Fourteenth: The Wedding Hijab
When the bride-to-be, Hala, walked through the doors of Headpiece.com, she awakened another creative avenue to my design work; the Wedding Hijab. I learned about her culture by designing her hijab accessories and being asked to help dress her on her wedding day.
Hala came to Headpiece.com with only weeks left until her wedding. She struggled to find bridal accessories, as there aren’t any shops that specialize in wedding veils and headpieces for the hijab. Worried that she wouldn’t find the right veil to go with her wedding gown, Hala purchased one at a local bridal shop. The bridal shop was unsure how to make a traditional wedding veil on a metal comb work with Hala’s hijab, so they cut the comb off and handed her the veil. Her best friend, Iman, lives in Pompton Plains and suggested she check out Headpiece.com in hopes of finding a solution to her problem.
“Hala’s veil was heavy due to the weight of the beading, lace, and embroidery. The challenge was to find a method to attach it to her hijab in a way that would prevent slippage while allowing her to dance the night away. I had the perfect solution!”
I created a custom frame for Hala’s veil and asked her to come in for a fitting to make sure my method would work. The next step was to hand-sew her beautiful vine headpiece to her veil. I have devised so many unique techniques over the decades, and this is why brides trust Headpiece.com and seek us out. It is rare to find these types of services in a regular bridal salon.
Hala took advantage of Headpiece.com’s new “Wedding Day Accessory Services.” She knew I was the only one who could put her at ease on her wedding day and make sure her wedding style hijab was placed with perfection! I joined Hala and her bridal party at her home to help her get ready.
“In our house we have a bride.”
Hala’s Wedding DAy
Wedding Photography by Bright Light Studios
“The hijab is a religious veil worn by Muslim women. It translates to the literal definition of ‘barrier.’ In a broader context, the hijab represents the principle of modesty that should be practiced by both men and women. By covering one’s hair, arms, legs, and only exposing the hands and face, a Muslim woman practices modesty.”
The umta is worn as the underlay for the hijab.
“The beauty of hijab, like anything else in fashion, is that it can be worn in any way a woman feels comfortable, as long as it abides by the religious rulings of it. Personally I use my hijab to express myself by incorporating modern-day fashion into my day-to-day outfits. Many women choose to wear multiple layers; some for fashion, others for stabilizing and concealing purposes. An under piece, or umta, can be worn as the first layer. It can be worn as to be exposed or to be hidden underneath the larger wrap, or laffeh, worn on top.”
The laffeh is worn on top of the umta. The simplicity of white on white serves as the canvas for Hala’s beautiful bridal accessories.
“I wanted my wedding day to be as stress-free as humanly possible. I was extremely happy with Marie’s services on my wedding day. We ran behind schedule, so Marie was kind enough to wait until the makeup artist finished her work before starting on my hijab, veil, and headpiece styling. She took her time and made sure everything was precise.”
I was happy that previously we rehearsed the accessory assembly. It was tedious work and proper placement and symmetry needed to be precise from the onset. There was no time for a “second try.”
There is no one specific way to drape the hijab. The final styling has to do with preference. As the finishing touch, Iman helped to secure the laffeh and prepare Hala to step into her wedding gown.
Hala looked beautiful and happy as she left for her wedding celebration at The Venetian, in Garfield, NJ.
Eve of Milady designed Hala’s gown with its breathtaking beaded applique train. Tina’s bridal in Totowa, NJ, worked with Hala to fully customize the bodice to give her the coverage and design elements she envisioned, including beautiful sleeves.
I love how Hala’s color palette of pink and blush fabrics worked amidst the spectacular floral decor and backdrop from event experts Hala’s Wedding Center.
I asked Hala if there are any challenges to wearing a veil and headpiece with the hijab.
“I think there are challenges because of a lack of resources and hijab stylists in the area. While there are people in our Muslim community who do style the wedding hijab with the veil, there are many different styles, and they did not appeal to me.”
“Everyone commented on how my headpiece and veil went perfectly with my wedding dress, and how classy it all came together!”
Hala’s bridesmaid, Bayan, loved it so much, that she came to us weeks later to create a custom veil for her hijab for her wedding day.
Bayan had something even more custom in mind for her wedding hijab! She fell in love with the textured flowers on her Casablanca gown. Tina’s Bridal modified her bodice and created sleeves with extra fabric purchased from Casablanca. Bayan had an odd-shaped scrap of flowered fabric left and knew she wanted a custom veil made from the remnant, but couldn’t find anyone to make it for her.
“What I wanted was different than anything found in the market, so it needed to be handmade. I had extra fabric from my wedding dress and wanted someone to create a veil using it. It was difficult finding someone who could make my vision come to life. ”
The pieces of fabric Bayan brought to me weren’t much. I knew I needed to use every single flower and inch of material to create the design. First, I designed a custom veil pattern to give her the sheerness, shape, and flow she desired. Then she came in with her hijab wrapped around her, and I began pinning flowers for placement beforehand stitching.
It took hours to sew all of the flowers in place, followed by hours of beading. Bayan chose Swarovski pearls, rhinestones, white opals, and clear crystals. This veil was the perfect combination of texture, sparkle, and movement.
Bayan’s Wedding Day
Wedding Photography by Yasmeen Haleem Photo and Video
“The hijab is worn for many reasons, and every person has their own reason. Hijab is worn to ensure modesty. I wear hijab for that reason and also to show my devotion to God.”
“There aren’t any places in our area that specialize in wedding style hijabs. I was blown away when I saw my veil. It was everything I wanted and more!”
I love how Bayan’s veil photographed. The shape of the veil causes it to flow softly and freely outside the beautiful silhouette of her gown. It allows you to appreciate the delicate beading and floral handwork.
I hope this month’s blog left you appreciating the beauty of the wedding styled hijab, and like me learning a little bit about another culture. I leave you with a wonderful capture of Adham and Bayan’s wedding day!
Video by Yasmeen Haleem Photo and Video
Next month on the Fourteenth:
The Family Crown