Choosing your Bridal Accessories

By Cristina Masci

So you've chosen your photographer, the dress, the flowers and chosen a hairstyle, but what about your Bridal Accessories? There are so many choices when planning a wedding, however there are some golden rules that should be applied, which will help narrow down your options.

Here are a few tips that will ensure you look Absolutely Gorgeous when walking down the isle to say 'I-do'!

Style of Wedding Dress

First and foremost is: choosing your gown first, then choose your accessories to complement it.

Is the gown traditional, modern, simple and flowing, old-world or romantic? Your accessories should reflect the look and feel you are going for. For example if you have a modern dress, try choosing accessories with a modern edge, a simple dress may mean that you can have fun your with your jewellery and consider a striking necklace and smaller earrings.

Match the type of sparkle in your gown with the sparkle in your accessories. Use crystals with crystals, rhinestones with rhinestones and pearls with pearls, etc.

Look for a headpiece with similar detailing. A gold-tone or ivory pearl-accented tiaras are a good compliment to ivory/cream gowns, while silver-tone, rhinestone, and white pearl tiaras best compliment the tones of a white gown.

Remember, the big Golden rule when choosing accessories and that is not to overdo it. If your dress is more elaborate, try to keep the jewellery simple; go for an earring and bracelet set.

Neckline of Dress

The neckline of the dress is another thing to consider. Strapless gowns are very popular at the moment, however they mean that a lot of skin will be visible. A gorgeous choker or elaborate necklace with drops can work really well at completing your look without detracting from the gown and will "fill in" more skin so that you don't look too bare.

It is also wise to mirror the necklace with the neckline of the dress... For instance a V-shaped or sweet heart neck would look great with a V-shaped or Y-shaped necklace that comes down to a drop.

For dresses with higher necklines, you may want to consider have a more striking head-piece/tiara or try some chandelier earrings.

Veil

Whether you are having a veil or not will also help you decide on what accessories and head-pieces/tiaras to choose.

If you are having a veil you need to decide if you want it placed high on you head or at the bottom of your head i.e. above a low bun. If you are having a higher veil, you will most probably want a tiara placed in front of it to finish off the look.

A lower place veil looks gorgeous with a diamante combed tiara or floral headpiece sitting behind the veil. If you decide not to go for a veil, then there are some fantastic options around like 'Fascinators' with or without netting, diamante hairpins or a tiara.

Hairstyle

Longer hair will give you more options with hairstyles and tiaras. Remember if you are having an up-style you will probably need a larger tiara to balance out the look.

If you have short hair you will want to decide on a lighter, more delicate tiara that will not require lots of pinning to hold it in place. Brides with shorter hair look best in headband styles or tiaras with a smaller shaped comb.

The colour of your hair is something to think about. Hair accessories with diamantes/crystals are more noticeable in darker hair whereas you will need a more solid piece if you have lighter hair.

Above all, the most important thing is feeling comfortable on your wedding day and so choose pieces that feel like you and that you can wear again. Don't despair if you can't find what you are looking for as you can also draw a sketch and get anything you like custom made…

See our on-line catalogue www.absolutelygorgeous.com.au