How to Buy Bridal Accessories

• by Courtney

Introduction

• Once you've found the perfect gown, or at least decided on what dress and neckline styles you will wear on your wedding day, it's time to choose the finishing touches for your bridal look. Read on for Mahalo's tips for finding and buying bridal accessories.

Wedding Shoes

• Unless you're a foot-fashion fiend like Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw, buying wedding shoes is probably not the most exciting bridal accessory shopping you'll do, but pay attention because it's very important that your shoes both fit comfortably and finish your look.

Wedding Shoe Resources

• Browse bridal shoe styles online:

1. Look at Mahalo's comprehensive list of resources for bridal shoes, where you can find websites for designer shoes as well as money-saving options.
2. The Knot offers a comprehensive wedding shoe search, which gives you prices for an array of styles.
3. Onewed.com also offers a handy search page. When you click to order a pair of shoes, the site also displays similar shoes "You Might Also Like" in different price ranges.

Wedding Shoe Tips

1. Like your wedding gown, bridal shoes should be appropriate for the season and occasion.
   • Wear sandals or even go barefoot for a beach wedding, but wear close-toed shoes for a winter wedding.
2. Choose shoes that suit your every day style. It's your wedding, so be yourself.
3. You must have your shoes by your first wedding dress fitting so that the dress can be altered for length.
   • For a smooth, classic look, choose a shoe fabric that matches your wedding gown fabric.
     • Choose satin shoes for silk and satin gowns.
     • Pair crepe or raw-silk shoes with tulle and silk chiffon gowns.
   • To mix up your look, buy shoes that contrast with your dress: wear simple shoes with a fancy dress and fancy shoes with a plain dress. This works well if you've chosen a particularly busy or plain dress.
4. Be comfortable:
   • The right bridal shoe should complement the gown and be comfortable enough for the bride to wear all day; the bride should be able to walk and stand for at least an hour at the ceremony, pose for pictures and dance all night long without giving a second thought to what's on her feet.
   • If you find shoes that match your dress perfectly, but aren't very comfortable,wear them to the ceremony and buy a second pair of comfortable shoes of a similar height for the reception.
   • Slowly break your wedding shoes in by wearing them for a couple of hours at a time around the house.
5. Wedding dresses come in different shades of white. Match your shoe color to your dress.
   • Bring a piece of your dress fabric with you when you shop for shoes.
   • Dye your wedding shoes if they don't match the exact color of your dress.
6. Don't tower over your man: If you're close in height to the groom, wear flat shoes or low heels.

Veils and Tiaras

• From the traditional cathedral veils with dramatic trains to the gem-studded tiara that makes the bride look just like a princess, veils and decorative headpieces are more than just accessories; they define your wedding day look.

Veil and Tiara Resources

• While making the important decision about how you will accessorize with veils and headpieces, consider how you will wear your hair at the wedding. You should browse galleries of hairstyles, veils and tiaras to brainstorm style and accessory combinations.

1. Online hairstyle galleries:
   • WeddingChannel.com Hairstyle Gallery
   • The Knot Hairstyle Gallery
2. Veil Resources:
   1. Veils come in many cuts and lengths. View the different types in the Knot's Veil Glossary.
   2. See how different types of veils sweep the body at Bride.com's (really cool) interactive veil page.
   3. Did you know that some veils will fit your face better than others? Check out The Knot's guide to picking a veil that suits the shape of your face.
   4. Feeling crafty? Create your own veil style by following Favor Ideas' steps to making a veil.
3. Headpiece Resources:
   1. To learn about different types of bridal headpieces browse Wedding Solutions' Wedding Headpieces and The Knot's Headpiece Glossary
   2. View the Knot's guide to tiara styles and, if you choose, visit the jewelers and retailers who sell them.

Veil and Tiara Tips

• Sit down with your hair stylist to decide what bridal look is best for you. Decide what headpieces you will wear and how they will work with your hair.

• Veils
• The decision of whether or not to wear a veil is yours to make. If you do wear a veil, choose one that suits your appearance and wedding day style.

1. Don't decide whether or not you will wear a veil until you've tried on several different styles with your wedding dress.
2. If you want for your veil to be in reception pictures, get a clip to attach it to your headpiece so that you can take it off and put it back on.
3. Pick a veil that looks good from the front and the back.
4. Mix it up:
   • Choose a veil style that flatters the shape of your face: if you have a long face, choose a veil that creates width; if you have a round face, pick a veil that covers the sides of your face.
   • If you're wearing an ornately-patterned dress, choose a simple veil that won't interfere. If you're wearing a plain dress, spruce it up with an elaborate veil.

