Once the dress has been designed or chosen, ordered and embellished, it's time to accessorise!
Accessories are by no means essential items, but they really do add that finishing touch and help to achieve to the overall look you are trying to create.
There are a number of Wedding dress accessories available, and by no means do Brides need to head out and purchase all of them (or at least don't tell your partner if you do!) and they are all covered throughout the course of this article. If by chance we have missed anything, please e-mail us and we will correct the error of our ways straight away.
Now, on with all those items that really can make all the difference...
Veils
Typically these are single or multiple layers of tulle normally attached to a comb-style slide. One layer can be brought forward and worn over the face for the traditionalists out there (this originates from arranged weddings where the bride would hide her face until after the service so the groom couldn’t back out!). Standard lengths include: 36” (short), 45” (shoulder), 54” (waist), 72”(hips), 108” (floor), 126” (train), 144” (cathedral train). Whilst veils can not be exactly colour matched to a gown they should be pretty much invisible against the gown. Veils can also be trimmed with scatter beads, crystals or diamantes.
An alternative to tulle is chiffon which is a perfect complement to a medieval wedding, trimmed with gold embroidery and held in place with a narrow band encircling the top of the head (either made from flowers for the earthy look or as an ornate slim crown for a more regal affair).
Tiaras
Whether you are having a traditional veil or not, it is likely you will want a hair piece of some description. If you are having a veil, your tiara will normally sit in front of the comb which holds it in place, the top layer could then be brought over both the tiara and your face if you are choosing this traditional look. Did you know that this historically stems back to medieval times when kings and lords arranged for their children to marry to combine the wealth of families. The brides would cover their faces until after the service so that a groom wouldn’t run out on an agreement because their bride was less than pretty!
Standard tiaras are made from twisted metal and are either decorated with crystals and beads, diamante, or for the less money conscious, real jewels and gemstones can be used for a truly exclusive look. Tiaras tend to rise to a point at the front, where most of the decorative work is and has a gap in the metal work at the back so that it can accommodate veils and intricate hairstyles,
Crowns can either be made in exactly the same way as the tiaras mentioned above, however there is no break in the metal work at the back to form a circular headpiece to sit atop the head. Alternatively, instead of twisted metal and crystals it can be made from solid metal. If a veil is to be worn it can be placed at the rear of the crown. Hairstyles suiting crowns are either sleek styles, either up or down, tousled curls left loose or a high bun (either sleek or curly) around which the crown can sit.
A final head piece option is one of flowers, either dried, fresh or silk. Either an arrangement attached to a comb-style hair slide or made in to a floral ring to wearing a similar way to a crown or a more contemporary option is to attach flowers (either in small clusters or individually) to hair slides and dot into place as part of your selected style. These can be combined with crystals or feathers for a contemporary look. Or to capture that beach babe feel use a single large flower which matches your wedding colour scheme, Gerbera for example, pinned in to your locks.
Jewellery
As far as Jewellery goes, you need to get something which complements your engagement ring, tiara and dress (colour and neckline). Realistically you are probably looking for a necklace and earrings, possibly a bracelet.
If the neckline of your dress is on the low side a pendant style necklace will break up the space and add detail to a bare neckline. Higher necklines might be better suited to a chocker style. A very high neckline such as high collar or slash neck could go with a longer pendant or without anything at all.
In terms of earrings, studs look good regardless of hairstyle and whilst dangly designs can work with long styles they very look sophisticated with a strapless dress and an up do.
Dress Accessories
Once you start looking at dresses your quickly deduce that your choices are on going. Wraps are always a popular choice, often made from organza or chiffon they can be brought out for your evening do. To add something extra special consider a contrasting colour which compliments the rest of your day. A wrap is a large rectangular piece of fabric which is worn around the back draped over each arm.
Boleros, again made from chiffon or organza but also often available in the same fabric as your gown. They are worn as a shrug, a short jacket which ends about half way between the bust and waist.
A cape which is about the same length as a bolero, however instead of armholes the fabric simply sits on the shoulders and flows down the back and arms. It can be made from almost any fabric in either a contrasting or similar colour. A cloak is an extension of this and is normally full length with a hood. Both of these look particularly good in a deep velvet for a winter wedding.
Shoes
Your wedding shoes are a really important purchase, they need to be super comfy as you’ll be in them for a number of hours. Make sure you select something you can walk easily in. Consider the practicalities, the width and height of the heel and whether you need an ankle strap to hold your foot in place. Then consider the style, do you want slip-ons, wedges, sandals, pointed toes etc.
Remember if you are wearing a full length gown your guests will only occasionally catch a glimpse of your shoes so if you want to do something a bit quirky consider wearing a colour of shoe that compliments your day - most satin shoes can be dyed to match other colours within your day.
If the sole of your shoe is smooth and you have a fear of falling or slipping on the big day you can add friction by making thin cuts with a craft knife on the sole of the shoe.
An Evening outfit
Some brides want to keep their dress on for as long as possible, not even wanting to remove after the day is over and it’s time for bed. Some on the other hand quite like the thought of having a different outfit altogether on the evening. Obviously, the world is your oyster - you can wear whatever your heart so desires however, consider that you may still want to be spotted as the bride at 50 paces. One option is to buy a wedding dress made from separates and buy a different skirt for the evening. Many designers will make short skirts or even trousers in the same fabric as most of their bodices. This way you can have the best of both worlds and make the most of your carefully picked dress.
.
.
Related: There are hundreds of wedding articles on the site, each filled with superb ideas, advice and inspiration. Check out the links in the left hand column to read more. Alternatively, to search for a local wedding venue, product or service provider, try our Wedding Directory. With over 13,000 companies already listed, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
