How I Make Bespoke Accessories For Weddings
Would you like to come behind the scenes with me to see what happens when I create bespoke bridal hair accessories?
I love seeing the thought and work that goes in to creating something and if you’re the same, I hope you enjoy this week’s article!
If you’re a bride to be, it will give you an idea of what to expect from a bespoke experience (with any supplier) and if you’re thinking of starting your own accessory business, it’ll give you some ideas of what I do that might help you get started too!
The truth is, making a bespoke piece is really just a small part of the process; the real work happens before I pick up tools - here’s what really happens, step by step.
Hi, I’m Sarah…
An accessory designer and educator helping you to feel incredible on your wedding day with accessories designed just for you!
The Starting Point
This varies depending on who I’m working with.
If we’ve met on social media, the chances are we’ve already built a connection before you reach out to me and I’ll have an idea of your style from the things you share on your social feeds.
Sometimes I sketch a few rough ideas out so I can show you some suggestions if you’re not sure which direction to go in, but ultimately, these ideas evolve as we meet to include different elements.
If we’ve never met before, our starting point is our first meeting, which is a safe space for you to share all your ideas, tell me what you like and dislike and see if you want to work with me before committing to anything.
Many bespoke designs take inspiration from pieces in my shop - are there any that inspire you?
Let’s Meet!
Zoom has done wonders in recent years and it’s made things a whole lot easier for those working online.
Whereas I used to call people or meet them in person, Zoom allows me to meet you face to face, giving us a chance to see if we’re a good fit before we start.
(I never take it personally if you decide we’re not a good fit; the most important thing for me is that you feel happy and comfortable putting your trust in me and if that’s not right for you, that’s ok! I may know other people that can help.).
I find that I pick up more details about you that I wouldn’t normally from an email or phone call. The magic of my designs lies in the little things you tell me, the details you share about your day and the little mannerisms you have - how you play with your hair when we talk tunes me in to which accessories might be a better fit for you, for example!
These meetings give me a more rounded picture of you, which sticks in my mind, and that’s so important for when I start creating your headpiece.
No matter how vague or clear your ideas are, this is the time we refine everything and define what it is you need and want. You’ll leave with a clearer idea of what’s possible within your budget and how I’ll make it happen for you!
I always ask about bridesmaids too, as I know many of my brides have found it easier to coordinate their bridesmaids at the same time, but if that’s not for you, that’s fine too! If you’re on the fence, I can always send across some ideas and prices for your bridesmaids and you’re free to com back later if you want to.
Designs At The Ready…
Based on your ideas, I create some rough sketches to give you an idea of what your accessory will look like.
Always drawn using my favourite pen (Horizon OHTO, with a bright yellow barrel and needlepoint nib with black ink) in my marble effect Filofax notebook
Sometimes there are a few variations, sometimes there’s just one - it all depends on how specific we got in our meeting.
Either way, this is your headpiece, so you can adapt the designs until you’re happy - move a few details across, add in more crystals, transform it in to a comb…I work with you until you’re happy :)
And then, the fun begins!
If you’re having colours in your hair accessory, I’ll send you a crystal colour chart so you can choose which colours you like and I will make suggestions if you’re not sure where to start. Where possible, I’ll send you some details mocked up so you can picture them a bit easier as it can be hard to visualise how your finished hair accessory will look from a sketch.
Nicky’s ideas started with an owl and ended up with a flamingo! Helping her to picture the finished piece with some details really helped.
Meditative State Loading - Creating Your Masterpiece Begins!
I really do find creating headpieces therapeutic - every one of my course students has agreed and there’s always a moment where we fall into comfortable silence twisting our wire!
Once you’ve decided on the design you like and all the details, I start working on your accessory. It can take me anywhere from a few hours for a set of pins to a couple of days for larger, more intricate pieces (think the Ariadne crown or the Heidi and Gold Coast vines).
If you’re thinking of making accessories yourself - take breaks regularly. You’ll find that you’ll need to stretch and look up from the focused work quite a bit to be able to see the bigger picture, otherwise you’ll start to make mistakes and get frustrated.
I also find I need that time to keep you and your design fresh in my mind - I’m constantly asking, “What would she think of this?” and “Will that sit well around her up do or do I need to change it?” - it’s important to check in and make sure I’m delivering what I’ve promised (or something better!).
To set the scene for you, my studio is just outside my house in my back garden. I can hear the water falling in to our fish pond by the window and the birds singing, and I have my fairy lights and wax burner on, filling the space with a warm, cosy glow and a beautiful scent. I listen to audio books as they don’t distract me as much as music, but sometimes I’ll happily work away in silence!
Coffee, wax burner and fairy lights make for the perfect cosy creative space :)
Lights, Camera, Action!
Seeing your ideas transform is part of the fun, so I take you on the journey with me, recording videos of your hair accessory being made and sending you photos and updates on progress.
It shows you how your ideas and words have transformed in to a headpiece that is exactly what you had in your mind, without compromise.
Ready To Fly…
I’ll let you in on a secret: it can take me at least half an hour to pack up your headpiece.
Crazy, right?
Attention to detail doesn’t stop with your finished accessory, as, in many ways, receiving it is the start of a new experience for you.
Hair pins are carefully wrapped in acid-free tissue paper to protect them from damage and tarnishing and larger pieces are displayed and secured nicely in a beautiful box, so you can experience love at first sight when you open it!
Gabrielle’s bespoke vine in rose gold, with rose quartz, freshwater pearls and amethyst coloured crystals.
Aftercare
I thrive on building connections with people because that’s the kind of person I am, so I keep in touch with you to check in and see how you’re doing in the run up to your wedding day.
I never wanted to be a “shop and drop” service so I decided to do things differently. I keep your accessory a secret until after your wedding day and then a little while after, I share how I created your accessories here on my blog and send you a link to the article for you to read it and keep. Read some examples here!
Bespoke design seems daunting and unclear but it’s not something anyone needs to worry about. If you’re interested in finding out more or would like to work with me, you can reach me here! Never any hard sell or an expectation that you’ll work with me, come and find out what’s possible and we can take it a step at a time together.