Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. If the countdown to your nuptials is on, allow me to ease the wedding-look planning—welcome to the ultimate guide to bridal accessories. You’ve said yes to the dress, the venue is booked and now your attention is turned to those extra bits that pull it all together. As we know, a great outfit is made in the finer details, and these accessories are destined to tie your look together as you tie the knot.
Whether you’re stepping out in a wedding dress, crisp suit or contemporary skirt and top combination on your big day, we know this will be the main event, but that’s not to say that your accessories shouldn’t be just as spectacular. Let them be the elegant ingredients that can add to the overall feel of the look, be it ethereal, simplistic, modern or otherwise. With so much to organise and all the excitement that comes along with it, we know you don’t want to spend hours scrolling through websites to find the perfect heels, swoon-worthy bag or other add-ons that make up a wedding ensemble. So as ever, we’re here to help, bringing our expertise in all things shopping to serve up the best wedding accessories to suit all ceremonies, in one sleek edit.
To make this process as smooth as possible, we’ve honed in on six bridal accessories to take your wedding look to new heights. Now, you may not need or want all six, but we’re known for going the extra mile. We’ve hunted through footwear collections aplenty to find the very best mix of shoes, high and low, that ensure you put your best foot forward as you stride down the aisle. In jewellery, there’s an array of treasures to explore, all with a timeless edge that makes them destined to become heirlooms to have and to hold from this day forward. If a veil isn’t a part of your look, there’s still a chance to sparkle from head to toe with the wonders of hair accessories, from slides to headbands and more.
Most of us have never stepped out without a bag, big or small, and you’ll want your essentials close to hand on your wedding day too. A mid-toast selfie, a reapplication of lip gloss and those all-important speech notes need to be stored in something as elegant as the rest of your look, and we’ve found some real gems. There are also accessories beyond the ceremony that a bride-to-be might want to consider; from matching lingerie sets to sweet babydolls, there’s no reason not to let the elegance carry you through after hours.
Finally, whether you’re jetting off the very next day or simply want to keep the post-wedding vibes going at your next holiday spot, we’re taking bridal chic to the beach. From bikinis to one-pieces, you won’t find anything “Bride”-emblazoned here. Instead, we’re favouring understated, elevated designs that can be re-worn poolside well beyond the honeymoon suite.
Now, let’s explore the six chic bridal accessories that are just as important as the dress.
Style Notes: It wouldn’t be a bridal accessories round-up without the main event (after the dress, of course): shoes. Whether hidden by a maxi hemline or peeking out of a tailored trouser suit, we’re putting a spring in your step with beautiful footwear. From sky-high heels to all-night-dancing flats, we’ve covered all bases and embraced pared-back to highly decorative styles. It’s almost time to glide down the aisle.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Maysale 50 Buckled Crepe De Chine Mules in White
£895
If you’re looking for extra extravagance with each step, it doesn’t get much more classic than Manolo’s Maysale mules.
NEOUS
Naledi Shoes
£585
There’s a perfect harmony between the classical draped satin and touch of lace with the contemporary silhouette of these mules.
RUPERT SANDERSON
Sabine Appliquéd Moire Slingback Point-Toe Flats
£374
An elegant flat shoe that offers style and comfort in equal measure.
JIMMY CHOO
Sacaria 100
£1495
If there’s a time to go all out in the footwear department, it’s on your big day.
Style Notes: They may be the smallest accessories to grace our outfits, but there’s no denying the power of jewellery. The simplest look can become a head-turning moment when a smattering of sparkles is applied, just like a slicked-back bun can reach new heights with the adornment of elegant earrings. Truly, it’s within the accents that great outfits are built, and your wedding day is definitely a time you want to feel fully put-together.
KIMAI
18-Karat Gold Laboratory-Grown Diamond Necklace
£2359
A delicate array of shimmering lab-grown diamonds to complement any neckline.
MATEO
Baroque 14ct Yellow-Gold and Double-Pearl Drop Earrings
£625
The drop design adds a contemporary refinement to classic pearls.
ASTRID & MIYU
Gleam Bold Tennis Chain Bracelet in Silver
£80
A classic tennis bracelet that will be worn well beyond the ceremony.