• Tiaras and Headpieces
• Bridal headpieces, such as tiaras and headbands, can anchor and enhance your veil or replace it as a decorative element.

1. Decide on your hairstyle before you settle on a headpiece.
   • If you wear your hair down, a jeweled comb or barrettes will add an elegant touch of color.
   • If you wear your hair up, you might wear a bun wrap above a barrette with the veil attached.
2. Choose headpieces that are an appropriate size and shape for your bridal look; you don't want a tiara that's too tall or a gemstone that clashes with your wedding jewelry.
3. If appropriate, visit your stylist to discuss options.
   • Ask what headpieces suit your hair type and length:
   • Bun wraps suit hair that's long and strong.
   • Short-haired women should consider the tiara.
4. If you're wearing a headpiece with a veil, make sure that you try them on together before your wedding day. If a clip is broken or the veil and headband don't match properly, you want to have time to make adjustments.
5. Your hair is done and your headpiece is in place. Take a walk around to make sure that your hair and headpieces are secure. You don't want to have a problem during the ceremony or reception.

Undergarments

• What you wear under your dress effects your bridal look almost as much as the cut of the dress.

Undergarment Resources

1. For reasonably priced bridal lingerie, check out JC Penny's online catalogue, where you can find items cut to fit many dress styles in the $25 to $65 price range.
2. Bare Necessities offers suggestions for choosing lingerie to suit both your dress' cut and your body type, and you can purchase undergarments from a number of designers in many different price ranges straight from the website.
3. If you know what type of cut you need, you can always find a range of undergarments at Victoria's Secret or department stores like Macy's.
4. For high-end lingerie, ranging from the playful to straight-up elegant, check out sites like Agent Provocateur.

Undergarments Tips

1. Wait until after you choose your dress to pick out undergarments. Different dress cuts - whether you get a strapless neckline or a gossamer sheath cut dress - call for different types of lingerie.
2. Think about what types of undergarments you will need:
   1. A supportive and comfortable bra that agrees with, and hopefully enhances, the shape of your dress. Depending on the cut of your dress, you will most likely need to buy one of the following types of bras:
      • Strapless
      • Longline
      • A bra with a u-shaped bust line
      • Adhesive Bra
   2. Pantyhose or knee-length stockings with a garter belt.
      • Buy an extra pair of pantyhose in case you get a tear.
   3. A slip or slimmer, to get a smooth, consistent shape under your dress (only if necessary).
   4. Wear comfortable underwear. If you're not comfortable with thong or g-string underwear, don't try to pull them off on your wedding day. You need comfortable underwear that disappear beneath your dress.
3. Try your bridal undergarments on well before your wedding day. Try them on with the dress and then wear them around for a few hours. Are you comfortable? Do you like the shape the underwear creates? If something isn't working, change it well before your wedding day.
4. On your wedding day, wear undergarments that you won't have to think about...until hours of family, friends and fun wind down into your romantic wedding night. Imagine the difficulty of pulling up your stockings under a wedding dress.
5. Avoid the bumpy look: You can't wear a laced, patterned bodice underneath a sheath cut dress, sheer fabric dress.

Jewelry

• Choosing bridal jewelry is a matter or personal taste and budget. You might want to save money on wedding costs and go with budget options or splurge on keepsakes to mark the occasion.

Bridal Jewelry Resources

1. Jewelry.com links you to many jewelry retailers' websites; you can search websites for Helzberg Diamonds, Kay Jewelers, Sears and many other store that sell wedding jewelry.
2. From bohemian to classic, Brides.com offers jewelry ideas to suit different bridal tastes.
3. Jewelry.com also offers a glossary of jewelry terms, which will be useful not only for buying bridal jewelry, but also for selecting wedding bands and anniversary presents.

Bridal Jewelry Tips

• It's important to understand how certain necklines and wedding dress cuts pair with jewelry, but it's also important to look through galleries to get a visual sense of what looks appeal to you.

1. Wear jewelry that you really like and that reflects your personality.
2. Consider your neckline: Most sweetheart necklines don't need necklaces, but v-necks, creating a perfect frame for a bejeweled neck, insist on them.
3. Check out Brides.com Gown Jewels slideshow.
4. Complement your bridal style with appropriate jewels, don't overwhelm your dress or other accessories by wearing too much jewelry.
5. Match your hairstyle: For brides with short hair and those who plan to work updos, longer earrings will compliment your style. Long-haired brides should wear glamorous stud earrings that will add an accent to their flowing tresses.
6. Match the jewelry to the dress color.
7. If all else fails, go with a classic look; a diamond and pearl combo always works.

