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Your wedding dress is the centrepiece of your bridal ensemble, but it’s the accessories that truly elevate your entire look.
From delicate veils to sparkling jewellery and from elegant shoes to stylish hairpieces, the right accessories don’t just complete your outfit, they enhance your style, reflect your personality and help you feel like your very best self.
With so many options available, however, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when selecting the perfect pieces.
In this guide of how to Choose the Perfect Wedding Accessories, we’ll take you through the process of choosing wedding accessories that complement your dress, match your wedding theme and reflect your unique style, all while keeping in mind specific trends and traditions.
Start with Your Wedding Dress
When it comes to accessories, everything begins with your wedding dress. Your dress sets the tone for your entire look, so your accessories should complement, not compete with, it.
The key to choosing accessories lies in understanding your dress’s style, neckline and fabric.
Dress Style: If your wedding dress is intricate with details like lace, beading or appliqué, opt for minimalist accessories that won’t overwhelm the design. For a simpler gown, such as a sleek satin sheath or classic A-line dress, you have more freedom to experiment with bold accessories like statement necklaces or dramatic earrings.
Neckline: The neckline of your dress plays a significant role in determining which accessories will work best. Strapless or sweetheart necklines are perfect for pairing with statement necklaces or chandelier earrings, while high necklines or boat necks often look best with more subtle pieces, such as simple studs or a delicate pendant. If your dress has a V-neck, you have a versatile canvas for both bold or subtle necklaces, from a simple chain to a stunning choker.
Fabric and Texture: The fabric of your dress will also influence your accessory choices. Silk or satin gowns often pair beautifully with gold or diamond jewellery, while vintage lace designs look stunning with silver or antique-inspired pieces. Pay attention to the texture of your dress too, smooth fabrics may call for elegant, delicate jewellery, while textured dresses can handle bolder, more statement making pieces.
Consider Your Wedding Theme and Location
The location and theme of your wedding play a huge role in determining the type of accessories that will work best. Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, from grand country house celebrations to intimate city affairs and your accessories should reflect the style and vibe of your big day.
Outdoor and Rustic Weddings: For a rustic or countryside wedding, perhaps in a barn or on a farm, opt for accessories that evoke a natural, organic feel. Floral hairpieces, crystal encrusted combs or dainty hairpins can add a touch of romance. In rural areas, a flower crown or delicate crystal bracelet can seamlessly complement the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Classic and Elegant Weddings: If your wedding is taking place in a more traditional, grand venue, such as a stately home or an elegant hotel, you’ll want accessories that are timeless and sophisticated. Think pearls, diamonds, or vintage inspired pieces that match the classic nature of your gown. Simple veils, elegant tiaras, and antique brooches are perfect for venues in areas where country estates and manor houses set the stage for a refined and opulent celebration.
Destination Weddings: For a destination wedding, such as a beach ceremony, your accessories should complement the natural surroundings. For beach weddings, consider understated accessories like a pearl necklace or barefoot sandals. For lakeside or woodland weddings, delicate flower crowns or crystal bracelets can tie your look to the serene landscape.
Reflect Your Personal Style
Your wedding is about celebrating your love story and your accessories should reflect your unique personality. Whether you lean toward minimalism, vintage glamour, or boho chic, your accessories should highlight your individual style and add a personal touch to your bridal look.
Personal Pieces: Many brides choose to wear jewellery with sentimental value, whether it’s a family heirloom or a meaningful gift from their partner. A bracelet passed down from your grandmother or a custom necklace with a special engraving, adds not only beauty but emotional significance to your look. Custom made pieces, such as a locket with photos of loved ones or a bracelet engraved with a special date, are also great ways to carry a personal connection on your big day.
Bold and Unique Choices: If you love making a statement, don’t be afraid to go bold with your accessories. A vintage style brooch, a unique pair of shoes or a floral headpiece can add a memorable twist to your bridal look. However, balance is key. If you choose a statement piece, keep the rest of your accessories simple to avoid overwhelming your look.
Symbolic Accessories: Many brides incorporate symbolic accessories that hold special meaning. This could be a charm bracelet with meaningful tokens, a gemstone that represents your birthstone or jewellery that connects to your partner’s family. These personal touches not only enhance your look but also add an extra layer of sentiment to your wedding day.
Prioritise Comfort and Practicality
While the temptation to choose glamorous, show stopping accessories is strong, comfort and practicality should always be a priority. Your wedding day will be long and the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable.
Comfortable Shoes: Wedding shoes need to be beautiful, but they also need to be practical. You’ll likely spend a lot of time standing, walking and dancing, so choose shoes that will keep you comfortable throughout the day. If heels aren’t your thing, consider stylish flats or low heeled options. Given the unpredictable UK weather, you might want to opt for weatherproof options like block heels or chic boots, especially for outdoor weddings.
Manageable Veil: A veil can add an air of elegance to your look, but it’s important to choose one that you can wear comfortably throughout the day. A fingertip length veil is a good balance between elegance and practicality, while a longer, cathedral veil can make a dramatic statement. If you're concerned about it blowing away during an outdoor ceremony, consider a secure hairpiece or a more structured veil that stays in place.
Jewellery Weight: Light, comfortable jewellery is a must for your big day. Large, heavy earrings or bulky necklaces can become uncomfortable after hours of wear. Opt for delicate pieces, such as small stud earrings or a subtle bracelet, so you can enjoy your wedding without feeling weighed down.
Coordinate with Your Hair and Makeup
Your wedding accessories should complement your hair and makeup, helping to create a cohesive look that feels balanced and beautiful.
Hairpieces and Headbands: If you’re opting for an intricate hairstyle, such as an updo or braids, a statement hairpiece can help complete the look. A vintage comb, floral crown or sparkling tiara can add the perfect finishing touch without overshadowing your hairstyle. Many brides choose understated crystal hairpins or delicate combs for a more elegant, subtle look.
Makeup: Your choice of makeup will also impact your accessory selection. If you’re going for bold makeup, such as a dramatic smoky eye or a bright red lip, you might prefer more subtle accessories to avoid clashing. On the other hand, if your makeup is more natural, you can afford to experiment with larger or bolder accessories like statement earrings or a sparkling headband.
Try Before You Commit
The best way to finalise your wedding accessories is to try them on with your dress in person. Many bridal boutiques offer consultations and fitting sessions where you can experiment with various accessories, helping you see how they work together and ensuring everything complements your dress, makeup and overall bridal look.
Wedding accessories are an essential part of your bridal ensemble and they can range from understated elegance to bold and creative statements.
Whether you prefer timeless pieces or want to make a statement with your accessories, the key is to choose what makes you feel the most like yourself.
By considering your dress, venue, personal style and comfort, you’ll find the perfect pieces to complete your bridal look.
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