Take one bridal gown and you’ve got not just one look but endless
possibilities. It all depends on the woman behind the veil — or tiara, or crown,
antique hair clip. It’s the accessories you choose for the big day that give
your dress a more personal touch.
“When I listen to brides in focus groups,” says Caroline Flagler, senior vice
president of accessories for David’s Bridal, “I do find that their own unique
style really shines through. The girls who are all about the bags and the shoes
are still all about the bags and the shoes on their wedding day. The ones who
are simply no-fuss, no-muss types still prefer the simple approach to their
wedding attire."
The ultimate accessory for the bride?
“It’s got to be a headpiece,” says Flagler. “Many times we see brides who
say, ‘I’m not a headpiece girl,’ but when they try on their dress with either a
veil or a tiara, they light up. It makes them feel like a princess. I mean,
really, when do we get to wear tiaras? This is our chance. We really do
encourage brides to experiment.”
Here are four ways to accessorize one dress. We’ve chosen the two-piece
corset style from Oleg Cassini to illustrate four personal styles of brides:
The
classic bride. She likes traditional accessories with a contemporary twist and
will probably go with a cathedral-length veil, says Flagler. A cathedral veil is
one of the most formal veils and can be as long as 10 feet. Pearls would most
likely be her jewelry of choice - perhaps pearl stud earrings, a single strand
around the neck and a demure bracelet. A classic satin clutch in ivory is a
must-have and satin bridal pumps or dress sandals are de rigueur.
The
romantic bride. This bride enjoys dressing up for her wedding and might choose
to wear a blusher veil that covers the face during the ceremony to provide a
little bit more mystery. For the more adventurous, a veil might include colorful
embroidered accents that complement the rest of the bridal party’s attire. Think
“Pride and Prejudice” and a crystal-encrusted headband. Crystal drop earrings
and a choker-style necklace would appeal to this bride. A beaded evening bag and
satin ribbon-tied heels complete this romantic ensemble.
The
princess bride. She’s the queen for the day and will wear her sparkling crystal
tiara with regal pride. It might be attached to fresh flowers or glisten on its
own in a crown style studded with freshwater pearls. For even more options, some
bridal companies like David’s offer tiaras that can be detached from their
frames and used as bracelets. This bride enjoys wearing pearl-and-rhinestone
tiered earrings and a sterling silver locket necklace with a photograph of her
new husband. A silk charmeuse drawstring pouch purse adds a charming touch.
Sabrina heels or flat ballet-style shoes are this bride’s choice of footwear.
The
dramatic bride. A snowy white fur wrap may be this bride’s answer to the
headpiece dilemma. Or she may prefer a show-stopping, large-brimmed hat. Or an
antique hair clip in her hair to complement an elegant up do. Or she’s the one
who would wear the swirl of tulle around her face instead of a veil, or a bevy
of organza flowers pinned into her hair. If she wears bold, chandelier earrings
in the Art Deco style, a chunky rhinestone bracelet will be all the other
jewelry she’ll need unless she dons long elbow-length gloves, which always make
an elegant entrance with strapless gowns. A stunning crystal-embellished handbag
gives her even more sparkle and flash. Embroidered slippers or mules add an air
of vintage flair. And if there’s any room left for more drama — she’ll consider
a few feathers or angel wings to take flight down the aisle.
