Rhiannon Hendricks
When it comes to wedding dress-up, there are many elements to consider to achieve a cohesive look. While the wedding dress is typically the key component, other factors include shoes, veils, jewellery, and outerwear. It's important to determine your bridal style by compiling a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses and identifying common themes. When shopping for a wedding dress, it's advisable to take precise measurements and consider trying on various styles to find the perfect fit. To glam up a simple wedding dress, you can add statement shoes, an overskirt, a bold lip, or eye-catching jewellery. For a unique touch, consider adding colourful gems or trendy rainbow stones. Ultimately, it's about expressing your personal aesthetic and feeling confident on your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dress | Minimalist, low-key, modern, simple, sleek, unique, tailored, voluminous, embellished, lacy, open-back, strapless, traditional, white |
| Shoes | White, bright colours, statement heels, luxe fabrics, bold embellishments |
| Veil | Ultra-long, lace-trimmed, romantic feathers, polka dots, hand-woven lace, floral elements, bold colour |
| Jewellery | Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, diamonds, pearls, coloured gems, rainbow stones, neon enamel, gold |
| Outerwear | Wrap, shawl, jacket, coat, shrug |
| Gloves | Sheer mesh, frills, embellishments, feathers |
| Budgeting | Check return policies, buy from sample sales, visit trunk shows, meet the designer |
| Fitting | Take precise measurements, test the garment while in motion, practice kneeling and dancing |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right shoes
Plan ahead
Although you may not need to decide on the perfect shoes before your wedding dress appointment, it is recommended to start looking for your wedding shoes right after you find your dress. This ensures that your wedding dress train works well with your chosen footwear and spares you from additional alterations. It also gives you enough time to find shoes that match your dress, as some retailers may run out of stock.
Consider the length of your dress
The length of your wedding dress matters when choosing your shoes. If you are wearing a shorter gown, your shoes will be more visible and may get a lot more attention. You may opt for statement pieces that add colour or modern elegance. On the other hand, full-length dresses will cover most shoe styles, so you may opt for a lower heel or flats.
Choose the right heel height
The heel height you choose will depend on your comfort level and the height of your gown. If you are not used to wearing high heels, opt for lower kitten heels or ballerina flats. If you plan to wear the same shoes all day, it is recommended to keep the heel height to 3" or less to avoid sore feet.
Adhere to the season
Consider the season when choosing your wedding shoes. For winter weddings, select closed-toe shoes to keep your feet warm. For summer weddings, you may opt for sandals for enhanced breathability.
Add a personal touch
You may choose to add a personalised touch to your bridal attire by selecting colourful shoes that complement your wedding dress. You can choose a vibrant hue or a shade that matches your ceremony's theme.
Remember, your wedding shoes should make you feel confident and happy. Choose a pair that you are excited about and that will be comfortable for you to wear throughout your special day.
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Picking jewellery
Picking the perfect jewellery to go with your wedding dress can be a challenging task. Here are some tips to help you choose:
Neckline
The neckline of your wedding dress can influence the type of jewellery you choose. For a strapless dress, you could opt for a statement necklace or a choker, paired with earrings. A V-neck dress goes well with a pendant, the deeper the neckline, the longer the necklace. A scoop neck dress can be paired with a choker and matching earrings, or statement earrings. A high-neck dress can be complemented by earrings and a bracelet. If you're wearing a halter-neck dress, you might want to skip the necklace and opt for statement earrings instead.
Style
Consider the style of your wedding dress. If your dress is romantic and vintage-inspired with lace, you could choose antique-style jewellery with flowers, gemstones, pearls or diamond strings. A dress with clean lines and structure could be complemented by diamond hoops, while an ethereal outfit could be paired with a whimsical necklace. If your dress is beaded and sequined, keep the jewellery simple and light, perhaps opting for a stylish wristband or brooches.
Colour
The colour of your wedding dress can help guide your choice of jewellery. A white or black dress goes well with cooler tones like platinum or silver. An ivory or champagne-coloured dress pairs nicely with gold jewellery. A blush dress is complemented by rose gold. If you're wearing a dress with warm ivory or cream tones, opt for jewellery with warmer tones and gold plating.
Personal style
It's important to choose jewellery that reflects your personal style. Don't feel pressured to buy something just because it matches your dress if it's not something you would usually wear. Classic diamond or gemstone stud earrings are timeless and versatile. If you're a minimalist, you might prefer to skip the jewellery altogether and let your dress shine.
Comfort
Remember to choose jewellery that you will feel comfortable wearing throughout the day. Avoid heavy pieces that might cause irritation. You don't want your jewellery to be uncomfortable or to detract from your overall look.
Happy wedding day!
