Introduction: Your Wedding Accessories

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By Alethea Photography

Jewellery:

We know that choosing your jewellery can be a sea of sparkle and gorgeousness, so we are here to guide you through it and make sure you look stunning come W-Day!

1)  You must not buy your jewellery before you buy your wedding dress! We know it is hugely tempting, especially when you see something gorgeous at a wedding fair, but trust us, fight the temptation! The majority of brides say that they end up choosing a different wedding dress to the one they originally imagined, so make sure your ensemble is perfect and wait!

2) Match your metals and your dress! Pure white gowns look fantastic with silver, platinum or pearls, whereas ivory dresses really suit yellow jewellery, as it highlights the creamy tone of the fabric. We also advise you to stick to one metal when it comes to your accessories for a chic and elegant look.

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By Guy Hearn

3) Next thing you need to think about is the neckline of your gown. Sweetheart or strapless gowns look great with anything from a necklace, to statement earrings, to flower hairpieces, to cuff bracelets. A V-neck dress most definitely needs décolletage decoration and we love a pearl necklace for a classic look, or a choker with earrings for more of a statement. Lastly, a halter dress look phenomenal with hair accessories: you can go for a headband, a tiara or some crystal pins to add a bit of sparkle!

4) The final step is to make sure your jewellery reflects your personality! Whether you always sport a statement necklace, or if you never wear any accessories at all, you must feel like the best you on your wedding day!

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By Ten Twenty One

Veil:

This is the ultimate accessory to enhance and complete your dress. Although not all brides choose to have a veil, it is traditional and allows for a very special moment between father and daughter when the veil is lifted. So really think before you decide that a veil is not for you. Here are the different types of veil explained:

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By Allister Freeman

1) Birdcage veil. This is a very contemporary take on the veil that would be most suited to a modern slim fitting dress.

2) Blush veil. This is a single layer of tulle that is kept over the face as you are walking down the isle.

3) Elbow length veil. This is an elegant veil that comes to your elbows and looks gorgeous, while not distracting from the dress as a whole.

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By Ten Twenty One

4) Fingertip length veil. This is the most popular veil option, as it works with all dress shapes. As the name states, the length comes down to the fingertips.

5) Chapel length veil. This veil flows the length of your dress and is perfect if you are having a formal church wedding.

6) Cathedral length veil. This veil provides the most drama. It flows the length of your dress and train. It looks absolutely stunning, but it is worth remembering that it obscures the back of your wedding dress, especially if you have always wanted a dress with an elaborately decorated back.

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By Miki Photography

Other accessories

While jewellery is the traditional accessory, that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself if it isn’t your style or if you fancy something different! We personally love a bride sporting a gorgeous belt, as it adds sparkle and structure to the dress. However, we do suggest you don’t go for a belt or sash wider than 3-4 inches, so it doesn’t overpower your gorgeous dress!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride in her wedding dress with belt embellishment
By Ten Twenty One

Another look that is really taking off this year is a cover-up! Whether a bolero or a gorgeous cape, they are the perfect accessory to carry your dress from day to evening and they add the all-important coverage if you are getting married in a house of worship!

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By Chris Giles Photography

Shoes

1) First thing first: COMFORT! Yes, it might sound less exciting than skyscraper heels, but remember that you will be wearing these shoes for the majority of the day, you will be standing and you will be throwing some shapes on the dance floor! So, we recommend you go for natural materials, as they are more breathable and will stretch to fit your feet!

2) On the subject of comfort, we recommend you go for a wedding shoe that has ankle support as opposed to a slip-on, just because you don’t want to end up losing a shoe on the dance floor! However, if your heart is set on a slip-on we recommend you check the heel and the sole of your shoe: a bendy sole will make sure your toes aren’t pinched and a comfy and cushioned heel will keep your foot in place!

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By Anna Clarke Photography

3) Don’t forget to buy your shoes around the same time as you order your wedding dress. This is very important as your alterations, especially the hem adjustment, will depend on the height of your heel. Buying shoes early on will mean you are ready for all of your fittings and that you have plenty of time to break them in at home! Awesome.

4) Lastly, when you are choosing your shoes make sure you consider your wedding season and your venue. If you are getting married in winter, you might want a back-up pair of weddingtons to avoid the puddles, or if you are having your reception in the summer months you might want a pair of flats or wedges at the ready for walking on grass! Actually, having a back-up pair of flats is always a great idea, just in case!

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By Especially Amy

Happy Planning!

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