Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress shopping can be a daunting task, with countless options and styles to choose from. While some brides prefer an embellished and detailed dress, others may opt for a simpler and more understated look. If you've chosen a plain wedding dress but want to add some pizzazz, there are several ways to transform your gown into something spectacular. From statement jewellery and hair accessories to alterations and appliques, you can create a show-stopping ensemble that reflects your unique taste and style. So, whether you're looking to add a touch of bling or prefer to keep it simple, read on for tips on how to dress up a boring wedding dress and make it your own.
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What You'll Learn
Add statement jewellery, like a necklace, earrings, or headpiece
Adding statement jewellery is a great way to elevate a simple wedding dress. When it comes to choosing what kind of jewellery to wear, consider the design of your dress. If your dress has a high neck, for example, it's best to skip the necklace and opt for bold earrings instead. This will draw attention to your features and enhance their beauty. Similarly, if you're wearing an elegant updo, chandelier earrings or drop earrings are a perfect choice as they will lift the neck and make the entire look classy.
If you're wearing a strapless or sweetheart neckline, you've got a blank canvas for a bold statement necklace. Go for a thick choker-style necklace or a chunky multi-strand necklace that sits just above the neckline and draws attention to your neck and shoulders. On the other hand, if you're wearing a V-neck dress, a pendant that follows the contour of the neck is a perfect choice.
If your wedding dress is on the simpler side, with fewer design elements, you can go bigger with your accessories without getting swallowed by your outfit. However, it's important to remember that your jewellery should only serve as an additional touch and should not compete with the dress. So, if you're wearing a bold necklace, try to avoid too many other things too close together.
When it comes to the type of metal, this can be guided by the colour of your gown and your skin tone. If your gown is white, lean into cooler tones like platinum, white gold, or silver. If it's ivory or champagne-coloured, gold jewellery will enhance its warm tones. For a blush-coloured gown, rose gold jewellery will bring out the warmest shades in the dress. If you're still unsure, consider your skin's undertones. Silver jewellery complements those with pink or rosy-red undertones, while gold works best for those with apricot or olive undertones.
Finally, don't forget to consider your personal style and choose pieces that reflect your personality. You can never go wrong with classic diamond or gemstone stud earrings, and these are pieces that you're more likely to wear again. However, if you're a bride who believes you can never have too much bling, go for dazzling statement pieces such as earrings and tiaras to bring a glamorous touch.
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Wear a veil, tiara, or cape
If you want to dress up your wedding dress, consider adding a veil. Wedding veils come in a variety of lengths, from short veils that fall to the shoulders or elbows, to fingertip-length veils, and finally cathedral-length veils that extend beyond the train of the dress. When choosing a veil, consider the style of your dress and whether you want the veil to be a statement accessory or to complement the dress without overpowering it. For instance, a lace-trimmed veil can pair well with a very clean gown, and a simple dress can be amplified with a dramatic angel-cut veil.
If you're considering a veil, you might also want to think about wearing a tiara or crown. Tiaras and crowns are back in fashion, and there are many styles to choose from that can reflect your personality and the vibe of your wedding. For example, a dainty headband-style tiara might suit a more low-key wedding, while a large, sparkly princess tiara could work for a traditional or formal wedding. When pairing a tiara with a veil, it's best not to attach the veil to the tiara, especially if the veil is heavy, as it may pull at the tiara.
Another option to elevate your wedding dress is to add a cape or capelet. Capes dominated the runways at New York Bridal Fashion Week and are one of the biggest wedding dress trends for 2024. They offer visual interest, extra coverage, and sweeping effects, and can be paired with a variety of dress styles, from sleek jumpsuits to mermaid wedding dresses. When choosing a cape, consider the level of detail on your dress, as a plain cape may be more suitable for a dress with a lot of details and movement.
Whether you choose a veil, tiara, or cape, these accessories can help you dress up your wedding outfit and make a statement on your big day.
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Choose a bold bouquet
A bridal bouquet is one of the most important accessories for your wedding day. It is the finishing touch that will complement your dream dress and set the scene for the biggest day of your life.
