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Wedding Accessories 101: Clever Tips for Shopping and Making the Perfect Choice!

Jewelry and accessories play an essential role in your bridal look. It is thus vital that you plan your shopping well, so they enhance your overall bridal look. For only then will all the elements come together cohesively and enable you to look gorgeous.

Although jewelry and accessories are an important part of the bridal outfit, most brides consider them an afterthought. This is one of the first mistakes to avoid. Plan your look well instead of just going shopping and picking up something that you think will work well with your dress. Think of the different options to enhance your features, show off your dress and complement the theme. This will help you narrow down your jewelry and accessories choices better.

Here are some clever tips to help you understand how to choose the right wedding jewelry.

Always buy your jewelry and accessories after the dress

It isn’t uncommon for brides to end up buying a dress that is totally different from what they envisioned. In fact, we have lost count of the number of times a bride comes shopping with a definite idea of what she wants and walks out with a dress that she never imagined she would buy. This is why we suggest you shortlist the features you want to see in your dress. You can then look at dresses that satisfy most of your preferences if not all. Remember that you may end up going on an unending search to find a dress that satisfies every one of your requirements unless you have it tailored. Hence we suggest you first pick the dress, and then move on to looking at jewelry.

Let your dress be the guide when picking jewelry and accessories

The right type of jewelry and accessories work with the wedding dress, not against it! Brides who strike the right balance between the dress and the accessories look amazing. So, as a general rule of thumb, choose simple accessories if your dress is opulent. Heavy and flashy accessories are suitable if your dress is simple with few features that stand out. Look at the neckline, sleeves, how heavy the skirt is and work in the bodice to decide what would look appropriate to balance out your look.

Look online before you go to the shops

Most jewellers and accessories vendors list their inventory online. You can also find plenty of inspiration on the internet, on Pinterest and on bridal websites. It is a good idea to browse through the different available designs and identify the options you like most. Since you may not be used to wearing elaborate head pieces, veils and tiaras before, gathering information on what would suit your style, facial features and taste is a good idea. An online search will help you understand what is available. Visit various jewelry websites to use offers and discounts that will help you get a better deal for the money you spend on your accessories.

Choose your outfit properly when you go wedding shopping

The neckline of your dress is a significant factor to consider when picking jewelry. The entire effect will be ruined if your accessories clash with the neckline. To avoid this, wear a dress or top with the same neckline as your wedding dress when shopping. This way, you can understand how the necklace, earrings and veil will look with the wedding dress neckline. Also choose a light or white coloured top, to get the actual picture of how the jewelry will look against your dress. If you wear a colourful dress, the colour of the stones will show up differently than it would against white.

You needn’t buy if you would rather rent

Just like wedding dresses, wedding jewelry isn’t cheap. If you are a person who loves jewelry and will most likely use your wedding gems after your wedding day, it is a worthwhile investment. However, if you don’t usually wear jewelry, renting is a better idea. Many wedding dress rental shops also rent out wedding jewelry. You should be able to find accessories that match your wedding dress with this option. The shop you rent from may ask you to put down a deposit when you take the jewelry away. However, it is the easiest way to look great on your special day, at minimum cost.

Match the stones and metals

What we mean by this is that you should keep the effect cohesive. When you shop for wedding jewelry you will have various options like rhinestones, pearls, colored gemstones and more. Try to achieve a cohesive effect by choosing the same type of stones for each of your accessories. Similarly, be careful about mixing different metals as it can look cluttered. Don’t mix and match too much or you will ruin the overall effect. Even if the pieces look good on their own, they will not contribute to your look if they are all too different.

Know the best combinations for the white of your gown

Wedding gowns come in different shades of white. There’s bright white, champagne white, ivory, candlelight and ecru. Other metals look good with the different whites mentioned here. Pearls and metals with silver finishes are best with pure or bright white. Off-white colors like ivory and candlelight work well with gold and silver. Champagne looks good with rose-gold embellishments and jewelry. Ivory and ecru have yellow undertones and are good with yellow gold. You can also look at the embellishments in your gown, as a guide. If your gown has crystal and silver embroidery, choose the same colors in your jewelry. Similarly, if it features gold or pearls, following the same in your gown for a cohesive effect is best.

Re-purpose traditional jewelry for a contemporary look

If you have heirloom jewelry that doesn’t entirely appeal to your taste, accept it saying it doesn’t fit your style. Nonetheless, don’t wear it as it is if you aren’t fond of it. Instead, consider whether you can re-purpose it to suit your modern taste. Many jewelry shops offer this service. So, you can transform your family heirloom into a modern design with their assistance. Decide what you want the heirloom piece to be transformed into. Don’t limit yourself to making small changes. Brides have changed necklaces into earrings and bracelets, and strings of pearls into hair accessories. Ultimately, the important factor remains that the sentiment is still there, while you can wear jewelry that is more your style on your special day.