Don't Break the Bank

• Like all other accessories, wedding jewelry can be as expensive or affordable as you let it be. If you're concerned about your wedding budget, look into these options before buying jewelry:

1. You may already have some beautiful diamond or pearl jewelry that you can wear at your wedding. Only buy new jewelry if you have to.
2. If your family members or friends have a piece of jewelry that would suit your look, borrow it.
3. Wear fake jewelry. From CZ to costume jewelry, abundant options for faking it will allow you to create a fabulous and dramatic look that's within your price range.

Gloves

• If you're considering wearing gloves on your wedding day, look into all of the different options. Gloves can add a bit of edge or a touch of class to your bridal style. It's all up to you.

Wedding Glove Resources

1. There are a number of different types of bridal gloves, visit The Knot's Glove Glossary to see them all. A few of them are:
   • Short, Fingerless Glove: Perfect for the ring exchange.
   • Elbow Glove: An elegant, mid-length option that suits a short-sleeved dress.
   • Opera Glove: A glove that travels up to the shoulder. Perfect with a strapless dress.
2. Brides.com also offers short descriptions of bridal gloves.

Wedding Glove Tips

1. The right sized glove should fit snugly at the wrist.
2. Wear gloves that complement your dress: fancy gloves suit simple dresses and vice versa.
3. As with your shoes, make sure that your gloves are the same white as your dress. Bring a piece of your wedding dress fabric when you go glove shopping.
4. If you wear gloves that aren't fingerless, cut a slit into the seam at the ring finger of the glove for easy on and easy off.

Resources for How to Buy Bridal Accessories

• Brides.com: Find Your Style Accessories  

Resources for Wedding Shoes

• The Knot: wedding shoes accessory search result  
• Onewed.com: Designer Bridal Shoes
• lovetoknow:Beach Wedding Dresses
• The Knot: Winter Weddings: How to Deal with the Elements  
• eHow: How to Select Shoes to Wear With Your Wedding Dress
• Brides.com: Savvy Shopper Shoes  
• About.com: Preparing Your Wedding Shoes  
• About.com: The Perfect Wedding Shoes for Your Dress  
• About.com: Shopping Tips for Wedding Shoes  

Resources for Veils and Tiaras

• Favor Ideas: Are You A Hair Bride Or A Veil Bride?
• The Knot: Hairstyle Gallery  
• WeddingChannel.com: Hairstyles
• The Knot: Veil Glossary  
• Brides.com: The Veil interactive tour  
• The Knot: Choosing the Right Veil for Your Face  
• Favor Ideas: Make Your Own Wedding Veil in Six Easy Steps
• WeddingSolutions.com: Wedding Hairpieces
• The Knot: Headpiece Glossary  
• The Knot: tiara accessories search results  
• The Knot: Accessories: Veil Tips & Trends  
• The Knot: Q&A Accessories: Must I Wear a Veil?  
• Favor Ideas: Top Tips for Choosing a Wedding Veil
• The Knot: Accessories: 10 Tips to Look your Best  
• The Knot: Choosing a Hairstyle for Your Headpiece  
• eHow: How to Choose a Headpiece for Your Wedding Dress
• The Knot: Q&A: Accessories: Non-Fussy Headpiece Option?
• Brides.com: Savvy Shopper Headpieces & Veil  

Resources for Undergarments

• Ezine: Bridal Lingerie (January 8, 2007)
• The Knot: LIngerie: Which Styles Suit Your Body?  
• eHow: How to Buy Wedding Lingerie
• WeddingChannel.com: Match Your Lingerie to Your Wedding Gown
• bare necessities: Bridal Underpinnings 101 - The Cheat Sheet
• bare necessities: The Wedding Night and Beyond
• JCPenny: Bridal Lingerie
• Brides.com: Savvy Shopper Lingerie  

Resources for Jewelry

• WeddingChannel.com: Are There Ways to Save Money On Wedding-Day Jewelry?
• Brides.com: Find Your Style Jewelry  
• LifeTips: Choosing Your Bridal Jewelry
• isnare.com: Your Wedding Jewelry
• eHow: How to Buy Bridal Jewelry

Resources for Gloves

• The Knot: Accessories: Glove Glossary  
• Brides.com: Glove Glossary  

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