If you're looking to dress up a simple wedding dress, choosing a bold bouquet is a great way to go. A bolder and more dramatic floral creation will provide a striking statement that will wow your guests. If you're looking for something out of the box, consider an asymmetrical bouquet or one with cascading greenery.
The shape, texture, and overall vibe of your bouquet should complement your dress, your figure, and your unique style. If you have a ball gown or a dress with a short hemline, a smaller bouquet is recommended so that it doesn't get lost behind the dress or look drowned in the skirt. On the other hand, a larger bouquet can add balance and harmony to an A-line, princess, or ball gown wedding dress with a full skirt.
The season of your wedding can also guide your choice of bouquet. For a spring wedding, soft pastel colour palettes or gentle greens symbolize new life. As spring turns to summer, consider bold and bright florals, or cool tones of purple or blue for a calming energy.
Don't forget to bring a sample of your wedding outfit fabric or a picture when meeting with your florist so they can help you choose the perfect bouquet.
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Alter the dress with lace, buttons, or straps
Altering a wedding dress with lace, buttons, or straps can be a great way to transform it into something exquisite. Here are some ideas to dress up a boring wedding dress using these elements:
Lace
Lace can add a delicate and elegant touch to a simple wedding dress. Consider adding lace detailing at the back of the dress or choosing a gown with sheer lace sleeves. If you want to make a bolder statement, opt for a dress with an all-over lace fabric. For a more subtle approach, delicate lace appliques or panels can be added to the bodice or skirt of the dress.
Buttons
Buttons can be a stunning addition to a wedding dress, but they can also be a bit tricky as they may take longer to fasten than other closures. If you're considering a button-back dress, practice dressing beforehand to ensure you're comfortable with the process. You can also invest in a crochet hook to help with fastening. When choosing buttons, consider replacing zippers with satin buttons that extend down the train for a luxurious touch.
Straps
Adding straps to a strapless wedding dress can provide a more secure and put-together look. Consider adding dainty, narrow straps to your gown, especially if you're concerned about constantly adjusting a strapless dress. Straps can be customized to match the dress's fabric or embellished with details like pearls or rhinestones for added sparkle.
Remember, when altering your wedding dress, it's essential to consider the overall balance of the gown. Stick to one bold detail, such as a statement lace back or a dramatic button train, and build the rest of your look around it.
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Add a belt or sash in your wedding colour
Adding a belt or sash to your wedding dress is a great way to dress up your look and make it unique. It can help to accentuate your waist, making you appear more hourglass-shaped. There are a few things to consider when choosing a belt or sash. Firstly, it's important to select the right colour. Warm gold tones pair well with cream and ivory gowns, while silver and crystal accents complement brighter white dresses. The placement of the belt or sash is also key – it should sit at your natural waist, between the bottom of your rib cage and your belly button.
You can choose to tie your belt or sash in a bow at the back, or have it sewn directly onto the dress. If you're worried about the bow moving around throughout the day, sewing the belt onto the dress is a good option. However, if you plan to wear the sash for only part of the day, you may prefer to tie it.
There are many different styles of belts and sashes to choose from, including sparkly belts with beading or crystals, or more delicate sashes with bows, silk flowers, or pearls. If you're looking for a modern look, Laura Jayne Accessories offer a selection of bridal belts and sashes that can be worn with any dress.
When deciding whether to add a belt or sash to your wedding dress, it's important to consider your body shape, the dress silhouette, and how busy the pattern on the dress is. Try on different belts and sashes to see what works best for you and your dress.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to dress up a simple wedding dress. Here are some ideas:
- Add statement jewellery, such as a bold necklace or chandelier earrings.
- Wear your hair down and keep your accessories minimal to make a fancy dress feel more casual.
- Add a cape or a veil.
- Choose a dramatic bouquet.
- Add appliques, beads, sequins or lace detailing.
Here are some ways to make a statement:
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a fascinator.
- Add a belt or sash in your wedding colour.
- Alter the dress by shortening the sleeves, adding lace detailing at the back, or replacing zippers with satin buttons.
To make your wedding dress more modern, consider the following:
- Add a sheer panel at the back or on the sleeves, or go for a completely sheer bodice.
- Wear your hair in a sleek bun or ponytail.
- Add a detachable bow.
