bridal accessories

WE ALL KNOW accessories can make an outfit. Once you have decided on your dress, allow yourself to have some fun by experimenting with veils, tiaras and shoes

If you are wearing a simple dress then accessories can either enhance or complement your gown by adding extra detail or drama. But if your dress is already heavily embellished or in a striking fabric such as lace, you may want to keep accessories to a minimum to avoid looking too fussy. Whatever you decide, choose accessories that work in harmony with your dress in order to achieve a look that’s true to your natural style.

Veils

There is a symbolism surrounding the wearing of a bridal veil, it’s thought to be a visual expression of purity, modesty and mystique. If you decide to wear one then there are a multitude of lengths and styles available. It is important to find the veil that complements not only your dress, but your height and frame. When trying a veil on, stand well back from the mirror to see where it falls in relation to your dress. If you want a veil but cannot decide what looks best, consider having one made to measure, then it will fit perfectly and be in a material that matches the rest of your outfit.

Tiara and Hair Accessories

Just as with veils, you are unlikely to have worn a tiara before so consider your colouring, shape and of course the style of dress. Remember your bone structure and face shape can have a strong bearing on what style will suit you. Big or high hair styles need a broad tiara whereas short hair will look best with a shallow one. Indeed, whatever hair style you choose – whether you are wearing it up or down – is really important to the hair accessory you decide on. If you prefer, keep things simple with decorative hair slides, which are great alternatives because they add an extra special dimension with little effort.

Jewellery

A necklace or bracelet provides the perfect finishing touch to any look and can offset a dress wonderfully. The great thing about jewellery is there are styles to suit every taste and gown. For example, if you are wearing a vintage dress you could opt for period jewels to be in keeping. Think of not only the material but neckline of your dress when selecting a necklace. Similarly, when choosing a bracelet take into consideration if your dress is sleeved or not. Jewels can be delicate or make a statement, and depending on your taste you could choose to wear diamonds or gem stones for added glitz, or pearls for understated but classic elegance.

Shoes

Whether you opt for a high or low heel your wedding shoes should not only be beautiful but comfortable too, as you will most likely be wearing them all day long. Although you can buy shoes from dedicated bridal salons, most shoe shops either offer wedding ranges or footwear suitable for any occasion; so look around to find the pair that suits you most. But remember to keep your location and the setting of your wedding in mind when choosing your shoes; for example, if you are getting married on a beach sandals may not be suitable.

The garter

Before it became customary for the bouquet to be thrown, it was conventional to toss the garter. Although not every bride chooses to wear one it is frequently incorporated into the ‘something old...’ tradition, for example it may be ‘borrowed’ from a previous bride or perhaps be the colour ‘blue’ to symbolise longevity.