What's the purpose of hair pins?

Besides keeping everything in place (bye-bye, flyaways), hair pins can also be used as a form of embellishment. The addition of a bridal pin (or three) to your wedding 'do is an easy way to jazz up your look without adding a veil or tiara .

What types of bridal hairstyles look best with hair pins?

Whether you opt for a polished chignon, a messy braid, or free-flowing locks, hair pins can work with a number of hairstyles . While one statement-making bridal pin may be appealing enough on its own, a set of small rosette hair pins can be just as impactful styled alongside effortless beach waves.

Should the hair pins coordinate with my wedding look?

While beach brides may flock to bold blooms, traditional brides may find themselves opting for a simple set of Swarovski crystals. Since there are no hard and fast rules for accessorizing your bridal look , it really comes down to personal preference.

20 Best Bridal Hair Pins of 2022

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Shoes and jewelry are probably the first accessories that come to mind when you're thinking of the finishing touches to complete your wedding day look. But a category not to be forgotten? Your hair accessories are just as deserving of their shining moment in the spotlight. One of our favorite types of hair accoutrement is a beautiful bridal hair pin. If you’re forgoing a veil or craving a second hair look for your reception, hair pins are the perfect way to accent your strands, With countless styles to consider—from sleek and sculptural to romantic and sparkly—there's something for everyone.

Whether your bridal aesthetic is minimal, bohemian, classic, or glamorous, you can create so many unique looks with bridal hair pins. Cinching a chignon? Hair pins. Accenting an updo? Hair pins. Embellishing a braid? Hair pins! Prettying up a ponytail? Hair. Pins. Livening up loose waves? Say it with us: hair pins!

To help you narrow down your choices, here are our favorite bridal hair pins (from pearls to crystals, flowers to seashells) for every bridal style and budget.

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Most Sparkly: Twigs & Honey Nomi Hair Pins

Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Charming and timeless, these pretty Swarovski crystal flower hair pins will elevate any bridal 'do. Whether you use them to pin back loose strands or to embellish a chignon, the options are endless.

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For the Celestial-Loving Bride: Mona Hair Pin Set

Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Add some whimsy to your reception or rehearsal dinner look with this celestial set of crystal pavé hair pins. It's an easy way to dress up a simple updo and add an unexpected detail.

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Best Pop of Color: Jennifer Behr Gemma Bobby Pin

Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Add a pop of color to your wedding day updo with this emerald and crystal hair pin from Jennifer Behr. It's an eye catching yet subtle detail that would stun with a sleek pulled back look.

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Most Goddess-Like: We Dream in Colour Denna Hair Pin

Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

These gold-plated brass leaf hair pins will have you channeling your inner Grecian goddess in no time. We love how ethereal they look paired alongside tousled waves or a low bun.

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Most Versatile: ABitOfLoveWedding Crystal Hair Pins

Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 3 days

Looking for a hint of sparkle? These delicate crystal pins will add just the right amount of shine to any half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle.

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For a Tropical Wedding: Jennifer Behr Aurelie Hair Pin

Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days

We can't help but picture this hair piece being the perfect accessory at your tropical destination wedding. An orchid vine cascades down from a dramatic center flower, making it perfect for a loose updo or half-up-half-down look.

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Most Ethereal: Twigs & Honey Niva Hair Pin

Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Fashioned from delicate metal, this hair pin is meant to mimic the wispy quality of botanical twigs. Style with your side swept hairdo for an effortless and dainty look.

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For the Romantic Bride: MarishaPavlishina Small White Flower Hair Pins

Shipping: $13.50 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 3 days

Why wear just one hair accessory when you can wear multiple? Sprinkle these small white flower hair pins throughout loosely flowing waves or in an updo for a romantic finish.

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Most Unique: QuirkySues Set of 2 Gold Hair Pins

hammered metal hairpins — Courtesy of Etsy

Shipping: $6.54 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

You can never go wrong with a plain accessory. Plus, these hammered hair pins are the sleekest way to secure a bun.

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For the Glamorous Bride: Nina Leafy Crystal Cluster Hair Pin Set

glitzy hairpins — Courtesy of David's Bridal

Shipping: $8 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

Glitzy yet modern, these crystal clusters will glimmer in any hairstyle. Wear one, two, or all three for a hint of glam that minimal brides will love.

