Wear 3–5 accessories with your wedding dress: veil or headpiece, earrings, necklace (optional), bracelet (optional), and shoes. Choose accessories that complement your dress neckline and don’t compete with embellishments.

Style your hair first, then select your veil and jewelry 6–8 weeks before the wedding. Try all accessories together during your final dress fitting 4–6 weeks before the event.

Essential Wedding Accessories by Priority

Priority	Accessory	When to Choose	Purpose	Fittings Needed
1 – Must Have	Shoes	8–10 weeks before	Determines hem length	Wear to all fittings
2 – Must Have	Veil or Headpiece	6–8 weeks before	Frames face and dress	Final 2 fittings
3 – Highly Recommended	Earrings	4–6 weeks before	Draws attention to face	Final fitting
4 – Optional	Necklace	4–6 weeks before	Enhances neckline	Final fitting
5 – Optional	Bracelet	4–6 weeks before	Adds wrist detail	Final fitting
6 – Optional	Belt or Sash	6–8 weeks before	Defines waist	2nd and final fittings
7 – Optional	Hair Accessories	4–6 weeks before	Complements hairstyle	Trial run

 

Steps to Choose Wedding Accessories

Step 1: Start With Your Shoes

Purchase shoes first—they determine your dress hem length. Choose shoes 8–10 weeks before the wedding.

Wear them to every dress fitting for accurate hemming. Break in shoes at home for 2–3 weeks before the wedding.

Step 2: Decide on Your Hairstyle

Book your hair trial 6–8 weeks before the wedding. Your hairstyle determines which veil, headpiece, and earrings work best.

Updo styles pair well with statement earrings and cathedral veils. Down or half-up styles suit lighter veils and delicate jewelry.

Step 3: Select Your Veil or Headpiece

Choose veil length and style after confirming your hairstyle. Cathedral veils suit formal weddings and long trains.

Birdcage veils work for vintage styles. Fingertip veils are most versatile for various dress types.

Step 4: Match Jewelry to Your Neckline

Select jewelry based on your dress neckline—not personal preference alone. Strapless dresses allow statement necklaces.

High necklines need only earrings. V-necks pair with pendant necklaces or skip necklaces entirely.

Step 5: Try Everything Together

Wear all accessories during your final fitting 4–6 weeks before the wedding. Check that nothing competes or feels overwhelming.

Take photos from multiple angles. Remove any accessory that doesn’t enhance your overall look.

Jewelry Selection by Dress Neckline

 

Neckline Type	Best Necklace	Best Earrings	Avoid
Strapless	Statement necklace or none	Chandelier or drops	Chokers that cut neckline
Sweetheart	Delicate pendant or none	Medium drops	Heavy, competing pieces
V-Neck	Simple pendant following V	Studs or small drops	Chokers or thick chains
High Neck / Halter	Skip necklace entirely	Statement studs or drops	Any necklace
Off-Shoulder	Delicate chain or skip	Drop earrings	Chunky necklaces
Scoop Neck	Short pendant or collar	Any style works	Very long pendants
Square Neck	Geometric pendant	Studs or geometric drops	Round, ornate pieces

 

Veil Types and When to Wear Them

By Length:

• Birdcage (face-length): Vintage, retro, or casual weddings
• Shoulder (20 inches): Informal ceremonies, tea-length dresses
• Elbow (25 inches): Classic choice for most dress styles
• Fingertip (36 inches): Most versatile, suits all dress lengths
• Floor (72 inches): Formal events, matches dress hem
• Chapel (90 inches): Very formal, extends 3–4 feet beyond dress
• Cathedral (108+ inches): Ultra-formal, extends 6+ feet beyond dress

By Style:

• Single tier: Clean, simple, modern
• Two tier (blusher + main): Traditional, covers face for ceremony
• Drop veil: Attached at crown, modern and sleek
• Juliet cap: Vintage 1920s style with embellishment
• Mantilla: Spanish lace-edged, romantic

Matching Veil to Dress:

• Simple dress: Choose embellished or lace-edged veil
• Embellished dress: Choose simple, plain tulle veil
• Lace dress: Match lace pattern or choose plain
• Modern dress: Drop veil or birdcage style
• Ballgown: Cathedral or chapel length for drama

Shoe Selection Guide

By Venue Type:

• Beach/Outdoor Grass: Wedges, block heels, or flats
• Ballroom/Indoor: Any heel height works
• Garden/Uneven Ground: Avoid stilettos, choose chunky heels
• Church/Formal: Classic pumps in any heel height
• Barn/Rustic: Cowboy boots, block heels, or flats

By Dress Length:

• Floor-length: Shoes barely show—comfort is priority
• Tea-length: Shoes visible—choose statement styles
• Short/Knee-length: Shoes are focal point—go bold

Practical Considerations:

• Heel height: Can you walk comfortably for 6–8 hours?
• Break-in time: Wear 2–3 weeks before wedding at home
• Color: White, ivory, nude, metallic, or colored accent
• Backup pair: Bring flats for reception dancing

Belt and Sash Options

When to Add a Belt:

• Dress lacks waist definition
• Simple dress needs visual interest
• Want to add color accent to wedding theme
• Separating bodice from skirt visually
• Creating hourglass silhouette

Belt Styles:

• Ribbon sash: Soft, romantic, can be colored
• Beaded belt: Sparkle and glamour, formal
• Metallic belt: Modern, sleek, architectural
• Floral belt: Bohemian, garden weddings
• Pearl belt: Classic, timeless, elegant

Placement Tips:

