Choosing a wedding dress can be a daunting task. With so many styles and options available, how do you know where to start? And once you’ve found the perfect dress, what about the accessories? How do you know which ones will complete your look without going over budget?
Fear not! This guide is here to help. In it, we’ll explore the different types of wedding dresses and accessories available, as well as some tips on how to find the perfect match for your big day. So whether you’re just starting to browse or you’ve already got a few contenders in mind, read on for some helpful advice.
Table of Contents
The Dress
When choosing a dress, it’s essential that you first consider the style of wedding you’re planning. For example, if you’re marrying outdoors in a rustic setting, then a long and flowing gown may not be your best choice. On the other hand, if you’re planning a more traditional ceremony, then you might want to opt for an elegant ball gown or A-line dress. You can set your wedding apart if you choose one that isn’t so typical.
If you decide upon a standard dress style, there are many variations available. For example, if you prefer sleeves but still want a sleek and chic look, try a strapless dress with asymmetrical straps. If you’re looking to add more colour or drama, go with an off-the-shoulder style. Another option is taking your favourite dress and having it tailored to fit your unique shape. Hemlines vary depending on the season, but a long dress is an excellent choice if you want something that stands out from the crowd. It gives you room to add personal touches, but it’s still traditional enough for most ceremonies.
Jewelry
Jewelry can make or break an outfit. Bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, and the bride all need to be decked out for this special occasion. Fortunately, many kinds of jewelry can enhance your look without breaking the bank.
Women
For example, pearl earrings provide an elegant touch while relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little more formal, go with precious gemstone earrings. They offer the same classy feel as pearls without costing as much, and if you want to impress your guests, go with heirloom or vintage pieces. Finally, if you’re looking to add a more personalized touch while still working within your price range, consider having your accessories personalized with initials or other symbols.
On the other hand, if you are more traditional and want to use jewelry passed on to you by your family members, make sure that those pieces are in mint condition before the wedding. Old jewelry can get dirty or broken quickly, so you would need to look up something like “repair my jewelry” on google for a fast and budget-friendly jewelry repair. Think about this on time, as you don’t want to show up with a broken necklace.
Men
For the groom and groomsmen, cuff links are a great option. They can add a hint of class without being too expensive or flashy. You can even use old family cufflinks to infuse the look with tradition without spending anything extra. Rings for men used to be plain bands, but today, men’s rings can be as detailed and ornate as women’s wedding rings. They make an excellent gift for the men in your life, but try to stay away from too much gemstone or gold to keep costs down.
Veil
Veils come in many shapes, sizes, and colours, so you can find something that suits you perfectly. The different veils include the cathedral, tea-length, blusher, fingertip, birdcage, and bird-wing. If you have a favourite colour, try to find a veil that complements it as well as your dress. In addition, there are many kinds of materials available such as satin, tulle, lace, silk organza, and chiffon. Most veils can be cleaned or dry-cleaned but if not, look up “how to clean a veil” to find a fast and cost-effective way of getting it ready for the big day.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, consider selecting a veil that’s easy to pack and ship. You might also want to purchase two veils so you can save wear and tear on your favourite one while still having a long veil on hand for the ceremony.
Shoes
You can’t forget about your shoes. Of course, you don’t want to wear heels that make walking impossible, but you also don’t want something so plain and straightforward that they fade into the background of your big day. For a more budget-friendly option, go with flats or sandals with something sparkly for an added bit of shine. If you’re going with a shoe that isn’t completely flat, make sure to factor in your heel height when choosing something comfortable for dancing, as you don’t want to end up on an injury report for your wedding day.
You can also choose from many different colours and styles making it easier to find exactly what you want. Shoes with bows, ruffles, and lace are popular choices because they provide the perfect feminine touch without being too over-the-top. If you’re having a destination wedding or want to save money on your outfit, pick shoes that match your skin tone as closely as possible, so they blend in rather than take away from your look.
Bridal bouquet
The flowers in your bouquet and the material they are made out of can add different levels of elegance to your ensemble. Traditional flowers like roses and peonies are classic and beautiful but consider unusual berries or branches entwined with ivy or other vines for a unique look. You can keep costs down by having the wedding party carry the same flowers.
If you want something more personal, try having your maid of honour carry the flower arrangement you brought on your father’s side while the groom’s brother holds the one from his mother. Remember to keep these arrangements small, or they might take away from your look rather than complement it, so follows the guidelines above when picking out flowers for your wedding day.
You shouldn’t forget that bouquets and flower arrangements aren’t just beautiful decorations; they also play an essential role in your wedding photos. So if you’re getting married indoors or have a particular decoration style in mind, make sure your bouquet isn’t too tall to create an awkward picture.
Wedding rings
There are many options for wedding rings, but you should always make sure they are good quality, resistant to scratches and damage, personal to the couple getting married, and within your budget. When it comes to metal, men can usually choose between tungsten, titanium, silver, gold, or palladium. For women, if their male counterpart isn’t wearing a yellow gold band, then they have the option of wearing white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum for a better match.
If you want a more personalized touch, you can always get your wedding bands engraved with meaningful words or dates. You can also find different styles such as Celtic, tribal, and even custom designs made from scratch by a local jeweller.
Garter
Your garter may seem like a minor detail, but it plays a vital role in the wedding ceremony. It will help if you are looking for something that coordinates with your and your fiance’s outfit, whether this means traditional white lace or a pretty shade of blue to match his eyes.
If you want to make sure it holds up through your celebration, be on the lookout for a strong elastic band and high-quality lace. This way, you won’t have to worry about losing or ruining your garter while dancing with friends.
Hair Accessories
We already mentioned some of these like heirlooms, but there are even more types of hair accessories you can choose from. If your hair is up in an elegant updo, then it might seem unnecessary, but hair accessories can add that extra little something to your hairstyle. From glittery combs to silk ribbons, you will have plenty of options available at local bridal salons or wedding boutiques.
Keep in mind that while sparkly pieces might seem like the perfect accessory for your wedding outfit, they can be uncomfortable throughout an entire day of celebrations, so you should only wear them if you’re willing to sit still long enough not to ruin your hairstyle.
If you don’t want to wear it on your head, choose a necklace pendant instead for a sophisticated touch. If the wedding is during the day, then opt for light tints that will match your outfit or bridesmaids’ dresses instead of darker colours.
No matter what type of wedding you’re planning, it’s important to choose accessories that will enhance your look rather than take away from it. Coordinate with your fiance and bridal party to make sure everything flows together, and don’t be afraid to add a personal touch with engraving or unique designs. Remember that hair accessories can also play an essential role in photos, so keep them simple enough that they don’t overshadow you on your big day. We hope these tips will help make your wedding day a fun and memorable experience! Good luck with your shopping!
