How to accessorise your wedding dress

Posted on: 11/06/2024

Choosing your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning. You try out a range of styles and discover what makes you feel special. But once you've found your dream dress, it's time to choose the perfect bridal accessories to add those finishing touches. 

From shoes and hair ornaments that are specifically designed to be worn on your wedding day, to jewellery that glitters, there are lots of ways to accessorise your dress. The most important thing is that you choose elements to elevate your look and suit your style. After all, this is your day, so you need to feel comfortable while looking fabulous. 

To help you get started, here are some tips to guide you as you choose the best accessories for your wedding day. 

Match the style

An important starting point is the dress itself. Its design, style and material can all dictate the bridal accessories you go with.

For instance, if you've chosen a traditional dress made of lace, then pearls are a timeless addition that complement the soft material. They add a touch of elegance, whether you opt for a string of pearls around your neck or pearl-encrusted hair accessories.

An embellished dress works well with delicate jewellery and accessories. Aim for simple additions that allow your dress to take centre stage.

Alternatively, if you've selected a contemporary minimalist-style dress, you have the opportunity to choose bold accessories in striking colours. Bright heels and a statement veil could be perfect here, especially if you're channelling the mini dress trend.

Are you wearing a preloved dress? Maybe you've reworked your mum's gown from the 1980s or you found a beautiful dress in a vintage store that you fell in love with? You could try matching your dress to pieces from the same period to complete the look.

Follow the neckline

The necklace and earrings are the focus because they sit close to the face. Therefore, you must prioritise these pieces of wedding day jewellery. One way to choose the best fit is to follow your dress' neckline:

• V-neck: If you've chosen a V-neck or sweetheart neckline wedding dress, a pretty pendant is ideal. Pair this with dangly earrings to frame your face.
• Strapless: Should you be wearing a strapless design, you can go bold with your jewellery. A chunky choker or layered chains can create a beautiful look. Hoop earrings also work well with this neckline.
• High neck: Choose a long pendant to elongate your body. This can be a statement piece that draws the eye. Small studs are a pretty addition that allow the pendant to capture people's attention.
• Off-the-shoulder: Glittering necklaces and earrings are perfect for this neckline.

Remember that it's all about creating a sense of balance.

Consider the colour

Colours are naturally paired, so the shade of your dress may dictate the metal you choose for your bridal jewellery.

Creamy ivory tones are beautifully complemented by the warmth of yellow-gold metals and red gemstones. Classic snow-white works best teamed with silvers, white gold and platinum tones, along with cool gemstones. Off-white is your chance to mix metals. This works well with rose gold and opals.

Have you steered away from traditional colours? Jewel shades of ruby or emerald can look stunning with yellow golds or if you've opted for pastels, delicate silvers could be a captivating choice.

Let your rings shine

All eyes will be on your hands on your wedding day. They'll be photographed too, so you'll have lasting images of the day you exchanged wedding rings. Therefore, you should plan for this ahead of time.

First, will you wear your engagement ring on the opposite hand so that you have space for your wedding band? Maybe you'll stack it beneath your wedding ring. The choice you make will depend on how you want to show off your engagement ring.

Also, be sure to get your engagement ring cleaned so that it sparkles on your special day and looks lovely in photos.

Use your wedding theme

 Your wedding theme could provide the perfect inspiration for your accessories. You might want to add touches of whimsy with brightly coloured jewels and heels or choose a boho-themed look with a floral headdress and simple flats.

If you're having a spring wedding with a backdrop of cherry blossom, then floral tiaras or leaf-patterned jewellery could be the ideal match.

Have you opted for an intimate, romantic celebration? A large veil, heart-themed jewellery and infinity symbols are a lovely choice.

Weat the perfect bridal jewellery with F.Hinds

For wedding day jewellery inspiration, take a look at our selection online or visit one of our F.Hinds stores to see our pieces in person.

We're members of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) which means you're choosing jewellery that meets ethical and environmental standards across our supply chain.