The Ultimate Guide to Bridal Accessories and Dress Alterations – Bridal Village
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable events in your life, and every detail matters. From the perfect dress to the smallest accessories, everything comes together to create a look that reflects your personality and the love you share with your partner. To help you achieve this, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to choose accessories for different types of wedding dresses, along with some essential alteration tips to ensure your dress fits perfectly.
Choosing the Perfect Accessories for Your Wedding Dress
The accessories you choose can elevate your bridal look from beautiful to breathtaking. Here’s how to match them to your dress style:
- Ball Gown:
- Veil: A cathedral-length veil adds drama and complements the grandeur of a ball gown. Opt for a simple veil if your dress is heavily embellished to avoid overpowering your look.
- Jewellery: Consider statement earrings and a sparkling necklace. If your gown has a high neckline, skip the necklace and opt for a beautiful hairpiece or tiara.
- Shoes: Choose shoes that offer comfort, as ball gowns often cover your feet. However, if you’re planning a photo-op, embellished heels can be a delightful surprise.
- A-Line Dress:
- Veil: An elbow-length or fingertip veil works well with an A-line dress, maintaining a balanced silhouette.
- Jewellery: A-line dresses are versatile, allowing you to experiment with a variety of jewellery styles. Delicate bracelets, earrings, and a dainty necklace can enhance the elegance of this classic silhouette.
- Shoes: Opt for mid-height heels or ballet flats for a comfortable and chic choice.
- Mermaid/Trumpet:
- Veil: A chapel or cathedral-length veil with lace detailing along the edge enhances the dramatic flare of a mermaid gown.
- Jewellery: Consider chandelier earrings and a sleek bracelet. If your dress has a plunging neckline, a pendant necklace can add a touch of glamour.
- Shoes: Since these dresses often have a dramatic flare, wear stiletto heels to elongate your silhouette.
- Sheath/Column:
- Veil: A birdcage veil or a simple, shoulder-length veil pairs perfectly with the clean lines of a sheath dress.
- Jewellery: Opt for minimalist jewellery like stud earrings, a delicate necklace, and a simple bracelet. This dress style is all about subtle sophistication.
- Shoes: Strappy sandals or pointed-toe flats complement the sleekness of this silhouette.
- Tea-Length:
- Veil: A birdcage veil or a short, vintage-style veil suits the retro vibe of a tea-length dress.
- Jewellery: Play with fun, bold jewellery like statement earrings or a chunky bracelet to match the playful nature of this dress style.
- Shoes: Show off your shoes with tea-length wedding dresses! Opt for colourful pumps or embellished sandal heels for a pop of personality.
Alteration Tips for the Perfect Fit
A well-fitted wedding dress is key to looking and feeling your best on your big day. Here’s what you need to know about alterations:
- Timing is Everything:
- Schedule Early: Book your first fitting about six to eight weeks before your wedding. This gives you enough time for multiple fittings without feeling rushed.
- Budgeting for Alterations:
- Plan Ahead: The cost of alterations can vary widely depending on the complexity of the dress and the extent of the adjustments. On average, brides spend between €150/€200 upwards on alterations, depending on what needs to be done.
- Common Alterations:
- Hemming: Hem and bustle would be mid cost with beaded dresses costing more. Many alterations specialists can add sleeves or straps too!
- Taking in/out: If the dress is too loose or tight, it can be taken in or let out for a better fit. Keep in mind that it’s easier to take in a dress than to let it out.
- Bustle: If your dress has a train, a bustle will be added to lift the train for easier movement during the reception.
- What to Bring to Your Fittings:
- Undergarments: Wear the same undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure the best fit, for example seamless nude underwear.
- Shoes: Bring your wedding shoes to the fittings, as the heel height will affect the length of your dress.
- Accessories: Bring any accessories you’ve chosen, such as veils or belts, to see how they complement your altered dress.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day look is a culmination of many thoughtful choices. By carefully selecting your accessories and planning your dress alterations well in advance, you can walk down the aisle with confidence, knowing every detail is just as you envisioned.
Remember, your bridal stylist and seamstress are there to help guide you through these decisions, ensuring your wedding day is nothing short of perfect. Enjoy the process, and happy wedding planning!