Top Wedding Dress Accessories for Your Perfect Bridal Look

Your wedding day is all about you, and every detail counts. The dress, the accessories – each part adds to your ideal bridal look. Wedding dress accessories have a big impact on finishing your outfit bringing that extra shine and personal flair. Maybe you picture a classic, boho, or modern style. Either way, the right add-ons can change how you look and make you feel more sure of yourself as you walk down the aisle.

As you get ready for your wedding, you’ll want to check out all the bridal accessories you can choose from. There’s something for every bride, from veils that never go out of style and fancy tiaras to eye-catching necklaces and trendy belts. You’ll also find ways to dress up your hair and feet, and even hidden items like garters. When you pick each piece , you can put together a look that matches and shows off who you are making your wedding dress look even better.

Veils: The Classic Bridal Accessory

Wedding dress accessories are incomplete without veils, which play a key role in bridal traditions. They make your overall look more elegant and romantic, and stand for purity and modesty. You can pick from many styles and lengths to find a veil that goes well with your bridal outfit.

Types of veils

You can choose from these options:

Birdcage veil: A stylish old-school option that covers part of your face.
Blusher veil: worn over the face and lifted when the ceremony starts.
Mantilla veil: A Spanish-style veil with detailed lace edges.
Drop veil: A smooth dreamy choice that hangs .
Double tier veil: Gives a layered look with two different lengths.

Picking the right length

The length of your veil can have a big impact on how you look as a bride:

Elbow-length: Works well with many wedding styles.
Fingertip-length: Lots of brides pick this to frame their dress .
Ballet-length: Brings a fun vibe reaching your calves or ankles.
Chapel-length: Goes past your gown to make a bold statement.
Cathedral-length: The most grand option trailing several feet behind you.

How to pair veil styles with dress designs

To get a look that flows well, think about your dress shape when you’re picking a veil:

Short dresses: Match with birdcage or shoulder-length veils.
Sheath gowns: Pick fingertip or waltz-length veils.
A-line gowns: Adapt to most veil lengths.
Mermaid/trumpet gowns: Select shorter veils or dramatic cathedral-length styles.
Ball gowns: Shine with various veil lengths, from fingertip to chapel.

Keep in mind to coordinate your veil’s color and fabric with your dress to create a unified bridal look.

Sparkling Tiaras and Headpieces

Tiaras bring a royal touch to your wedding look. Today’s trends focus on the head and face making these accessories ideal for brides. You can wear them with or without a veil to create a classic or modern style.

Popular tiara styles

Pick from halo designs adjustable ribbon ties, or headband-mounted options that stay put with different hairstyles. For updos, think about tiaras with wire frames and loops to work into your hair.

Headbands and hair combs

These adaptable pieces offer comfort and flexibility. Headbands suit shorter hair well, while combs can highlight specific parts of your hairstyle.

Choosing the right metal finish

Pair your tiara’s metal with your dress and other accessories. Silver or platinum goes well with pure white fabrics, while gold looks great with ivory or cream gowns. Think about adding a splash of color to match your wedding palette.

Keep in mind, your tiara should show off your personal style and make your overall bridal look even better.

Elegant Bridal Jewelry

Necklaces and earrings

When picking out bridal jewelry, your dress’s neckline should guide your choice. Strapless gowns look great with eye-catching necklaces like tennis necklaces or pearl strands. V-neck dresses work well with dangling earrings or subtle pendants. High necklines call for striking earrings instead of necklaces. Off-the-shoulder styles match with thin chains or bold earrings.

Bracelets and rings

Don’t overlook your wrists and hands. A timeless tennis bracelet or thin bangle can add a touch of sparkle without stealing the show. For rings, think about how they’ll look with your engagement ring and wedding band. A cocktail ring can spice up a strapless gown.

Coordinating metals and stones

Make sure your jewelry’s metal matches your dress color. Silver or platinum goes well with white gowns, while gold works best with ivory or champagne shades. Rose gold looks great with blush dresses. If your dress has decorations, pick jewelry that goes with them. For instance, wear pearl earrings with a dress that has pearl details. Keep in mind, it’s better to have one eye-catching piece instead of wearing too much jewelry.

Belts and Sashes to Highlight Your Waist

Bridal belts and sashes are great for showing off your waistline and adding some shine to your wedding dress. These add-ons can bring your whole look together matching the beadwork or decorations on your gown.