NADA GHAZAL
18ct Gold Baby Malak Flourish Ice Mini Marquise Stud Earrings
£2090
These are sure to become a treasured feature of your jewellery box for years.
Style Notes: You probably won’t spot a bride clutching a, well, clutch walking down the aisle, but the day doesn’t end there. For all the fun of the day and night to come, you’re going to need some key items close to hand. If you like to have a compact place for all your necessities, these are the chicest options around.
JIMMY CHOO
Bon Bon Ivory Satin Bag With Pearls
£1895
This is no ordinary evening bag. Jimmy Choo presents lashings of pearls in various sizes with an architectural circle handle to add a stylish edge to a practical piece.
CHARLES & KEITH
Huxley Metallic Push-Lock Top Handle Bag in Cream
£65
If minimalism is your thing, look to understated styles with a subtle metallic closure for your wedding-day wares.
CULT GAIA
Tallulah Wristlet Bag
£413
For the fashion-forward bride, Cult Gaia’s wristlet offers two styles in one as the outer shimmered layer can be removed to reveal the refined pearlescent clutch.
BVLGARI
Medium Leather Serpentine Clutch Bag
£2800
A piece to have and to hold long after the big day, Bvlgari’s Serpentine clutch is an icon in itself.
Style Notes: If you’re already set up with a veil, then feel free to scroll on. But for those taking a less traditional approach, there’s still plenty of opportunity to accessorise and add extra sparkle through elevated hair accessories. Bow details add a sweet touch, whilst a headband or slides can add accents of pearl or shimmer to keep the overall theme of your look running from head to toe.
LELET NY
Vera Exes Faux-Pearl Embellished Stainless Steel Headband
£150
Lelet NY knows all about fantastical hair accessories, and this pearl headband sets a classic tone with an impactful edge.
JENNIFER BEHR
Teresa Embellished Satin and Fishnet Veil
£330
For the modern bride forgoing a trailing veil, look to this micro headband with delicate accents of pearls and bows.
BY ANTHROPOLOGIE
Pearl Barrette Hair Clips – Set of 3
£24
Add details to your hair or embellish your up-do with these hair clips.
JENNIFER BEHR
Marjorie Organza Bow Hair Clip
£170
Add a romantic finish to a half-up look or a ponytail.
Style Notes: Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting that your wedding dress should be replaced with a white two-piece, but as many continue their celebrations through honeymoons, take to the pool during their wedding abroad or even want to continue the celebrations on their next holiday, wedding swimwear is definitely worth covering. However you end up poolside, do so in fittingly white swimwear. It’s the time to do it, after all.
UNDERSTATEMENT
Bandeau Bikini Top in Cream
£69
Featuring removable straps to avoid tan lines and plunging U-shaped detail for extra design prowess.
MARYSIA
Salento Embellished Embroidered Seersucker Underwired Swimsuit
£487
If there’s a time for more is more, its when you’re tying the knot. Note the contrasting black seam detailing and embellished beading.
AWAY THAT DAY
Tahiti Bottom in Ivory
£69
From the high-waist silhouette to the elegant tie-detail, this is how you take a simple bikini to a whole new level.
ALEXANDRA MIRO
Davina One-Shoulder Swimsuit
£245
Known for excellent resortwear, Alexandra Miro plays with retro influences to add a touch of timeless glamour to this swimsuit.
Style Notes: As much as you might wish you could wake up in your dress and wear it forevermore, sadly, you can’t. But you can choose a cute pyjama set to wear when getting your makeup done and an after-hours outfit for when the dress is packed away. These are the nightwear and lingerie pieces in keeping with the opulence of the day.
BOUX AVENUE
Tara Satin Butterfly Embroidered Chemise
£48
The sheer lace and high side slit add an alluring appeal to this satin chemise.
SIMONE PERELE
White Lace Half-Cup Bra
£90
Offering some of the most exquisite lingerie around, Simon Perele takes luxurious lace detailing and a supportive fit to form this beautiful bra.
SLEEPER
Feather-Trimmed Twill Pajama Set
£340
A beloved brand by fashion people for its feathery flair, this pyjama set is one you’ll want to wear well beyond the bedroom.
CARINE GILSON
Lace-Trimmed Silk-Satin Camisole
£694
If artisan lacework and comfortable ease are your dream combination, then this is the nightwear option for you.
