Complete Your Bridal Look: The Ultimate Wedding Accessories Guide
Your wedding dress is the star of the show, but the right accessories can elevate your entire bridal look from beautiful to absolutely stunning. From veils to jewelry to shoes, every detail matters when creating your perfect bridal ensemble. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the accessories that will make you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your special day.
The Art of Accessorizing
Less is More
When it comes to wedding accessories, the golden rule is “less is more.” Your dress should be the focal point, with accessories enhancing rather than competing with it.
Consider Your Dress
- Neckline: Choose jewelry that complements your dress’s neckline
- Style: Match your accessories to your dress’s overall style
- Color: Coordinate metals and colors with your dress
- Details: Let your dress’s details guide your accessory choices
Veils: The Classic Bridal Accessory
Types of Veils
Birdcage Veils
- Length: Short, covering just the face
- Style: Vintage, retro, sophisticated
- Best for: Tea-length dresses, vintage themes, outdoor weddings
- Face coverage: Partial face coverage for a mysterious look
Fingertip Veils
- Length: Falls to your fingertips when arms are at your sides
- Style: Classic, versatile, elegant
- Best for: Most dress styles, traditional weddings
- Face coverage: Can be worn over the face or flipped back
Waltz Veils
- Length: Falls between knee and ankle
- Style: Romantic, flowing, elegant
- Best for: A-line dresses, romantic themes
- Face coverage: Typically worn flipped back
Cathedral Veils
- Length: Extends beyond the train of your dress
- Style: Dramatic, traditional, formal
- Best for: Formal weddings, ball gowns, grand venues
- Face coverage: Can be worn over the face for the ceremony
Veil Considerations
- Venue: Consider your ceremony location and weather
- Dress style: Match the veil to your dress’s formality
- Hair style: Your hairstyle will affect how the veil sits
- Comfort: Make sure you can move and dance comfortably
Veil Alternatives
- Hair accessories: Combs, clips, or headbands
- Flowers: Fresh or silk flowers in your hair
- Tiaras: For a princess-like look
- No veil: Many modern brides opt for no veil at all
Jewelry: The Perfect Finishing Touch
Necklace Selection
Strapless Dresses
- Best options: Statement necklaces, chokers, or no necklace
- Considerations: Let your collarbone and shoulders shine
- Avoid: Long necklaces that compete with the neckline
V-Neck Dresses
- Best options: Pendants, Y-necklaces, or delicate chains
- Considerations: Follow the V-shape of your neckline
- Avoid: Necklaces that sit too high or too low
High Neck Dresses
- Best options: Earrings and bracelets as focal points
- Considerations: Skip the necklace to avoid a cluttered look
- Avoid: Necklaces that compete with the high neckline
Sweetheart Necklines
- Best options: Pendants, delicate chains, or statement pieces
- Considerations: The sweetheart shape is already decorative
- Avoid: Overwhelming the neckline with too much jewelry
Earring Choices
- Studs: Classic and elegant, perfect for any dress
- Drop earrings: Add movement and elegance
- Chandelier earrings: Dramatic and glamorous
- Pearl earrings: Timeless and sophisticated
Bracelet Selection
- Delicate chains: Subtle and elegant
- Pearl bracelets: Classic and timeless
- Charm bracelets: Personal and meaningful
- Bangles: Modern and stylish
Ring Considerations
- Engagement ring: Consider how it will look with your wedding band
- Wedding band: Choose a style that complements your engagement ring
- Other rings: Keep other rings minimal or remove them
Shoes: Beauty Meets Comfort
Shoe Style Considerations
- Dress length: Your dress length will determine how much of your shoes show
- Venue: Consider the surface you’ll be walking on
- Comfort: You’ll be wearing them for hours
- Style: Match your dress’s formality
Popular Bridal Shoe Styles
- Classic pumps: Timeless and elegant
- Strappy sandals: Modern and comfortable
- Embellished flats: Comfortable and stylish
- Ankle boots: For winter or outdoor weddings
- Barefoot sandals: For beach weddings
Shoe Color Options
- White or ivory: Classic bridal choice
- Metallic: Gold, silver, or rose gold
- Colored: Match your wedding colors
- Nude: Elongates the leg and goes with everything
Comfort Tips
- Break them in: Wear your shoes around the house
- Bring backups: Have comfortable shoes for the reception
- Consider inserts: Cushioned inserts can help with comfort
- Test the height: Make sure you can walk and dance comfortably
Hair Accessories: Crowning Glory
Types of Hair Accessories
- Tiaras: Royal and glamorous
- Headbands: Modern and versatile
- Hair combs: Elegant and secure
- Hair pins: Delicate and decorative
