thing to consider is whether you want to wear fresh flowers in your hair, especially for a spring or summer wedding. If so, you will need to choose hardier blooms that will last throughout the day.

How to make a flower crown

Flower crowns are a whimsical and romantic accessory, perfect for weddings. They are also simple to make and completely customisable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own flower crown:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need wire cutters, flowers, florist wire, florist tape, and scissors or garden shears. For flowers, choose ones that hold up well out of water, such as rosemary, lavender, berries, spray roses, or small poms. You can also add assorted seasonal greenery to your crown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Flowers and Greenery

Cut each stem to a length of about 2 to 3 inches to create a pile of sprigs that will be woven into the crown.

Step 3: Create the Base of Your Crown

Measure the florist wire to fit around your head, adding about 3 extra inches. Twist the ends of the wire together to secure it in a circle. This will be the base of your crown.

Step 4: Attach the First Sprig

Using a new piece of florist wire, attach the first sprig to the base by wrapping the wire around both the sprig and the base. Cover the wires with florist tape to secure the sprig in place and prevent any sharp ends from poking out.

Step 5: Add More Flowers and Greenery

Gather 1 to 3 additional sprigs and pinch them together. Secure them to the base by wrapping florist tape around the stems and the base wire. Continue adding flowers and greenery in small bundles, using the tape to secure them and cover any sharp wires.

Step 6: Finalise the Design and Length

Once you are happy with the length and design of your crown, clip the remaining stems to make them even. To create an even look on both ends, you can add a piece of greenery identical to the one you started with, but facing the opposite way. Wrap florist tape around the stems to secure and cover any sharp wires.

Tips:

• If you want to create an adjustable crown, leave a loop of about 1.5 inches at each end of the base wire. You can then connect the ends with a ribbon, allowing for size adjustments.
• When adding flowers, remember to alternate their placement to stagger the blooms and cover any mechanics.
• Practice makes perfect! Flower crowns may take a few tries to master, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out exactly as planned.

How to make a lace wedding veil

Making a lace wedding veil is a fun project that can save you a lot of money. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own lace wedding veil:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need some tulle (also known as netting), which you can find at any fabric store. For a fuller veil, go for the 108" wide tulle. You will also need a needle and thread, a comb or barrette to attach the veil, and any trim you want to add, such as lace or ribbon. If you want to add lace, you can find a wide variety of options on Etsy.

Step 2: Cut the Tulle to the Desired Length

Lay the tulle out on a large table or clean floor, keeping it folded in half lengthwise. Then, fold it in half crosswise by bringing the right edge over to meet the left edge. Measure the length you want the veil to be from the top of your head down, and cut the tulle to that length. If you want a double-layered veil, cut a circle or oval shape and sew your comb in the center.

Step 3: Round the Corners

Now, round off the top left corner of the fabric by pinning it and then cutting in a smooth motion. You can use a large serving platter as a guide. You should be left with a quarter-circle shape.

Step 4: Refold the Tulle

Unfold the tulle completely, so you have one layer. Now, fold the tulle crosswise from right to left, but you don't need to bring it all the way over. You can match the ends for a single-length veil or leave a few inches between the edges for a layered look. If you keep a shorter layer, it can be used as a blusher.

Step 5: Gather the Tulle

Decide whether you want the side edges of your veil's layers to come up to the top. If you choose to have the edges come up, the top of your veil will be fuller and puffier. Gather the tulle with a needle and strong thread, weaving in and out with small stitches. Pull the thread to gather the tulle to the desired width, usually about 2 inches.

Step 6: Attach the Veil to a Comb or Barrette

To wear the veil, you need to attach it to something like a simple French comb or a barrette. Take the gathered portion of tulle at the top center and sew it securely to your clip. If you plan to wear a tiara, you can sew the veil to a simple French comb so you can easily remove the veil for the reception while keeping the tiara on.

Step 7: Add Optional Trim

Your veil is now ready to wear, but you may want to decorate it further. A popular option is to sew a thin satin ribbon along the edges of the veil. You can use a sewing machine or hand sew it. When sewing, don't worry about getting the ribbon right up against the end of the tulle—just leave some extra and trim it later.

Step 8: Add Optional Decorative Elements

You can further embellish your veil by sewing or gluing tiny sparkling beads or gemstones. You can also add a decorative clip at the top. Get creative and make your veil unique!

Making your own lace wedding veil is a fun and rewarding project. With these steps, you can create a beautiful and personalized veil that suits your style and budget. Enjoy crafting your dream veil!

