Bridal Hair Accessories By Aneliya Vasilieva

This is going to be an exciting year for bridal accessories. Whether it’s jewelry or wedding hair accessories 2012 trends are all about creating a personalized, one-of-a-kind look. Sure, everyone talks about the wedding dress, but it’s the right bridal accessories, that really complete the bride’s wedding day garb. Read on to find out how the 2013 trends can help you create a bold statement that really says – “WOW… Here comes the bride!”

1. Color, a Little or a Lot

The hottest word in bridal accessories is color. Forget white on white with white, or even a touch of cream, 2012 is all about bold hues. Think a fuchsia belt or a peacock feather fascinator. Many brides are showing some “peek-a-boo” color with bright red or purple shoes. Jewelry is also getting a makeover, with brides choosing wedding baubles in a fantastic array of colors, adding a strong element of personality, fun, and a modern twist to the traditional bridal ensemble. The hottest color accent trend for 2012? Definitely black! I’ve fallen in love with black sashes and black birdcage veils, for starters.

2. Make a Statement with Statement Necklaces

One of my favorite 2012 trends for bridal accessories is the statement necklace. I love them, because this is where accessories meet fun. Brides can really create a “one-of-a kind” look with these exquisite pieces – be they funky, bright, cheeky, or unusual. A stand-out statement necklace gives the bride a real couture, high-fashion look. My favorites? Anything with bold colors and textures or long layers, and pearl and crystal necklaces!

3. Headbands Among the Top Bridal Accessories

Say goodbye to tiaras, headbands are the new standard in feminine, playful wedding hair accessories. And now they’re available in so many interesting and beautiful options. Ribbon headbands with rhinestone and crystal embellishments… headbands with a side embellishment are a modern chic twist! There are so many options: rhodium plating, with crystals or oversized, chunky rhinestones in intricate floral and geometric patterns. Even silk flowers and feathers are showing up on headbands, in fun colors, too.

4. Veils Are Back

As far as bridal accessories go, there may be nothing more traditional than the veil, but today’s veils are cut from a different cloth. 2012 brides are opting for shorter, updated veils. Birdcage veils are still wildly popular and give you an automatic vintage glam look. But let’s not forget that Kate Middleton also helped to bring back the longer, lacier veil styles, which means that 2012 trends for veils are going to be both short and long!

5. Not Your Gram’s Brooch

Brooches stodgy? Hush your mouth. I’m not talking about your grandmother’s brooch here. This year’s crop of brides-to-be is finding creative ways to incorporate these heirloom bridal accessories into their ensembles. Wear them as wedding hair accessories, on your bridal belt, on your gown for that signature sparkle, or even as shoe clips! And pssst, brooches make amazing bridesmaid gifts!

6. Did I Mention Bridal Belts?

This is one trend that has come a long way, baby. Once an anomaly in the bridal accessory world, bridal belts are now taking their place front and center among sashes as a simple, glitzy way to “dress-up” a simple wedding gown. Bridal belts are the ultimate in versatility… dress your look up with a rhinestone-embellished sash or get romantic with a cluster of soft, blush silk roses. Contrasting fabrics, eye-catching colors, and unusual designs can make a statement no wedding dress can make on its own. As for color, I love a black or champagne sash embellished with chunky stones, pearls and even lace!

7. It’s All About Vintage Style

We’ve mentioned birdcage veils, bridal belts, and brooches, all of which could be found gracing brides three generations ago. Vintage style? Still in. This has been on my trend list for three years running, and it has made the 2012 trends list, too, telling me vintage isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Think lacy patterns in rich rhodium plating, accented with hand-cut Swarovski crystals, intricate beading and huge, breathtaking rhinestones, chunky pearls, all entwined in an asymmetrical pattern. With all this and more, how can you not love vintage-style?

And now, for a bonus 2012 trend. I’ve been seeing a strong, growing trend that has brides-to-be shopping for not one, but two bridal looks. As in a formal ensemble for the ceremony and a fun, sexier look for the reception. The double dress trend that seemed so unusual in 2010 is now almost the norm – but still an overly pricey option for most. That’s where bridal accessories come in. Your jewelry, your wedding hair accessories, and your shoes can take your wedding dress from day to night, from formal to casual… in other words, from ceremony to reception! Need an example? Picture a long, lacey veil for the ceremony paired with an elegant set of pearls. A quick change before the reception, off comes the veil and pearls, and add a pair of bold chandelier earrings along with a stunning side comb or fun feather accent. Voila! You get the double dress effect, without the cost of a second dress. Now that’s a trend everyone can admire!