Jewellery and Handbags

Jewellery: do you or don't you wer it? Jewellery can make you feel absolutely fabulous! It can make an outfit, but it can also ruin it!You cannot make any decisions about what jewellery you'll wear until you have chosen your outfit. When you have a special piece of jewellery you want to wear on your wedding day, you'll need to have it with you when you choose your dress. When you don have a piece of jewellery, than you can start with the neckline and establish how the hair is going to be worn. Are you wearing a veil? are you also wearing a tiara? If you are, start complementing that with earings and a bracelet. Some women can go for the choker, tiara and earings, but for most it's too much. Usually it will be earings and a necklace, or a tiara ans earrings, or a tiara and a little necklace, but rarely all three.

Remember that you are accessorising yourself not the pccassion. Although a wedding is a celebration, you don't want to be decked out like a christmas tree! You must be able to carry your jewellery and neither over- nor under-do it. Your jewellery must complement and balance your outfit.

Jewellery is a great way to make a statement. a dress could be simple, but worn with a fabulous pair of chandelier earrings. You can bring your personality to a wedding day outfit by adding these different accessories. You don't have to stop with jewellery. You can also accessorise with parasols, gloves with pearls and jewels, feather fans, silk fans, handkerchiefs with a little puff on the end, etc. Ofcourse, every bride should also have a little handbag handy to keep a lipstick, a small mirror and personal things.

Tiaras and Headpieces

Tiaras, floral headpieces, bejewelled combs and diamantè grips can all be worn with or without a veil. Your hair accessories are probably one of the most important aspects of your outfit as tehy will be in every photograph. It is therefore worthwhile spending time trying-on as many styles as you can to see what will relly suit you. Tiaras have become very popular, are affordable and can look fantastic with any style and length of hair. For tens of thousands of euros the real thing is available, and like many Royal tiaras, can convert into a necklace.

Is a tiara suitable for all women? Most women can wear them, but not all. The thing you need to watch is the height with the proportions of your face. Usually the moment a women tries on a tiara her neck instantly goes up and she looks very regal. It's advisable to any bride to try one on and give it a go.

Hair jewellery is another alternative. There's lots vailable and they sell tons of it. It is very important you take these hair accessories to your hairdresser ahead of the wedding. They might suggest something a little different you could do with them.

HOW TO WEAR A TIARA

The correct way to wear a tiara is in the middle of the head at a 45-degree angle. If you have long hair, it should ideally be worn up, allowing the tiara to be incorporated into your hairstyle. If you are also wearing a veil, it is safer to have that secured separately, and essential if you'll want to remove the veil before the end of the celebration. 

Veil lengths

SHOULDER length veils are contemporary, but can add an element of tradition to a less formal outfit. Usually it will be made of between one and four layrs of the same legth of tulle, silk or lace. The more layers, the more dramatic the effect.

ELBOW and FINGERTIP are as their names imply. Usually made of four layers adding volume and movement as the cascade down the back. There are flattering lengths worn with empire or princess-line gowns. But beware of the length cutting you in half, especially if you are short.

THREE QUARTER or WALTZ length falls somewhere between the knee and the ankle. Up to four layers of material can be used either of one or varying lengths.

FULL or CHAPEL length is a more formal veil that extends to the floor creating a puddle effect where it falls at the back. Traditionelly made of three tiers: at the shoulder, the waist and the floor. This is a good length to wear with straight gowns and will add volume at the hem line.

CATHEDRAL length is the most formal and spectacular veil with the materialflowing romantically behind the bride. It can look fantastic with bias-cut, full and princess-line gowns.

MANTILLA i a traditional Spanish-style circular veil usually made of lace, or lace-edged tulle, secured with a comb and which frames the face- This style is very popular with continental brides.

BLUSH or BLUSHER this is the optional part of a veil that covers the face. To dispense with it will create a less formal effect and is a good compromise for the second-time-around bride who stil wants to go the whole way.

ATTACHING YOUR VEIL
How you wear and attach your veil is an important consideration. Early brides secured theirs with crowns of flowers or herbal wreaths. Now they can be simply and discreetly kept in place with a small transparent comb anchored to the veil. They can be worn alone or with other accessories. If wearing a tiara or other headpiece, will it be used to secure the veil in place? If so, can you remove the veil but leave in the hair accessory? This need not be complicated, you just need to decide in advance and talk it through with your hair stylist.

If you decide to wear a veil covering your face, at what point will you lift it?

Tradition dictates after exchanging your vows, but many brides choose to allow their father or groom to lift it at the start of the ceremony. Also ask the person officiating if they have a preference.

The veil

The veil has a long legacy and women have worn it as a symbol of their purity and chastity since biblical times. For the majority of western women today it is questionable that the veil represents purity and chastity, but it can be said to be a symbol of fidelity. In terms of symbolism however, for many 21st century women the veil is as importnat as the dress and represents the transformation from women to bride.

As with almost everything in brideland, when you delve into the subject it is more complicated than you expected! Veils can be long, layered cathedral length, short and simple or anything in between. They can be plain or ornate, heavy or light, beaded, sequined, pearled, covered incrystals, embroidered and edged in ribbon or lace. A veil can be made of expensive luxurious silks, or simple man-made affordable fabrics. They can be worn at the nape of the neck or so they completely cover the face. They can be secured with a simple plastic comb or anchored with an antique tiara. The veil could even be omitted altogether, the choice is yours.

