Wedding Accessories

Choosing your gown may be top of your wedding to-do list, but don’t forget to allow plenty of time to choose the perfect wedding accessories to complete your look.

Balancing act

When selecting wedding accessories for your big day, the most important thing to remember is ‘less is more.’ Don’t be tempted to overdo it – several carefully chosen pieces that suit your personality and the style of your wedding gown will ensure you appear effortlessly stylish and timeless. The other golden rule is that the more elaborate you gown is, the simpler your wedding bridal accessories should be. Detailed fabrics look best with discreet accessories, while a more striking piece of jewellery can help accent a simpler gown.

A-head of style

When it comes to wedding hair accessories, designer Kate Dowman says that wedding veils are still as popular as ever, although headpieces are making a comeback. These include fascinators adorned with feathers and silk flowers, beaded Alice bands, and subtle, ‘50’s-inspired tiaras. If a headpiece isn’t your style, you could wear a beaded comb, fresh flowers, or crystal or pearl pins in your hair.

Whatever you decide to wear in your hair, ensure you take your body type and face shape into consideration. A round face suits a narrow veil or headpiece, as it slims it down; an oval face looks good with a fuller veil or wider headpiece; while a heart-shaped face needs a hairpiece that ends at jaw level to balance it. Beware of fascinators if you are tall as they can add height to your appearance, while long veils are an ideal option for making petite brides look taller. Ensure you hairstylist knows what your wedding hair accessories look like so she can create an appropriate hairstyle for you.

photo credit: katclay

Bejewelled

A beautiful necklace, bracelet or pair of earring is the perfect finishing touch to a bridal outfit. Lori McPherson from Astra Bridal says you can balance your look by wearing studs with an elaborate necklace, or opting for a bare neckline if you want wear drop earrings. If you are wearing a necklace, choose a style that complements the neckline of your gown.

A V-shaped or sweetheart neckline, for example, best suits a long Y-shaped necklace that comes down to a drop, while a multi-strand necklace or choker is a good choice for a strapless gown. If you want to keep your neckline simple, and your gown has a low-cut back, consider wearing a necklace that falls down your back or incorporating jewellery into the back of your gown. Alternatively, make this season’s hottest wedding accessory – a brooch – the feature of you look. Brooches are the perfect way to complement a vintage theme, incorporate the ‘something old’ into your look, or accentuate positive areas such as your bust or waist.

For all these jewellery options, Renata from Clara Jewellery says that pearls are a favourite this season and the good news is that while they are particularly popular now, they are also a classic choice that will never go out of fashion. She also notes that coloured stones are becoming increasingly popular, so brides shouldn’t feel restricted to white or ivory.

Practical pieces

As well as decorative jewellery, the weather may also necessitate practical wedding accessories. If you are getting married in summer, a parasol or fan will protect you from the heat, while Lori says that there is a high demand for faux-fur muffs, stoles and cloaks for winter weddings.

Lori also says a handbag is a must-have wedding accessory for many brides and bridesmaids. A beautiful satin clutch or beaded purse is a stylish carrier of girly essentials such as tissues, lipstick and mints.

Twinkle toes

There are numerous footwear options available from strappy heels for an elegant occasion to jewelled jandals for beach nuptials. Whatever footwear you decide upon, ensure it’s comfortable as you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet on the big day. It’s advisable to start looking for wedding shoes as soon as you decide on your gown, as you will need to take them along to your final fitting. To ensure your shoes are a good fit, shop during the afternoon, as this is when our feet are at their largest.

And don’t forget to wear your shoes in, as you don’t blisters on your wedding day!

Uniquely yours

The most important thing to remember when choosing wedding accessories is that they should reflect your personal style and taste. Whether it’s some cheap wedding accessories like funky earrings, a necklace with your birthstone or a precious family heirloom, don’t be afraid to let your individuality and personality shine through – after all, it’s your day!