1. The Look: Weddings are all about picking a theme and going all out with it. So first of all, think about the feel and the look that you are going for. Do you want a 1920’s vintage feel? Then try incorporating a bird cage veil, or a feathery headpiece with a lace applique. Are you looking for a Spanish feel? Then try a big flower headpiece, or a Mantilla veil that will drape beyond the edge of your train. Or are you going for classic elegance? Then try and keep your accessories to a minimum. Pick your accessories and gown that go with the feeling that you are going for, and that feeling will be conveyed to your friends and family.
2. Match: It is also important to match accessories to your gown in order to bring out its’ beauty in the right light. For example, if your gown has a belt that has some pearls and beads on it, then find earrings or a veil that has both of those items. It is best to keep the accessories in unison to have them flow right into your dress. If your gown has chunky beads on it, don’t accessorize with pearl earrings. Try and match the items as closely as possible.
3. Compliment: Take a good look at your gown and see if it is simple or busy on its own, as they both have their pros and cons. Simple dresses allow for more accessories and chunky jewelry or statement pieces. Try on beaded belts, big earrings, or thick bracelets. Sometimes a simple belt can dress up the gown to a whole other level, and give it a unique look. If your dress is very busy with lace or bling, refrain from using thick laced veils or chunky jewelry. Less is more with these gowns, and simple accessories add to its beauty without detracting any attention from it. Otherwise your audience will be too busy trying to figure out where to look instead of looking at you. Also, if you are wearing a bracelet, be sure to wear it on the opposite hand as your engagement ring. It will compliment and even out your bridal look.
4. Try On: It is really hard to match accessories without having your gown around, or without even having it on! So be sure to try on different veils, head pieces, and jewelry while you have the gown on your body. A good time to do that is usually once the dress comes in and you go in for your try on appointment. It can be a bit overwhelming to try and pick everything on the same day as you picked your gown, so wait until your dress comes in to do so.
5. Ask: Be sure to ask your consultant for any accessory suggestions. They have a pretty good eye in finding the appropriate accessories since they are around the gowns constantly and know what goes well with what. Be open to their suggestions and have fun with it! They will enjoy dressing you up until your look is completed to perfection.
