Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress shopping can be a daunting experience. From budget constraints to the pressure of finding the perfect dress, there are many reasons why brides might opt for a simple wedding dress and choose to glam it up. Luckily, there are numerous ways to elevate a plain wedding dress, from adding lace to customising it with detachable sleeves or a statement veil. Accessories can also play a big part in sprucing up a simple dress, with jewellery, shoes and wraps all being able to add a unique twist.
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What You'll Learn
Add lace, beads, or bling
Adding lace, beads, or bling is a great way to spruce up a bland wedding dress. You can buy lace by the yard and cut it into pieces, or opt for lace appliques. Pin the lace pieces onto your dress, and then sew them on using a matching silk thread. You can also cut the fabric behind the lace for a bold new look.
Lace can be used to create sleeves or change the neckline detail. You can also add a lace top to a strapless dress. If you want to add beads, you can use them strategically to highlight specific parts of the dress and add a unique sparkle. Beads can be stitched together to create shapes like flowers and leaves. You can also use beading to repair any damage to the lace on your dress.
If you want to add some bling, consider sewing on some crystals or pearls. You can also add a crystal-studded waistband or sash. For a more subtle touch of sparkle, use clear crystals. If you want to add colour, try off-white or topaz crystals, or coloured beads that match your wedding colours.
If you're unsure about committing to fixed embellishments, you can use removable accessories to dress up your dress.
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Wear statement jewellery
Wearing statement jewellery is a great way to elevate a simple wedding dress. The right jewellery can make you feel amazing and unique on your special day.
First, consider the neckline and general aesthetic of your dress. A classic, clean square or sweetheart neckline would be beautifully complemented by long drop earrings or a delicate diamond necklace. For a more graphic gown with a plunging neckline, consider a bolder piece like a chunky choker or chain. If your dress has a high neckline, a statement bracelet or larger earrings could work well, adding nice detail without detracting from the dress.
If your wedding dress is strapless or has a sweetheart neckline, almost anything goes. You can opt for a stand-out statement piece or a simple pendant. Wider necklines, like boat necks and wide-Vs, also pair well with statement necklaces. However, if your dress has thicker straps, a high neck, or a narrow V-neck, you may want to avoid some statement necklaces as they can look cluttered and overbearing. In this case, try a delicate pendant necklace or a pair of glamorous statement earrings.
If you plan to wear your hair in an updo, this is perfect for statement earrings, and will also look elegant with stud earrings or drops. If you're wearing a statement necklace, choose earrings that won't overpower it, such as delicate studs. Conversely, if you're wearing your hair down, a statement necklace can play up your neckline, while longer statement earrings can sparkle through loose tresses.
You can also consider adding a belt to draw attention to your waist. A sparkly belt can add drama to a simple dress, and you can even match it to your wedding colour.
Remember, it's important to choose something that suits your style and shows off your personality. You should feel comfortable and beautiful on your wedding day.
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Wear coloured heels
If you're looking to add some pizzazz to a simple wedding dress, one fun idea is to wear coloured heels. Coloured heels can add a touch of modernity and playfulness to your wedding look. They're also a great investment, as you're more likely to wear them again after the big day compared to traditional white wedding shoes.
When choosing the colour of your heels, you can match them to your colour scheme, your birthstone, or simply your favourite shade. If you're looking for a bold pop of colour, consider a bright hue such as green, blue, or pink. You can also opt for a more subtle approach with nude or ivory heels, which can complement certain dress colours beautifully.
If you're feeling extra daring, go for statement heels with luxe fabrics, unique heel shapes, and glitzy embellishments. These details will add even more interest and glamour to your overall bridal ensemble.
To ensure your coloured heels work seamlessly with your dress, it's a good idea to bring them along to your dress fittings or appointments. This will help you determine the ideal heel height and style that complements the silhouette and train of your dress.
Lastly, don't forget to prioritise comfort when choosing your wedding shoes. You'll want to be able to walk down the aisle and dance the night away without any pain. If you're set on heels, consider opting for two pairs of shoes: one with heels and one flat pair for when you need to give your feet a break.
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Add a dramatic veil
A veil can be a beautiful addition to a wedding dress, and there are many options to choose from. When selecting a veil, it's important to consider the style of your dress and the overall look you want to achieve. Here are some tips for adding a dramatic veil to spruce up a bland wedding dress:
Firstly, the length of the veil is a key factor. Cathedral-length veils, which extend beyond the train of the dress, create a regal and elegant look and are perfect for formal and traditional weddings. Chapel veils, which are slightly shorter, reach the floor and extend a few inches beyond the dress. Mid-length veils fall to the hips or fingertips and can be adorned with intricate lacework and florals for added drama. Short veils can also be dramatic and should flatter your height and the horizontal lines of your dress, such as the waistline or neckline.
The style of the veil is also important. A simple veil with few embellishments will create a different effect from one with more detail. Angel-cut veils trimmed in satin, horsehair, or organza can beautifully frame the bride's face and create a spiral of fabric as it cascades down. Veils with light lace or sheer illusion lace backs are also elegant choices, especially with simple dresses. If your dress has a long train, you have more freedom in choosing the veil style, as long as it doesn't interrupt the details of the dress.
For a contemporary look, consider modern styles like short, layered, square-cut, or blusher veils. A short veil is particularly well-suited for a tea-length or city hall dress. A birdcage veil can add a whimsical touch, especially with a cocktail-length gown.
Additionally, don't be afraid to incorporate family heirlooms or vintage-quality lace into your veil for a unique and meaningful touch.
Remember, while it's generally recommended that the veil should accentuate the dress rather than distract from it, there are no hard-and-fast rules. You can choose a dramatic veil that showcases your style and personality and even build your look around it.
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Alter the sleeves
Altering the sleeves of a wedding dress is a great way to spruce it up and make it your own. Whether you want to add sleeves to a sleeveless dress or change existing sleeves, there are many options to explore.
One popular option is adding cap sleeves, which are short and usually cover slightly below the shoulder area. Cap sleeves can be made from various materials such as tulle or lace, and can even be beaded or detachable. They blend well with dresses that already have straps, but can also be added to strapless dresses with the help of a professional seamstress.
If you're looking for a romantic and forgiving option, consider off-the-shoulder sleeves. These can be added quickly to almost any dress, making them ideal for brides with tight timelines. You can choose a shorter cap-sleeve length or go for a longer, more flowy fit, and select from different styles of lace to elevate your dress.
For a bold and dramatic statement, puff sleeves are a great option. You will need the help of a professional seamstress to ensure the size, volume, and blending of the fabric are just right, but you can decide how voluminous you want the sleeves to be.
If you prefer long sleeves, you can add them to your dress through alterations. You can also opt for detachable sleeves, which provide versatility and allow you to change up your look throughout your wedding day.
When altering the sleeves of your wedding dress, it's important to work closely with a trusted seamstress or alterations expert. They will guide you through the process and ensure that your vision is brought to life. Be sure to schedule your first consultation about three months before the wedding to allow time for multiple fittings if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Accessorise with statement jewellery. You can switch out your jewellery throughout the day to give you a variety of looks. For instance, you could wear delicate earrings at the ceremony and then swap them for chunky gold hoops on the dance floor.
You could add lace, beads, sequins or other embellishments to the dress. You could also add a dramatic veil with lacework, beading, embroidery, pearls or sequins.
You could add a detachable sleeve, a bridal jacket or shawl, a great veil, or a bold lip. You could also wear coloured heels that can be seen peeking through the slit of a long dress.
