Designing Your Dream Wedding Headpiece: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding headpieces can be expensive, but they don't have to be. With a little creativity and patience, you can make your own unique and beautiful headpiece for your big day. All you need are some basic materials like beads, wire, a headband, and some glue, and you can create a stunning accessory that will complement your wedding dress perfectly. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own wedding headpiece, including tips on how to shape a base, attach beads and other decorations, and secure the headpiece in your hair. We will also offer inspiration for different types of headpieces, such as flower crowns, tiaras, and veils, so you can choose the style that best suits your vision. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and make a one-of-a-kind headpiece that will make you feel like a true bride.

Choosing materials

Firstly, you will need to decide on the base for your headpiece. This could be a headband, a hair comb, or hair clips. If you want a more secure fit, you might opt for hair extension clips or fascinator clips. You could also use bobby pins to secure your headpiece in place. If you want to create a sunburst headdress, zip ties can be used to create the shape. Another option is to use a cuff bracelet as the base, which can be bent and shaped to curve along your head.

The next step is to choose your decorative materials. Beads, pearls, and crystals are all popular choices and can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle and elegant to bold and statement-making. You can also add in some wire to secure and connect your chosen decorative materials. If you want to include a veil, you will need to choose your veil material, such as tulle, lace, or birdcage veil netting. You can also add flowers, either fresh or silk, for a romantic and feminine touch.

Finally, don't forget to gather the necessary tools for assembling your headpiece. This could include pliers, scissors, glue (such as super glue or fabric glue), and a sewing machine or hand-sewing materials if you are attaching a veil.

With these materials, you will be well on your way to creating a beautiful and unique wedding headpiece that reflects your personal style.

Beading

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need a base for your headpiece, such as a cuff bracelet, an iron hairband, or a wire headband. Additionally, you will need beads, pearls, or crystals in various sizes and colours, as well as wires in two different gauges (for example, 22 and 20 gauge) and hair combs or clips to secure your headpiece. You can also add a veil, lace, tulle, or fresh flowers for an extra touch.

Step 2: Measure and Plan

Before you begin beading, measure the circumference of your head where you want the headpiece to sit. Cut a piece of wire that is about three times this length. Create an oval shape with the wire that fits your head, and twist the ends together securely. Decide on a bead pattern and layout in advance. Cut another piece of wire that is about twice the length of your head circumference, and you are ready to start beading!

Step 3: Start Beading

Using the thinner wire, twist one end around the wire oval. Begin to twine the thin wire around the oval, adding beads as you go. Thread each bead onto the wire and secure it by wrapping the wire tightly against the bead. Continue beading, leaving as much or as little space between beads as you like. You can create different shapes, such as teardrops, by wiring the beads accordingly.

Step 4: Finish the Band

When you get to the end of the band, wrap the wire tightly several times and clip off any excess. You can add larger beads or pearls to the band for a unique touch. You can also add an arch of thicker wire across the front of the piece and use thinner wire to create scallop-like curves, adding crystals to these for extra sparkle.

Step 5: Secure the Headpiece

Attach hair combs or clips to the headpiece so that you can securely wear it. You can sew or wire the combs or clips to the headpiece, making sure they are secure.

Step 6: Add a Veil (Optional)

If you want to add a veil, cut a long piece of veil material (such as birdcage veil material, tulle, or lace) and play around with different looks by moving it around your head or behind the headpiece. You can secure the veil to the headpiece or make it detachable by sewing it with clear thread.

And there you have it! Your very own beaded wedding headpiece, customised to your liking.

Adding larger beads or pearls

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a variety of beads and pearls in different sizes and colours, as well as beading wire in two different sizes: 22 gauge and 20 gauge. You may also want to use pliers for bending the wire and creating a secure base for your headpiece. Before you begin beading, it is important to plan out the design and decide on the placement of the larger beads and pearls. You can get creative and intuitive with this step, but it is helpful to have a general idea of the pattern or style you want to create.

