7 Tips For Accessorizing Your Wedding Gown

Gown? Check. Alterations? Check. The hard part of the dress shopping process is over, but now you have to accessorize. Your wedding gown is the main attraction, but the accessories can make or break your look. You not only have to pick accessories that match your style, but they also have to complement each other and your wedding gown of choice. We recommend making a Pinterest board with the accessories you're thinking about and your wedding gown before making any purchases. Whether you chose a heavily embellished gown or something a bit more simple, here are seven tips for how to accessorize your wedding gown!

Veil or No Veil?

Whether or not you plan to wear a veil should be one of the first decisions you make when it comes to accessories. If you’re going for a more traditional look, nothing says bride more than a veil. If you have an embellished gown, opt for a simple, sheer veil. If you chose a classic gown, you can go for a more decorated veil, but always make sure to match the color of your veil to your wedding gown to avoid any appearances of discoloration. Of course, if a veil isn’t your style, you can choose a hair accessory such as bows, barrettes, or a statement headband for a more cool-bride elegance.

Be Mindful of Your Neckline

Photography by Fabiana Skubic Photography

Photography by Jessie Wyman & Christina Anne

Your neckline might not be your first thought when it comes to choosing your accessories, but it’s one of the most important gown traits to consider. Not every neckline is suited for jewelry or at least certain types of jewelry. If your gown has a strapless or sweetheart neckline, skip out on a necklace altogether and instead opt for a drop or statement earring that is chic and follows the eye line to your neckline. For a V-neckline gown, a necklace and drop earring combo are perfect to help accentuate your neckline. If you’re rocking a halter gown, forget the necklace and let your neckline shine with stud earrings and a dainty bracelet.

Match Your Jewelry to Your Dress

Did you know that certain metals work better with specific shades of white or ivory? Well, it’s true, and you’ll be glad you read this before buying your bridal jewelry! Generally, gold is best paired with ivory to highlight the creamy hue of the fabric. Silver, platinum, or pearl jewelry pairs well with a bright white gown. If your wedding gown has a lot of beading or appliques, let those details determine your metal base, whether that’s silver, gold, or rose gold.

Photography by Alyssa Parker Photography

Comfy is Key

Photography by All The Little Stories Photography

Photography by Marcela Plosker Photography

We all love a good stiletto moment here and there, but don’t forget, your wedding day is a long one and chances are you’ll be standing for the majority of it. If you’re a certified heel wearer, then find a pair that feels comfortable to you, but make sure to have a pair of backup sneakers hidden in your bag for the reception. Not into heels? Opt for a chic pair of sandals, sneakers, flats, or boots that complement your gown. When it comes to color, a pop of color always adds a personal touch to your bridal look, but if you want to keep it more traditional, go for the same hue as your jewelry!

Consider A Cover-Up

Whether you’re getting married in the middle of winter or even summer, you may want a cover-up to keep you warm when the temperature drops. This doesn’t have to be an old jacket you keep on hand or a simple cardigan, you can turn this cover-up into a complete bridal moment. Opt for a cape, capelet, shawl, or bolero for a more traditional addition. If you’re looking for a more whimsical cover-up, think about getting a leather, jean, or satin jacket personalized with “bride” or your wedding date.

Photography by Chrissy Kites Photography

Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography

Think Beyond Jewelry

Photography by Jessie Wyman from the Thompson Photography Group

Jewelry isn’t the only way you can accessorize your bridal look. It’s one of the easiest ways to add a personal touch to your bridal look, but if you’re not a jewelry lover or it seems to be clashing with your wedding gown, there are plenty of other options for accessories. For a more simple gown, you can add a velvet or satin sash, if you want to accentuate your waist even more, you can opt for an embellished belt. Not a bracelet fan? You can choose a pair of elegant gloves to match your gown. Need more fun elements in your bridal look? Rock a pair of sunglasses or back chain.

Less Is More

With so many accessory options to choose from, it can be so easy to go a bit overboard. The best way to avoid doing this is remembering that less is more, pick 2 or 3 accessories that are must-haves for you and focus on those. You don’t have to wear a veil, hair accessories, a necklace, earrings, etc. There would be way too much going on, your style and wedding gown would get lost in the mix. Sticking to just a few key accessories gives you the room to pick personalized pieces and still accentuate your wedding gown.