Worn low at the nape or high on the crown, the simplicity of the bun undoubtedly makes this beautiful up-do the epitome of grace and poise. With ballerina-esque wedding gowns a key bridal trend for 2012 and featured in many designer’s spring collections, from the tea-length creations at Justin Alexander and Ian Stuart to the floor skimming full skirted tulle sensations at Pronovias and Vera Wang, this elegant hairstyle has made a well-deserved come back for brides who adore a simple yet classic look. Timeless and elegant, the bun complements all styles of wedding gowns from Edwardian empire line to tea-length ballerina and is a versatile up-do which can be adapted to enhance your bridal look. Taking lead from the catwalks, oversized high buns bestow a modern take on the classic bun for fashion-led brides or, in contrast, a low bun secured at the nape of the neck embraces classic ballerina style. Brides who favour less structured styles can opt for a softer version by loosely securing their bun and allowing strands to naturally fall free.

Wedding Hair Accessories for The Bun

The simple style of the bun gives great scope for dressing with wedding hair accessories, whether to enhance its understated graceful charm or contrast by adorning with elaborate headpieces. For subtle embellishment, crystal bridal hair pins randomly set in the actual bun captivate with delicate shimmer or dress with a simple pearl headband for chic ballerina style. For a more dramatic look, a bejewelled wedding hair clip off-set to the side of the bun embraces vintage glamour for a hint of 1940s Starlet style or a bridal headpiece placed at the back of the head below a low bun and above a high bun emphasizes the elegance of the hairstyle to perfection. Brides who adore traditional wedding tiaras, should consider placement depending upon the height of their bun. A high bun works well with the tiara placed just in front of the bun itself whereas a low bun balances beautifully with the tiara worn towards the front of the head.

Three Top Tips for the Perfect Bun

• Keep a few spare Kirby grips to hand so you can tuck in any strands which fall loose during the day without disturbing the rest of the bun.
• Fine hair types can easily achieve an oversized high bun with a doughnut shaped bun ring.
• Can’t find the perfect wedding hair accessory to wrap around your bun? Try a pearl necklace and place a crystal and pearl hair clip at the centre to hide where the necklace clasp meets.

The epitome of elegance, it’s clear to see why the up-do is the choice of many brides. Over the next two weeks, we’ll be focusing on three popular bridal hairstyles and how different types of wedding hair accessories can transform each ‘do.

The French Pleat

Timeless and classic, the French pleat is the perfect hairstyle for brides who adore elegant and graceful style. Tightly styled into a fold at the back of the head, this chic up-do should require minimal maintenance throughout the wedding day, meaning the bride can rest assured her bridal hairstyle will look fabulous from the moment she steps into her wedding gown to when she steps out of it. While an obvious favourite of brides who prefer to wear their hair up and away from the face, by opting for Bardot-esque height at the crown and loose tendrils around the face, brides concerned the French pleat is too structured or severe can achieve a softer, romantic feel.

Wedding Hair Accessories for the French Pleat

Typically, hair pins are the wedding hair accessory of choice for a French pleat. Used to secure and dress, pretty crystal or pearl hair pins scattered throughout or along the fold of the pleat emphasize its classic, understated style. However, with bold wedding hair accessories a key bridal trend for 2012, brides who adore vintage glamour shouldn’t be afraid to put the hair pins aside and opt for a bold headpiece to dress their pleat. Accentuate the hair style structure with striking adornment by placing a bejewelled hair comb in the fold, pin a crystal encrusted bridal headpiece at the side of the head to create contemporary asymmetric detailing or, embrace 1940s Hollywood glamour, with a statement side tiara set on a sparkling crystal band to reflect light and delicately shimmer with each movement. For the bride whose wedding day wouldn’t be complete without a traditional tiara, inspiration can be taken from the infamous Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s) by securing their wedding hair accessory towards the crown.