You don’t have to wear one of every accessory

The last thing you want to do is look cluttered with gems. Too many accessories and jewelry will make you look too busy. The different things you wear will then drown in sparkle and not be visible. The better option is to wear just the pieces that are actually necessary. It is a good idea to have one focal piece of jewelry and one or two more pieces to complement it. If your wedding dress is simple, make your focal piece big and bright for more sparkle. If it is an ornate gown, keep your jewelry simple and light to get the look right.

Please think of how photogenic your gems will be when you choose them

Although your accessories may look fabulous to your eye, it isn’t necessary that they will photograph equally well. Specific stones may have a dull finish with an old and faded look in photos. And intricate finishes may not show up in pictures. So, pay attention to how your jewelry and accessories will reflect on the camera. We suggest that you take some pictures to test how they look when clicked and only then make your final decision.

Be bold, go for color

Although there are many options, not all brides are comfortable in anything but a white wedding gown. If you aren’t sure but love colour, explore the variety of colourful gems to add that pop of color to your outfit. Take a chance with color, and you may be pleasantly surprised. Colored gemstones accentuate the beauty of any outfit. They are a perfect choice for the bride, especially if your wedding has a color theme. Colored gems allow you to incorporate the color theme into your wedding attire. Choose sparkling stones like sapphires, emeralds and rubies for a radiant effect and gems like jade, turquoise and coral for a casual wedding theme.

Don’t forget to check how you look from every angle

Don’t focus entirely on how you look from the front when choosing accessories! Remember that you will be facing away from your guests during the ceremony. So, use this opportunity to show off some extra style. Use dainty hair accessories that pack a punch from the back, or include a sash that has a beautiful tie-back that will impress. Additional accessories can help you look good from all angles. So, choose wisely.

Avoid extreme trends

Your wedding photos are images that will be frozen for eternity. Your generation and future generations will never forget you by how you looked on your wedding day. Don’t appear dated in them by choosing jewelry that is too trendy and will go out of fashion in no time. Classic styles are always fashionable and, hence, a safe choice. However, if you want to try out contemporary designs, do so by all means. Just ensure that they aren’t entirely new styles on the wedding fashion scene.

Make the most of package deals

The bridal ensemble takes up a huge chunk of the overall wedding budget. One way to make your money go further is to opt for package deals that give you more value for the money you spend. For example, bridal shops often have big discounts on jewelry and accessories if you buy it along with your dress. This will allow you to find the accessories for your big day without breaking the bank. At Best for Bride, we often have deals on accessories purchased with the wedding dress. The alternative is to have a flat percentage off the dress price. When you compare both options, you will realize that buying accessories as part of the package will help you save more.

Everything depends on your personality

We mentioned a number of rules here. However, no rule is set in stone and everything finally boils down to what you like. If you want to bring on the bling, do so! Or if you aren’t satisfied with the just one statement piece, wear all that you like and plan the rest of your outfit to balance it out. If you don’t favor jewelry, keep it simple and find basic pieces that suit your taste. You should be comfortable with the choices you make, as this is what will reflect on your wedding day. As long as you love what you see, you won’t regret your choices later.

So, tell us how you have planned your wedding day look? What are the accessories you chose and what did you base your decision on?

At Best for Bride, you can find amazing wedding gowns as well as superb accessories to enhance them. Everything from the veil and tiara, to jewelry and shoes are available in-house and online, so you can pick your choice easily. Check out our website to learn more about what we have for brides like you. Additionally, you can also find out about the special package offer we have on accessories that are purchased with the wedding dress. For more wedding tips and advice for brides, stay tuned to our blog page.

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Trends we love: Glamorous Wedding Gowns With Gorgeous Details

Every bride has her own idea of how she should look on her wedding day. While some brides prefer to keep it simple, others prefer a glamorous look on this special day in their life.

If your wedding vision has grandeur, glamour and glitz written all over, you need a wedding gown that matches. The good news is that this isn’t too difficult to find as the bridal fashion world is teeming with new designs every season. So, brides have a world of options to choose from. After all, your wedding day is the perfect occasion to look not only gorgeous but glamorous as well.

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Common wedding emergencies and how to handle them

Every wedding includes hundreds of details. With so many big and small factors being part of this special day, there is a probability of at least one thing going against the plan. From vendors and bridesmaids to guests and family, there are so many people involved. Although you are in charge, these several others have to all co-operate to make your wedding happen.

