By Lesley Ann Turner
Wedding day accessories can be tricky to get right. So how do you decide what is appropriate for the wedding’s vibe or what would suit you if you’re wearing your mother’s vintage wedding dress? Here is the ultimate, condensed guide for brides and grooms to help you decide how best to accessorize on the happiest day of your life with gorgeous timeless options.
A Groom To-Be
Accessorizing grooms always seems a lot more complicated than bridal options. Is this because it is harder to pin down individual style without letting the accessories take over? Most grooms want to look dapper and debonair but also let their unique personalities shine through. Also, many grooms prefer bright colors, so standard-issue blue and black tuxes may not be the right fit.
A general tip any seasoned wedding designer will tell you is to never invest in multiple or several different accessories because they take away from your outfit and general aura. Instead, choosing a single statement piece might be a better bet and while you want to show your personality, never go overboard. Some grooms want to use pop art lapel pins, for example, but your bride may think it clashes horribly with the white and peach décor.
Here are some wedding day accessories that will photograph great, leave a stellar impression, and can be customized to the groom’s preferences and taste.
Custom Groom Hanger
Why should the bride have all the fun and get all attention? It’s your day too, and your wedding suit or tux needs a little love. Don’t forget to order a custom groom hanger to showcase your tux on the big day and your photography will get unforgettable images! Order a personalized groom hanger today.
A Tie Bar
Ties are a standard accessory in the groom’s fashion. So why not spice up your look with a sophisticated tie bar. Add a little extra style with a tie bar. It’s the perfect way to inject some color in an otherwise monotone outfit! Remember to pin the tie bar at the height of your 4th button or your shirt or jacket pocket. You can also opt for gold or silver and match it to your wedding ring.
Necktie It All
A necktie is very much a central piece in your wedding outfit. It is the one accessory that you can’t afford to get wrong because it can play up or down any tux you are wearing. It’s a simple accessory, but it can make or break a groom’s outfit. You can go with the general color theme, match it with the bride’s dress, or really upgrade the colors and patterns to be your statement piece that all the photographs will proudly showcase.
It’s A Bow-Tie
Whoever said bow-ties were old-fashioned? Not only have they been steadily coming back into fashion, but they also scream elegance like nothing else. They mainly go nicely with silk shirts and pleated shirts, and many grooms prefer them in rich colors like burgundy, purple, and royal blue. A standard black silk bow-tie is the universally adored option if you are in two minds about it.
Pocket Squares
A pocket square is a touch of class, not to mention a perfect ice breaker in conversations with people you are meeting for the first time; hence an excellent accessory for your wedding! Pocket squares should ideally be in silk and should offer a sharp contrast to the suit you are wearing for the best effect. Of course, they can always be dressed up with a lapel pin of your choice.
Cufflinks
Cufflinks are like jewelry for a groom, no wonder so many grooms wear their father’s or grandfather’s cufflinks. It’s an heirloom in the making and no mistake. If you have yours made, consider getting them designed in precious metal so they won’t chip or get damaged, and they can continually be eye candy in the years to come.
Essential Accessories To Make Any Bride Look Ethereal
A bride cannot skimp on the accessories even with a simpler wedding dress. Accessories add life to your wedding attire and accentuate your best features, so they are a vital aspect that needs to be just right. Plus, who doesn’t want to look like a princess on their wedding day? Sometimes the right head jewelry, for example, is what it takes to look positively royal and gleaming in your wedding photographs.
Buy Local And Handmade
Local and handmade wedding accessories and décor items are trendy as they support local businesses and add that personal, customizable, and home-grown touch. But, who wants mass-produced wedding décor right out of a magazine?
Invest in small, personal touches like personalized bride hangers or table number holders for the big day. Many companies do beautiful, vintage versions of table number holders, napkin rings, and centerpiece arrangements.
It’s All About The Shoes
Depending on the style of wedding dress you have gone for, it may seem like shoes aren’t the biggest deal, but they are indispensable! Ever think what would have happened if Cinderella wasn’t wearing those one-of-a-kind glass slippers. Shoes show your taste, personality and really round up the effect of your wedding attire. You can go the jeweled route, vintage leather, Regency style pump heels, sandal heels, or just about any style you’re crazy about as long as it matches and adds to the beauty of your dress.
Jewel It Up
Wedding jewelry is a must, even if you don’t want to overdo it. A necklace, some beautiful ornate earrings, maybe even a brooch on a sash all add to the look. But, if you prefer a more understated and sophisticated look, you can choose a single item like the earrings to be the main focal point. And never underestimate how great a tiara looks (although it needs to be styled right to avoid the prom or costume party look).
Take The Veil
The veil is what defines a bride and is not to be taken lightly. There is an excellent variety of veils to choose from, like the birdcage veil, a cathedral length veil, a mid-length veil, and so on, so practice beforehand to see which one best compliments your figure and face shape. The veil also looks best with an ornate headpiece or at least jeweled clips holding it in place. Many brides prefer a tiara of sorts on top of the veil or a type of silken lace cap.
Wedding day accessories are more than just a veil and jewelry. They are all the little extra unique details that can be used throughout the day. So make sure to fill your wedding day with things that make you feel special.