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For the Whimsical Bride: Jennifer Behr Pippa Bobby Pin Set

Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days

Scatter butterflies throughout your hair for a delicate and ethereal look at your spring or summer wedding. The set comes with two different sizes of butterflies to add a bit of dimension to your look.

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Best Crystals: Dareth Colburn Giselle Crystal Hair Pin

Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Of course, you want to walk down the aisle feeling like royalty. These fancy marquise crystal gemstone hair pins would look downright gorgeous styled with a fairytale-esque ballgown.

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For the Classic Bride: Ben-Amun Pearly & Crystal Bobby Pins

Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Glass crystals combine with faux pearls for an heirloom-inspired look that you'll cherish for years to come. Pop of few of these pearlescent beauties into a low chignon or scattered throughout a braid for an after-hours affair.

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Most Vintage-Inspired: Jennifer Behr Denari Bobby Pin Set

Shipping: $15 UPS ground shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

It's all in the details. Vintage-loving brides won't be able to resist these gold cameo hair pins that call to mind a bygone era. They're the perfect size for pinning back stray hairs or including in a half updo.

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Best Bow: Shushu/Tong Large Straw Bow Hairpin

Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

Turn heads and wow from the back with a bow-shaped hair pin that's as sophisticated as it is romantic. Pair alongside an open-back evening gown and a voluminous chignon for a black-tie affair.

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For a Wedding Under the Stars: Lelet NY Seeing Stars Bobbi (Single)

Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

Is your wedding theme inspired by the celestial skies? Channel the starry night with crystal star bobbi pins in your hair.

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Best Florals: Serefina Trio of Enameled Hair Pins

Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

What could be sweeter than this trio of floral hair pins for a spring wedding? Follow the styling lead and wear yours tucked into a loose braid.

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Best Pearls: Macy's 2-Pc. Set Cultured Freshwater Pearl

Shipping: Free shipping for orders over $25 | Return policy: Full refund within 90 days

Classic and romantic, you truly cannot go wrong with adding pearls do your wedding day hairstyle. We love the cultured, freshwater look of these pearls, especially for a seaside ceremony.

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David's Bridal Pave Crystal Bride Mrs Wifey Barrette Set

Shipping: $8 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

Add some whimsy to your reception or rehearsal dinner look with this flirty set of crystal pavé hair pins. It's an easy way to dress up a simple updo and, more importantly, show off your newlywed status.

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For the Gothic Bride: Makao Snake Hair Pin

Shipping: $5 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 10 days

Gothic brides take note of this stunning brass snake hair prin. Guests will fawn over this unconventional and chic accessory. Plus, we love the garnet snake eye as an accent color.

What to Consider When Shopping for Bridal Hair Pins

Adding hair accessories - such as hair pins - to your wedding day updo is the perfect way to spice up your look. Before you commit to a piece, though, you should keep a few things in mind. First, decide whether you want to go the hair pin route or stay traditional with a veil. In many cases, having both a veil and a hair pin could look overwhelming and distract from the rest of your look.

Also, consider what style hair pin will work best with your hair type. For example, if your hair is on the thinner side, you aren't going to want a heavy hair pin weighing you down during your wedding day festivities, so instead, you might want to opt for a subtle hair pin that doesn't have too many crystals or embellishments. On the flip side, if your hair is on the thicker side, you are going to want a hair pin that stands out, or it might get lost in your updo.

FAQ

What's the purpose of hair pins?

Besides keeping everything in place (bye-bye, flyaways), hair pins can also be used as a form of embellishment. The addition of a bridal pin (or three) to your wedding 'do is an easy way to jazz up your look without adding a veil or tiara.
What types of bridal hairstyles look best with hair pins?

Whether you opt for a polished chignon, a messy braid, or free-flowing locks, hair pins can work with a number of hairstyles. While one statement-making bridal pin may be appealing enough on its own, a set of small rosette hair pins can be just as impactful styled alongside effortless beach waves.
Should the hair pins coordinate with my wedding look?

While beach brides may flock to bold blooms, traditional brides may find themselves opting for a simple set of Swarovski crystals. Since there are no hard and fast rules for accessorizing your bridal look, it really comes down to personal preference.

About the Author

Laura Lajiness is a writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry (she pens the occasional beauty conundrum and travel essay too). Her work can be found across various outlets, including ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery29, The Zoe Report, Well+Good, and Barneys New York, among other titles and brands. She was the senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report and POPSUGAR, and she has additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.