When adding the larger beads or pearls, you can start by threading them onto the beading wire one by one, creating even spacing between them. Secure each bead or pearl by bending and flattening the wire, ensuring there are no sharp edges. You can also create a row of larger beads or pearls and then add smaller ones around them to create a more intricate design. Try to keep the pattern consistent throughout the headpiece for a cohesive look.

Using larger beads or pearls can speed up your project, as they cover more surface area. However, it is important to step back and assess your work from a distance or try on the headpiece to get a better sense of how it looks. Remember, less is more, and you can always add smaller beads or crystals to create a more delicate finish.

If you are happy with the placement of the larger beads and pearls, you can move on to adding finishing touches, such as crystals or other embellishments. You can also attach hair combs, hair extension clips, or fascinator clips to secure the headpiece in place. These can be attached with thick wire, and bobby pins can be used for added security.

Finally, stand back and admire your handiwork! Creating your own wedding headpiece allows you to express your creativity and add a unique touch to your wedding ensemble.

Attaching combs

Now it's time to attach the combs to the headpiece! It's a good idea to read all the steps before you start making your own headpiece, as it's easier to attach the combs before you begin beading. If you don't have any combs to hand, don't worry, as you can add them at the end, as I did.

You can use hair extension clips, which work even better than regular clips. They are sold at Sally's and online, and some sites call them fascinator clips. I was surprised by how well these small clips held up against the weight of the piece. You can also use bobby pins to secure the headpiece further. Use some thick wire to secure the two hair combs onto the main piece – I only secured mine at the top of the combs, but you can do whatever feels right for your design.

Creating a detachable veil

• Choose the Right Veil and Headpiece Combination: Consider the veil length and style when selecting the headpiece. Short veils, such as birdcage or blusher veils, pair well with smaller, delicate headpieces like simple combs or vintage-inspired clips. Medium-length veils are versatile and can be worn with various headpieces, from tiaras to floral crowns. Longer veils, such as chapel or cathedral veils, often work best with more substantial headpieces like crowns.
• Match the Aesthetic: Ensure that the veil and headpiece share a similar aesthetic. If your veil is adorned with lace or beading, choose a headpiece with complementary details. Conversely, if your veil is simple, a more ornate headpiece can add a touch of flair.
• Coordinate with Your Dress: Make sure the veil and headpiece complement your wedding dress. If your dress has intricate detailing, opt for simpler veil and headpiece designs to create a balanced look.
• Placement Matters: Consider how you want to position the veil and headpiece. Traditional placement involves positioning them at the front or top of the head, similar to a tiara. For a modern look, place the headpiece with the veil underneath at the top of an updo or half-up hairstyle. Low placement at the nape of the neck is ideal for brides who prefer a subtle, understated look.
• Consider Proportions: When choosing a bridal comb, ensure it is wider than the veil comb for a seamless look. If you have a wide veil comb, pair it with a longer and narrower comb. Avoid using delicate hairpins with wide veil combs as they may appear disproportionate.
• Secure the Veil and Headpiece: Use multiple bobby pins or hair combs to secure the veil and headpiece in place. Try to match the pins to your hair colour for a seamless finish. If your headpiece is heavy or your veil is long and voluminous, reinforce it with extra pins to prevent shifting.
• Try it on Together: During your hair trial, make sure to try on the veil and headpiece together. This will allow you to see how they work as a pair and make any necessary adjustments.
• Detachable Options: If you plan to remove the veil after the ceremony, there are several detachable options. You can sew a comb to the veil and secure it near the headpiece, or attach bridal loops to the gathers in the veil. Another option is to use Velcro, with the loop side attached to the headpiece and the hook side to the veil for easy removal.
• Create a Detachable Birdcage Veil: Purchase birdcage veil material and cut out a long piece to play around with. You can create different looks by moving it around your head or behind your headpiece. If you want to secure it to the headpiece, use clear thread to sew it in place. Alternatively, you can make a standalone veil by pleating and sewing the material, then attaching it to your hair with bobby pins.

By following these steps, you can create a detachable veil that complements your headpiece and completes your bridal look.

Frequently asked questions