• Natural waist: Most flattering for most body types
• Empire (under bust): Elongates legs, suits petite brides
• Drop waist (at hips): Modern, fashion-forward look

Hair Accessories

 

Accessory Type	Best Hair Style	Best Dress Style	Formality Level
Tiara or Crown	Updo, half-up	Ballgown, princess	Very formal
Hair Comb	Any style	Any dress	All formality levels
Hair Pins (decorative)	Updo, braids	Bohemian, romantic	Casual to formal
Fresh Flowers	Down, half-up, braids	Garden, boho, beach	Casual to semi-formal
Headband or Halo	Down, waves	Bohemian, vintage	Casual to semi-formal
Barrette or Clip	Down, half-up	Modern, minimalist	All levels

Bracelet Selection

When to Wear a Bracelet:

• Your dress has sleeves (bracelet shows less)
• You’re skipping a necklace and want wrist detail
• You have a family heirloom piece
• Your bouquet is small and won’t hide your wrist
• You want symmetry with your engagement ring

When to Skip a Bracelet:

• Your dress is heavily embellished
• You’re wearing long sleeves
• Your bouquet is large and hides your wrists
• You’re already wearing statement earrings and necklace
• Your engagement ring is your focal jewelry

Best Bracelet Styles:

• Tennis bracelet: Classic, elegant, timeless
• Cuff bracelet: Modern, bold statement
• Pearl strand: Traditional, soft, romantic
• Delicate chain: Minimalist, doesn’t compete
• Charm bracelet: Personal, sentimental

Accessorizing by Wedding Style

Wedding Style	Must-Have Accessories	Optional Additions	Skip These
Classic/Traditional	Cathedral veil, pearl earrings, pumps	Pearl necklace, bracelet	Trendy pieces
Bohemian	Flower crown, drop earrings, sandals	Delicate bracelets, anklets	Heavy jewelry
Modern/Minimalist	Simple veil or skip, geometric studs, sleek heels	Architectural belt	Ornate, vintage pieces
Vintage/Retro	Birdcage veil, vintage earrings, Mary Janes	Brooch, gloves	Modern geometric jewelry
Beach/Destination	Short veil or flower crown, simple studs, wedges	Barefoot sandals, anklet	Heavy veils, high heels
Rustic/Barn	Fingertip veil, simple earrings, boots or flats	Floral hair piece	Ultra-formal accessories
Glamorous/Formal	Cathedral veil, chandelier earrings, heels	Statement necklace, tiara	Casual accessories

Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

Something Old (Heritage):

• Grandmother’s earrings or necklace
• Vintage hair comb or clip
• Family veil or tiara
• Antique brooch on bouquet or dress

Something New (Future):

• Your wedding shoes
• New jewelry purchased for the day
• Fresh flower crown
• Custom veil or headpiece

Something Borrowed (Love):

• Sister’s or friend’s bracelet
• Mother’s veil
• Borrowed hair accessories
• Friend’s lucky earrings

Something Blue (Fidelity):

• Blue shoe soles
• Blue ribbon on bouquet
• Blue embroidery inside dress
• Blue gemstone in jewelry

Accessory Timeline

10–12 Weeks Before:

• Purchase wedding shoes
• Start wearing shoes at home to break in
• Research veil styles and jewelry options
• Book hair and makeup trials

6–8 Weeks Before:

• Attend hair trial and decide on style
• Purchase veil or headpiece
• Order custom jewelry if needed
• Consider belt or sash options

4–6 Weeks Before:

• Purchase or gather all jewelry pieces
• Attend final dress fitting with all accessories
• Take photos of complete look
• Make adjustments as needed

2–3 Weeks Before:

• Break in shoes completely
• Practice putting on veil and securing hairpiece
• Confirm all accessories are ready and fit
• Prepare backup accessories

1 Week Before:

• Do final check of all accessories
• Pack everything in labeled bags
• Bring backup flats or comfort shoes
• Assign someone to help with veil and jewelry

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear a necklace with my wedding dress?

Not always—it depends on your neckline. High necklines, halters, and heavily embellished bodices look best without necklaces.

Strapless and sweetheart necklines can accommodate necklaces but aren’t required. Let your dress guide the decision—skip necklaces if your bodice has intricate details.

How long should my veil be?

Fingertip length (36 inches) is most versatile and suits all dress styles. Cathedral length (108+ inches) works for formal weddings with long trains.

Shorter veils (birdcage, elbow) suit casual or vintage styles. Choose veil length based on your wedding formality and dress train length.

Can I wear statement earrings and a statement necklace?

Generally no—choose one statement piece and keep other jewelry simple. If you wear chandelier earrings, skip the necklace or wear only a delicate chain.

Statement necklaces pair with simple stud earrings. Balance is key—let one piece shine while others support.

What color shoes should I wear?

Most brides choose white, ivory, or nude to match their dress. Metallic gold or silver add subtle glamour.

Colored shoes (blue, pink, red) make personal statements and fulfill “something blue.” Choose based on venue—avoid colors that blend with outdoor surfaces.

Do I need to wear a belt with my wedding dress?

Belts are optional accessories for defining your waist or adding visual interest. A-line and empire waist dresses often benefit from belts.

Skip belts on dresses with heavily embellished bodices or existing waist details. Add a belt if your simple dress needs a focal point.

Should my accessories match my bridesmaid dresses?

Your accessories don’t need to match bridesmaid dresses, but metals should coordinate. If bridesmaids wear gold jewelry, you wear gold too.

Your accessories should complement your dress first. Coordination happens through consistent metal tones and avoiding clashing color families.