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Completing the Look of Your Wedding Day: Bridal Accessories
by Christina`s
Custom Crafts
Most Brides spend countless hours choosing the more significant aspects
of their special day; their gown, the reception hall, entertainment, photographer,
and transportation. There are, without doubt, some of the most important
decisions a bride can make. What often happens, however, is that brides
overlook their bridal accessories leaving them little time to "complete"
their look. This article looks at the types of accessories that most brides
consider, when to begin looking into accessory options and what some of
your choices are.
Bridal accessories fall into three main categories: heirloom pieces,
store bought items, and custom work. Heirloom pieces are items of jewelry
passed on by a family member to a bride, often taking the form of an inheritance,
a gift, or a borrowed piece. Heirloom pieces hold a great deal of family
and sentimental value but rarely reflect a bride`s tastes or style. Store
bought items can be either genuine or cosmetic jewelry pieces. The greatest
advantages of store bought accessories are the ease of purchase and, depending
on each store`s policy, the ability to change your mind and return an
item. Custom work, which can be a more expensive option, depending on
the artisan you select, allows for the greatest level of flexibility,
choice and individual style. Depending on the complexity and size of your
order, custom work should be initiated between 8 and 12 weeks before your
wedding date.
Accessories encompass three main groups: Bridal accessories, including
hair and jewelry; Attendants or Bridesmaids accessories, including hair
and jewelry; and finally Mother of the Bride accessories. Each group will
be discussed individually.
Bridal Accessories:
As a bride, you are the center of attention on your special day and of
course you want to look your best. Your dress, hair and makeup are all
aspects of your look which you will spend hours debating over, but don`t
forget the following areas where accessories will enhance your overall
look:
Hair:
Brides have several choices when it comes to hair accessories. The least
expensive option is the use of decorated hair pins. Most hair stylists
will use plain or decorated hair pins when setting your up do or other
salon style. Hair pins can be purchased from a variety of accessory stores
or can be custom made. They can be scattered throughout your hair or grouped
together depending on the look you and your stylist hope to attain. Hair
pins range in price and brides usually require 6 to 10 pins depending
on the hair style and thickness of your hair. A more expensive option
is a fancy hair comb. Hair combs are usually used by stylists to finish
the look of an up do or to replace a tiara. Hair combs can be store bought
or custom made and are usually decorated with a combination of crystals
and pearls. Hair combs come in a variety of sizes and can also be used
to secure your veil in place. The most expensive option is a tiara. Tiaras
can be anything from simple wire and beads to gold and diamonds used by
celebrities! Tiaras can be purchased at wedding gown stores, boutiques,
jewelry stores, accessory stores, or can be custom made. Tiaras can be
a very creative aspect of your look, from a traditional to a more whimsical
style, and use a variety of materials ranging from Austrian crystals to
sea shells!
Jewelry:
Aside from your hair, jewelry is another major aspect of your look. From
a necklace to earrings, bracelets to broaches, the most important aspect
of choosing your jewelry is to make sure that it matches & suits the
style of your gown. Often times your gown`s advertising photos include
jewelry worn by the model, these designer pieces are perfect for your
gown and can usually be reproduced by a retailer specializing in custom
jewelry. As most brides wear white bridal gowns, crystal and pearls are
the most common materials used to make bridal jewelry.
Bridesmaids Accessories:
After you have finished deciding on your accessories, why not consider
outfitting your Bridal party with a matching set. Brides spend hours of
time and hundreds of dollars on their Bridesmaids` dresses but often leave
the jewelry up to their Bridesmaids. Having a matching set gives your
Bridesmaids that completed look. Bridesmaid`s jewelry provides a wider
range of styles and materials depending on the color and style of their
dresses. Be sure to carry a swatch of the dress material and a picture
or sketch of the design when shopping around or looking into custom work.
You may not be able to find an exact match at a retail outlet but most
custom designers can order materials to match any swatch provided to them.
For Brides on a budget, a beaded set of necklaces & earrings will
do the trick, a more expensive option can include colored Austrian crystals,
semi-precious stones and all three pieces: necklace, earrings, and bracelet.
Jewelry for your Bridesmaids makes an excellent gift for you attendants
while also giving them that finished look.
Mother of the Bride:
Last, but certainly not least, is the Mother of the Bride. Mom`s usually
buy a new dress for their daughter`s big day but will wear their traditional
"good" jewelry. An increasingly popular option for Mothers of the Bride
is to have custom jewelry made to match their new dress as style and materials
are both flexible.
Overall, your bridal accessories are an easily overlooked but important
finishing touch on your wedding day. You have many choices to make but
have a number of different avenues to explore while making these choices.
Bridal Accessories can be found at your gown store, retail outlets, online,
or through a local custom artisan. Bridal Accessories will provide you
with the final exclamation point on your wedding day, don`t put off this
important aspect of your wedding plans off until it is too late!
Christina`s
Custom Crafts
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