How to Select the Best Bridal Accessories

The wedding gown may steal the spotlight, but it’s the bridal accessories that tie a wedding look together and add a final touch of elegance. From the length of your veil to the height of your heels, curating a wedding outfit reflects your unmatched sense of style and unique bridal look.

We’ve outlined all your options for wedding veils, shoes, shapewear, and even your fragrance for the big day. With countless options on the market, we’ll help you navigate finding all the details that show off your classic style.

The wedding veil is quite literally the crowning accessory of the bride. As traditions around the veil modernize, brides can select delicate fingertip veils, epic cathedral veils, and ever length and style in between.

The most common wedding veil varieties include:

● Fingertip length: Traditionally tiered veil that extends as low as the bride’s hips
● Waltz, or walking, length: Can hang as low as the calves, but still allow movement during the reception.
● Chapel length: This variety hits the ground but only extends several inches behind the bride as she walks.
● Cathedral length: The longest veil option, this variety extends dramatically behind the bride as she comes down the aisle.

While purchasing a veil in the dress boutique can run several hundred dollars, you can find low-cost options on Amazon and independent designers. This affordable alternative allows flexibility to switch out a long veil for a shorter, more practical one for photos and the reception.

For an added bit of style, skip the traditional pale-white veil and show off your unique flair. Many of these options are particularly ideal when paired with structured updos.

● Colorful Floral Veil
● Black Tulle Veil with Gold Stars and Rhinestones
● Tulle Hooded Cape
● Birdcage Veils
● Flower Crown
● Wedding Tiara
● Bridal Hair Vine

The right wedding shoe can affect how you feel throughout the entire wedding day, so don’t be afraid to buy more than one pair. Some brides swap out their heels for a pair of flats, sneakers, or Tom’s for easier movement around the dance floor.

Consider two main factors when choosing your footwear: the venue and your dress style. If the ceremony or reception is being held outside, heels can sink into the ground and endanger your balance. In this case, consider adding heel protectors or opting for flats or thicker block heels.

As for your dress style, the height of the shoe determines where your skirt will hit the floor. This is why it is so important to have your shoes picked out before your final dress fittings.

Whoever you pick, set yourself up for success by breaking your shoes in before the big day. Even new sandals can chafe and stiffen up, so practice your walk down the aisle and first dance in your footwear for peace of mind.

Popular brands now offer a range of elegant sneakers that keep brides looking stylish and comfortable. If you have a floor-length gown, you can even don these comfortable kicks all day long.

● Vans
● Keds
● Kate Spade by Keds
● Kate Spade Platforms
● Converse
● Inc
● Bling Adidas Swift Run with Swarovski Xirius
● Toms

Also consider working with an Etsy designer to add your initials, wedding day, or a saying to your sneakers.

Looking for the middle ground between heels and sneakers? Wedding flats are a graceful alternative to heels without breaking from tradition.

● Kailee P
● Charlotte Mills
● Bella Belle Shoes
● Kate Whitcomb
● Lulu's
● Etsy Lace Toe Flats
● Ivory Crochet Flats
● Rothy's
● Badgley Mischka
● Tieks
● SheSole on Amazon

If you’re a seasoned high-heel walker in everyday life, go for shoes with a little extra drama. Heels are a popular choice for both long gowns and knee-length wedding dresses that reflect a vintage look.

● Steve Madden
● Lulus
● Kailee P
● Charlotte Mills
● Badgley Mischka
● Bella Belle
● Dress First on Amazon
● Elegant Park on Amazon
● Elegant Park on Amazon

● Elegant Park on Amazon

Thicker heels have remained in style over the decades, even if the shape of the heel continues to change. Add a bit more stability both for your foot and the outdoor ceremony lawn with this practical option.

● Madden Girl
● Lulus
● Betsey Johnson
● Inc.
● Gianni Bini
● Nine West
● Badgley Mischka
● LL Bubble on Amazon
● Badgley Mischka on Amazon
● Toms
● Loeffler Randall

Getting hitched on the beach or in the heart of winter? Consider soleless sandals for the sand from Etsy, rhinestone-studded cowboy boots, or a simple and classic ankle boot for a January ceremony.

Wedding gowns can be tricky to pair with everyday lingerie, but shapewear lends a hand to make sure your lines are smooth without sacrificing comfort. Between tights, bras, and shaping briefs, shapewear is the unsung hero of the wedding outfit.

Here’s a quick tip: while it’s common to wear shoes before the big day, take the same approach with your shapewear. A trial run with Spanx or tights will ensure you’re comfortable on the big day, especially if one tends to slip down or pinch in some areas. If you’re concerned about slippage, consider anti-slip clothing spray for extra support.

Shapewear is key for form-fitting dresses or gowns with little built-in structure. Not only will they keep you feeling put together during the day, but they can also wick sweat away from your skin and dress.

● Spanx
● Honey Love
● Skims
● Maidenform
● Bare Necessities
● Wear Commando
● Yahaira

The lingerie industry has thought ahead for brides, offering a range of uniquely shaped bras and pasties if a traditional bra won’t do. Check out the Bridal Buddy for easy bathroom use if you have a multi-layered skirt as well.

● The Bridal Bra
● Misses Kisses Frontless Bra
● Gedone Pasties on Amazon
● Nippies Pasties on Amazon
● Bridal Buddy Underskirt for easy bathroom use

Associating a fragrance from one of the most special days of your life is a classic way to bring up memories in the years ahead. Choose a perfect particularly for your wedding day or request one as a wedding-day gift from your spouse-to-be!

● Dolce & Gabbana The Only One
● Vince Camuto Bella
● Ralph Lauren Romance
● Vera Wang Princess
● Marc Jacobs Daisy
● Marc Jacobs Love
● Tom Ford Black Orchid
● Chanel Chance
● Victoria Secret Tease
● Lancome La Vie Est Belle
● Kate Spade In Full Bloom
● Clinique Happy
● Dior Miss Dior
● Jimmy Choo L'Eau Eau de Toilette
● Jo Malone Red Roses

Finding the right bridal accessories showcases all the fine details of a wedding gown. The veil accentuates its color and style while the shoes and shapewear accentuate its elegant structure. Finish off the outfit with a classic perfume, your favorite jewelry, and anything else that makes you feel like a stunning bride on the big day.