For brides who have no previous experience with developing a wedding hairstyle or choosing a headpiece and veil (or deciding to go without), understanding how to attach and adorn the various components can be a challenge. In the twilight zone called wedding planning, the simple concept of a comb, for example, can take several forms.

In your everyday life, a comb is probably something to run through your hair in the morning taming nighttime tangles. Your hairdresser will certainly use that type of comb while creating your wedding hairstyle, but there are two other bridal versions you may need as well: a comb to attach the veil and one to decorate your hair. The choice is yours whether to have both versions, neither, or one to suffice for both uses.

The Veil Comb


When you buy a veil, it often comes attached to a basic comb. This veil comb is purely functional and will not be a visible part of your veil or hairstyle. It simply helps secure the veil to the top or back of your head. The advantage to using this type of comb with your veil is you can remove the veil after the ceremony while leaving your headpiece intact for the reception.

To place this type of comb, push it into your hair — down if you are wearing your veil in back or toward the back of your head if you are wearing the veil on top — so the hair covers the teeth and the veil hides the top of the comb. For a more solid base, insert with the comb angled then rotate backwards into place after the comb is in your hair. You can make the comb more secure, if needed, with bobby or hair pins.

These combs can be various widths and lengths and made of wire or plastic. Wire combs cost more than plastic, but are more versatile and can be pinned if necessary (as opposed to plastic, which is thicker and more cumbersome).

The Decorative Bridal Comb


Unlike the plain veil combs, decorative bridal combs are made to be seen. They can be a perfect accent for your veil, or add interest to your hairstyle if you go veil-less or remove the veil for the reception. The range of styles and sizes available make them versatile and can enhance most hairstyles, from classic to ornate. They can be simple, but elegant, depending on how they are decorated, but can also create a less formal look than some other headpieces.

Hair combs can be worn on the top, side, or back of the head. In the back, you can secure a large comb under a bunch of upswept curls, around a French twist, or beneath a low-set bun. On one or both sides, you can wear smaller combs for an elegant style, instead of a larger headpiece. Decorative combs can also be worn on the top to help hold the hair in place or function much as a tiara. In fact, you can even buy tiaras attached to combs instead of built into the typical band.

Tiara Combs


You have heard of tiaras and you have heard of combs, but you may not know that there are also tiara combs. These look like a tiara but hold your hair or veil in place like a comb. These decorative combs are made with the teeth positioned at an angle so the decorated part stands erect when attached to your hair from the front (as opposed to back or side combs, which are made with the decoration attached flat against or parallel to the teeth section).

Combining Veil and Decorative Combs


Some brides prefer to wear the veil and decorative comb as one piece. You can accomplish this by attaching the veil directly to a tiara or other top/back comb instead of to the plain veil comb. This reduces the number of pieces you must deal with when developing a hairstyle for the ceremony, but limits your options for the rest of the day. You will have to remove both your headpiece and veil or keep your veil intact throughout the evening.

Whichever type of combs you use, involve your hair stylist in the decision. He or she will most likely have valuable input into what sizes and types will most create the look you desire, while assuring your hair remains drop-dead gorgeous throughout the day and evening.

By: Bobette Kyle-Wagner

Bridal shower gift baskets are used by many when the aim is somehow to conceal inside the things that they have for the bride. They are the perfect storage box instead of the more traditional and common gift-wrapping techniques. Carrying your gifts inside the bridal shower gift basket will make the fun in there. With all the girls doing the same, the party mood would be even more thrilling and exciting.

There are many gift ideas that you can put inside the basket. They could be something like the couple can use on their honeymoon. Why not try putting the basket with a common favorite romantic CD of both the would-be groom and bride where they can play it when they are sharing their first night as a married couple? Or you can also put in the basket some sexy night lingerie for her and cute, little boxer shorts for him. This could elicit some hearty guffaws as they receive these items.

The bridal shower gift basket could also have something like a bottle of wine or champagne with two wine glasses; or aroma candles and incense so they could use to set their first night together romantically. Or perhaps, you can be naughtier by adding the shower bridal gift basket with some adult stuff you can buy in an adult specialty shops.

Different, unique things that you will include inside the gift basket could either generate big laughs from them, or you could put some little naughty smile at their lips. Whatever it is that you are planning to give to the bride, make sure it is something that will make them smile and want to use in their moments together as the wedding ceremonies are over.

Now, you may ask where you can get these crafty, neat bridal shower gift baskets. You can have these gift baskets acquired from local wedding specialty shops. They are available in different designs, trimmings, styles, and finishes. When choosing, make sure you know the theme of the shower party because you should have the baskets coordinated with it. Make sure you got the shower invitation card first before deciding what shower gift baskets and items you should be bringing for the party.

If you don’t want the hassles of scrounging the town to look for these shops, you can transact online. Try browsing them through the search engines and you can come across wide selections of online wedding specialty stores.

By: Anthony Lee

When choosing your bridal hairdo, the most important consideration is to find one that will suit your facial features and preferably your wedding gown too.

HOW TO KNOW WHICH HAIRSTYLE TO CHOOSE?

A very easy way of getting ideas is to flip through bridal magazines or browse through bridal websites. Current bridal magazines will display the latest trends of bridal hairstyles and usually, they are modeled with certain wedding gowns. Take note of the types of hairstyles that usually go with the type of wedding gown you have chosen. For example, if you have a bustier gown, you can see what types of hairstyles are usually styled for that type of gown. You can also zoom in on the hairstyles that are suitable for your own hair length too. Cut out some of these pictures for reference if you like, as they may come in useful when you meet your stylist for a hairstyle consultation. A point to bear in mind though, some hairstyles look great on a magazine model but it may not be the best choice for you! Do keep your options open and seek professional advice from your bridal stylist before making a decision. They know best afterall, who else can we trust other than someone who does the same job everyday?

TYPES OF BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES

A very common hairstyle for brides is the up-do. This is suitable if you wish for a more elegant and formal look. A chignon, which is created by twisting hair into a bun and pinning it a the nape of the neck, is also a very pretty and classic choice. In recent years, many brides choose to wear their hair down. My cousin did that for her wedding day and we were really surprised to see her hair pinned simply with just a hair accessory, but she still looked lovely and natural with the hairstyle. If you have short hair, you will look great with some light curls that gives it some body. If you have long hair, soft perm your hair with natural curls for a versatile look.

Consider putting a hair accessory to accentuate the hairstyle. Fresh flowers looks perfect if you have an outdoor theme, while tiaras give a princessy feel. Crystal studded diamante hair accessories also adds some glitter effect especially if you are hosting an evening banquet.

PRE-WEDDING HAIR ADVICE

Trim your hair about one to two weeks before your wedding. Even if you are keeping it long, trimming will keep the ends tidy, and is easier to style. If you need to dye your hair and you are trying out a new colour, it is also advisable to do it in advance, never the day before! At least if it turns out disastrous, you still have some time to save yourself. On the day of your wedding, wear a button-up shirt so that you can change easily into your gown after your hair is styled.

Generally, your bridal hairdo should be one that compliments your facial shape, wedding gown, wedding theme and makeup. Every bride deserves to be the most beautiful on their BIG day and that goes for you too!

By: Angela Tay