Planning a wedding involves many details, and deciding when to buy your wedding hair accessory is an important part of the process. In this blog post, l'll guide you through the best time to order your headpiece to ensure everything goes smoothly for your big day.

Understanding Lead Times

When it comes to handmade wedding accessories, understanding lead times is crucial. I make my headpieces to order and my standard lead time is around three weeks. A bespoke headpiece can take longer, sometimes up to 6 or 8 weeks. A lead time allows for the meticulous craftsmanship required to create a beautiful and unique piece that complements your bridal look perfectly and also allows me to build in time to accept rush orders.

A rush order guarantees a one-week turnaround on your accessory for an additional fee and is ideal if you’ve let things a little late or your plans suddenly change. If your timescale is shorter than one week we will still do our best for you - just drop us an email or a message through our chat box and we’ll get the process started! 

Shipping Times and Options

Shipping times are another important factor to consider and are in addition to the lead time required to make the headpiece. Standard shipping can vary depending on your location, so it's essential to plan ahead. I offer free next-day shipping within the UK and typically, standard shipping to the rest of the world can take around two weeks although the time it takes for you to receive your parcel depends on how busy your local customs is so the time frame can be closer to three weeks.

For those who need their headpiece sooner, rush shipping options are available for an extra fee. This option ensures your headpiece arrives quickly, giving you peace of mind as your wedding day approaches. Remember to factor in shipping times when planning your purchase to avoid any last-minute stress.

Should I Buy My Headpiece Before or After My Hair Trial?

One common question brides-to-be have is whether to buy their headpiece before or after their hair trial. The answer is that either is fine - it simply depends on your personal preference and circumstances. There are advantages to both - read on to see what suits you. 

Pros of Having Your Headpiece Before Your Hair Trial:

• Seeing the complete look: Having your headpiece before your hair trial allows you to see the full effect of your bridal look during the trial. This can help you and your stylist make any necessary adjustments to ensure everything is perfect. 

• If you know what headpiece style you want your hair stylist can create a style specifically to work with it.

• Some accessories are really flexible so can be worn in multiple hair styles - these are great options to take with you to your hair trial.

• Making adjustments: If you have your headpiece in advance, you can try it on with your dress and other accessories to see how it all comes together. This way, if any adjustments to your look are needed, there's ample time to make them.

Pros of Buying Your Hair Accessory

After Your Hair Trial:

• Stylist's input: If you wait until after your hair trial, your stylist can offer expert advice on the best type of headpiece for your chosen hairstyle. This can be especially helpful if you're unsure about which style will work best.

• Flexibility: If you haven't settled on a hairstyle, waiting until after your hair trial gives you the flexibility to choose a headpiece that complements your final choice.

Ultimately, the decision of when to buy your headpiece should be based on your comfort level and wedding timeline. Both options have their advantages, so consider what works best for you.

Factors to Consider

When deciding when to buy your wedding hair accessory, there are several factors to keep in mind:

• Personal Timeline and Wedding Date: Consider your wedding date and work backward to ensure you have enough time for your headpiece to be made and shipped.

• Potential Changes to Wedding Plans: Be mindful of any potential changes to your wedding plans that might affect your timeline. Flexibility is key to accommodating any unforeseen circumstances.

• Budget Considerations: Factor in the costs for rush orders and expedited shipping if you need your headpiece sooner. Budgeting for these expenses can help you avoid any last-minute financial surprises. If cost may be an issue it’s worth buying early to avoid rush fees or having to settle for something that’s not what you wanted to wear.

• Your Wedding Outfit: Tempting though it may be, in general I would recommend holding off choosing a hair accessory until you have finalised your wedding outfit so you can be sure everything works perfectly together.

Tips and Recommendations

For a stress-free experience, I recommend planning ahead if you can. Ideally, order your headpiece with plenty of time to spare, taking into account lead times and shipping durations. If you're unsure about the timing, err on the side of caution and order earlier rather than later. Of course we understand that this isn’t always possible so you can always upgrade to a rush option. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you think you’re running out of time - we can often still fulfil orders required in less than a week!

How I Can Help You

If you’re struggling to decide on a headpiece do get in touch. I’m here to help and have nearly 15 years of experience helping brides find their accessories. I can help you pick out a piece from our existing collection or we can work on a bespoke headpiece just for you. Planning ahead and being prepared will ensure you have one less thing to worry about as your wedding day approaches. I can offer advice via email, on the phone or in person at my Sheffield studio. 

Conclusion

I hope that with the knowledge I’ve shared about lead times, shipping options, and the benefits of ordering before or after your hair trial, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. If you have any questions about ordering you can contact me here or use the chat box below. 

If time is tight I recommend browsing our collection now and getting in touch with any questions you might have. I also have lots of blog posts with advice for choosing the right accessory for your style and you can browse them all here.

You can also sign up for my newsletter (head to the bottom left of this page) for lots more tips, inspiration and advice - and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram too!