HOW TO ACCESSORIZE YOUR WEDDING GOWN

A quickie wedding is no reason why any bride should look drab.
For that gorgeous once in a lifetime look, a fabulous dress is just the answer.
Just remember the first rule in wedding accessory: Don’t overdo it. It’s
tempting to load up on baubles and bling, but you don’t want all those precious
metals to outshine you on the big day. Follow these simple steps and you’ll
look like royalty without looking like you’ve raided the queen’s closet.

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS

Knowing what type of metal will work with your wedding dress’s
shade of white is a good way to begin choosing your wedding jewelry.

White Gown: Gold embellishments may clash with this
bright white hue. We suggest sticking to pearl and platinum.

Diamond-white Gown: This barely off-white color works
with gold and silver (and rose gold, and pearl — you get the idea).

Ivory Gown: This candlelight shade is a soft, light
white, and some versions even have yellow undertones. Adorn yourself with gold
jewelry to highlight the creamy tint of the fabric.

ALL ABOUT THE DECOLLETAGE

Pairing your neckline style with the proper adornment can
add character to your wedding gown, or even highlight a unique feature.

Sweetheart or Strapless: For something a little
different, skip the necklace, and focus on some great chandelier earrings
instead. Wear clear crystal for a sleek look, or punch it up with a hint of
color. Try using a meaningful gem like your birthstone, or pick a color from
the flowers in your bridal bouquet (but not from the embellishments on
your gown — you don’t want to match too much). If you’re going for a flirty,
fresh look, include two or three small fresh or silk flowers in your hair to
add a soft, organic feel. Vintage elegance more your style? Pay homage to the
past with a great Art Deco-style bracelet or some roaring ’20s-inspired feather
barrettes.

Knot Note:If your dress already has vintage flair,
you could create an interesting contrast by taking a more modern approach with
your wedding jewelry.

V-neck: Whether you opt for a pendant or choker, this
style begs for decolletage decoration. A thin chain with a simple pendant is an
elegant way to accessorize, while pearls (single- or double-stranded) exude
classic charm. If you’re going for the dare-to-be-decadent look, a crystal
choker with matching earrings could be the perfect combo.

Halter or Reverse Halter: Whether you wear your hair
in a sleek bun or loose ponytail, dressing up your tresses is a great way to
accessorize a halter gown. Headbands are a great way to add panache to your
wedding updo. But if headbands aren’t quite your style, try adding some sparkle
to your hair with intricate crystal hairpins. If you’ve got a curly mane, five to seven hairpins is just right, while
brides with thinner locks (or short hair) will get the same shine with two or
three pins.

FOOLPROOF WEDDING ACCESSORIES

If deciding on your jewels is proving more difficult than
finding the gown, there’s one jewelry duo that’s timeless: Pair diamond (or CZ)
drop-earrings with a sophisticated necklace, such as a strand of pearls or a
diamond pendant choker (or a tennis bracelet for halter gowns).

HAIR PIECES

Depending on the hairstyle, a bride can choose from the
variety of hair pieces available. It could be a barrette crystal hair piece or
a dazzling tiara or headband.

SHOES

The perfect dress requires the perfect shoes. A pair of
satins sling back or platform will be fine.

PURSE

A small satin purse to carry her basic need is
required. It is important for her bag to match the rest of her dressing.

LET’S GET PERSONAL

The most important thing about picking the perfect trinkets
for your wedding gown is that they are a reflection of you. If you’re not comfy
wearing big chandelier earrings, stick to studs. Love the way you look in a
lariat necklace? Go for it! If you’re comfortable in all your accessories, your
wedding day ensemble is guaranteed to dazzle.