Accessorizing A Plain Wedding Dress: Elevate Your Bridal Look

how to accessorise a plain wedding dress

Accessories are a great way to elevate your wedding dress and express your individuality. When it comes to accessorising a plain wedding dress, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can opt for a statement veil, which adds a traditional and romantic touch to your look. If a veil doesn't suit your style, you could choose a draped neck sash or a wedding cape instead. Jewellery is another way to accessorise, with necklaces, earrings, and bracelets adding sparkle and glamour. When choosing jewellery, consider the neckline of your dress and your hairstyle. Additionally, don't forget about hair accessories, shoes, and bouquets, which can all be used to enhance your overall bridal look.

Characteristics Values
Veil Simple, mid-length, fingertip or elbow-length, chapel-length, cathedral-length, draped neck sash
Jewellery Silver for a stark white dress, gold for an ivory or cream dress, statement earrings, necklaces, chokers, chains and pendants
Hair accessories Flowers, tiaras, crowns, hairpins, floral headdress, brimmed hat
Shoes Wedges, flats, high heels, embellished pumps, sneakers
Other Jacket, trains, detachable sleeves, bows, cape, belt, bag, gloves

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Veil styles

The right veil can elevate your bridal ensemble, adding a layer of romance, tradition and modern flair to your wedding day. There are several factors to consider when choosing a veil, such as the style and shape of your dress, the venue, the weather, and your hairstyle.

If you plan to wear your hair down, your hairstylist will need to reinforce your veil with additional pins to ensure it stays in place. A half-up, half-down hairstyle is versatile and pairs beautifully with most veil styles.

If you're wearing your hair in a chignon, opt for a shorter veil that can be placed below the bun to show off your updo. Conversely, if you're wearing your hair in long, flowing curls, a longer veil is a better choice as you can pin it to the crown of your head to add volume.

For a simple dress, an angel-cut veil trimmed in satin, horsehair, or organza can add drama. A veil with touches of light lace is also a stylish choice, as is a sheer illusion lace back. To showcase a dress with a long train, a custom-cut cathedral veil without any accents is a good option.

  • Birdcage veil: This short, vintage-style veil covers part of the face and is perfect for informal or outdoor weddings.
  • Shoulder-length veil: A casual and modern choice, this veil ends at the shoulders, allowing your dress to be the focal point.
  • Elbow-length veil: Falling gracefully to the elbows, this length is flattering and versatile, complementing most dress styles.
  • Fingertip veil: Grazing your fingertips, this is one of the most popular veil lengths, adding elegance without overwhelming the dress.
  • Chapel-length veil: Extending to the floor, just beyond the hem of your dress, this veil adds a touch of formality and grace.
  • Cathedral-length veil: The most dramatic option, this veil trails behind you, perfect for a grand, traditional wedding.

When choosing a veil, it's important to consider your comfort and the practicality of wearing it. If you're having an outdoor wedding, the wind may be an issue, so you may prefer a shorter veil or one that can be easily removed after the ceremony.

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Jewellery and necklaces

When it comes to accessorising a plain wedding dress with jewellery and necklaces, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the neckline of the dress will determine the style of the necklace. For example, a V-neck dress pairs well with a V-shaped necklace that mirrors the neckline. A dress with a square neckline calls for an angular necklace or a choker, while a scoop neckline can accommodate almost any necklace style. A sweetheart or strapless neckline is the perfect canvas for a bold statement necklace, perhaps featuring sparkly crystals, classic pearls, or a unique design.

For a minimalist dress, a simple pearl necklace is a timeless choice, while a more detailed dress may call for a minimalist jewellery approach, such as delicate gold hoop earrings and a soft cathedral veil. Dainty jewellery, such as a sweet stud earring or a simple pendant necklace, can also add a touch of refinement while keeping the focus on the dress. If you're wearing a veil, you may prefer to opt for earrings instead of a necklace to avoid a cluttered look.

For a boho bride, stacked dainty necklaces in gold are a must, while a modern bride might prefer a minimalist style necklace with geometric motifs. Don't forget to consider your skin tone when choosing jewellery to create a harmonious and balanced look. And finally, don't be afraid to play with proportions, especially if your dress has a shorter hemline—layered jewellery can add interest and sophistication to your bridal ensemble.

