How to Accessorize for Your Wedding

Oftentimes accessories are an afterthought. Arguably the one time that should not be the case is on your wedding day! As a bride-to-be, it can be overwhelming to choose a veil or hair piece, a belt, your jewelry and your bridesmaids’ jewelry, on top of everything else you have to plan. So many decisions! Here are 5 tips to make sure you and your ‘maids are impeccably accessorized for your big day.

1. Consider the style of your dress

Are you wearing a ball gown princess dress, an art deco sheath, or an ethereal lace gown? Choose jewelry and other accessories that will complement that style. For instance, you wouldn’t wear big sparkly drop earrings with a boho flowy dress. On the other hand, you can make your dress more formal by adding sparkly earrings or a necklace.

Additionally, think about whether or not you want to make a statement with your accessories. Sometimes brides want to showcase their beautiful gown, rather than investing in show-stopping accessories.

2. Use accessories to make the outfit more unique

There is a plethora of accessories out there to choose from, like flower crowns, beaded belts, statement necklaces, colored shoes, and shawls. Incorporating one or two fun accessories to your dress and your bridesmaids’ dresses adds your personal flair to the look.

Don’t forget the guys! You can add a colored tie and pocket square, a tie clip, or even a unique boutonniere to their suits or tuxedos.

3. Consider the neckline of the dress

A dress’s neckline can determine what jewelry to wear. Here are some general guidelines but by no means are they hard and fast rules. A helpful way to test different jewelry is by trying it on with a top that has your dress’s neckline.

Strapless necklines look best with a necklace or drop earrings. The style tends to look more complete if there is something (a piece of jewelry) to fill the space between the top of the dress and the bottom of your face, especially if you are not super busty.

High neck dresses and one shoulder dresses look best with earrings only.

Scoop neck dresses can handle a large statement necklace without looking overwhelming, unless you are really petite.

V neck dresses look best with either large earrings only, or a long necklace and earrings. The thinner the V, the daintier the necklace should be.

Illusion necklines look best with earrings only, so as not to take away from the “illusion”.

4. Incorporate family heirlooms

Your mom might want you to wear her wedding dress on your big day, but you probably have something else in mind. One way to incorporate family heirlooms into your wedding day look is with jewelry. Wear a gorgeous heirloom ring on your right ring finger, or use lace from your mom’s dress to wrap around your floral bouquet.

5. Use (inclement) weather to your advantage

If you have a winter wedding, wear fun accessories like fur and shawls that you can’t wear in the summer. It gives dimension and adds interest to your outdoor photos – and bonus: they keep you warm! If you have a rainy spring wedding, invest in some gorgeous umbrellas.

With these five tips, you are on your way to accessorizing yourself and your bridal party to perfection!

Alyssa Doorhy is the owner and head wardrobe stylist at CoChic Styling where the philosophy is to help women feel confident and comfortable in whatever they’re wearing. Based in Chicago, IL, CoChic Styling offers wedding wardrobe styling, personal shopping and styling, as well as closet clean outs. Follow @CoChicStyling on Instagram for inspiration and musings.

models Willow Star and Joshua Faulkner | Jewelry Ethan Lord Jewelers