As the bride floats down the aisle, a gentle wind breezes through the ceremony, all eyes are drawn to her ensemble and the gentle romance of the chosen headpiece. From classic veils to jeweled headpieces, each accessory brings drama and makes a statement. We’ve asked the experts just how to choose a headpiece that suits the vibe of your wedding.
VEIL
A veil can be a classic yet unexpected moment of drama in a wedding ensemble. While the classic veil sticks to tradition, it also creates a romantic moment between partners at the altar when it is time for the unveiling. “It brings a bit of traditional and classic vibes, it can also make it modern,” says Susquehanna Valley fashion designer Sheila Kauffman, founder of SHEILA FRANK bridal salon. The classic style works well with many themes, says Kauffman.
How to Get the Look
- Pair a long, cathedral length veil with a short dress for a pop of 70s era drama.
- Borrow lace from another wedding dress to create the veil. This can be a special but simple way to honor a mom or grandmother's wedding gown in your ensemble.
BIRD CAGE
For the vintage-loving bride, try a bird cage headpiece. Gone are the simple headpieces with just a layer of netting shielding the bride’s face. Bird cages come in all shapes and sizes, with varying levels of drama. Think "royal wedding". It could be as simple as a tulle face veil or a demure bird cage clip-in, while others evoke grandeur and seduction with cocktail hats attached to voluminous, all-encompassing nettings. “I flash back to the 1950s when I see a bird cage,” says Kauffman, so she often references style icons like Audrey Hepburn when designing for this style.
How to Get the Look
- Reference classic style icons like Audrey Hepburn, and Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette, for bird cage inspiration.
- Switch it up from the classic bird cage netting, and add your own flair by using any semi-sheer fabric as a chic eye covering.
JEWELED HEADPIECE
Can’t get enough bling? Pile more on top! Jeweled headpieces are a dramatic yet classy way to incorporate more sparkle into your look. If you like to wear a lot of jewelry, wear a jeweled headpiece that goes with the metal of your jewelry for a cohesive and blinged out ensemble. "Jeweled headpieces are very regal to me. Almost royal-like," says Kauffman. There has been a surge in crowns in recent years, likely because of the popularity of “Game of Thrones,” says Kauffman.
How to Get the Look
- Look for knotted headbands with jewels as a modern headpiece option.
- Dainty jeweled headbands that tie at the nape of the neck are “very ethereal,” recommends Kauffman.
- Pair a veil with a jeweled headpiece for extra drama.
The Wildcard: THE CAPE
For the bride with an eclectic style, try a cape to accessorize your wedding outfit. From waist-length lace capelets to light and airy floor-length tulle capes, this unique option is a broad category and can work well for snowy, rainy, or just plain dramatic weddings. “I have done a couple for brides, mainly using a sheer net that has pearls,” says Kauffman. In fact, Kauffman wore a cape to her own wedding because she did not want to wear a veil, and it suited the vintage romantic Celtic vibes of her wedding. “It is a nice way to cover up, rather than wearing a shrug,” says Kauffman.
How to Get the Look
- Know your dress before adding a cape or any other accessories to the look. Trying to choose accessories before the gown can overcomplicate your theme.
- Emphasize the grandeur of the cape with regal decorations and embellishments.
