Many brides I know and talk to every day are frustrated, some even scared when their wedding day approaches.
Sounds familiar?
Here’s what often happens behind the scenes: You’ve found the dress of your dreams, but you can’t decide how to accessorize it. Everyone has an opinion and everyone is willing to share it. Such well-intentioned advice can drive you crazy! No one teaches “Bridal Accessories 101” courses, so it’s hard to trust the judgments of mom or your best friend, especially when no one agrees. No wonder the months leading up to the big day are turning you into a chain-smoking, nail-biting mess! It is the most important day of your life, the day when all eyes will be on you as you walk down the hall, and you are afraid to trust your instincts and your inner voice.
That’s where I come in, and it’s a role I love. I look at trends and work as part counselor, part stylist to help each bride-to-be find the perfect look. My goal? To make sure her inner brilliance shines through.
Here are some tips to help you stay sane and accessorize with style.
set the stage
Think of your dress as a stage, and all the accessories you select are the actors and scenery that create a big hit. You chose your dress because it said your name and represents who you are. Regardless of whether your style is vintage, traditional, modern, or eclectic, it serves as the backdrop for the jewelry and accessories you buy.
Rule number one
Follow the pattern of your dress. If, for example, your gown is adorned with sparkling crystals, select jewelry with matching accents. The same goes for dresses with rhinestones or pearls.
Color is also essential.
With brown and gold embroidery, a popular feature on dresses this season, opt for necklaces and earrings set in sparkling gold.
Shine the Spotlight Jewelry adds sparkle and pizzazz, the much-needed “wow” factor. You will use it to draw attention to your best features: eyes, cheekbones, décolleté, neck, hair. You know what features your fiancé swoons over. Highlight your dress by highlighting these areas with the right jewelry.
Before you decide on earrings, talk to your hairdresser about how you’ll be wearing your hair. Take your dress to the salon several months before the wedding so the two of you can come up with a plan. This will give you time to grow out layers or bangs, if necessary.
Once your hair plan is in place, it’s time to shop. If you’re wearing a traditional updo (a chignon, French twist, Juliet knot, or similar style), drop earrings add drama. For short hair, elegant pearl or cubic zirconia buttons or studs are extremely popular. And if your long, flowing tresses are going to be accompanied by gorgeous chandelier earrings, don’t overpower them with a necklace. Less is definitely more! If your dress is backless, a lace necklace that cascades down your spine is a stunning accessory, and earrings should be subtle.
Make sure your headpiece matches your jewelry. A tiara made up of massive rhinestones will dominate the delicate pearl jewelry. And if you have chosen modern jewelry with cubic zirconia, a pearl headband will be too shy and traditional.
More important
Most importantly, remember that you wear your jewelry and headdress, they don’t wear you. Choose pieces that perfectly match your dress and personality. If you’ve never been a fan of pearls, your wedding day is not the time to flaunt them. You’re building a nice package, so make sure everything works together.