Types of bridal belts

You have several styles to pick from:

Belts with crystal decorations to add some sparkle
Pearl belts to achieve a timeless look
Belts with flowers to create a free-spirited vibe
Satin sashes to make a simple classy statement

How to match belt styles with dress shapes

Think about your dress shape when you’re picking a belt:

A-line dresses: Go for slim subtle belts
Mermaid gowns: Pick wider belts to highlight your shape
Ball gowns: Try a bold belt to slim your waistline

Ways to make your own belt

To give it a personal spin, you can create a belt yourself:

Pick a ribbon matching your dress color
Choose beads and rhinestones with different sizes and textures
Apply E6000 glue to attach
Handle small areas giving time to dry

Keep in mind, your belt should add to your dress, not overshadow it. Be patient to find the right accessory that boosts your beauty and self-assurance on your big day.

Shoes and Foot Accessories

Picking the ideal bridal shoes

When picking your wedding shoes, think about looks and comfort. Your venue matters a lot for this choice. For beach weddings, go with sandals or flats, while indoor events let you wear classic heels. Make sure your shoes match your dress’s style and color looking at details like lace or beads. Keep in mind, you’ll have these shoes on for a long time, so comfort is a must.

Ankle bracelets and toe rings

To give your bridal look something special, think about ankle bracelets or toe rings. These extras can bring a free-spirited or beach-like feel to what you’re wearing. Pick pieces you can adjust that go well with your overall style and make sure they don’t get in the way of your shoes.

Comfort vs. style considerations

You want to look amazing, but feeling good should be your main concern. Think about wearing shorter heels or even flat shoes if you’re worried about pain. Some brides pick a fancy pair for the ceremony and switch to comfier ones for the party. No matter what you decide, make sure you can walk, stand, and dance throughout your big day.

Statement Necklaces: Creating a Strong Impact

Statement necklaces catch the eye and have a strong visual impact. These bold accessories can turn even the simplest wedding dress into a stunning outfit. When you pick a statement necklace, think about your dress’s neckline and overall design. For strapless or sweetheart necklines, go for necklaces that sit close to your neck adding just enough drama. If you have a plunging neckline, look for styles that lengthen your look sitting just above the neckline. Keep in mind to balance your statement necklace with other accessories. If you wear a dramatic necklace, keep your earrings and bracelets more low-key. On the other hand, if you like statement earrings, choose a simpler necklace. The goal is to create a look that brings out your bridal style without going overboard.

Earrings: Framing Your Face

Stud vs. chandelier earrings

When you pick earrings, think about your dress’s neckline and overall style. Stud earrings give a classic, timeless look that goes well with many hairstyles and necklines. They can be subtle or eye-catching adding an elegant touch. Chandelier earrings however, make a big impact. These large fancy pieces can become the center of attention in your bridal look working great with strapless or sweetheart necklines.

Matching earrings to hairstyles

Your hairdo has a big impact on picking the right earrings. With classic updos, go for studs, dangles, or teardrop earrings. Boho updos look great with bigger earrings like hoops or chandeliers. If you let your hair down, think about drop or dangle earrings to get a timeless look. Side-swept hairdos match well with statement earrings letting them catch the eye.

Picking earrings for your face shape

The shape of your face can help you choose earrings. Long drop earrings can make round faces look longer. Oval faces look good with most styles. Curved earrings soften the angles of square faces. Teardrop or chandelier styles complement heart-shaped faces. Keep in mind, these are just tips, not strict rules. Pick earrings that boost your confidence and make you feel gorgeous on your big day.

Bracelets and Bangles: Making Your Arms Shine

One bracelet or many?

You can go for one eye-catching piece or build a trendy stack. Stacking lets you combine your top picks ranging from delicate diamond wristbands to timeless silver chain designs. Try to achieve a well-balanced appearance by putting together 2-7 bracelets covering a third of your forearm. Uneven numbers look good so consider a 3-bracelet arrangement with a bold piece in the middle.

Matching with dress sleeves

Think about your dress’s sleeves when picking bracelets. Strapless or short-sleeved gowns let you show off your arm jewelry. Long sleeves work best with fine chains or slim bangles. Off-the-shoulder necklines grab attention so stick to a simple chain or classic tennis bracelet.

Combining different metals and materials

Feel free to mix metals and materials to create a unique style. Put together gold, silver, and rose gold pieces, or play with textures like shiny and dull finishes. Add a mixed-metal item to pull the look together. Keep in mind to balance your bracelet stack with your other jewelry making sure one part doesn’t overpower the rest.

Hair Accessories: More Than Just Veils

Floral crowns and hair vines

Floral crowns and hair vines suit romantic or boho-chic looks . These adaptable accessories allow for various styling options. You can use them to decorate a soft braided updo or wrap them around a bridal bun. To create a striking effect, consider placing a hair vine across your forehead. You’ll find designs ranging from subtle arrangements with preserved hydrangeas and baby’s breath to bold options featuring colorful flowers ideal for a lively bohemian style.

