Bridal Wear and Wedding Accessories

After months of searching, and hours of trying on gown after gown, you have finally made your decision and chosen your dress. It is everything you dreamed of and more. It's perfect, or is it? Aren't you forgetting something?

What about all of those added extras that are required to complete the picture. These are known as Bridal Accessories and it is worth considering the wide range available to see what suits you and what will enhance your dress to make it absolutely perfect!

The first thing to consider when thinking about bridal accessories is jewellery.

There are many specialist bridal jewellery stores that as well as stocking a massive range and colour selection of jewellery can design your own original piece for you (and your bridal party too) to ensure it matches perfectly with the colour, shape and style of your dress.

Often the large bridal stores have their own selection of jewellery and can suggest pieces that go hand in hand with your dress.You need to think about the stones that will best suit your dress.You should match your jewellery with any details that are included on your dress. Pearls or crystals, coloured gemstones, silver or gold.

Another option that is considerably cheaper but may only last the day is to check out the vast range available at the many costume jewellery stores that are located in your local shopping centre. Many fashion stores also provide a wide range of costume jewellery that may suit your needs.

Vintage and antique jewellery is also a popular choice, ensuring something original and different.

You need to think about necklaces, bracelets and ear-rings. Remember 'more is less' so don't overdo it. One magnificent piece may be all you need to create the look you dreamed of.

Once you have settled on your jewellery selections you also need to consider accessories for your hair. Will you wear a tiara, jewelled hair pins, clips, combs or even feathers in your hair? What about gloves or a shawl otherwise known as mink pashminas, chiffon wraps or stoles. All of these little extras can really add definition and be the 'icing on the cake'.

If you have decided to go with a tiara, make sure it is comfortable to wear. A rule of thumb when purchasing tiaras is, if you have a round face, choose a tiara that has a peak in the middle or is quite high.If you have a long face choose a tiara that is even from one side to the other without a lot of height. A full face suits a tiara that peaks into a "V" at the top.

Last but not least is the veil.The veil can be traced back to Roman times when it was a complete head to toe cover.

In a custom dating back to arranged marriages, the groom's family very rarely let him see the bride prior to the ceremony.The groom may have refused to marry the bride if he was displeased with her looks. Only after completion of the wedding ceremony was the groom permitted to lift the veil and see his bride for the first time.

Another tradition was that brides were covered in a coloured veil to ward off evil spirits. The bride was unable to see through the veil which is why the father of the bride would walk her down the aisle.

Veils are usually made of tulle, sheer netting or lace. When choosing your headpiece pick out your wedding gown first then decide on your hairstyle and then choose the headpiece and veil.

There are 5 standard lengths for veils:

Face Tier: Also known as a “Blusher” goes down to the waist. It measures 30” (75cm) long. It is a good idea to make the face tier slightly longer if you are planning on wearing your veil towards the back of your head. (eg- 34" 80cmeg 34” (80cm) so that it does not end on your nose when pulled over your face!

Waist or Elbow length: It measures 30” (75cm) The face tier is made 2” (5 cm) shorter. This veil is generally used for shorter gowns without a train.

Fingertip length: It measures 45” (115cm) This veil falls right at the fingertips of the bride if her hands are by her side.

Chapel length: It measures 66” (165cm) This veil goes down to the floor and is used for formal and semi-formal weddings.

Cathedral length: It measures108”(270cm) and trails on the floor. These are used for formal weddings and usually the veil will extend onto the floor at least six inches past the train.

A veil is usually worn on a comb and separately from the headpiece so that it can be removed during the reception. It is fixed in place over your face before the ceremony and then lifted back to kiss the bride. If wearing a tiara it should be inserted first. Most brides remove the veil for the reception but leave their tiara on.

There are many different trims and detailsl that you can add to your veil. Some examples of these are silver lining, delicate embroidery or tiny crystals scattered across the veil. Veils can be dyed to any colour to match the most vibrant to the most subtle of shades.

Veils work best when the hair style has some height, which is probably why many brides choose to wear their hair up. If your dress is simple then an elaborate veil is a good choice, similarly if your dress is detailed and ornate a simple veil will be better suited.

Often veils are wrinkled when you first get them home. Most of the wrinkles will drop out when hung. Use a hot hair dryer or steam from a boiling kettle to remove stubborn creases by holding the veil taut over the heat.

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