How to make a DIY birdcage veil

A DIY birdcage veil is a great way to add a vintage flair to your bridal attire. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

Materials:

• 16–18” of 9” French netting
• 10–12” of 1/4” ribbon
• Thread that matches your netting
• Embellishments (optional): feathers, rhinestones, flowers, etc.
• Hot glue (optional)
• Comb

Directions:

• Fold the veil in half and trim one corner diagonally while folded. This will determine how your veil falls across your face, so measure the cut edge to ensure it will hit your face where you want it to.
• Open the veil and stitch along the uncut side, creating a drawstring.
• Pull the thread tight to scrunch the veil, then adjust the length to match your comb. Ensure the creases fall as desired before tying a knot.
• Wrap the comb with the ribbon, starting by wrapping and tying a knot through the teeth at one end. Continue wrapping between the teeth and over the top until you reach the other end, then tie another knot.
• Sew or glue the veil to the back of the comb.
• Optional: glue, sew, or clip on your chosen embellishment.

Modifications:

• You can use wider French netting (18”) if you want more coverage over your face.
• Experiment with different types and colours of netting for a unique look. Synthetic netting is cheaper and gives more structure to the veil, while silk netting is softer.
• Don't worry if the back of the comb looks messy, especially if you plan to use an embellishment to cover it.

How to make a padded headband

A padded headband is a great accessory to elevate your wedding look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

Materials:

• 1/4 yard of fabric with some stretch (e.g. velvet)
• 1/2" upholstery foam
• Scrap paper for template
• 1 1/2" plastic headband
• Fabric scissors and straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Hot glue gun
• Heavy-duty thread
• 1" wide satin ribbon

Steps:

Prepare the Foam Padding:

Trace your headband onto the craft foam and cut out the shape. Shave off the last 3" of the foam to taper the ends, ensuring it's not too thick behind the ears. If you want an extra-high headband, cut another piece of foam from the middle 6" section and repeat the tapering.

Attach the Foam to the Headband:

Use hot glue to attach the foam to your headband. Start with the smaller middle section, then add the larger piece on top, ensuring the cut sides are facing down.

Create a Fabric Cover:

Measure the thickness of the middle and ends of your headband, as well as the overall length across the top of the foam. Create a paper template by marking these dimensions and connecting the points with a slight curve.

Cut and Sew the Fabric:

Fold your fabric with right sides together and place the template on the fold. Cut out the fabric and pin the layers. Sew around the edge, leaving a 2" gap near one end.

Insert the Headband:

Turn the fabric inside out and slide the headband into the fabric cover. Stretch the fabric if needed to fit the headband. If it's too big, adjust the template and fabric accordingly.

Finalize and Decorate:

Once you're happy with the fit, hand sew the opening closed. You can add decorations like beads or gems to your headband for extra glamour.

And there you have it! Your very own padded headband, perfect for a wedding or any other special occasion.

How to make a bridal hair comb

A bridal hair comb is the perfect accessory to finish off your wedding look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own bridal hair comb:

Materials:

• Comb
• Adornments of your choice (pearls, crystals, rhinestones, silk flowers, etc.)
• Hot glue gun
• Wire cutters
• Needle-nose pliers
• Floral wire

Steps:

• Choose your comb: Select a comb with a wide base and teeth that are close together. This will provide a sturdy base for attaching your adornments.
• Gather your adornments: You can use a variety of materials to decorate your comb, such as pearls, crystals, rhinestones, or silk flowers. Choose elements that complement your wedding theme and dress.
• Plan your design: Before you start gluing, lay out your design on the comb. This will give you an idea of the placement and overall look of your hair accessory.
• Attach the adornments: Using a hot glue gun, carefully apply glue to the back of each adornment and press it onto the comb. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure it adheres well.
• Secure with wire (optional): For added security, especially for heavier adornments, use floral wire to wrap around the base of each piece and attach it to the comb. Cut the wire with wire cutters and use needle-nose pliers to tuck in any sharp ends.
• Let it dry: Allow the glue to dry completely before handling your hair comb.
• Style your hair: You can wear your bridal hair comb with an updo, a half-up style, or loose hair. Place the comb where you want it to be visible and secure it in place with bobby pins if needed.

Tips:

• If you want to add silk flowers to your comb, you can attach them by wrapping floral wire around the base of each flower and then gluing or wiring them to the comb.
• If you prefer a more flexible attachment, you can glue or wire small loops of floral wire to the back of each adornment and then hook them onto the teeth of the comb.
• For a cohesive look, consider using similar adornments in your bridal bouquet or on your gown.

Making your own bridal hair comb allows you to create a unique and personalized accessory that will make your wedding day even more special. Enjoy crafting and wearing your one-of-a-kind hairpiece!

Frequently asked questions