Vintage-inspired hair clips

Vintage-style hair clips bring old-world charm to your bridal appearance. Choose clips with pearls or crystals to match your dress. These clips work well with hair up or down letting you create a unique vintage look that fits your style and wedding theme.

Using family keepsakes

To give your bridal outfit more meaning, think about using family keepsakes in your hair accessories. You could use your grandma’s brooch or your mom’s favorite locket. You can have these items redesigned or made into a special headpiece making a one-of-a-kind accessory that honors your family’s history while matching your wedding day style.

Garters: A Hidden Tradition

Garters are a sweet wedding accessory with a long history. They used to hold up stockings, but now they’ve turned into a meaningful and often custom-made part of your wedding outfit. When you pick your garter, think about your body shape and dress style. If you have a pear shape, go for garters that fit on your hips, while apple shapes might like high-waisted ones better. Hourglass figures can be daring, and rectangles might enjoy garters that create the look of curves.

To make your garter unique, think about adding silk flowers, embroidery, or family keepsakes. You might even use bits of your mom’s or grandma’s wedding dress to give it a special meaning. The garter toss custom goes back hundreds of years. It involves the groom taking off the garter and throwing it to single men. Some people find this fun, while others choose to skip it. Keep in mind, you don’t have to wear a garter if you don’t want to – it’s your choice.

Veils and Capes: Dramatic Bridal Coverings

You can kick off your wedding day with eye-catching bridal coverings. Cathedral veils, which measure 108 to 120 inches, stretch beyond your gown’s train. They bring a royal feel that suits large venues. Chapel veils, 85 to 95 inches long, give you an easier-to-handle option that goes well with different dress styles. To add a fresh touch, think about a bridal cape. These handy add-ons come in all sorts, from long flowing panels to light see-through designs that sit on your shoulders. When you pick a cape, keep in mind your dress style, wedding theme, and venue. You can choose from fabrics like lace, tulle, chiffon, and velvet. Look at the length, design, and any extras to boost your whole look. Don’t forget to check that it’s easy to put on and take off, so you can switch things up during your ceremony and party.

Bridal Gloves: Classic Beauty

Bridal gloves are coming back in style bringing a classy touch to your wedding outfit. These fancy add-ons can boost your look, whether you go for old-school lace or new designs with big ruffles. When you pick gloves, think about your dress style and wedding theme. To look traditional, match long gloves with a ball gown or floor-length dress. Mid-length or cocktail dresses go well with elbow-length gloves, while short dresses look good with fingerless ones. Make sure the fabric and color of your gloves match your dress to create a put-together look. Keep in mind the practical side – you might need to take off or adjust your gloves during the ring swap and party activities. If you choose bridal gloves can add a lasting and graceful touch to your big day.

Clutches and Purses: Useful and Attractive

To pick a clutch for your wedding day, you need to strike a balance between looks and usefulness. A good clutch can match your bridal outfit and keep your key items within reach.

Picking the right size

Go for a clutch big enough to hold what you need without looking too bulky. It should fit things like lipstick, tissues, and a small mirror with ease.

Matching fabrics to your dress

Make sure your clutch’s material goes well with your gown’s fabric to create a unified look. If your dress has lace, think about getting a clutch covered in lace or made of satin. For dresses with embellishments, choose a clutch that echoes these details.

What to put in your bridal clutch

Pack must-haves like lip balm blotting papers, a small mirror, and mints. Bring a stain remover pen, tissues, and safety pins to handle unexpected issues. A portable charger helps you take pictures of special moments all day.

Brooches and Pins: Adding Vintage Charm

Brooches and pins give your bridal look an old-world feel. You can wear these flexible decorations on many parts of your outfit to add sparkle and show your style. To use family keepsakes, think about attaching a special brooch to your bouquet or wrapping the stem with old family lace. This meaningful touch honors your family history and makes memories that will last.

When it comes to placing brooches on dresses, you’ve got plenty of choices. You can pin one to your chest, under your bust, or at the ‘v’ of your neckline. For blouses, try sticking it in the middle of your collar to get a cool old-school look. As you pick the right size and style, think about how the brooch’s color, size, and theme match your outfit. Make sure it fits with your overall look without stealing the show. Keep in mind, brooches can turn a simple outfit into a modern classic giving your bridal get-up that perfect final touch.