- Flowers: Natural and romantic
Choosing the Right Hair Accessory
- Hair style: Consider how your hair will be styled
- Dress style: Match the formality of your dress
- Personal style: Choose something that reflects your personality
- Comfort: Make sure it stays in place
Flower Crowns and Fresh Flowers
- Seasonal flowers: Choose flowers that are in season
- Color coordination: Match your wedding colors
- Durability: Fresh flowers may wilt throughout the day
- Backup plan: Have a backup accessory ready
Undergarments: The Foundation
Bra Selection
- Strapless bras: For strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses
- Convertible bras: Versatile for different necklines
- Built-in bras: Many wedding dresses have built-in support
- No bra: Some dresses don’t require additional support
Shapewear Considerations
- Comfort: Make sure you can breathe and move
- Dress style: Choose shapewear that works with your dress
- Color: Match your skin tone or dress color
- Quality: Invest in good shapewear for all-day comfort
Slip Options
- Full slips: For dresses that need additional lining
- Half slips: For dresses that need skirt fullness
- No slip: Some dresses don’t need additional slips
Seasonal Accessories
Winter Weddings
- Wraps or shawls: Keep warm during outdoor photos
- Fur stoles: Elegant and warm
- Closed-toe shoes: Protect against cold weather
- Gloves: Elegant and practical
Summer Weddings
- Light wraps: For evening receptions
- Breathable fabrics: Choose lightweight accessories
- Sun protection: Consider a parasol for outdoor ceremonies
- Comfortable shoes: Avoid shoes that will make your feet hot
Beach Weddings
- Barefoot sandals: Perfect for beach ceremonies
- Lightweight accessories: Avoid heavy jewelry
- Wind considerations: Secure hair accessories well
- Waterproof makeup: Protect against humidity
Budget Considerations
Prioritizing Accessories
- Splurge on: Items you’ll wear all day (shoes, jewelry)
- Save on: Items that are less visible (undergarments)
- Consider rentals: Some accessories can be rented
- DIY options: Some accessories can be made at home
Cost-Saving Tips
- Shop sales: Look for accessory sales
- Borrow items: Consider borrowing from friends or family
- Multi-purpose: Choose accessories you can wear again
- Simple elegance: Sometimes less expensive items look better
Accessorizing for Different Dress Styles
Ball Gowns
- Veils: Cathedral or waltz length veils
- Jewelry: Statement pieces that can compete with the dress
- Shoes: Comfortable shoes for the heavy dress
- Hair: Updos that work well with veils
A-Line Dresses
- Veils: Fingertip or waltz length veils
- Jewelry: Versatile options that work with the classic silhouette
- Shoes: Any style that matches your formality
- Hair: Any style that complements the dress
Sheath Dresses
- Veils: Birdcage or fingertip veils
- Jewelry: Delicate pieces that don’t overwhelm
- Shoes: Elegant heels or flats
- Hair: Sleek styles that complement the clean lines
Mermaid Dresses
- Veils: Fingertip or waltz length veils
- Jewelry: Statement pieces that match the drama
- Shoes: Comfortable shoes for the fitted silhouette
- Hair: Styles that complement the fitted bodice
Final Accessorizing Tips
The Day Before
- Lay everything out: Organize all your accessories
- Test the complete look: Try on everything together
- Pack a backup: Have backup accessories ready
- Create a checklist: Make sure you don’t forget anything
Wedding Day
- Start with undergarments: Put on shapewear and bra first
- Add jewelry: Put on necklaces, earrings, and bracelets
- Style hair: Add hair accessories after styling
- Add veil: Put on your veil last
- Final check: Look in the mirror and make any adjustments
Comfort Considerations
- Movement test: Make sure you can move comfortably
- Dance test: Ensure you can dance in your accessories
- Duration test: Consider how you’ll feel after hours of wear
- Weather considerations: Plan for your wedding day weather
At Lindsey Lane Bridal
We understand that accessories are the finishing touches that complete your bridal look. Our experienced consultants can help you choose the perfect accessories that will enhance your dress and make you feel absolutely beautiful on your wedding day.
We offer a wide selection of bridal accessories including:
- Veils in various lengths and styles
- Bridal jewelry and hair accessories
- Recommendations for shoes and undergarments
- Expert advice on coordinating your complete look
Book your appointment today and let us help you create the perfect bridal ensemble. Remember, the right accessories can transform a beautiful dress into a stunning bridal look that’s uniquely you.
Ready to complete your bridal look? Contact Lindsey Lane Bridal to schedule your appointment and discover the perfect accessories for your wedding day.