This is one of the reasons why couples hire wedding planners. They come with a lot of experience in planning weddings. They have already seen their fair share of problems, and know the quickest fix to all of them. Unfortunately, if you do not have a wedding planner on board, it is all up to you to make sure everything progresses smoothly.

Definitely brace yourself for a wedding emergency or two on the day. Prepare yourself in advance for every likely situation and you can still enjoy your big day despite any drama that unfolds.

Here is a compilation of the different likely glitches that happen at weddings. Fear not, for we have the solutions too. Although we advise you to read through the possible situations and prepare yourself with plans, remember that this is not to stress you out further. Keep those wedding jitters at bay, because forewarned is forearmed!

Is that a pimple?

Call it wrong timing, but zits do appear when you least expect them. Lack of sleep, proper nutrition, and stress will all contribute to pimples that pop up close to the wedding day. If it is just a small pimple, it is best to conceal it with makeup. Before you apply makeup, put ice on the zit. This will reduce the size, redness and puffiness. Then cover it up with a smooth coat of concealer and then apply foundation. Don’t disturb the pimple too much and it will heal quickly.

The child attendants go on strike

Even the most well-behaved children may refuse to don the role of ring bearer or flower girl at the last moment. Some children dread the idea of walking down the aisle by themselves when there are onlookers. Or in the case of a younger child, he or she may feel tired, hungry, or sleepy. Prepare yourself for such a scenario when you decide to have children in your ceremony. If the child is frightened and refuses, you can ask one of her parents or a bridesmaid to escort her. If the child is too tired or fussy, think carefully about whether it is better to cancel the child’s role or proceed with it. It is better to prepare for such a situation in advance, so the child is comfortable and ready for the ceremony.

Wedding dress disasters

Your clear, white wedding dress, as beautiful as it is, is an invitation for disaster. So, take extra care once you are in it. Here are some of the likely issues you may face and the solutions to each of them.

Makeup stains: On a day when you have to wear makeup, there is every chance of it staining your gown. To avoid this, complete your makeup before you change into your dress, and then step into the gown without letting it brush against your face.

Should any makeup stain your dress, immediately blot the area with a towel? Don’t rub it at all. Use white chalk or talcum powder to cover up the stain as much as possible.

Oil stain: This could happen during the reception, when oil from your plate may drip onto your wedding dress. Don’t worry. Simply dab on some talcum powder onto the stain and let it set. It will soak up the moisture and the stain will disappear.
Wine stain: Soak up the wine from the dress with a blotting paper or cotton towel. Once you get it out, sprinkle talcum powder or chalk on the stain. Send the dress to the dry cleaners soon after the wedding, and they can prevent the stain from setting.
Ink: Tackle ink stains quickly with hairspray or rubbing alcohol. Spray it on the area and rub it off with a clean white cloth.
Ripped gown or veil: Use safety pins, super glue or double-sided tape and attack the problem, based on what is most effective in the situation. Safety pins can hold buttons in place as well as attach torn pieces of fabric. If you have enough time and someone in your bridal party can quickly cover the damage with a thread and needle, ask for their assistance in restoring your gown.

Since your white wedding dress is very prone to stains, make sure you carry an emergency kit with all these essentials. You can then address the problem without delay rather than wait for the supplies. Either set up your own wedding emergency kit with the help of this article or buy a complete emergency kit like the one here.

Who is that arguing?

Tempers may soar and there is scope for heated arguments when different personalities come together at a wedding. Such a scenario isn’t pleasant for the couple, or the guests. So, don’t wait for an argument to settle on its own. Interrupt with a suitable distraction. Have a member of the wedding party split up the two people in the discussion with a good excuse. Make sure that they sit separately and don’t cross paths afterward, so decorum is restored.

Rain, rain, won’t it ever go away?

When you plan an outdoor wedding in spring or summer, there is every chance for a sudden shower. You should always have a Plan B in case Mother Nature decides to pour over your wedding. An alternate venue as backup is a wise option. Either have a tent or an indoor hall that you can quickly shift to if needed. You should also arrange umbrellas at the venue for your guests to use in case of a light shower. You can always continue with plans as long as there isn’t heavy rainfall and provided nobody is becoming wet. Or if you are a good sport, you can even enjoy the rain and make it a part of your wedding scenery. Just like these couples did!

Your makeup melts in the heat

A definite risk at outdoor weddings. So, if your nuptials are at an open-air venue, make sure you use waterproof makeup on the day. Instruct your makeup artist to use cosmetics that won’t smudge or run when you are outdoors. If you are doing your makeup yourself, invest in good quality waterproof makeup and stay away from oil-based foundations. Before you apply makeup, it is a good idea to drag ice over your skin. This will close off the pores and improve the chances of your makeup staying put.