Anklets and Toe Rings: Bohemian Flair

Anklets and toe rings bring a bit of boho charm to your bridal style. People have valued these accessories for more than 8,000 years seeing them as signs of beauty, wealth, and protection in different cultures. To create a laid-back, beach-inspired look, think about trying barefoot sandals or dainty chains around your ankles. You can put them on one or both ankles, whatever you like best. These items don’t just make you look good; they also mean a lot in many traditions. In Indian culture, people call anklets “payal” or “tolusu,” and they think these have health perks and spiritual importance. When you pick out ankle jewelry, try to make it go well with your shoes and toenail polish to get a put-together look from top to bottom.

Customizing Your Veil

Lace appliques on your veil can give it a one-of-a-kind look. You’ll need lace you like, hand sewing needles, thread that matches, snips, and pins. Put the veil on a dress form or real person then place and pin the lace where you want it. Sew the lace by hand using a running backstitch, which won’t harm delicate fabrics.

Family heirlooms in your veil can make it more meaningful. Think about using lace from your mom’s wedding dress or putting on a family brooch. You can also tie your bouquet with a family watch, bracelet, or rosary to honor your loved ones.

To spice things up, check out veils in different colors or with an ombre effect. If your gown has a blush shade with an ivory top layer, an ivory veil might be the perfect match. Or you could go for a champagne-colored veil to create a gentle contrast. Some brides like to add a unique flair by choosing ombre veils with a splash of color.

Statement Earrings: From Classic to Contemporary

Statement earrings grab attention and make a bold impression. These accessories push beyond traditional styles featuring unique designs and intricate details. When you pick statement earrings, think about your dress style, face shape, and hairstyle. A strapless gown pairs well with chandelier or drop earrings to frame your face . An updo works great with longer earrings to make your neck look longer and add a touch of class. Keep in mind to balance your accessories – if you go for eye-catching earrings, keep other jewelry simple. Match metals and gemstones with your engagement ring and bracelet to create a unified look. Whether you like classic studs or cutting-edge designs, let your earrings show off your personal style and boost your overall bridal look.

Belts and Sashes: Shaping Your Silhouette

Wedding belts and sashes can transform your bridal gown silhouette. These waist-defining accessories range from subtle to eye-catching. When picking one, think about how it will match your dress’s overall style.

Beaded vs. plain designs

Beaded belts add glitz and can link different parts of your dress, like beadwork on the neckline and hem. Plain satin belts or bows create a more understated romantic look. For something different, you might like belts with 3D flowers or pearls.

Placement on various dress styles

The secret to accentuating your curves lies in correct placement. Put the belt at your natural waist, in the space between your rib cage and belly button. This makes an hourglass shape and gives you a slimmer appearance. For dresses with open backs, a sash tied in a bow can add softness to the look while directing attention to the back.

Color considerations

Choose a belt color that matches your dress shade. Warm gold hues go well with cream and ivory gowns, while silver and crystal enhance bright white dresses. To create a unified look, make sure the belt’s decorations coordinate with the existing details on your dress.

Hair Accessories for Every Style

Combs and pins for updos

Hair combs and pins are go-to accessories to create updos. They suit many hairstyles, from side-swept looks to half-up half-down styles. A Swarovski crystal-adorned comb adds a classic touch. These accessories work great for brides with short hair bringing elegance to their wedding look.

Headbands for loose styles

Headbands never go out of style and enhance any hairstyle, from loose waves to sleek ponytails. They outline your face giving a polished look. You can pick from different materials like metal, fabric, or flowers to match your bridal style. Think about your face shape when you choose a headband to highlight your best features.

Incorporating fresh flowers

Fresh flowers create a romantic atmosphere in your bridal hairstyle. You can choose a full flower crown to get a bohemian look or place a few blooms into an updo to add a subtle accent. When picking flowers, think about how long they’ll last and how heavy they are. Orchids, lavender, and baby’s breath work well for this. Ask your florist and hairstylist for their best tips on how to use flowers in your wedding day look.

Layering Necklaces: A Modern Approach

Layering necklaces has an impact on expressing your personal style on your wedding day. This new approach lets you make a one-of-a-kind look that goes well with your dress and shows off who you are. To layer, begin with a main piece and add necklaces of different lengths to give depth. Mix up metals and textures to create an eclectic vibe, but keep things balanced. Think about your dress neckline when picking necklaces making sure they boost rather than clash with your gown. For instance, match a small pendant with a V-neck dress or go for a bold collar with a strapless gown. Try out different combos to find the right layered look for your bridal style.

FAQs

How should a bride go about selecting her veil?
The bride should start with the wedding dress. The veil needs to match and be in proportion to the dress without hiding its features. This helps create a unified and balanced look.