We agree, your wedding dress will likely be the star of the show, but the right wedding jewellery and bridal accessories can elevate your look and bring in your personality. Between jewellery, shoes, veils and other pieces, there can be an onslaught of choices to make.
If you're not sure what to look for, read our top style rules for accessorising your wedding dress.
We guarantee you'll look like the best, most beautiful version of your regular self.
1. Match Your Metals
Some metals look better with certain dress colours.
As a general rule, darker ivory works best with gold since it highlights the creamy tint of the fabric.
For a bright white dress, choose jewellery and accessories in silver metals or with pearl detailing, as gold may clash with bright white hues.
If you have chosen an off-white gown, you have the pick of metals as yellow gold, rose gold, silver and pearls all work perfectly.
If your dress is already embellished with beadwork, let that dictate the colours of your accessories. For example, if your gown has silver beading, pick a necklace, bridal bracelet or earrings with a silver base.
2. Limit the number of accessories to 3 or 4.
You don't need a veil, headpiece, earrings, necklace, bracelet AND a sash. Accessories are a must, but too many all at once can be over the top with an already-embellished gown.
Before you start buying, look closely at your gown's standout features and then work backwards.
For example - If your dress has an ornate neckline, opt for a pair of drop earrings instead of a necklace (which could look too busy).
For a gown with a plainer neckline, you can opt for a statement necklace or a major headpiece.
When it comes to wedding earrings, let your hairstyle be the guide: If you've chosen a downstyle, and your hair will likely cover your ears, small studs or drops will work.
But if you've chosen an upstyle. we suggest opting for an earring which is more dramatic, like a pair of chandelier earrings, or something with a drop of over 5cm.
3. Your Headpiece
From dainty bridal hair combs to statement headpieces, there are plenty of ways to add that perfect finishing touch to your look. We strongly recommend choosing your hairstyle before you decide on your hair accessory, since some hair accessories will work better with certain hairstyles than others.
Pins and lightweight bridal combs are best with loose downstyles, whilst structured upstyles can carry more dramatic and weighty pieces.
You should also consider your hair type. Dainty accessories will be perfect for fine hair, but they can get overlooked in thick waves. Most importantly, make sure whatever you pick feels secure while you're moving around.
4. Think Beyond Just Bridal Jewellery
There's another super-simple way to add a bit of personality to your wedding dress (and help create the illusion of curves), and that's by adding a bridal belt or a bridal sash.
Even if your dress doesn't come with a bridal sash, that doesn't mean one of these beauties won't look great (and make you look even better!)
A stylish bridal sash is an easy way to customise your gown and change its look without having to make expensive alterations. No matter the style you go for, it will give your dress an instant upgrade.
If you're an apple shape, think about a beaded or heavily embellished belt to flatter your midsection.
If you're petite, a belt with V-shape appliqué will elongate your body.
As a general rule, stick with a style that's no more than three-inches wide—you don't want to overpower the rest of your gown.
5. Consider Your Décolletage
Pairing your neckline style with the right bridal jewellery can add personality and style to your wedding gown, or even highlight a unique feature. Follow these simple guidelines:
Sweetheart or strapless: We suggest skipping the necklace and focusing instead on an elegant pair of chandelier or drop earrings. Opt for high quality cubic zirconia (these are simulated diamonds that looks just like the real thing) for a beautifully timeless look.
If vintage elegance is more your style, pay homage to the past with an art-deco-style bracelet or earrings, matched with a vintage-style headpiece.
V-neck: This neckline begs for a little décolletage decoration. A thin chain with a simple pendant, is an elegant way to accessorise, while pearls in any variety are always a classic choice.
If you're going for a more decadent look, a sparkly statement bridal necklace with matching earrings could be the perfect combo.
Halter or reverse halter: For this shoulder-baring style, skip the necklace and focus on dressing up your ears and tresses. Headpieces are a great way to add interest and glamour to your wedding hairstyle, be it a sleek bun or loose ponytail. You can also incorporate some sparkle to your hair with intricate crystal hairpins or a stunning side comb.