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Bridal shoes

Comfort is also key when choosing your bridal shoes. You'll be on your feet all day, walking down the aisle, standing at the altar, and dancing the night away, so make sure your shoes are comfortable and broken in to avoid blisters. A pair of heels with ankle and toe straps can provide more security, and a kitten heel can be a good alternative to sky-high stilettos. Gel insoles can also add comfort and help your shoes fit better if they're a bit loose.

Your bridal shoes are also a great way to showcase your personality and sense of style. If you want to keep things simple, opt for understated shoes like delicate kitten heels or fresh floral-accented white heels. On the other hand, if you want to make a statement, you can go for bedazzled one-of-a-kind shoes or even a pair of wedding-appropriate sneakers for the reception.

Don't forget that your bridal shoes can also be an opportunity to add a touch of colour to your ensemble. You can coordinate the colour with other elements of your outfit, like your bouquet, jewellery, or bridesmaid dresses, to create a cohesive look.

Finally, don't forget about the rest of your bridal accessories. The general formula is to choose your wedding dress, followed by your veil, headpiece, earrings, and bracelet. But ultimately, the choice of accessories is up to you and can be customized to your desired bridal style.

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Hair accessories

When it comes to hair accessories, there are many options to choose from to elevate a plain wedding dress. Firstly, consider the style of your dress and your hairstyle. If you plan to wear your hair down, statement earrings can be a great way to accessorise, as they will be visible and frame your face. Chandelier earrings, large studs, or intricate drop earrings can all add a touch of glamour. Alternatively, if you opt for an updo, you can showcase your neck and shoulders, and pair it with drop earrings or a bold necklace. A slicked-back bun or a soft low half-up, half-down hairstyle can be a great base for a statement necklace, especially with a square neckline dress.

If you want to incorporate a hairpiece, there are several options to choose from. Tiaras and crowns can add a regal, fairytale touch, especially with a full-skirted ball gown. For a more subtle look, hair pins or combs with pearls, crystals, or floral designs can add a touch of elegance without overwhelming your style. Delicate headbands can also work well with both updos and loose hairstyles, adding a vintage or modern chic vibe. If you prefer a more symmetrical look, a headband that wraps around your head can add balance and a subtle sparkle.

Veils are another hair accessory to consider, and they come in various lengths and styles to complement your dress. A waist-length veil can accentuate the silhouette of a ball gown, while a blusher veil adds a touch of vintage romance. A longer veil can also be a beautiful choice, with fingertip-length, chapel-length, and cathedral-length options available.

When choosing hair accessories, it's important to consider the overall theme and formality of your wedding. For example, a rustic barn wedding may call for simpler, more natural accessories, while a black-tie event could be the perfect opportunity for more opulent choices.

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Trains and overskirts

A wedding dress train is an extra length of fabric that attaches to the back of your dress, adding movement and glamour to your silhouette. They can be detachable or sewn-on, and range in price from $50 to $600+ depending on the fabric and length. You can choose from simple trains to embellished and shimmery options, or even add a cape-like train for a unique look.

Overskirts, on the other hand, are worn over your wedding dress, providing fullness and drama to the skirt. They can be easily removed to reveal a more fitted gown underneath, giving you two looks in one. Like trains, overskirts can also be detachable or sewn-on, and can be found at various price points. They come in a variety of volumes and fabrics, allowing you to create a look that's truly yours.

Whether you choose a train or an overskirt, these accessories are a great way to make a statement and add a touch of glamour to your plain wedding dress. You can find these accessories at bridal boutiques, online, or through independent designers, ensuring you can find the perfect piece to elevate your bridal look.

Frequently asked questions

Accessories are a great way to express your individuality and style. You can choose from veils, jewellery, shoes, hair accessories, bags, and more.

The jewellery you choose can depend on the colour of your dress. If your dress is stark white, opt for silver jewellery. If your dress is ivory, cream, or another warm-toned off-white, go for gold. If your dress has a plunging neckline, you can wear a necklace. If your hair is up, you can also wear statement earrings.

The type of shoe you choose can depend on the venue. For outdoor weddings, wedges or flats are a good option so that your stilettos don't sink into the ground. For indoor or formal settings, high heels or embellished pumps can add sophistication and glamour.

Veils come in three lengths: fingertip-length, chapel-length, and cathedral-length. If your dress is heavily embellished, opt for a simple veil. If your dress is fairly minimalist, you can make your veil the statement piece.

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