21 Stunning Headbands to Update Your Bridal Look

Before you start sifting through wedding veil styles, consider a fresh update: bridal headbands. The headband has long been a classy, straightforward accessory that transforms and adds style to even the simplest of hairstyles. Recently back at the forefront of fashion, headbands made their way into a number of bridal fashion week collections over the past couple of years. So, whether you’re looking to swap the standard veil for something more modern or are seeking an accessory to take your look from ceremony to reception, there are wedding headbands for every style.

Wedding Headband Styles

Not only are headbands a classic accessory constantly being made new, but they’re one of a few wedding accessories with the major wearability. Meaning, you can style it into your day-to-day or special occasion wardrobe again and again post-wedding. They also come in a variety of styles, suitable for countless wedding gowns and themes.

Let’s take a look at a few of our favorite bridal styles, from sleek and simple to extravagant.

Crystal Bridal Headbands

Something borrowed, something blue, and something sparkling to catch all of your guests’ eyes. Crystals and rhinestones aren’t exactly new to wedding accessories. That being said, they do bring a brilliance to your look that will keep shining throughout the night. Top your hairstyle with a radiant crystal headband or rhinestone headband to add some timeless glamour and romance.

1. Eliza Crystal Headband, $99
2. Noral Crystal Headband, $129
3. Floral Couture Headband, $160

Pearl Bridal Headbands

Growing immensely in popularity over the past year, many to-be-wed individuals are opting to adorn their headbands and hairpieces in pearls, rather than crystals. Long known as the queen of gemstones, pearls are classic, timeless, and full of luster. They automatically add style and grace to any hairstyle—updo, half-up, or down. Opulent brides may even choose a headband that possesses both pearls and crystals, for a glam look that feels sleek and cultivated.

4. Aspen Pearl & Crystal Tiara, $125
5. Greta Pearl Headband, $79
6. Tiana Pearl & Crystal Headband, $69

Padded Bridal Headbands

Like pearl hair pieces, padded headbands have, too, continued to rise in bridal headpiece popularity. Largely inspired by royalty and preppy style icons (e.g. Blair Waldorf), padded headbands have also been heavily favored by the likes of Prada and Chanel. Also referred to as puffed headbands and hatbands (the rather large padded headbands worn by Kate Middleton), they add a regal touch to any big day ensemble. You can find them in sleek materials, velvet, and adorned with crystals, pearls, beads, and more.

7. Padded Headband, $13

8. Velvet Pearl Knotted Headband, $150

9. Knotted Stone Embellished Headband, $24

Modern Bridal Headbands

Wedding style is influenced by a number of things, including modern fashion trends outside of bridal. Because of this, even headbands have been reshaped (quite literally) to update how we can design and style them. The accessories now take unique shapes and fresh takes on classic elements. Pair one with a sleek and simple dress to encapsulate a truly modern look.

10. Blake Headpiece, $215

11. Quinn Headband, $275

12. Neve Headpiece, $275

Floral Bridal Headbands

The colorful boho flower crowns that once flooded our Pinterest feeds have upgraded to sleek metal and beaded blooms accented by crystals and glitter (and even crystal flowers themselves). These aren’t your typical foraged finds, though they’re longer-lasting and just as whimsical. Due to the sheer amount of options—from subtle to shining to beautiful branches—you can select the floral headband that best compliments your wedding dress and taste.

13. Chloe Headband, $150

14. Matilda Headband, $245

15.Flower Crown Headband, $23

Crowns and Tiaras

The bridal crown has grown a lot since its origins as a delicate tiara. Don’t get us wrong, the wedding tiara lives on, but now you also have wedding headpiece options that are a bit more grandeur. Wedding crowns are now made with unique materials, shapes, and styles that span from sweet, to stylish, to vintage inspired, to statement. Opt for a small comb tiara that peeks out of your hairdo or a full-on crown covered in brilliant crystals. Regardless, sporting one is bound to lend a regal look to your wedding outfit.

16. Thea Floral Crown, $280

17. Joelle Vintage Crown, $150

18. Juliet Floral Tiara, $99

Vine Bridal Headbands

Flexible and beautiful, bridal hair vines are a subset of headbands that allow you to style your hair in just about any way you like. Rather than being set on a headband’s typical flat surface, a vine is thin and flexible. This allows them to be easy to set within your hair. Wear one in the back above a low bun or line one up with a half-up-half-down style.

19. Leona Hair Vine, $120
20. Margo Floral Hair Vine, $99
21. Marina Pearl & Crystal Hair Vine, $69

Bridal Headband FAQ

A lot of thought goes into ones wedding day hairstyle—from you hair’s texture, to its length, to the formality and aesthetic vision of your wedding. This, of course, means several questions are involved in selecting any hair accessories. Headbands, while not complicated on most fronts, are no exception. With various inspiration and plenty of headbands to choose from, we tackle any remaining questions you may have below.

How does a bridal headband compare to other hair accessories?

Bridal headbands are incredibly advantageous on two fronts: One, they’re typically very easy to place and adjust, and two, they come in a wide range of sizes. Whether you want just a hint of sparkle or a statement-making headpiece, you can find a headband that checks all of your boxes. Other wedding hair accessories often don’t possess both of these qualifiers. Hair clips and pins, while easy to adjust and helpful in creating hairstyles, don’t get very big. The same can be said for hair combs. Bridal headbands are versatile and low fuss, making them an ideal addition to most hairstyles.

How should I wear my hair with a headband?

You have plenty of options when it comes to headband-friendly hairstyles. Unless you’re planning on involving a poof or similar, chances are you can include a headband. Many updos can be improved by a thin, crystal headband that adds some detail without covering up any intricate twists or braids. Loose curls or waves can be made less casual with the addition of an eye-catching pearl headband or crown. Boho styles can come across chic when wearing a hair vine. The possibilities aren’t limitless, but there’s much to work with.

Should I decide on a headband or hairstyle first?

This can technically go either way. That being said, deciding whether or not you want to wear a headband (or any hair accessary) first can make the bridal hair process easier. Choosing and purchasing a bridal headband first allows you to bring it to any hair trials you may have. Doing so helps professionals figure out what styles will look and work best with it.

However, it’s not impossible to decide on a hairdo first, then later decide you want to add a headband. In this case, we recommend reaching out to your stylist and asking for their opinion. On the other hand, if you’re doing your hair yourself, you can perform as many test runs and trials as you need to incorporate a new bridal hair accessory.

Can I wear both a bridal headband and a veil?

Yes! In fact, doing so has become quite popular. In most cases, you should be able to either attach your veil and headband together or secure your veil to your hair under your headband. Some much loved combinations include thinner crystal headbands with long veils in the back, lighter tulle veils tucked under thicker headbands, and birdcage veils tucked under thicker headbands. As mentioned above, if you plan on wearing both a veil and bridal headband, we recommend bringing both with you to any hair trials. You’ll want to make sure either you or a professional can secure both pieces so that they look beautiful and stay in place as long as they need to.

Whether you want your wedding day look to make a statement or just want an updated alternative to the classic veil, bridal headbands are a stunning option for any bride.