When you find your perfect wedding dress, you find the gown that you love so much you want it to be your outfit for one of the most special days of your life. That’s a huge deal! Therefore, it deserves elevated styling.
Though your wedding dress is obviously the star of the show, you can complement and augment its look with tasteful accessorizing. Picking your jewelry, veil, and shoes is like adding the final flourishes to a masterpiece. These pieces will tie everything together, add a pop of your personality, and make your bridal look uniquely you. But with so many gorgeous options out there, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed.
Don’t worry, because we are here to spill all the tea on how to accessorize like a pro. This guide will walk you through the biggest dos and don’ts of accessorizing your bridal look. By the end, you will feel confident about picking pieces that complement your dress and let your natural beauty shine through. Let’s get started!
Do: Keep Your Dress’s Neckline in Mind
Your dress’s neckline is basically the foundation for your whole accessory game because the necklace you wear will probably be the most noticeable element. Here’s the main deal: You want your jewelry to complement the cut of your gown, not compete with it.
Strapless or Sweetheart Necklines
If you have a strapless or sweetheart neckline, you have a lot of room to play. A classic choker can look so chic and sophisticated. Alternatively, a delicate pendant will draw attention to your collarbones. A bolder statement necklace also works wonders here, since you have an open canvas. You can really show off a stunning piece without it looking too crowded.
V-Neck Gowns
A V-neck is practically begging for a necklace that follows its shape. A pendant that drops into the V, like a lariat or a Y-necklace, is an amazing choice. It accentuates the neckline beautifully and looks so, so elegant. You could also opt for a shorter necklace that sits just above the V, like a simple chain or a string of pearls, for a more classic aesthetic.
High Neck or Halter Styles
With a high-neck or halter-style dress, you should probably skip the necklace altogether. These necklines are a statement in themselves, and adding a necklace could just look cluttered. Instead, focus on other areas. Think about rocking some long drop earrings, a gorgeous bracelet, a fabulous hairpiece, or a combination of these to balance your look.
Don’t: Overdo It With the Bling
We get the temptation to wear all the sparkly things on your wedding day. You’ve got the engagement ring, maybe you want a tiara, and then there are earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet. It’s your big day, so you want to shine, right? Absolutely! But there’s a fine line between looking like a radiant bride and looking like a disco ball. The old saying “less is more” is a bridal accessory golden rule.
You should have one—maybe two—focal points, and neither should compete with your dress. Additionally, if your gown is already covered in intricate beading, sequins, lace, and pearls, you should keep your accessories on the simpler side. Delicate pieces will complement the detail on your dress without overwhelming it.
Do: Match Your Metals
Here’s a pro tip that will make your whole look feel polished and put-together: match your metals. Pay attention to the color of the embellishments on your dress. If your gown has silver beading or cool-toned accents, you should stick with silver, platinum, or white gold jewelry. These cool metals will harmonize with the details on your dress and create a seamless look. Think about pieces with clear crystals, diamonds, or pearls to complete the aesthetic.
Conversely, if your dress has gold, champagne, or ivory tones, you should lean into warmer metals. Yellow gold or rose gold jewelry will look absolutely stunning. These warm metals will pick up on the undertones of your gown and give you a lovely, sun-kissed glow.
Don’t: Forget About Your Hairstyle
Your hairstyle plays a huge role in what kind of accessories will work best for you, especially when it comes to earrings and hairpieces. Before you make any final decisions on your bling, you need to have an idea of how you’re going to wear your hair.
Tips for an Updo
If you are planning an elegant updo, like a classic chignon or a romantic braided bun, you have the perfect opportunity to show off some amazing earrings. Drop earrings or sparkly studs will be beautifully framed by your swept-up hair. This is also the perfect time to consider a hair accessory, such as a jeweled comb, a delicate headband, a floral pin set, or even a tiara.
Tips for Wearing It Down
If you are dreaming of wearing your hair down in loose, romantic waves, you might want to choose your earrings more carefully. Super long, dangly earrings could get lost or tangled in your hair. Instead, you might opt for a pair of beautiful studs or a smaller drop earring that will peek through your locks.
A headband or a delicate vine woven through your hair can also add a touch of sparkle without being too much. Just remember to bring your chosen accessories to your hair trial so you and your stylist can see how everything works together.
Do: Choose Comfortable Shoes
You are going to be on your feet for a long time. The last thing you want is to be wincing in pain because your shoes are pinching your toes.
That does not mean you have to sacrifice style for comfort. So many brands make gorgeous bridal shoes that are actually designed to be worn all day, thanks to cushioned insoles and supportive block heels. Additionally, always break in your shoes before the big day.
Another amazing idea is to have a second pair of shoes for the reception. Rock your stunning heels for the ceremony and photos, and then slip into some chic flats or wedges when it’s time to dance the night away.
Time to Find Your First and Second Look
Now that you have all the insider info on the dos and don’ts of accessorizing your bridal look, it’s time to put them into action! But to do that, you need a gown. At Alexandra’s Boutique, we sell bridal reception dresses and ceremony gowns from a huge selection of designers. You’re guaranteed to find a look you love, one that will embrace your chosen accessories to shine even brighter. Come shop with us and find the perfect dress!