Weddings have become sort of a “super sport” these days. Brides scramble to find the perfect dress, the perfect flowers, the perfect makeup, the perfect hair, perfect perfect perfect! But ladies, perfection isn’t real. You are real! This is your day, and while perfection might be something to strive for, try not to let yourself get so focused on an unattainable status quo. This day comes once in a lifetime, so remember to enjoy yourself and create beautiful memories! Find yourself in your wedding theme and ask the question “Is this me or is this just a magazine?” It is totally understandable to be overwhelmed, especially with the amount of information and trends that are out there. You must remember to incorporate YOUR personal style, no matter what the voices outside your head and couple are telling you. Remember, less is more. Here is a list of wedding accessories that will help you curate a wedding that is uniquely you.

1.Wedding Dress

No, it isn’t an accessory, but it determines the accessories you choose! If you purchase the accessories first, like a tiara or bib necklace, you are limiting the choice of dress and that makes it more difficult for you in the long run. Make sure you purchase the dress first.

2. Garment Bag

Definitely useful in keeping your dress pristine and clean before you walk down the aisle. After the final fitting, keep the dress in the garment bag until the very last minute to ensure that nothing happens to it!

3. Shawl, Cape, or Short Jacket

This depends on the weather of the day, especially if your wedding is outdoors. If it is cool, it will keep you from freezing. Remember to balance the textures. A smooth silk or satin gown will benefit from a beaded capelet instead of one made of the same material as the dress. A knitted cardigan will look wonderful over lace, especially for an autumn wedding. A spring morning wedding might do well with a silk chiffon scarf wrapped around your shoulders.

4. Shoes

We believe that every bride needs two pairs of shoes. The ones she walks down the aisle in, and the ones she hits the dance floor in! While they might be the same for most of the day, I guarantee the heels will fly off as soon as the bride’s ankles cannot take anymore! These crystal platform heels provide the elegance one needs, while these ballet flats are great for boogying the night away!

5. Hairpiece

The different hair pieces and accessories geared towards brides are endless. It can be so daunting to figure out which one is best for you. Tiaras are one type, but try not to limit yourself to tradition. There are fascinators, headbands, clips, and pins! Or you can opt for no hairpiece at all. It is your choice!

6. Veils

Some say the veil is second to the dress as the most important part of a bride’s look. From small facial veils to ones that stretch the entire length of the church or walkway, there is no shortage of fabrics or styles of veil. A few things to remember:

– Make sure your veil matches your gown.

– Mind the style of the veil. Do not allow it to steal the spotlight off your gown.

– Backless dresses require a sheer veil. You do not want to lose the style of the gown.

– After your purchase the dress, try different veil styles to make sure you find the right one for you.

8. Jewelry

Your jewelry depends solely on the style of the gown. High necked bodices might not need necklaces, where a strapless dress might find it necessary. The metals must match – there are very few exceptions to this. Silver threads in a dress calls for silver jewelry. Gold beaded gowns demand gold jewelry. The only exception is the wedding band. Make sure the style of bracelet you choose is smooth so it will not snag your gown. This one works well.

9. Sash or scarf

This is a great way to incorporate your wedding color scheme into your dress. Usually made of satin or silk, they wrap around your waist and help to shape your body. Make sure you wear a corset or waist train before hand to get the right silhouette for this accessory. For a different take, try wrapping a chiffon scarf around your waist in an obi style.

10. Lingerie

A strapless bra will help you keep your shape. If you need additional assistance or your gown is sheer, a white or nude colored corset or bodyshaper is a great choice.

11. Clutch Bag

The bridal clutch bag is an extension of your jewelry. Make sure the hardware matches the metals of your jewelry. You can choose a white or beige clutch bag for a traditional bridal look. A blue purse can serve as your “something blue” for the day. Or you can choose to match your wedding color scheme with a plethora of color choices.

12. Bridal Gifts

Accessories for your bridal party can double as gifts! The best part is that you can get a clutch for every woman’s personality and still match your wedding colors. Chicastic has a massive collection to choose from, in every color and style imagineable. You are sure to find a style and color that is exactly you.

Remember, your special day should encompass who you and your mate are. While traditions are nice to uphold, sacrificing your image, style and personality to accommodate outdated customs that you do not care about is not worth it. You will be worrying too much about others and not focusing on your couplehood. Be the best version of yourself this day because you are already perfect, just the way you are.