Different Ways to Accessorize Your Wedding Gown

Let’s all agree that the tough part is over. You have found your dream wedding dress, congrats! Now, what comes next is the fun part; accessorizing! Bridal accessories can make or break your look and for that reason, we have gathered a list of tips to help with styling and accessorizing your wedding gown.

How to Accessorize Your Wedding Dress

Of course, what you decide to style your gown with is completely up to your personal taste. Whether you’re wanting to keep your bridal look simple or looking to add some glam, there’s ways to do both through accessorizing. We put together tips to consider when searching for the perfect wedding gown accessories. 

Jewelry

Jewelry is often the first thing brides think of when it comes to accessorizing. Depending on the style of your dress, there are endless options for adding jewelry pieces to your look. Here are some trends and tips for bridal jewelry. 

Try adding some accessories to make your décolletage shine. Let’s say your dress has a strapless sweetheart neckline, consider pairing that neckline with a great statement necklace. Or, you can leave your décolletage bare and opt for sparkly chandelier earrings. If you have an accent color as part of your color scheme, possibly choose a necklace or pair of earrings that includes that color.

Chokers have been gaining popularity recently. Crystal chokers are perfect for bridal gowns with a V-neckline. It’s a statement accessory that doesn’t overcrowd your décolletage. They’re also commonly paired with dresses that have halter or reverse halter necklines. Headbands and hair pins make the perfect go-to hair accessories with halter necklines. 

If your dress has a high neckline like a bateau or sabrina neckline, it would be better to skip the necklace as this will crowd the area; instead find a bold bracelet or bangle to make a statement. Drop earrings could also be an option to consider. Remember, the accessories are supposed to enhance your dress, not overwhelm it.

Keep Jewelry to a Minimum 

We have all heard it before from stylists, “Take off the last accessory you put on.” This is something to consider when accessorizing your wedding dress, as well. Less is more. As much as you want to wear everything sparkly and shiny for your big day, it is not necessary.

Prior to setting out for an accessory shopping spree, stand back and really look at your dress. Envision what kind of accessories you may need to complete but not overwhelm the look.

Sashes

Many brides think of necklaces and earrings when they think of wedding accessories, however,  there are many other options.

Bridal sashes or belts make wonderful accessory options. These can be embellished with rhinestones and gems and can even be made to match the color of your dress. Not only that, but picking the perfect sash can also enhance your beautiful figure. 

For brides with a longer torso, a thick embellished sash will complement your body, while thin sashes are perfect for those with shorter torsos. A beaded sash looks great with an apple-shaped figure. For petite brides, sashes with a V-shape applique will elongate your body. The sash could be the accessories centerpiece, with the earrings playing a supporting role. 

If you love the simplicity of your dress but are looking to add a pop of sparkle, consider adding a beaded belt with a pair of matching earrings. Just remember, you have plenty of options.

Veils

Veils are an accessory to your wedding dress, not part of it. If your dress has elegant lace appliques scattered all over down to the train, a simple one layer veil would allow you to show off the details of your gown. 

Shorter veils will frame the body of slender brides, while birdcage veils can add an edgy or vintage feel to the dress. Whatever veil length and design you choose, it should complement your wedding dress as another accessory.

Floral Crowns & Hair Pins

Consider straying away from tradition and ditch the veil for a floral crown. Perfect for spring and summer ceremonies, floral crowns bring a sense of carefree style to your big day. You can use the same flowers and greeneries from your bouquet to make your floral headpiece in an effort to tie in your wedding theme.

Not a floral type bride? Accessorize your hair with hairpins. Crystal hairpins can add a subtle sparkle to your hairstyle while complementing a simple wedding gown. Whether you decide on a veil, floral crown, hairpins or anything else, let your personality shine bright with your accessory choice.

Cover Ups

For those brides who love the cooler weather and magical winter weddings, consider using a bridal cover up to stay warm. Caplets and faux fur stoles are two popular styles. These accessories allow you to stay warm without taking away from the elegance and sophistication of your wedding gown.

Shoes

Your big day will come and go in a blink of an eye and you’ll want to enjoy every second of it. The last thing you need is for your shoes to be a distraction because they are killing your feet. Stay as comfy as you can so you can enjoy your day to the fullest. Consider a pair of heels with ankle and toe straps for more security. Opt for a kitten heel instead of sky high stilettos. Trust us, your feet will thank you later. Plus, your dress will most likely cover your shoes. 

For more comfort, add gel insoles. They will not only cushion your feet, but will fill in your shoes if they happen to be a bit loose. 

Another great tip is to pick a pair of shoes that you will likely wear again. Instead of going for that pure white pair, go for the silver. That way you can wear it with different dresses to different occasions.

Appropriately Match Metal Accessories

Bonus tip! Matching your metals can help tie your whole look together. There are four common metal colors you’ll likely have to choose from to accessorize your wedding dress, which include: 

1. Gold

2. Silver

3. Rose gold

4. White 

For white or off white wedding dresses, consider pairing with platinum, silver and pearls. The brightness of these colors will enhance the color of your dress, bringing out the purity of the white. 

For ivory gowns, gold accessories will compliment the color. Gold brings out the ivory and cream shades on the fabric. And when in doubt, go with the hue of your dress. As much as you may think the light gold bracelet would go with your white dress and silver embellishment, it probably doesn’t. Unless it has sentimental value to you, opt for a bracelet in the silver or platinum family.

Next Steps

The most important accessory you can wear on your wedding day is your radiant smile! No physical accessories will outshine your smile while you’re in your dream wedding dress. Aside from your gorgeous smile, whichever accessories you pick, make sure they show your true personality. Be yourself and your big day will be magical!

Now that you have all the information you need to know about accessorizing your wedding gown, it’s the fun part! Shopping for your accessories! You can also visit your local Moonlight retailer for any questions relating to your gown.