BEYOND THE DRESS: MOST COMMON THINGS BRIDES FORGET ABOUT
When it comes to bridal styling, the wedding gown may take center stage but it is far from the whole story. A bridal gown is more than a dress, it’s a reflection of your personality, your love story, and one unforgettable moment in time. But for a wedding day look that truly feels complete, confident, and you, there’s more to consider than just your wedding dress. Today, I’m going beyond the wedding dress and sharing the most common things that bride’s forget about when it comes to their style.
In my work as a bridal stylist and wedding day dresser, I often see brides focus so much on the bridal gown that they overlook some of the smaller, but no less important, bridal fashion details. These final touches are what pull your entire wedding day look together, elevate it, and create a feeling of true cohesion from head to toe.
As you select your wedding dress, there are a few bridal accessories you won’t want to forget about that will help pull your bridal look together. Your bridal accessories should complement and elevate your wedding gown without stealing the show.
photo by: Molly Carr
Here are my top five things brides most often forget and how to make sure your entire look feels effortless, styled, and best of all: complete.
The Veil
I always tell my brides to think of your wedding veil as the cherry on top, that little extra piece that helps brides feel like, well, a bride. It’s not just a tradition, it’s a styling moment.
From cathedral-length drama to soft tulle barely-there styles, your veil should complement the lines of your wedding gown and the mood of your day. It’s one of the first things guests will notice as you walk down the aisle, and one of the last things captured as you walk away.
Even if you think you do not want to wear a veil on wedding day, or don’t consider yourself a veil type of bride, be sure to try on a few when wedding dress shopping. As a bridal stylist, I may be a bit biased, but a veil is an easy way to elevate a gown you love to feel truly bridal.
Jewelry That Balances (Not Competes)
After selecting your wedding dress and bridal veil, the next accessory to consider is your bridal jewelry. Jewelry should enhance and not compete with your gown.
When it comes to bridal jewelry, I always encourage brides to think about three things: proportion, neckline, and texture. Whether you choose statement earrings, a delicate bracelet, or a modern hairpiece, each piece should feel intentional and in harmony with the rest of your look.
Shoes That Reflect Your Style
Yes, comfort is key on wedding day but so is personality! Your bridal shoes should support you (literally and stylistically) throughout the day.
Whether you opt for a classic heel, a bold pop of color, or a bridal sneaker for dancing, make sure your footwear aligns with your overall wedding fashion vision. While your wedding shoes may not be visible for much of your wedding day, bridal footwear is a fun and easy way to express a bit of your personality and make your bridal look your own.
Bridal stylist tip: Be sure to break in your shoes before wedding day for comfort. The last thing you need or want are blisters on your big day! Also, make your wedding shoe choice before your alterations, so that you can bring your shoes with you, and your seamstress can hem your dress to the proper length to match your shoes.
photo by: Roey Yohai
The Right Bag (If You Carry One)
Not every bride wants or needs a clutch, but if you do carry one, it should feel like a seamless part of your styling. Choose something elegant, petite, and purposeful. It’s also a perfect place to tuck away a sentimental item, your vows or your lipstick for quick touch-ups.
Just as your bridal jewelry should complement and not outshine your wedding gown, your bridal handbag should elevate your gown. You’ll want to pay attention to fabrics and embellishments for a cohesive look.
Bridal stylist tip: Do not put your phone in your bridal purse or the pocket of your wedding down. Give your phone to a bridesmaid, or better yet, don’t bring it with you at all. Enjoy your day totally present and unplugged!
Your Entire Wedding Wardrobe
While shopping for your wedding dress gets the most focus, bridal styling isn’t limited to just the ceremony! Your entire wedding weekend and pre-wedding festivities including, engagement party, bridal shower, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, after party and farewell brunch are all opportunities to tell different parts of your story through fashion.
Will you change into a fun mini dress for your wedding reception or after party? You may also have an engagement party, bridal shower or bachelorette party to dress for. Think about how your looks can build on each other while staying true to your overall aesthetic.
photo by: Perry Vaile
Your Look is a Story, Not Just a Dress
Every detail, from your earrings to your second-look, should feel like an extension of you. True bridal styling goes beyond the gown. It’s about creating a cohesive, elevated experience that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and entirely yourself.
With thoughtful choices and expert guidance, you can craft a wedding day look that isn’t just stunning, it’s unforgettable.
If you’re getting married and have any bridal style questions or are interested in our day-of-wedding dressing services for the bride, the family, or the wedding party, please get in touch with us.
Beth Chapman Styling is a full-service bridal styling company specializing in on-site wedding day dressing for chic couples around the globe. We believe a bride should look and feel beautiful on her wedding day, but doesn’t need to be stressed to achieve it.