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Veil options
The veil is a defining aspect of your bridal look. It is steeped in tradition but also serves as a means to infuse your walk down the aisle with dimension and character.
There are many veil options to choose from, and the right one for you will depend on your personal preference, budget, and the style of your wedding dress.
If you have chosen a wedding dress with a low neckline, a short veil could enhance your cleavage. If you would rather not draw attention to this area, a longer veil will provide more coverage, or you could opt for a veil with floral appliques as another focal point.
The length of your veil should also be considered in relation to your hairstyle. If you are wearing your hair in a delicate updo, a lighter veil is recommended. If you have long flowing curls, a longer veil can be pinned at the crown of your head to add volume.
If you are wearing a simple dress, you may want to add some drama with an embellished veil. A veil with touches of light lace is very elegant when styled with a simple dress. A raw-edge cathedral veil with scattered Swarovski crystals will add sparkle as you walk down the aisle. Feathers, polka dots, floral elements, bold colours, and lace trims are other options to consider.
For a modern look, short, layered, square-cut, and blusher veils are recommended, especially if you are wearing a fit-and-flare, mermaid gown, or tea-length dress. A birdcage veil is a whimsical option for a sassy, cocktail-length gown.
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Dress shape and silhouette
Wedding dress shapes and silhouettes are essential to consider when styling your bridal look. The silhouette of a wedding dress is its outline and structure, and different styles complement different body types. Here are some of the most popular wedding dress silhouettes:
A-line
A-line wedding dresses are universally flattering as they feature a fitted bodice that cinches at the waist and then flares out to create an "A" shape skirt. This style complements all body types, especially pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides, as it creates a slimming effect.
Ball gown
The ball gown silhouette is timeless and fairy tale-like. It features a slim-cut bodice and a full bell-shaped skirt that seems to float as you walk. This style is perfect for brides who want a dramatic and romantic look.
Mermaid
The mermaid silhouette is a fitted gown that hugs the body and flares out at the knees, creating a dramatic and elegant look. This style emphasises the waist and hips and is a great choice for apple-shaped or hourglass figures.
Trumpet
Similar to the mermaid style, trumpet gowns feature a bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, where the skirt then flares out. This style is popular among brides who want to flaunt their curves but prefer a more toned-down version of the mermaid silhouette.
Sheath
The sheath silhouette is a simple and elegant style that skims the body's natural shape. It has straight lines that lengthen and lend a modern and effortless air to the overall look. This silhouette is perfect for slender, petite, and hourglass frames.
Column
Column wedding dresses have a slim-fitting, straight-cut silhouette without much shaping. They often use structured fabrics such as taffeta or lace to give the dress some structure. This style is a good choice for brides with athletic frames who want to accentuate their figures.
In addition to these classic silhouettes, there are also more unconventional styles such as mini gowns, high-low silhouettes, and tea-length dresses, which offer a unique and modern take on the traditional wedding dress.
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Trying on and buying
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, but there are several steps you can take to prepare. Firstly, it is a good idea to start browsing for dresses as soon as you have your wedding date and venue confirmed. This will give you ample time to find your dream dress, as well as allowing for any alterations and customisations. It is recommended that you purchase your gown about nine months before your wedding.
Before you start trying on dresses, it is a good idea to do some research. Pinterest and Instagram are great sources of inspiration, and can help you to identify styles and designers that you love. It is also worth bearing in mind that wedding dresses are often sized differently from regular clothing, and are often two to four sizes larger. Therefore, it is important to keep an open mind, and to get measured by a bridal stylist.
When trying on dresses, it is important to trust your consultant and to listen to their recommendations. They are experts in their field, and will be able to suggest options that capture your personal style, complement your body type, and are within your budget. It is also important to remember that you may not cry when you find 'the one', and that is okay!
If you are buying your dress online, make sure to check the return policy, and always get your measurements taken by a professional seamstress before you buy.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to keep an open mind when shopping for a wedding dress. Compile a visual file of your favourite styles, then identify commonalities in the dresses you like. When trying on dresses, pay attention to how the garment looks in motion. If you plan on kneeling or dancing at your wedding, practice these movements in the dress.
Jewellery is a great way to personalise your wedding look. If your dress has a high neckline, skip the necklace and opt for dangling earrings. If your dress is embellished, go light on the jewellery. If you want to add a touch of colour, choose jewellery that matches your colour scheme, birthstone or favourite shade.
Shoes can be a fun way to express your personal style. While matching your dress with white shoes is a classic choice, a bright colour feels more fun and modern. If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider wedges or block heels so you don't sink into the ground.
If your wedding is in a cold month, you may want to wear a wrap, shawl, jacket, coat or shrug.
