Creating Wedding Hair Decorations: A Guide To Bridal Beauty

Wedding hair accessories are a fun and easy way to elevate your bridal look. From hairpins to combs, tiaras to flower crowns, there are endless options to choose from. You can even make your own hair accessories with a few simple steps. Whether you're looking for something simple and elegant or bold and glamorous, creating your own hair decorations for your wedding is a great way to express your personal style and add a unique touch to your big day.

How to make a wedding hair vine

A bridal hair vine is a delicate headdress that can be worn with or without a veil. It is a versatile accessory that can be worn in many ways, such as a headband, wrapped around a bun, braided into longer locks, or even as a necklace or sash.

To make a bridal hair vine, you will need the following materials:

• 90 x 3mm and 30 x 4mm round ivory pearls
• 810 x size 11 clear AB seed beads from one hank
• 8m (8¾yd) of 0.4mm gold-plated wire
• 2m (2yd 6in) of 8mm ivory silk ribbon
• Wire cutters
• A ruler

• Cut two 2m (2¼yd) lengths of 0.4mm gold-plated wire.
• On one length of wire, string 216 seed beads. You can do this by hand or use a bead spinner.
• On the second length of wire, alternate between 4mm and 3mm pearls, adding a single large pearl followed by three small pearls. Repeat this sequence eight times.
• Twist the ends of each wire into a small loop to secure the beads.
• Hold the wires together with the beads on the right-hand side and the 4mm pearls to the left of the smaller pearls.
• Twist both wires together for about 1cm (½in). Holding the wires in a 'v' shape will create neater twists.
• Bring the first 4mm pearl down towards the twisted wire and fold the wire down each side to create a 1cm (½in) stem. Hold the pearl and twist until the stem is twisted all the way down to the main vine.
• Twist both wires together again for 1cm (½in).
• This time, bring three 3mm pearls down to form a group and create a 1cm (½in) stem. Twist while holding the pearls to shape the stem. Twist both wires together for another 1cm (½in), finishing with the seed bead wire on top.
• Repeat steps 7 and 8 to create a total of three leaves with pearl stems in between.
• Turn the wires around and string 189 seed beads on one wire.
• On the other wire, pick up the pearls, starting with three 3mm pearls and a 4mm pearl. Repeat this sequence six times.
• Make a second length of the vine in the same way.
• Hold the two vines together so that the groups of leaves are staggered, and twist them together.
• Arrange the leaves so that they lay flat, with the pearls standing up randomly down the middle.
• Fold the wire tails over at each end, twist, and leave a loop for the ribbon.
• Trim all wire ends and add a 1m (1yd) length of ribbon to each loop with a lark's head knot to finish.

You can customise your hair vine by adding more beads and pearls or trying out the three-leaf motif for a more advanced design.

DIY wedding hair combs

What You'll Need:

• Snips or wire cutters
• Cardstock (choose a subtle colour as this is just for structure)
• A hair comb (available in various sizes at any general store)
• Hot glue gun (any will do, but be careful as hot glue can burn flowers)
• Cold floral glue (this adheres in a flexible manner and does less damage to blooms)
• Flowers of your choice (fresh or artificial)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Choose your flowers: Select flowers that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. You can use fresh flowers, which will need to be sourced close to your wedding day, or artificial flowers, which can be chosen ahead of time.
• Prepare your flowers: If using fresh flowers, cut the stems with your snips or wire cutters, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to the flower. This will provide a base for gluing.
• Assemble your comb: Take your hair comb and, using the hot glue gun, carefully attach the flowers to the teeth of the comb. Ensure you only use a small amount of hot glue to avoid burning the flowers. You can also use leaves and greenery to fill out the comb and create a fuller, more natural look.
• Secure your flowers: Once you are happy with the arrangement, use the cold floral glue to secure the flowers to the comb. This type of glue is flexible and less damaging to blooms.
• Allow to dry: Give your hair comb some time to dry and set. You may want to place it flat to ensure none of the flowers shift or move during this time.

Tips and Tricks:

• Practice makes perfect: If you're a beginner, it might be a good idea to do a few trial runs before creating your final hair comb. This will help you perfect your technique and ensure you're happy with the result.
• Mix and match: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of flowers, colours, and textures. You can even add in some greenery or baby's breath for a more natural, whimsical look.
• Plan ahead: If you're using fresh flowers, source them close to your wedding day to ensure they look their best. You can also ask your florist for advice on which flowers will be in season for your wedding date.
• Make it personal: Consider adding a touch of "something old" to your hair comb by incorporating a family heirloom or a piece of jewellery with sentimental value.

Bridal hairpins on a budget

Hairpins are a great way to elevate your bridal hairstyle, and they don't have to break the bank. Here are some tips and ideas for creating beautiful bridal hairpins on a budget:

Choose the right materials:

Select affordable materials such as faux pearls, crystals, beads, and silk flowers. These can be purchased in bulk online or at craft stores. You can also look for sales and discounts to save even more.

