Bridal Hairstyles & Headpieces Past & Present

Introduction

I have to admit that I first started out to write a new article about bridal hairstyles and the appropriate headpiece to guarantee major headturning at your weddings.

Along the way I discovered an interesting fact. The more bridal hairstyles and headpieces change, the more they stay the same. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to dig into the history of the way brides have evolved in their selection of bridal hairdos and headpieces. During my journey for this article I discovered some fascinating information.

I save everything and have a terminal case of pack-rat-itis. This need to save everything was very helpful when I decided to dig around for an old brides magazine. After minimal searching I pulled out an old July/August 1994 issue of Bridal Guide that talks about solving the bridal headpiece dilemma. Bingo. The right topic in days gone bye. Luck was on my side. I also liked the fact that the 1994 bridal hairstyle/headpiece article talked about the tiara headpiece as the "one headpiece that fits all bridal hair" solution.

While I was pondering the fact that the tiara headpiece did work with short, medium and long hair, straight, curly or updos, I stumbled across my new December 1998/January 1999 Bride's magazine that has an article on short hair bridal solutions. I decided I must be living right to find two articles in two different magazines almost 5 years apart in time.

When I opened the 1998/1999 article I was amused to discover that one of the big recommendations for short haired brides is the tiara because it is so versatile and can work with just about any gown, any hairstyle and any hair length, color or texture. Like I said. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Hmmmm, interesting. I stopped and opened up the 1994 Bridal Guide and found the four major headpiece recommendations and the matching photos. Then I thumbed through the 1998/1998 Bride's issue and found photos of brides close to 5 years later with almost identical headpieces and hairdos.

In a way, this was actually comforting. This means that in the future when I recommend the tiara headpiece for long, medium or short hair, that it is a wonderful and timeless solution.

I have included 4 photos of the time honored hairstyles and matching headpieces from the 1994 issue of Bridal Guide and 4 photos from the new Brides issue from 1998/1999. I suspect that the results will amuse, surprise and amaze you.

Continued below ↓

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The Tiara Headpiece

The beautiful redhead wearing the lace tiara from the 1994 era has long, thick and curly hair. The tiara works beautifully with her face and her gorgeous curls. 

The actual attached veil is not the highlight of the tiara headpiece, falling discreetly behind her beautiful red locks.

Fast forward to 1998/1998 and you see a lovely brunette with a very short pixie cut sporting a more modern version of the 1994 tiara.

She also has the veil tucked neatly at the back of her hair. The pixie is beautifully sculpted to highlight her delicate face.

Everyone has heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. The tiara headpiece photos from 1994 and 1998/1999 speak volumes about the versatility and beauty of the tiara headpiece for any length, style and color of hair.

The tiara looks stunning with the 1994 lace version and just as stunning with the 1998/1999 jeweled version. The key point to the tiara is the fact that is does not detract from any bridal hairstyle or bridal gown but works in harmony with the hairstyle of the time. T he tiara really is a "one headpiece fits all" wonder. I suspect that in 2010 when I am still thumbing through bridal magazines to check out bridal hairstyles I will still see the version of the "old faithful" tiara.

Big Hair/Simple Veil The ironic thing about the two photos from the different eras is that the two brides look like they are wearing almost identical "big hair" updos. Big hair comes and big hair goes.  The shape it takes is always a little different but it always seems to come full circle. Both brides have the focus of their style centered around a high crown of hair that is simply adorned in the back with a plain veil that adds a very simple frame around the hair. This headpiece which is basically just a simple veil made of tulle or netting works with very elaborate hairstyles. With this type of headpiece the veil is a minor accessory and the hair is the focus.

In actuality, brides with very short hair can also pull off the simple veil look, but generally the veil looks best placed higher up on the head, near the crown. The simple veil headpiece works great with elaborate bridal gowns since the veil does not detract from the overall look.

Circular Headpiece/Open Headband

The only real difference between the 1994 headpiece and the 1998/1999 version is the large bow at the back of the 1994 version and the extensive lace used on the hatband.  This headpiece works great with hair that is designed to be piled up on the head in big curls or ornate loops. The 1998/1999 version has an almost identical hairstyle. The hair is carefully piled in curls with the headpiece centered around the updo.

The curls in the 1998/1998 version look a little smaller and softer but basically the look is the same. Romantic hair is very popular for 1998/1999. Curls and updos that look romantic are perfect for a formal gown.

Juliet Cap The 1994 version is shown on a version of a short swingy bob. The Cap has a lot of ornate lace and beads and is worn far back on the head with a thick spray of netting for the veil. The cap looks great with the hairstyle which is worn plain, shiny and with lots of movement. The cap is the focal point of this look.

The Juliet Cap headpiece looks very similar in the 1998/1999 version. The difference is how it is placed on the head. In the newer version the cap is worn further up on the head near the crown. This headpiece is also coupled with a short hairstyle that is a type of simple shorter do that is pulled back off the face. The cap is more the focal point of the look as it was in the 1994 photo.

More Modern Versions

One trend that is very popular for 1998/1999 is no headpiece at all. The hair takes center stage and may be dressed up with a special tiny jeweled headband, well placed jeweled pins or possibly flowers. Back in the 1994 era it was rare to find a bride who did not wear some headpiece. In the late 70s the long Spanish mantilla was popular and is rarely seen in 1998/1999 times.

Timeless Hairstyles

The French twist do, or more elaborate versions, known as the French seam, remain popular year after year. The 1994 and the 1998/1999 bride's magazines had many photos of French twist versions. 

Updos remain popular with curls and twists always a desired look, especially for more formal weddings. A trend for 1998/1999 is to wear hair down with an emphasis on shininess. It used to be that the majority of brides had some sort of updo, waves or curls.

For 1998/1999, brides are opting for soft curls that are compatible with the new romantic hair looks ushered in with the movie, Titanic.

Summary

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The four bridal headpieces and bridal hairstyles that are presented are shown from the 1994 perspective and the 1998/1999 perspective. This walk back in time has proved that some of the hairstyles and headpieces are true classics that can be selected throughout time and look great.

Is there a morale to this story? For me it is to never throw anything away. I guess my pack-rat-itis just got worse.

Best wishes.

Karen Shelton
HairBoutique.com

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Original Publication Date:  12/29/2000 - Revised Publication Date:  02/06/10

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