Most brides eagerly anticipate the thrill of finding the perfect dress, the one that makes you feel the prettiest you’ve ever felt, the one that completes you almost as much as your future spouse. But even after you’ve stood in front of the mirror and found The One, you still need to think about accessories: jewellery, veils, hair pieces, nails. The work is just beginning to make sure you look your bridal best! Luckily, this guide will make it easy to consider each part of your accessories. Just think about one step at a time, and you’ll be ready for the Big Day looking like Cinderella.

The Major Steps:

Think about what kind of styles will complement the dress you’ve chosen

Wedding gowns can vary from simple and sweet to gigantic, ballroom-filling skirts. Consider the shape, size and decoration of your dress before you consider accessories. If your chosen dress has a lot of sequins or shiny embellishments or has a very full skirt then using simpler jewellery like stud earrings or a strand of pearls will keep the attention on your dress and not anywhere else. If you chose a simple, unadorned white dress, then you can really let your accessories shine – think chandelier earrings, a jewelled headpiece or a stunning pendant necklace.

Hair Accessories

Have you always dreamed of a long, flowing veil or a short one that only reaches your shoulders? Again, if you’ve chosen a formal ballgown, a longer veil matches the style. A casual or shorter-length dress pairs well with a shorter veil. You may even choose to forego a veil entirely, and wear a headband, tiara or jewelled hairpins instead. Many brides choose to incorporate some of their bridal flowers in their hairstyle as well. Just remember not to overdo it – all three of these options would look like you’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink onto your head! Generally, picking two options out of veil, hairpiece or flowers will keep you looking elegant but not overloaded.

Nails

Of course you should get a manicure and make sure your hands are ready for that new ring, but even here the options are almost infinite. If you’re having a very formal, traditional wedding, then a simple manicure is best – go for French tips, a nude nail color, or a subdued pink. If you’re having a more modern or unconventional affair, then consider getting your nails done in an unconventional color to match—maybe match your nails to your bridesmaid colors, or the colors in your bouquet. Again, be careful to balance your nails with your jewellery – simple jewellery will make a unique manicure stand out, but if you want everyone to be looking at your stunning earrings or necklace, then keep your nails a muted tone.

Jewellery and Necklines

You’ll want your jewellery style to also match the neckline of your dress. If you have a deep V-neck, accessorize your neck and chest with a choker or pendant necklace. If you have a more demure halter or sweetheart neckline, then you might skip a necklace and focus on dramatic earrings or a bracelet, or use an elegant strand of pearls.

Rebecca is writing for samarajames.com dealing with everything that sparkles for the big day in terms of jewellery and engagement rings. Rebecca can also be on hand to help people make those all important decisions when selecting a truly special piece of jewellery especially when it is for someone else. To get a free ring size gauge, just click.