By: G Nelson
Choosing Accessories for the Wedding Gown
Without doubt, the biggest wedding decision that the bride must make involves her wedding gown and ensemble. Even if the bride chooses a gown handed down from her mother or an inexpensive cocktail dress, the effect must be perfect. Every bride wishes to look regal and elegant.
Once she has chosen the dress, she will start looking for accessories. Some of the items will depend on the time of the year. For instance if she is being married in a cooler climate, she will require a cape, shawl or faux fur stole for traveling outside. She may also choose to add pretty faux fur muffs for her hands and matching hat for her head and ears.
Regardless of the time of year, there are some standard accessories that all brides choose for her special day. But there are also others that add a splash of color or personality to the ensemble making the bride’s look truly unique.
Dress Sashes
Colorful ribbons and sashes can be added to the waist of the wedding dress or around the shoulders. The chosen color may compliment the bridesmaids’ gowns or may be the exact same color. The male vests or cummerbunds may also match the color scheme.
Dress sashes are perfect for women who want a splash of color but who do not want to deviate from the traditional white gown. The sash allows her more freedom of choice to move into a more modern era but at the same time allows her to keep the old tradition alive.
Jewelry
Jewelry will depend on the bride’s preferences in terms of how much she wants to wear or how little. For women who wear little or no jewelry on a regular basis, she may keep it simple by using only earrings and a small necklace or string of pearls.
Another area that will dictate the type of jewelry is the neckline of the dress. A high collared dress limits the type of jewelry and may be too elaborate for any type of necklace. On the other hand, a low cut or round neck dress may be perfect for a large piece of jewelry with many strands or baubles.
Tiaras, Veils, Hairpieces
The bride may choose a tiara for herself and her flower girl. When choosing a tiara, it is best to pin your hair up roughly the same way it will be on your wedding day. Keeping your hair down when trying on tiaras will fit a smaller tiara, then on your wedding day if your hair is high up, you will have a problem. Some tiaras have tiny combs attached to help brides with fine hair. The combs will help to keep the hair in place. Other tiaras sit on the crown of the head.
Veils generally come in five lengths.
Shoulder length or blusher veils are lovely for civil ceremonies, as the outfit worn is not generally as elaborate as the wedding gown.
Elbow length veils look great with gowns that have no train.
Fingertip length veils are perfect for most full length gowns except those will a train.
Chapel length, which basically just touches the floor.
And the cathedral length veils are best reserved for formal weddings with the bride wearing a long train. The veil normally extends until the end of the train.
Tiaras, veils and hairpieces are chosen not only by the bride’s preference but also, by how it looks with the gown. The headdress should not detract from the gown. It should flow naturally and look like it is part of the ensemble. The headpiece should also match the gown. If the gown is embellished with pearls, the headdress may seem out of place with another type of gemstone. Also, the headpiece should be chosen as though it was a piece of jewelry. The stones of all pieces should compliment one another.
Handbag or Purse
Many people wonder why a bride would carry a handbag on her wedding day. Surely, she would not need money; surely she carries a bouquet down the aisle not a handbag; and surely, the handbag would only be a nuisance carrying it all over the place.
On the contrary, the handbag is an essential piece of any woman’s wardrobe and her wedding day is no different. The purpose of the handbag may be different on her wedding day, but most brides, indeed, require a handbag. The main reason for the purse or handbag is to act as an emergency bag. The purse may contain mints, lipstick and makeup for touch ups before the picture taking, tissues for crying, extra pins and elastics for her hair, needle and thread and any other items she feels she should have close by.
Of course, she does not carry her own handbag. Normally she will ask someone close to her to bring it to the picture taking and the reception hall. She may even use her purse as the going away purse, which she will need at the dinner. Like all the other accessories in the bride’s ensemble, she will choose a handbag that best suits her wedding gown. In some instances, she will choose a purse to match her going away outfit instead of the wedding dress.
Shoes
Shoes must be comfortable while at the same time match the dress. Do not buy shoes that conflict with the style of the dress. Like the headpiece, the shoes flow with the whole outfit. Also, buy shoes with heels to which you are accustomed or you will find it very difficult to walk.
Lingerie
Properly fitted lingerie and undergarments are a must for the wedding day. A wedding gown always looks its best when the undergarments are made to fit the body. And remember that when you purchase the lingerie, bring the lingerie and the shoes to your final dress fitting so that the proper alterations can be made.
