Once you’ve said yes to the dress, it’s time to find the perfect accessories to tie your whole wedding look together. From dainty pearl earrings to statement clutch bags, we’ve compiled a list of the top accessories to consider for your wedding.
Earrings, clutch bags, heels, headbands, necklaces, hair accessories, and veils — the options are endless when it comes to elevating your bridal look. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you accessorise your wedding day look to perfection.
“For all brides, I always recommend wearing what makes you comfortable on your wedding day. There’s no need to step out of your comfort zone to please your mother or bridesmaids,” says Michelle of Michelle Pagonis bridal accessories. “Stay true to yourself. Additionally, trends come and go, so don’t feel pressured to follow them just because everyone else is. If you’ve always dreamt of wearing a particular style, my advice is to go for it. That way, you won’t regret your choice later.”
Jewellery
Whether you’re envisioning a minimalist bridal look or something a little more glitz and glam, your jewellery choices will tie your whole wedding day look together. The options are seemingly endless and can feel overwhelming, from dainty and timeless jewels to trendy statement pieces. We suggest starting with your dress and hairstyle and basing your jewellery choices around them.
If your dress has an ornately detailed neckline, a necklace will probably look too busy, so a pair of drop earrings is a better option. For low-cut or strapless gowns, an eye-catching statement necklace is a perfect pick. And when it comes to earrings, let your hairstyle guide the accessories. Opt for small studs or elegant drop earrings if you’re wearing your hair down, or pick something a little more dramatic if you’re having an updo.
Wedding jewellery tips:
- If you’re wearing a simple dress, opt for statement jewellery pieces to elevate your look
- Match your metals for a cohesive look
- Base your jewellery choices around your gown’s standout features
- Avoid jewellery designs that closely mimic the embellishments on your dress
Shoes
No outfit is complete without the perfect pair of shoes, and this is never truer than on your wedding day. And while finding the perfect pair of heels to complement your gorgeous gown is important, we cannot stress enough that comfort should always come first. You’ll be standing for long periods of time, and the last thing you want is for painful shoes to be a distraction on your big day. There are plenty of stunning bridal shoe options that don’t have towering heels, so you can stay as comfortable as possible without compromising your look.
Bridal shoe tips:
- Break your shoes in ahead of time and practise walking in them at home
- If possible, add gel insoles for extra comfort
- Heels with ankle and toe straps provide more security while walking
- Remember to pack band-aids in your emergency kit in case of blisters
Veils
An iconic and timeless bridal accessory, the veil is a beautiful way to bring your ceremony look together, and it will also look incredibly dreamy in photos. The key to picking the perfect veil is to remember it should be an accessory to your wedding dress, not part of it — the veil shouldn’t be stealing the spotlight from your gown! Simple one-layer veils are the way to go if your dress has a lot of detail, while extravagantly long, lacy veils can be a stunning addition if your dress style is more pared back.
Veil tips:
- Make sure your veil matches the shade of your wedding gown
- Veils studded with pearls, glitter or diamantes will add a stunning sparkle to your look
- Opt for a simple sheer veil if your dress has a lot of detail, beading or embroidery
Hair Accessories
If a veil isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other beautiful ways to finish your bridal look. We suggest finalising your hairstyle before picking your hair accessories, as this will dictate the type of accessories you choose. Dainty hairpins and floral combs work well with elegant updos, while statement headpieces and headbands look fabulous with long waves.
“It adds a touch of elegance to your look with a headpiece,” says Michelle. “These accessories will bring your hairstyle and gown together, drawing attention to your appearance and creating a wow factor from head to toe.”
Hair accessories are also a great way to tie your wedding theme into your overall look, whether you’re having a whimsical garden wedding or a beachy bohemian celebration. For boho brides, we love the idea of having flowers, leaves or vines on your hair pins or clips for a gorgeous nature-inspired look. And if you’re planning a glamorous modern wedding, a striking hairpiece with rhinestones or feathers could be a fun option.
Wedding hair accessory tips:
- Make sure your chosen accessories are properly secured in your hair
- Steer clear of dainty accessories if you’re doing thick bouncy waves
- Chat to your hairstylist about accessory options before making your decision
Bags & Clutches
While it’s not one of the most important wedding accessories, a bag or clutch will undoubtedly come in handy on the day and looks beautiful in the flat lay detail shots. Usually, your bridesmaids will carry the wedding emergency kit (think band-aids, safety pins, painkillers, hair brushes, bobby pins, mints, tissues etc.). Still, having your own bag to keep your phone, home or hotel key, lipstick, credit cards, and ID safe is a great idea.
Bridal clutch bag tips:
- Your clutch will appear in those dreamy detail shots, so you’ll want to make sure it complements your overall look
- While you may be drawn to a teeny clutch bag, something that fits all of your essentials will be more practical on the day
Wondering what to pack in your clutch? Check out these tips from some of our amazing suppliers.
What not to do:
- Awkward tiara placement. “The occasional placement of a tiara headpiece has been observed, situated too far back in the hair. Its proper placement should be towards the front, upright and not leaning on an angle backward,” explains Michelle Pagonis.
- Over-accessorising. “It’s tempting to wear every piece of jewellery you love, but remember that less is often more,” advises Rebecca from Sydney jeweller The Callie Corp. Choose a few key pieces that complement each other and your dress without overshadowing it.
- Clashing metals. Mixing different metal tones can create a disjointed and uncoordinated look. For instance, wearing silver earrings with a gold necklace may clash and distract from your overall appearance. Stick to one metal tone throughout your accessories for a cohesive and elegant ensemble.
- Ignoring your dress style. Not all accessories will pair well with every style of wedding dress. Avoid choosing accessories that don’t match the style, neckline, or embellishments of your gown. For example, a vintage lace dress might not pair well with modern, chunky jewellery. Ensure your accessories enhance and harmonise with your dress rather than detract from it.
- Oversized accessories. While statement pieces can add drama to your look, wearing oversized accessories can overpower your outfit and make you appear weighed down. Avoid excessively large earrings, necklaces, or hairpieces that detract from your natural beauty and the elegance of your dress. Opt for accessories that accentuate your features without overwhelming them.
- Forgetting comfort. Your wedding day will be long, and you’ll be on your feet for most of it. Avoid uncomfortable accessories that pinch, scratch, or irritate your skin. This includes overly tight bracelets, heavy earrings that tug on your earlobes, or shoes that are too high and cause pain. Prioritise comfort without sacrificing style to ensure you feel confident and at ease throughout your wedding day.
