Planning a wedding is all about the details that create a beautiful and memorable day.
Accessories are key components in tying together a bride or groom’s look, from elegant veils and delicate jewellery to the perfect shoes and personalised touches.
Each element helps express individual style and enhances the overall aesthetic of the event.
Whether you’re seeking timeless classics or modern trends, this guide offers insights on selecting the ideal accessories to complement your wedding attire and ensure a polished, unforgettable appearance on your special day.
Let’s get straight to the point
Wedding accessories are key in creating a polished and memorable look for brides and grooms. For brides, common accessories include hairpieces, veils, shoes, jewellery, clutches, undergarments, and outerwear.
Grooms typically focus on shoes, cufflinks, ties or bow ties, pocket squares, belts or suspenders, boutonnieres, and watches.
When choosing accessories, consider your wedding theme, coordinate with your outfit, and prioritise comfort.
Current trends include floral accents, minimalist jewellery, and personalised items. The right accessories can elevate your wedding attire and add a unique, personal touch to your special day.
Common Wedding Accessories For Brides
When planning a wedding, accessories play a key role in creating a polished and memorable look for both brides and grooms.
From hairpieces and veils to shoes and jewellery, every detail contributes to the overall style. Below is a guide to the most important wedding accessories, along with tips on how to choose them.
1. Hairpieces And Veils
A bride’s hair is often one of the most striking parts of her appearance, and the right hairpiece or veil can significantly enhance her look. There are many options to choose from:
- Cathedral veils: These are long and dramatic, ideal for formal weddings.
- Headbands: A delicate and simple headpiece that adds elegance.
- Hairpins: Perfect for intricate updos, offering subtle sparkle.
For those who prefer not to wear a veil, popular alternatives include floral crowns and crystal hair combs, which add a unique and personal touch to the bridal hairstyle.
2. Bridal Shoes
Comfort and style are equally important when selecting bridal shoes. Depending on the dress and venue, brides may choose between:
- Heels: Glamorous, but ensure they are comfortable for a long day.
- Flats: A stylish yet practical choice, especially for taller brides or those seeking comfort.
- Wedges or sandals: Ideal for outdoor weddings, offering better support on uneven surfaces.
3. Jewellery
When selecting bridal jewellery, balance is key—jewellery should enhance the dress, not overshadow it. Popular options include:
- Stud earrings: Simple and elegant, ideal for dresses with intricate detailing.
- Necklaces: A great option for strapless gowns, adding a focal point to the neckline.
- Bracelets: Suitable for brides with illusion necklines or heavily beaded dresses.
The key is to keep the jewellery delicate and minimalistic if the dress has complex designs.
4. Clutch Bag
A small clutch is both practical and stylish. Brides often use it to carry essential items such as makeup for touch-ups. A clutch can also serve as a fashion statement, matching the dress or complementing the wedding’s color scheme.
5. Undergarments And Shapewear
Choosing the right undergarments is essential to ensure the perfect fit of the wedding dress. Seamless and supportive undergarments help to create a smooth silhouette. Many brides also choose shapewear to achieve a flattering fit, especially under form-fitting gowns.
6. Outerwear
For seasonal weddings, outerwear is a smart addition to the bridal outfit. Options include:
- Fur-lined wraps: Ideal for winter weddings, providing warmth and luxury.
- Shawls or light cardigans: Perfect for a breezy spring or autumn wedding.
These pieces are both functional and stylish, adding depth to the bridal look.
7. Garter
The garter is a fun, traditional piece that many brides include in their outfit. It can also serve as a personal touch, with some brides incorporating their “something blue” or opting for a customised design. The garter can be a discreet yet meaningful accessory.
Essential Wedding Accessories For Grooms
While the bride often steals the spotlight, the groom’s accessories are just as important. These details help the groom look polished and cohesive with the overall wedding theme.
1. Shoes
Comfort and style are key when it comes to groom’s shoes. Popular options include:
- Leather Oxfords: Classic and formal, perfect for traditional weddings.
- Loafers: A more casual option, great for outdoor or relaxed ceremonies.
- Sneakers: Some grooms opt for sneakers, reflecting their personal style or adding a modern twist to their look.
2. Cufflinks
Cufflinks are small but significant. They can add a touch of class or personalisation to the groom’s outfit. Many grooms choose to engrave cufflinks with initials or a special design, making them a keepsake after the wedding.
3. Tie Or Bow Tie
The choice between a tie and a bow tie depends on the formality of the wedding:
- Black-tie weddings: A formal black bow tie is the classic choice.
- Relaxed garden weddings: A patterned tie can add personality and tie in with the wedding’s color scheme.
4. Pocket Square
A pocket square is a small detail that can have a big impact. It’s an easy way to introduce color or pattern into the groom’s outfit. For formal occasions, a classic white pocket square is often preferred, while more colorful options work for less formal settings.
5. Belt Or Suspenders
The decision to wear a belt or suspenders depends on the suit style. If the suit has belt loops, a matching belt is a must. On the other hand, suspenders offer a vintage or formal vibe and are great for suits without belt loops.
6. Boutonniere
The boutonniere is a small floral arrangement pinned to the groom’s suit, often reflecting the wedding’s floral theme. Many grooms choose a flower that matches the bride’s bouquet. For a more creative touch, consider incorporating succulents or feathers.
7. Watch
A classic wristwatch is both practical and stylish. Many grooms choose a timeless piece that complements their outfit and can be worn again on future special occasions.
8. Hat
Hats can add a distinctive flair to the groom’s outfit. Options vary based on the formality of the wedding:
- Top hats: Appropriate for black-tie or formal weddings.
- Flat caps: A rustic or relaxed outdoor wedding might call for a less formal hat.
Conclusion
Wedding accessories play an essential role in completing the bride and groom’s look, adding personal style and elevating the overall aesthetic of the day.
Whether you’re drawn to timeless classics or modern trends, the right accessories can beautifully complement your wedding attire, offering both elegance and functionality.
From veils and jewellery to shoes and personalised touches, each element contributes to creating a polished, memorable appearance.
By carefully selecting accessories that match your theme, outfit, and comfort needs, you’ll ensure that your wedding day is not only visually stunning but also uniquely personal.
Ultimately, these thoughtful details will help make your special day even more unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Wedding Paraphernalia?
A veil, headpiece, or hair accessories to complement your gown. Wedding shoes that are comfortable enough to dance the night away.
A clutch bag for wedding day essentials. A jacket, shrug or cardigan to cover your shoulders in case it gets chilly. Wedding jewellery to create that extra sparkle.
What Makes a Wedding Classy?
Delicate white florals, plenty of lush greenery, light linens, and minimal decor: These tried and true wedding details will never go out of style.
And if you’re a couple that prefers timelessness over trends, we suggest planning your ceremony and reception in a classic wedding style.
Do You Wear the Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day?
Traditionally, the wedding band goes first on the finger so it’s closest to the heart. To ensure the proper position, some brides temporarily move their engagement ring to their right hand.
Then, after the nuptials, they return the ring to their left hand over the wedding band.
Do You Really Need Wedding Favors?
So are wedding favors necessary to give? Experts say that no, wedding favors are no longer the obligatory ritual that once permeated the occasion. And it’s the rare guest who has an opinion either way. Before shopping for favors, take into account how attitudes toward the tradition have evolved.
How can I make my wedding look more expensive?
Make your wedding look more expensive by adding a little dash of sparkle. Add glitter to certain pieces of your decor and it will add a touch of glitz and glamour to your day. Use glitter sparingly so as to not overdo it.
