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Accessories to Finish Your Bridal Look

It's all in the details. These finishing touches will complement your wedding gown and style.

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Details, details… No, we don't mean flowers or wedding favors here, but the details that help make a truly beautiful you. We're talking about bridal accessories. If you're just recovering from the momentous, you may be tempted to say, "Enough! I'll forgo all the fussy finishing touches!" Resist! The right accessories (emphasis on right) are the elements that pull the whole ensemble together and make your guests gasp when they get their first glimpse of you. We've pulled together a list of the bridal accessories you'll need.

Headpiece and Veil

The veil you choose should complement you (if you're petite, for example, a huge veil will only dwarf you), but should also complement your dress. A very long veil can be stunning—but if the back of your wedding dress is particularly dramatic, you may not want to cover it up. Keep headpieces simple in relation to your dress; a very ornate wedding gown is best with a pared-down headpiece, such as a pretty pearl headband, while a simple, clean-lined dress can take on a dramatic, jeweled tiara with a multi-layered veil. If your style is quite understated, or your wedding informal, experiment with a hat, a garland of flowers, or a decorated comb in place of a traditional headpiece or veil.

accessory-veil

The Big Unveiling

Gown by Reverie by Melissa Sweet. Birdcage veil with a silk flower and feather accents by Stephanie Browne Australia. Earrings by A. Jaron Fine Jewelry. Hair by Sophie Kaspar at Ford Artists using Kiehl's. Makeup by Gregg Hubbard at Agency Gerard.

Note: A long veil can be dramatic during the ceremony, but cumbersome during the reception (not to mention a potential fire hazard). You might change into a shorter veil after the ceremony and pictures—just make sure someone is trained to make the switch without destroying your hairstyle.

For more great headpieces and veils, check out
Beautiful & Budget-Friendly Wedding Dresses.

Shoes

As we all know, when your feet are in pain, you're going to have a bad day. If that day is your wedding day, well, you'll find it tough to smile. Heels should not be stiletto-height—especially if you'll be dancing. A lower, sturdy heel is best for a girl on her feet all day long—we recommend 2 1/2" for comfort. As for style, your options are many. Choose a dressy fabric, such as satin, peau de soie, or silk shantung, over workaday leather. And what goes for your head also goes for your feet: Opposites attract. Pair an ornate shoe with a simple ensemble, a plain shoe with an elaborate dress. Shoes accented with lace, pearls, or crystals can mirror the details of your dress.

accessory-shoes

The Perfect Pair

Gown by Destinations by Maggie Sottero. Lace and silk satin headband by Justine M. Couture. Floral-pearl bracelet by Regina B. Bow-front shoes by Filippa Scott. Hair by Nikki Wang for nikkiwang.com. Makeup by Wanda Melendez for Smashbox Cosmetics.

Note: Make sure your shoes are comfortable!Obviously this means kicks that won't cause blisters or foot cramps, but also make sure they'll stay on your feet while walking (no shuffling down the aisle) and dancing.

See more gorgeous shoes here: Shoes for Every Budget.

Lingerie

We're talking foundation, darlings. You really don't want to be wearing your plain-Jane cotton panties today. Shop for lingerie that's not only special and sexy, but that also provides support where you need it, creating a clean, smooth line under your dress. Investigate basques and long-line, strapless bras, or the latest body slimming slips (a far cry from the constricting girdles of old!)—whatever your wedding gown and your figure require. Go to a specialty lingerie shop or the lingerie section of a good department store (full-service bridal salons often sell lingerie) to get expertly fitted. And don't forget to wear the garments for your wedding dress fittings!

accessory-lingerie

The Right Foundation

Gown by Vineyard Collection. This strapless bustier from Jezebel shapes the waist and makes it perfect for a corset-style gown. Keep your silhouette seam-free with a thong like this from On Gossamer. Its nude hue also means it won’t be visible through thinner fabrics.

Check out The Right Foundation for Your Wedding Dress
to find the right undergarments for your gown.

Jewelry

Can we say this often enough? Keep it simple! The main attraction is you (and your dress), not your jewelry. If you normally wear lots of rings, leave them off today—wear only your engagement ring and new wedding band. Earrings should not compete for attention with your headpiece and veil. For that reason, it's best to choose earrings that don't hang too low or dangle too much. As for necklaces, the traditional choice is a pearl choker or strand, or a pearl or diamond pendant (whether fine or costume jewelry). Your choice will depend on the neckline of your wedding dress. What's hot now: everything from sleek, modern pieces to romantic, retro ones. Being simple doesn't preclude being stylish: Look for fabulous vintage items, one-of-a-kind pieces, or fun floral or butterfly accents.

accessory-jewelry

Sparkle & Shine

Gown by Moonlight, Tango Collection. Teardrop earrings and brooch by Haute Bride. Bracelet by Cheryl King for Icing Couture. Makeup by Greg Clark for Halley Resources. Hair by Alejandra for Tresemme at Artisits by Timothy Priano.

For more great pieces to finish your bridal look, read
Classic Wedding Jewelry.

Gloves

If you're wearing a strapless, sleeveless, or thin-strapped dress, gloves are a great accent, and can look terribly elegant. Opera-length (over the elbow) gloves work with sleeveless or strapless gowns; gloves that come to just below the elbow work best with short- or cap-sleeve gowns; and wrist-length gloves can work with just about any type of sleeve.

accessory-gloves

Simple Elegance

Gown by Kenneth Pool. Faceframing veil and crystal hair ornament by Justine M. Couture. Earrings by Cheryl King for Icing Couture. Silk opera-length gloves by Carolina Amato. Vintage-inspired bracelet by Roberta Chiarella. Hair by Sophie Kaspar at Ford Artists using Kiehl's. Makeup by Gregg Hubbard at Agency Gerard.

Note: If you wear gloves, make sure you can remove them smoothly during the ceremony (no teeth, please!). It's best to shed them once you reach the altar; hand them, along with your bouquet, to your maid of honor to hold.

Check out our Accessory Designer Directory to find everything you need to complete your look.


For more on the latest in bridal fashion from our editors, read our Fashion & Beauty Blog.

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