For a dramatic, romantic entrance the wisp of of chiffon, tulle, silk or lace is hard to beat. If you don't know whether you'd like to wear a veil consider whether in your overall look your hair is more important. If it is, you've more options if you do not wear one. But remember, a veil can be secured so as to be easily detached. If you think it might not be appropriate because you are an older or a second-time around bride, ask yourself if it is propriate both to your outfit's style and the location of your ceremony. There are ofcourse no rules for second-time around brides. Don't hold back. If you want to wear a veil, than go ahead and wear one.

A word of caution if you are hoping to wear a family veil. The fabric of your dress may need to be matched to it and that can sometimes be very difficult. Lace, silk and tulle can fade very quickly and discolour badly over time.If you really want to wear a family or vintage veil, you need to have it professionally cleaned in advance of purchasing your outfitr, and take it with you when trying on gowns.

Consult with whoever has sold you your outfit as well as your hairdresser before making any decisions on your veil and/or head-dress. Try on as many different styles and lengths as you can and with your dress on (or a simalar sample of it). Your veil should complement your outfit, not compete with it; it's an ensemble.

Also choose a style that suits the shape of your face and your body type. For example, a full round face could benefit from a sigle layered veil that falls down the sides of the face thereby narrowing it. A thinner-faced bride could opt for a layered veil that adds with. Similarly, ashorter or fuller figured bride could choose a log, narrow cut veil that creates a vertical line and adds height. The choice of veil will largely be dictated by the outfit, but even then there are several styles and lengths to choose from.

Shoes

Will you wear killer or kitten heels? Will they have chiselled or pointed toes? Will they be ivory satin, metallic sling backs, round-toed pumps, strappy sandals, cowgirl boots or saucy stillettos? Shoes are the area for you to express your own style for your Cinderella moment. Once you've chosen your outfit your choes are your next stop, because you need them at each fitting. Ultimately comfort is crucial because you normally have got to wear them all day at the day of your wedding.

As with all accessories, your outfit must be your starting point. Your shoes need to suit its length and style.
Three things make a good shoe: style, balance and comfort. If the balance of the shoe is correct you can go as high as you like and it will be as comfortable as a flat shoe. People always think that heels equal pain but it isn't so. Heels can be comfortable.

Your wedding day, however, probably isn't the time to experiment with very high heels if you are used to wearing flats every day, so get some practice in if you decide to wear them. If you are not used to wearing high heels be warned that after a few hours your feet might feel sore, not because the shoes are uncomfortable but because you are not used to putting that kind of pressure on your feet.

Bespoke shoe services will allow you to choose a style and match it with a variety of leathers and fabrics in different colours, often deyed to your own requirements. You may also be able to mix and match heel heights.

If such services are beyond your means the high street is getting in on the act and produce great styles at affordable prices. But on no account squeeze your feet into the last pair of shoes in the shop, because you have left it too late to order a pair in the right size. Similarly, don't let you heel hang over the back of a strappy sandal or your toes poke out over the front of the shoes.

When you have bought your shoes, break them in at home, indoors and on clean floors. If appropriate, spray with fabric protector and scuff the soles with a bunch of keys to prevent you slipping on freshly cleaned floors on the day.

If you are concerned that wet weather on your wedding day might spoil your shoes on your way to the ceremony, get some throw-away shoes slipcovers (the kind they give you as a spectatorat swimming pools). After your grand entrance don't worry about your shoes, if they are ivory satin they will get dirty.

Bridesmaids and Mothers

For a really stylish wedding it is important that the bridesmaids and the mothers, particularly the mother of the bride, complement the bride's look. The golden rule for the bridal party is not to outshine the bride. Therefore the bride should select her gown first. Confidence in clothes is about how to wear them and how we feel in them.  As with a wedding gown, one can never underestimate the power of having a dress or something special designed and made for bridesmaids and mothers. Even the simplest shapes, when made well and fitted correctly, will look stunning. Cleverly thought-through accessories can really make an outfit too. Fabulous hats, jewellery and shoes worn in the right way will complement the bride, and the whole wedding party will appear really well turned-out.

The modern braidsmaid is glamorous and sophisticated - if you let her be! Therefore, pay attention to your bridesmaids' likes and dislikes. For young bridesmaids and pageboys there are companies specialising in made-to-measure outfits and several chain retailers offer ready-to-wear lines. With adult bridesmaids you have the same options as you have with your wedding gown: couture, made-to-measure, ready-to-wear or dress-maker. For most brides, budget is likely to dictate for their bridesmaids either something ready-to-wear or a design made by a dressmaker. If money is no object, go to a designer for something special.

Whenever possible, shop with all your bridesmaids present and ask to try-on a variety of shapes and colours. Usually, bridesmaids should all wear the same colour or shade. Keep the outfits flattering but simple, and pick up an accent of the bride's gown. Very clean, well-cut gowns in a striking colour will flatter and look great in the photographs and the bridesmaids will not outshine the bride. If there are several bridesmaids with different proportions it is advisable to vary the design slightly to suit each one, but they should all wear the same length. If you want a classic look you could opt for a shorter version of the bride's style and shape of gown or you could dress your bridesmaids in tailored suits.

Mothers can wear anything from full length evening gowns for black tie weddings, to simple cocktail lenght dresses with lace jackets, or velvet coats with fur collars. I would adves opting for ensembles that will be cherished, not just a suit that will never be worn again. Mothers should stay true to their own style and not wear a colour they are not uncomfortable with. Don't match everything - it will be overkill. Seek advice from professionals. If shopping for something ready-to-wear, ask for a personal shopper.

The mother of the bride picks her colour first and advises the groom's mother what she will be wearing and both should think really carefully about how they will look in the photographs.  Above all, mothers should be themselves and be stylish. They shouldn't feel guilty for buying something really fabulous as the photographs will be around for generations to come!