Choose your accessories carefully

EVERY bride likes to wear some form of jewellery on their wedding day but choosing a design and colour depends on the style and colour of the dress.

EVERY bride likes to wear some form of jewellery on their wedding day but which design/colour etc. depends on the style and colour of the dress.

Sometimes less is more . . . . especially if your dress is heavily decorated.

You also need to decide on how you are going to wear your hair as this will determine what style of head-dress will look the best.

Here are a few tips.

Head-dresses

Most brides will wear something in their hair and if you decide on a veil you will require some sort of accessory to secure it. The last thing you need is to be worried on the day that it will fall out.

Alice band

An alice band can be plain or decorated and can look modern without looking over fussy.

Clips and combs

These are generally not too fancy and can be used to secure a veil or an up-do. You can find these in various designs.

Crown

These are a must for any fairytale bride but they can be tricky to keep on so you may require professional to help keep it secure.

Flowers

For a more contemporary look, some brides wish to have nothing more than a simple flower arrangement in their hair, which works well with a simple fairytale dress.

Hair swirls

These are a little different to wear in your hair and are easily twisted in and out. They can be worn with most hair lengths plus they look nice with a tiara to add extra glamour to your hair and can be decorated in pears, diamante or colours.

Tiara

The term tiara originates in ancient Persia, where only the king was allowed to tie his tiara up so that it stood erect.

Today the tiara can make a bride feel like a princess on her wedding day.

When choosing a tiara it is helpful to know how you are wearing your hair on the day as this can determine how high it should be so it is visual.

If you do not find your ideal tiara from a bridal shop or department store it is possible to have them handmade.

Veils

Veils come in and out of fashion but they are a must have for any traditional bride.

Decide on the design/length/material of your veil after you have decided on your dress. Veils can be bought from most bridal shops and department stores.

Garter

Garters are worn by the bride just above the knee and are traditionally removed by the groom and tossed to the male guests. Traditionally, it is thought that receiving a part of the brides clothing brings good luck. Garters are generally white or ivory with a variety different colour bows on them (think blue for your ‘something’ blue).

Gloves

Brides began to wear bridal gloves back in the 18th century by high standing and well mannered women who also wore them on a day to day basis.

With some styles of dresses a pair of pretty gloves and look great in silk, satin or lace.  Make sure you take them off when exchanging rings and welcoming your guests at your reception.

Shoes

You need to choose your shoes before you have your dress fittings to ensure the dress maker can adjust the length of your dress correctly to the height of your shoes.

Bridal shops tend to sell bridal shoes so you can borrow these for an example but you should have bought your own for your final fitting.

When choosing your shoes, remember that they need to be comfortable as you will be wearing them all day. A comfortable height is generally up to a two-inch heel.

Jewellery

When choosing jewellery you need to consider how heavily decorated your dress is. iit may be that you need little more than earrings.

You need to also consider your neckline. If your dress is strapless, a round necklace tends to look best. Ifyou have a V-shape a drop pendant would be more suitable.Also, if you have jewels on your dress it looks best if you match your jewellery to these.

For example if you have pearls on your dress or on your hair decorations try and include these in your jewellery.

Handbags

Remember, you will need a matching handbag to put in your make up for those important ‘touch ups.’ it shouldn’t be a suitcase just something pretty and practical.

And finally... don't forget to wear:

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue!