Bridal Accessories: Interesting Facts About Hair Vines

The wedding day is the day of the couple uniting in marriage, a moment they would treasure for years to come as a special one shared with loved ones. Big as it is, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes before the event takes place, from the process of choosing the date and the venue, to the décor, table and seating arrangements, foods and drinks, as well as music. 

Even so, nothing compares to the preparation when it comes to the bride’s look. While the groom too has his own important role, the bride gets most of the spotlight with the gown, shoes, and of course the hair. This is exactly the interest for this text, as bridal hair goes a long way historically and aesthetically speaking, especially when stunning bridal hair vines are concerned.

Delicate, simple, versatile, ornate with pearls or crystals, many are the faces of these hair pieces for brides, beloved for their essence and the sense of elegance and sophistication they evoke. Used as standalone features, or in a combination with other pieces such as veils, hair pins and hair combs, the possibilities are endless for a bride to come up with her own beautiful look. 

Vines Through History

Here are some interesting facts about bridal hair vines you may not be familiar with: 

• In ancient times, in cultures like the one in ancient Rome, brides would often wear wreaths made out of actual plants, like branches of olive, ivy, or myrtle. This kind of ancient vine was used as a symbol of peace, love, purity, as well as fertility, besides representing a connection to earth. Even the bridal hair vines of today still embody some of these virtues.
• In Celtic weddings, they were worn for their connection to nature, and what it represents – an important part in both life and love. Typically, they would wear braided vines with wildflowers.
• It was during the Medieval ages and the Renaissance period that these bridal hair pieces began to change form, from being made from natural materials to being more durable like the bridal vine designs of today thanks to metals, pearls, and gemstones. Silver and gold wires in particular were popular among nobility, showing off their higher social status. Pearls were chosen for their charm, symbolising purity and innocence. 
• Vines were also used in Christian weddings, moving from the pagan usage to the religious one carrying spiritual significance by representing the unity and eternal bond of marriage. 
• China wasn’t an exception, as orange blossoms were part of the bridal ensemble since antiquity, used as a symbol of chastity as much as innocence and fertility. 
• Brought to Europe through the Crusades, it especially became popular in the 19th century thanks to Queen Victoria who wore a wreath of orange blossoms for her wedding in 1840, setting the trend for Victorian brides who wished to recreate her stunning look. 
• When actual blossoms weren’t available, women used waxed orange blossoms turning them into ornate hair vines and tiaras. This made way for advancements in the production of more affordable hair accessories that still didn’t lack in the opulence part, turning them more accessible to brides even from the middle class.
• In the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco influenced these bridal hair pieces greatly, making for designs with lots of striking embellishments. After WWII, the focus was on the femininity and grace, which led to more soft and delicate designs. 
• The 1970s, with the Bohemian influence, brought back the natural elements like flowers and greenery, even those made from fabric. The simpler look that was more on the side of subtle elegance came afterwards in the 1990s. 

Fast forward to today, the intricate bridal hair vine is still a very cherished and popular accessory many brides love to incorporate in the big-day outfit. What separates the ones available now from those of the past is they’re available in all kinds of forms and designs, to provide you with the versatility you need. They can be found in various materials, with different types of gorgeous embellishments standing out with the beauty as much as the craftsmanship. 

Whether you’re up for something simpler with fewer details and materials, or something that truly stands out, it’s easy to find it at the specialised retailers. What’s more, these wedding hair vines also differ in length, which you can choose depending on the length of your hair and the hairstyle you plan on having. Thanks to the advancements in technology and the use of advanced machinery to create the materials and designs, even more detailed vines are becoming more affordable, much to the pleasure of brides. 

The reason they’re so beloved to this day has to do with the hairstyling possibilities they offer, so whether you prefer to wear the hair up or down, they give you the practicality you require to create your signature look and shine. The more delicate options even give you the chance to wear them across the forehead for that Boho touch if you’re a hippie at heart.