How to Accessorize a Wedding Dress to Elevate Your Bridal Style
Accessorizing your wedding dress is an essential part of creating your dream bridal look. As a custom bridal designer, my job is to create the wedding dress of your dreams. But that’s just the beginning — it’s equally important to find the perfect accessories to complement your gown and reflect your personal style.
Choose Your Wedding Dress First
I advise my brides to choose or design their dream wedding dress before deciding on accessories, because your dress serves as the foundation for the rest of your wedding day look, When trying on dresses, consider the overall style you’re aiming for on your Big Day, keeping in mind how you might accessorize for different looks. For example, the neckline of your wedding gown might affect the type of necklace or earrings you want to wear.
Finding the wedding dress before selecting accessories ensures that all elements of your bridal ensemble—from your wedding veil to your shoes—work together harmoniously. Remember, the goal is to accessorize your wedding dress in a way that creates both a focal point and balance.
How to Style Your Wedding Dress with a Veil
Should I Wear a Veil?
Deciding whether to wear a veil on your wedding day is a choice that depends on the style of your dress and your personal taste. A veil is a beautiful and timeless accessory that can add a touch of elegance and tradition to your look. When considering a veil, think about how it will complement the overall style of your dress and whether it matches the theme of your wedding.
If you’re thinking about a veil, it’s important to consider its length and style in relation to your gown. For example, a cathedral-length veil makes a stunning statement with a formal, full-length dress, while a birdcage veil might be the perfect match for a vintage-style dress.
I always recommend trying on several styles to see which one complements your wedding dress best and makes you feel like the bride you’ve always imagined when you walk down the aisle.
Matching the Veil with the Style and Neckline of Your Wedding Gown
The neckline of your dress also plays a significant role in choosing the right veil. A strapless dress works well with almost any veil style, from a romantic mantilla to a minimalist tulle veil. On the other hand, if your dress has a high neckline or detailed sleeves, you might consider a veil that attaches beneath the hair to keep the focus on those design elements.
Always consider the overall balance between your wedding dress and veil to achieve your desired look.
Hair Accessories, Headpieces and How to Wear Them
Hair Combs
Hair combs are versatile accessories that can add a touch of elegance to any bridal hairstyle. Whether you choose to wear your hair up or down, a beautifully crafted comb can serve as the perfect finishing touch.
Look for a comb that coordinates with the details of your wedding dress, like one adorned with pearls or crystals that match embellishments on your gown. Combs can be positioned to secure a veil or worn alone as a statement piece.
Headbands
Headbands are a fantastic way to add a modern or whimsical touch to your bridal hairstyle. From minimalistic designs to more elaborate styles adorned with beads or flowers, headbands can complement a range of dress styles.
When selecting a headband, consider how it will work with both your hairstyle and your gown. A delicate, thin headband might be all you need to add a subtle sparkle, while a more ornate headband can serve as the focal point of your overall look.
Tiaras
For brides dreaming of a fairytale wedding, a tiara can be the ultimate statement accessory. Tiaras offer royal elegance and can be worn with both traditional and contemporary wedding gown styles.
When choosing a tiara, consider the size and design in relation to your dress and hairstyle. A tiara should elevate your look without overwhelming it. Whether you choose a classic design studded with crystals or a more modest piece, a tiara can make you feel like a princess on your Big Day.
Select Wedding Jewelry that Complements Your Bridal Gown and Accessories
Your jewelry should reflect your personal taste while also complementing the overall aesthetic of your wedding theme and bridal ensemble.
Think about the neckline of your dress when choosing a necklace or pair of earrings. A sweetheart or strapless dress looks great with a simple pendant necklace or chandelier earrings. A statement necklace can highlight the décolletage elegantly with a plunging V-neck, while brides wearing a higher neckline might choose drop earrings and a matching bracelet.
Just make sure your jewelry complements, rather than competes with, your gown. Try everything on together — sometimes an unexpected piece can add the perfect final touch.
