Forget the Veil: Hair Accessories to Wear on Your Big Day

Brides in the western world have been wearing white dresses ever since Queen Victoria popularized the trend back in 1840, but did you know we still follow wedding traditions that trace back to the Byzantine Empire? According to Bustle, Roman brides were often covered with a fiery-colored veil called the flammeum to ward off evil spirits, and although now we’re less concerned about the demons and have swapped the red for a white veil, this headpiece still remains a common accessory paired with a wedding gown.

While there is nothing wrong with following tradition, many have opted for the unconventional, foregoing the ivory and opting for colorful frocks or ditching the veil and train and choosing understated, rustic hair accessories. Newlyweds on Instagram, blogs, and magazines are proving that you can be just as radiant when you go down the alternative route.

If your heart is still set on a white dress and aren’t too fond of the lacy head cover, here are a few hair accessories that give a modern twist to the traditional bridal getup:

A Floral Garland

Photo credit: lyst.ca

Flower crowns may have lost their place in this year’s Coachella fashion, but there’s always room for floral embellishments and decorations at a wedding. A simple crown like the white floral headband from ASOS that is showcased on the online fashion retailer Lyst would compliment any gown, however don’t be afraid to go bolder with colors. A rosy garland would look amazing against red bridesmaid dresses.

A Bridal Birdcage

Photo Credit: weddingrelation.com

A play on the veil, this piece is a go-to for those looking to add a bit of vintage flair to their look, as advised by the editors of Elle. The key to pulling this off is by wearing it diagonally, slightly covering one eye. Also, try to avoid complicated, dramatic hairstyles, as it will clash with the birdcage fascinator.

A Hair Necklace

Image credit: thebeautybridal.com

Jewelry isn’t only for your neck, ears, wrists and fingers. Whether it’s pearls or draping gold chains, Verily Mag says it’s perfect for the ethereal evening bride as hair necklaces offer a “whimsical-meets-Grecian-goddess effect.” 

What hair accessories would you like to wear on your big day?

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Emily has never been one to go with the flow, so when it came to planning her wedding, she chose to wear a lilac dress with white flower adornments in her hair. Currently helping her best friend sort or the details of her ceremony, she hopes to one day work as a professional wedding planner.