Unexpected plus-ones

It is nothing short of a nightmare when your single friends turn up with the company, and you do not expect it. Inconsiderate that this may seem, it is still up to you to accommodate them in some way. Contact your caterer and the venue decorator, and ask them to get you extra chairs and plates of food. Unless the number is more than what you imagined, don’t worry too much about it. Don’t fret over how you would have to alter the entire seating arrangement for this purpose. Simply put them on a table where you can squeeze in an extra chair.

It looks like someone is about to faint at the altar

For some people, the pressure of walking down the aisle is more than you can imagine. Unless it is the bride or groom, it isn’t a big problem if someone at the wedding party is feeling faint. Remember the emergency kit we mentioned about earlier? Have some smelling salts in it for this reason. These will alleviate the dizzy and nauseating feeling and help the person bounce back to normal. In any case, ask the person to sit down and relax, and continue with your wedding on schedule unless there is a medical emergency.

What to do if someone is giving an inappropriate or unending speech at the reception

Not everyone hides from raising a toast at the wedding. In fact, there are few people who eagerly look forward to speaking more than just a few words. Unless it is an unending speech or an inappropriate one that sounds embarrassing, there is no issue. If you notice the speech progress in the wrong direction and your guests are bored or shocked, it is a good idea to get your Maid of Honor or Best Man to regain control of the situation. They can slowly interrupt to create a quick distraction, and ask for music. If you have a DJ, he ought to help you out in such a situation. With previous experience, he will have a good idea of how to break up the speech and get the party back on.

Your bridesmaid is late

When you pick bridesmaids, make sure they are reliable and responsible women. This way you needn’t stress over them on your wedding day. In case you have a friend who is a regular late-comer, prepare in advance. Ask your maid of honour to take charge, and make sure she has everything in place and on time. Or you can send reminders to her, so she doesn’t miss out on anything she should complete. On the day of the wedding, give her a call just in case she forgets or is likely to slog. When a bridesmaid is late, it is best to ask the rest of the girls to help her dress up on time.

The DJ plays songs you do not like

Always share your favourite song list as well as a list of the songs that shouldn’t be played at your reception. This will allow your DJ or band to prepare for the event. Nevertheless, it is possible that he still picks a song that you do not like, but have missed adding to the list. Avoid this from continuing by designating a wedding party that will tell the DJ when the couple does not appreciate this song. Inform the DJ in advance about who this person is. This will avoid any confusion when the person you designate for the job walks up to him and tells him to halt.

Last-minute vendor cancellation

Make sure you read your vendor contracts carefully and clarify any likely gray areas. Explicitly ask about cancellations and last-minute emergencies. This will help you prepare in advance for the worst-case scenario. In any case, situations may occur when a cancellation is inevitable but the wedding must go on. First of all, check whether the vendor can still make it to the event or arrange for a replacement. If that is the case, slightly adjust the schedule to accommodate this change.

However, if it is an actual last-minute cancellation, it is best if you ask for assistance from the other vendors at your wedding. They will know many people in the wedding industry and may have the right contact who can handle the task at short notice. In any case, make sure that you have copies of the pictures and details of the plans you made so you can quickly help the new vendor understand your requirements. Also, be flexible with your demands. Go with what can be done at such short notice, then be unbending about what you want to have.

Besides these common problems, there are many other issues that can go wrong at a wedding. Nonetheless, the day must go on. Keep yourself cool and ready for any hassle, with the help of this article here.

Visit Best for Bride to enjoy our interesting range of wedding services apart from every wedding-dress-related service for the bride. Check out our impressive inventory of designer wedding dresses and all that we have on offer by visiting our website here.

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How to Find an Amazing Wedding Dress on a Small Budget: Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting wedding planning tasks for a bride. After all, the wedding dress is the focal point of your bridal look. When you get the dress selection right, you will look gorgeous on your wedding day.

Although nothing beats the thrill of discovering “the dress” from numerous available options, it isn’t always possible for every bride to buy a brand new dress. A new designer wedding dress is always expensive. Fortunately, it is possible to get married in a beautiful dress even if you must work with a small budget. All that you require is early preparation and flexibility with the best options available.

A budget wedding dress will trim your overall wedding expenses. According to the article on Project Wedding, couples should allocate no more than 10% of their total wedding budget to their outfits. This amount doesn’t include just the bridal dress. It should include the groom’s tux too. Unfortunately, not all brides can find their dream wedding dress as well as fit all related extras like accessories and alterations within this limit.

Nonetheless, it is no big deal if you are ready to go the extra mile and find a budget-friendly dress. When you do, the good thing is that you can allocate the remaining funds to bigger priorities like the menu, entertainment or venue. So, the benefits are many.