Keep it simple:

Opt for a minimalist design with a single hairpin or a small set. This can reduce costs compared to more intricate and larger pieces. Simple designs can be just as elegant and striking as more complex ones.

Get creative with flowers:

Flowers are a popular choice for bridal hairpins, and you can create beautiful floral hairpins on a budget. Consider using fabric flowers, dried flowers, or artificial flowers. You can make these yourself or find affordable options online. Fresh flowers are also a lovely option, especially if you're using flowers from your garden or local market.

Shop online:

Online retailers such as Etsy and Amazon offer a wide range of affordable bridal hairpins. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, and don't be afraid to compare prices to find the best deals.

DIY your hairpins:

If you're feeling crafty, you can make your own bridal hairpins. All you need are some basic materials like hairpins, glue, and your chosen decorations. Get creative with beads, pearls, crystals, or even ribbon. You can also involve your bridesmaids or friends for a fun pre-wedding activity.

Less is more:

Sometimes, a single statement hairpin is all you need to complete your bridal look. Opt for a larger, more decorative pin that will stand out in your hairstyle. This way, you only need to purchase one or a small set, keeping costs low.

Mix and match:

You can create a unique and budget-friendly look by mixing and matching different hairpins. Combine simple, affordable pins with more intricate or statement pieces. This will give you a custom look without breaking the bank.

Seasonal and natural elements:

Incorporate seasonal or natural elements into your hairpins for a budget-friendly and unique touch. For example, use dried flowers, baby's breath, or fresh greenery for a rustic or bohemian vibe. These elements are usually easily accessible and affordable.

Look for sales and discounts:

Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, especially during wedding season or on holidays. Many online retailers offer promotions and coupon codes, so take advantage of these to save on your bridal hairpins.

Borrow or upcycle:

Ask family or friends if they have any hairpins you can borrow for your wedding. You can also upcycle old hair accessories by adding new decorations or combining multiple pieces to create something unique.

Wedding headbands for beginners

Wedding headbands are a beautiful, elegant hair accessory that is perfect for all kinds of wedding themes and styles. They can be a wonderful way to complete your wedding look, even if you opt for a simple dress.

How to Choose a Bridal Headband

When choosing a bridal headband, it's a good idea to first decide on your wedding hairstyle. The headband should enhance your hairstyle, whether you plan on wearing your hair down, half-up, or swept back in a chic chignon.

It's also important to consider the style of your wedding dress. For example, a headband decorated with flowers and leaves would be a wonderful accent for a boho-style gown, while a pearl headband will give a timeless, elegant appeal to a traditional dress.

Color is another important factor. While white, silver, and gold are popular colors, you can also find headbands in rose gold, blush pinks, and pale blues. Pick a shade that complements your dress and hair color.

Popular Styles of Bridal Headbands

There are many different styles of bridal headbands to choose from, and you can certainly find one that suits your personal taste.

• For a traditional look, opt for a dainty lace headband or a style studded with pearls.
• If you want something more eye-catching, consider a headband with a veil attached or a birdcage veil at the front for a vintage-inspired look.
• For some sparkle, choose a crystal headband. You can find anything from thin headbands studded with rhinestones to wide-band designs encrusted with crystal beading.

DIY Bridal Headbands

If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own bridal headband. All you need is a plain headband and some decorations like flowers, pearls, or crystals. You can also add veils, lace, or other fabrics to give it a unique touch. Get creative and make something that reflects your personal style!

Fascinators and mini hats for weddings

Fascinators and mini hats are a fun way to honour tradition and express personal style. They are decorative headpieces often adorned with feathers, flowers, beads, or a delicate veil. They are typically secured to the head using clips or pins, but can also be attached with a headband or comb. Fascinators are lighter and more playful than hats, offering a sophisticated twist that makes them perfect for special occasions like weddings.

• Match your dress style: If you’re wearing a vintage lace gown, consider a bridal birdcage fascinator for a retro feel. For sleek, modern dresses, opt for a minimalist fascinator with a veil or a pillbox design to keep things chic and sophisticated.
• Consider your hairstyle: Larger fascinators or those with a hair comb attachment can add height and drama to an updo. If you’re leaving your hair down, a fascinator headband or a hair clip will secure the accessory in place.
• Pick the right colour and embellishments: Fascinators come in various colours, but the most popular choices for brides are white, ivory, or soft pastels. For a statement, consider fascinators with rhinestones, pearls, or feathers. For a more subtle look, go for a white bridal fascinator adorned with delicate flowers or lace.
• Think about your wedding theme: For a Kentucky Derby-inspired wedding, choose a larger, more dramatic fascinator with feathers. For a romantic tea party wedding, a tea party hat style will fit right in. Ensure your fascinator reflects the overall vibe of your wedding.
• Wear it with confidence: Use bobby pins, a headband, or a hair comb to secure your fascinator and prevent slipping. Experiment with different hairstyles before your big day to find the perfect combination. Keep your other accessories simple and let your fascinator be the star of the show.

Frequently asked questions