Tiaras, Side Combs, Flowers, Hair Clips - The Bride's Guide to Wedding Headpieces

It’s your wedding day, and you’ve thought about your dress, your veil, your shoes, your make-up – but have you thought about your headpiece? From tiaras to flower wreaths to bejeweled combs, this season a wedding look isn’t complete without a headpiece. Be warned, brides of 2012: don’t go down the aisle without one.

“Headpieces are a critical element to a bride’s wedding ensemble,” says Dareth Colburn, founder and CEO of USABride. “This is where she gets to ‘play’ a little and really express her individuality. That’s the key we are finding - brides really want to express their own individual style and personality, whether it is vintage, elegant, glitzy, regal or romantic.”

As always, celebrities have a huge impact on what we wear – especially for our weddings. “Brides want to recreate these looks for themselves,” says Laura Lyons of Serendipity Tiaras, citing Kate Middleton and Carrie Underwood as big influences on the wedding market.

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, turned royal heads when she wore the Queen’s Cartier “Halo” tiara to her April 29 wedding to Prince William. The vintage diamond-scroll design was simple by royal standards but definitely a statement piece, and it was one of the biggest hits of the day (after Pippa Middleton’s derriere, of course). USABride's replica is a bestseller.

Carrie Underwood made a splash with her 40-carat tiara at her July wedding to NHL star Mike Fischer (the tiara was a gift from him – how’s that for something new?), Kim Kardashian’s marriage to basketball player Kris Humphries may have only lasted for 72 days, but diamonds are forever – as in the magnificent rocks she wore dripping down her forehead at her wedding in August (Alicia Keys wore a similar headpiece).

But not every girl wants too much bling on her brow, even if she is a star. Jenna Bush opted for simple white flowers in her demi-chignon hairstyle for her 2008 wedding in Texas. This option is increasingly popular for the style-conscious everyday bride.

“Our bestsellers include the more dramatic headbands with a floral design,” says Lyons. “I believe this says that brides are not afraid to make a bold statement on one of the most memorable days of their lives.”

Brides can make their own floral wreaths - there are a plethora of DIY projects online (use silk flowers so you can keep the wreath). Or go to your nearest craft store, buy some beads or jewels and embellish your own store-bought headband. This could be a great project to do with your mom or bridesmaids, and making something with your own hands to wear as your walk down the aisle is incredibly special. Stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael's have a great selection of embellishments.

Does your grandmother have a box of old vintage costume jewelry? See if any of it can be recycled! It's a great way to honor a family member on your wedding day.

Adding a side comb or floral touch can increase the versatility of your wedding look. It’s hard for a girl to cut a rug in a cathedral-length veil, after all. “Years ago combs were permanently attached to veils. Now brides prefer to have a separate headpiece from their veil so that they can remove their veil during the reception but still wear their headpiece,” says Lyons.

Beautiful headpieces don’t have to break the bank, either. David’s Bridal, USABride, Serendipity Tiaras, Naugi.com and many other online vendors offer gorgeous headpieces for reasonable prices. Colburn says that two of USABride’s best-selling headbands are the Lucia headband and the Swarovski & Rhinestone Headband, both for under $100. The Mariela Rhinestone Bridal comb, available at usabride.com, is also under $100. All of these pieces could go perfectly with a formal updo or a more simple hairstyle, and they make great heirlooms.

Want the best of both worlds? Many sites offer flower-headband hybrids, like Serendipity’s Antique Pave Rose Bridal Headband or Naugi’s Wisteria Headband. David’s Bridal also offers several bejeweled ribbon headbands.

If you opt for a simpler style, a bridal headpiece can definitely be the one part of your wedding-day ensemble you can recycle or hand down as a cherished keepsake. Odds are you won't find much practical use for your wedding dress or veil, but a simple headpiece can easily be worn again.

Headbands are a huge trend right now – go to any Target or Wal-Mart and you’ll see them lining the hair-care section. A beautiful filigree piece or even a crystal-encrusted ribbon would be the perfect touch for a night out with your new husband – and a romantic way to remember the most important day of your life.