For many years, a bride’s accessories were almost predictable, a tiara like headpiece, simple one or two layer veil, a string of pearls and sensible white pumps.  Fortunately for today’s brides, things have CHANGED! Accessories are now a way for a bride to showcase her own individual taste and creativity with some fun twists along the way. It’s truly easier than ever to create your own unique look for your big day.

Tiaras are still around, but they aren’t the only choice for headpieces anymore! They’ve been joined by crystal encrusted or porcelain flowers, pearl headbands, embellished side combs or “hair vines” that are pliable and can be laid into a hairstyle in a variety of ways. Brides can choose their favorite look based on the hairstyle they’ll wear and the formality of their wedding dress. Those women choosing to wear a headpiece without a veil have a wide variety of choices to accent their hairstyle.

For those brides who want a veil, the array of choices is wonderful.  Crystals and beads edging the layers, scattered throughout for all over shimmer or clustered on lace motifs or an embroidered edge bring current veils to life with sparkle. Gorgeous Cathedral length veils are popular again, some with intricate lace patterns throughout the veil, adding to the drama of a brides ensemble. Emmy’s bride, Grace, chose a glitter tulle cathedral veil that shimmered dramatically as she made her way down the aisle. It coordinated beautifully with her pearl and rhinestone headband and her emerald accented jewelry.

The belt is still going strong. Bridal belts offer yet another way a bride can take a gown and make it her own. Design possibilities are almost unlimited; very narrow to very wide, plain, bedazzled or featuring a large brooch or floral decoration. The addition of a belt can completely change the look of a bridal gown. Plain Bridal gowns are trending and many brides choose to add a touch of sparkle at the waist.

Jewelry has taken a turn toward simpler looks. Smaller pendants and dainty dangles have replaced the statement necklaces and chandelier earrings for most brides in this area. Bracelets add a nice touch with pearls and sparkle being equally popular. At the moment, silver, gold and rose gold all share the stage as options for bridal accessories.

When it comes to footwear, plain white pumps are largely a thing of the past. Many of the brides we see today are wearing brightly colored shoes either coordinating with the wedding colors or as their “something blue”. Brides love the idea of having their bright or jeweled shoes hidden under their gown as a surprise to their guests and husbands. Photographers have helped fuel the trend by featuring fabulous shoes in wedding photos. Other brides see comfort as king (or queen ;) ), wearing popular shoe styles from makers like Tom’s, Converse and even Crocs under their gowns.

Given the wide variety of ways a bride can use accessories to individualize her look for her wedding day, it truly is a beautiful time to be a bride! Let Emmy’s stylists help you personally out together the look that’s right for you, your mom, or you bridesmaids!