Choosing Your Bridal Accessories

Why Wedding Accessories Matter

On your big day, your wedding dress will undoubtedly be the head-turner but the choice of bridal accessories adds something extra special to your look. From the veil to gorgeous hairpins and shoes; lists of accessories provide the finishing touch that completes your big day ensemble.

Wedding accessories, much like the entire day itself, are a reflection of your personal style. It's often easier to team up various accessories with bridal attire that you've already said yes to. However, in some situations, brides-to-be have been influenced by statement jewellry pieces to go a certain direction with their wedding dress choices. Details always count and wedding accessories make a world of difference in terms of putting together a show-stopping ensemble.

Bridal Accessories Ideas

There are different categories of bridal accessories that are worth exploring, and it's entirely up to you which ones to incorporate into your wedding ensemble. The choices are broken up into jewellry, shoes, headpieces, undergarments, and cover-ups.

Headpieces

Several wedding accessories are considered headpieces because they either cover the face, adorn the hair, or are generally worn around the head. That includes veils, tiaras, floral crowns, and statement hairpins.

Bridal Veils

The history of the bridal veil dates back to ancient times when brides were symbolically wrapped from head to toe. It represented modesty, and the veil, in particular, shielded the bride from evil spirits.

Also, depending on who you ask, when arranged marriages were the norm, the veil concealed the woman's face just in case she wasn't exactly a looker. Queen Victoria's wedding ensemble is largely credited for serving as the yardstick for the bridal look. She donned a white dress teamed up with a veil that cascaded down her back.

There are different veil styles, with the classic tulle being the most popular. There are also lace options and selections with floral appliques and other embellishments. In terms of length, longer cathedral-style veils create a more dramatic look while shorter birdcage styles are elegant and fun.

Alternatives to Veils

Most modern brides have traded the veil in favor of floral crowns, tiaras, and hairpins. Floral crowns, in particular, often suit Bohemian and rustic-style nuptials but are overall, beautiful additions to the wedding ensemble.

Tiaras work for fairytale-themed nuptials while hairpins and headbands are elegant choices for beach weddings and everything in between. Bows and ribbons have also gained a resurgence as hair adornments.

Jewellry

Besides the wedding ring that the bride will slip on during the nuptials, certain jewellry pieces are perfect additions to the bridal look. The engagement ring is the obvious piece of jewellry that every bride wears on the big day.

Depending on the style of your chosen wedding gown, you might also want to pair it with a necklace. Earrings and bracelets are other great choices and generally, most brides prefer to wear classic pearls for the big day.

Don't go overboard with the jewellry, and one or two pieces are enough. Instead, it's better to choose a dress that features intricate applique details and other embellishments.

Wedding Shoes

Selecting the perfect wedding shoes is another highly personalised process that varies from one bride to the next. For starters, your choice is determined by the type of wedding dress you have chosen for your nuptials as well as your preferences.

Heels complement floor-length gowns but comfort will determine whether you are fine with a sky-high pair or something else. The wedding venue also determines the type of shoes that are befitting for the occasion. In general, sandals are favorable choices for beach weddings while flats or wedges would suit nuptials hosted at a garden location.

Cover-ups

If you are hosting winter or spring nuptials or having an evening wedding then you might want to consider pairing your gown with a cover-up. They are also worth considering if you've chosen a strapless wedding dress and want a bit of coverage at certain points. For instance, you might want to cover up if you are having a religious wedding ceremony or something fun and chic to wear at the reception.

Outerwear

Shawls, chic jackets, and trendy cardigans are the natural choices. For a vintage-inspired look, wear a fur wrap or a sheer lace cape. Custom leather jackets exude an edgy aesthetic while jean jackets are ideal for a more casual occasion. Plaid flannel shirts are lovely additions to the bridal ensemble for a country-style wedding.

Gloves

Gloves are also perfect additions to the bridal ensemble for vintage-inspired weddings or winter nuptials. There are equally lists of choices ranging from short to long styles that reach the elbows. There are also fingerless options but regardless of the style, you'll still need to remove the gloves for the ring exchange.

Sash

A sash is also worth considering particularly if you've chosen a relatively simple gown. It helps jazz up the look while also accentuating the waist area. Overall, it presents yet another opportunity to showcase your sense of style. Choose one that features crystal adornments or fabric leaf or floral motifs.

Undergarments

Undergarments also fall under the category of bridal accessories. That includes shapewear, seamless underwear, bras, garters, and corsets. It's best to consult with the bridal store where you've purchased your gown for befitting undergarments because some are best sewn into the outfit for enhanced comfort.

The bridal robe and other getting-ready attire also shouldn’t be an after-thought because they are important elements of the wedding planning process. Garment bags, dust bags for shoes, and other accessories, and an overnight bag should also be part of the list.

Purse

Last but not least, you might want to complete your look by pairing it with the perfect purse. It's where you can stash items like makeup for quick touch-up sessions, tissues, and breath mints. Perhaps carry it only during the reception because it might be an impractical choice for the walk down alongside the wedding bouquet.

Hushed Commotion

Hushed Commotion’s brand new 2013 bridal accessories collection premieres today! This gorgeous shoot from Jen Huang captures the romantic femininity of each of Thea Bloch-Neal’s bridal pieces perfectly. The veils are delicate (and golden!), the hair pieces sparkle, and just wait until you see the sweet pink belt!

Credits:Designs: Thea Bloch-Neal for Hushed Commotion // Photography: Jen Huang // Hair: Styles On B // Makeup: Face The Day NY // Dresses via Nearly Newlywed.