Pearls, Diamonds, and Metals: Deciding on the Best Bridal Jewelry
The choice between pearls, diamonds, and different metals largely depends on the color and fabric of your gown, as well as your personal preferences. Pearls offer timeless elegance and can be a perfect match for both classic and modern dresses. Diamonds make a stunning statement and add a luxurious sparkle.
Gold tones generally match warmer-colored gowns better, while silver or platinum complement cooler hues. Ultimately, the best bridal jewelry is that which makes you feel most beautiful and complements your overall wedding day look.
Modern vs. Traditional Wedding Jewelry: Finding Your Style
Choosing between modern and traditional wedding jewelry depends on your bridal fashion sense and the theme of your wedding. If your dress and décor lean towards contemporary, consider sleek, geometric jewelry pieces that reflect a modern and chic aesthetic. For a more traditional or vintage-inspired wedding, classic jewelry pieces like pearl necklaces or diamond studs can add an element of timeless beauty.
Again, the most important thing is to balance your jewelry with your dress and other accessories to make a cohesive look that reflects your bridal vision.
Matching Metal Accessories
When choosing your jewelry, veil accents, and even hair accessories, consider sticking to one type of metal across all pieces. This coherence can subtly tie your look together, creating an elegant and polished appearance. Whether you choose gold, silver, or rose gold, attention to this detail can make a significant difference in creating a cohesive look.
Choosing the Right Shoes
Be Comfortable on Your Big Day
Choosing the right pair of shoes for your wedding is a balancing act between achieving the look you want and staying comfortable. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day, so look for shoes that are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Consider the venue and the overall vibe of your wedding when selecting your shoes. A beach wedding might call for elegant flat sandals, whereas a ballroom event would be the perfect occasion for a pair of stylish heels. And of course you can always wear a second, more comfortable pair for the reception.
Complete Your Wedding Day Look with Bridal Accessories That Enhance Your Personal Style
Make a Statement with Sashes, Bows and Gloves
Enhancing your look with sashes, bows, and gloves can add a unique touch to your wedding ensemble. A sash tied around the waist can accentuate your figure and add color or texture to a simple wedding dress. Bows, whether incorporated into the dress design or as an accessory, can bring a whimsical or romantic touch. Gloves can add elegance and grace, especially for more formal weddings.
Accessorizing Your Bridal Look with a Belt
A belt can be a beautiful accessory to enhance your dress, particularly if you’re looking to define your waist or add a bit of sparkle. From delicate, beaded designs to bold, metallic bands, belts can offer a stunning contrast or harmonious addition to your gown.
It can serve as a focal point or a subtle accent, depending on its design and how it complements your dress.
Staying Warm with Chic Wraps and Cover-Ups
For weddings in cooler climates or seasons, stylish wraps and cover-ups not only keep you warm but also add a touch of elegance to your ensemble. From delicate lace shawls to luxurious fur stoles, there are plenty of options to suit any aesthetic.
These accessories create texture and depth to your dress while making sure you’re comfortable throughout your wedding day. Consider the color and fabric of your gown when selecting a wrap or cover-up to ensure a harmonious addition to your bridal attire.
Whether draped elegantly over your shoulders or wrapped snugly for warmth, these accessories can enhance your wedding day look while keeping you cozy.
Elevating Your Wedding Style with Custom Wedding Accessories
For brides looking to truly personalize your look, custom wedding accessories offer a unique opportunity to express your wedding vision. Working with artisans or designers to create one-of-a-kind accessories ensures that every detail of your ensemble reflects your personality and wedding vision.
As a custom wedding dress designer, I of course recommend going custom with your dress and accessories. It’s truly a luxurious experience to have an ensemble created specifically for your body, and your wedding is the perfect time to celebrate your individual personality and vision. Embrace the opportunity to style your dress with personal touches that celebrate your unique love story.