Three Top Tips for the Perfect French Pleat

• Ask your maid of honour to keep a can of trial or travel size hairspray in her bag so you can spritz any stray hairs into place
• Keep unsightly pins off the menu & ask your stylist to use Kirby grips in a similar shade to your hair colour
• Have fine hair? Ask your stylist about clipping in some hair pieces to give your French pleat height & body

Finally, after months of speculation about Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, the world caught sight of the most talked about bride since Princess Diana married Prince Charles. Kate’s wedding dress was designed by the very talented Sarah Burton, creative director at Alexander McQueen. The utterly fabulous Alexander McQueen label was always a hot favourite and, according to a press release issued by St James’ Palace, Kate chose the British fashion brand for the “beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing”.

Classic and understated, the gown featured an ivory satin bodice with cinched waist and padding on the hips, a hallmark of McQueen designs. With embroidered lace sleeves, a slim plunging v neckline and full skirt, Kate chose a style very similar to the wedding gowns of the iconic Grace Kelly (below left) and Princess Margaret (below right). In a further nod towards the timeless style of Grace Kelly, Kate also chose a delicate silk tulle veil with embroidered trim.

Keeping her wedding jewellery and accessories to a minimum, Kate wore a Cartier ‘halo’ tiara, which was leant to her by The Queen, and a pair of diamond drop earrings by Robinson Pelham. The tiara was originally belonged to The Queen Mother and was given to The Queen on her 18th birthday, while Kates bridal earrings were a gift from her parents.

It was clear that Kate’s choice of wedding gown and accessories signified her style to perfection. Simple, captivating and effortlessly beautiful, it’s safe to say Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge will evolve into a modern day Grace Kelly and a style icon in her own right.

Royal Wedding Fever has gripped the nation as we all eagerly wait to see Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot. With endless speculation about Kate’s gown, hair style, wedding jewellery and tiara, it’s safe to say Ms. Middleton is undoubtedly the most talked about bride in the world at the moment.

The big debate is whether Kate will follow tradition with a classic regal wedding tiara or opt for a more contemporary headpiece or hair flower. Either way, it’s one of the most significant style statements Kate could make…

A Classic Royal Tiara

It’s almost difficult to imagine a princess without a sparkling tiara or crown! As the Middleton’s do not have a family tiara, it’s likely she will wear a ‘piece’ from the Royal collection or be given a tiara as a wedding gift from the Queen. One of our favourites from the Royal Collection is the Strathmore Rose Tiara (below right), which was given to the Queen Mother by her parents. A divine 1920s floral design worn lower on the forehead, this would beautifully adhere to this season’s roaring Twenties wedding trend.

A simple delicate diamond or pearl and diamond tiara, as opposed to a bejewelled crown, would compliment Kate’s petite frame and would be perfect to give modern style to Royal tradition. Classic Romance Tiara and Pearls of Nostalgia Tiara are our top choices for brides who adore a classic look fit for a princess.

A Contemporary Wedding Headpiece

If Kate decides to make a dramatic statement, she may choose to wear a wedding headpiece or even a hair flower, instead of the somewhat customary tiara or crown. If a headpiece or side tiara has been decided, it may be that a ‘piece’ of jewellery from the Royal collection has been adapted to make a customised design. Of course, more significantly, if Kate adorns her hair with a simple hair flower, it shows a relaxed wedding style for this modern day Royal couple.

A side tiara has been one of the most popular wedding hair accessory trends for several seasons and, less formal than a traditional tiara or crown, it could be a good compromise for Kate. We adore Exquisitely Precious Side Tiara for modern Royal wedding style! Alternatively, if Kate opts for a chic up-do on her wedding day, a dramatic headpiece worn at the side of the head would be on trend for vintage inspired style. Bouquet of Grace Headpiece is perfect for brides who want a statement yet less formal accessory.

Whether Kate follows tradition or not, it’s certain she’ll look every inch the modern day beautiful Princess and her style will provide inspiration for many brides-to-be.