It's All in the Details—6 Chic Bridal Accessories That Are Just as Important as the Dress

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. If the countdown to your nuptials is on, allow me to ease the wedding-look planning—welcome to the ultimate guide to bridal accessories. You’ve said yes to the dress, the venue is booked and now your attention is turned to those extra bits that pull it all together. As we know, a great outfit is made in the finer details, and these accessories are destined to tie your look together as you tie the knot.

Whether you’re stepping out in a wedding dress, crisp suit or contemporary skirt and top combination on your big day, we know this will be the main event, but that's not to say that your accessories shouldn't be just as spectacular. Let them be the elegant ingredients that can add to the overall feel of the look, be it ethereal, simplistic, modern or otherwise. With so much to organise and all the excitement that comes along with it, we know you don’t want to spend hours scrolling through websites to find the perfect heels, swoon-worthy bag or other add-ons that make up a wedding ensemble. So as ever, we’re here to help, bringing our expertise in all things shopping to serve up the best wedding accessories to suit all ceremonies, in one sleek edit.

Image of pearl Jimmy Choo shoes on top of a bridal veil

(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

To make this process as smooth as possible, we’ve honed in on six bridal accessories to take your wedding look to new heights. Now, you may not need or want all six, but we’re known for going the extra mile. We’ve hunted through footwear collections aplenty to find the very best mix of shoes, high and low, that ensure you put your best foot forward as you stride down the aisle. In jewellery, there’s an array of treasures to explore, all with a timeless edge that makes them destined to become heirlooms to have and to hold from this day forward. If a veil isn’t a part of your look, there’s still a chance to sparkle from head to toe with the wonders of hair accessories, from slides to headbands and more.

Most of us have never stepped out without a bag, big or small, and you'll want your essentials close to hand on your wedding day too. A mid-toast selfie, a reapplication of lip gloss and those all-important speech notes need to be stored in something as elegant as the rest of your look, and we’ve found some real gems. There are also accessories beyond the ceremony that a bride-to-be might want to consider; from matching lingerie sets to sweet babydolls, there's no reason not to let the elegance carry you through after hours.

Finally, whether you're jetting off the very next day or simply want to keep the post-wedding vibes going at your next holiday spot, we’re taking bridal chic to the beach. From bikinis to one-pieces, you won't find anything "Bride"-emblazoned here. Instead, we're favouring understated, elevated designs that can be re-worn poolside well beyond the honeymoon suite.

Now, let's explore the six chic bridal accessories that are just as important as the dress.

Collage of white shoes

Style Notes: It wouldn't be a bridal accessories round-up without the main event (after the dress, of course): shoes. Whether hidden by a maxi hemline or peeking out of a tailored trouser suit, we're putting a spring in your step with beautiful footwear. From sky-high heels to all-night-dancing flats, we've covered all bases and embraced pared-back to highly decorative styles. It's almost time to glide down the aisle.

Collage of jewellery

Style Notes: They may be the smallest accessories to grace our outfits, but there's no denying the power of jewellery. The simplest look can become a head-turning moment when a smattering of sparkles is applied, just like a slicked-back bun can reach new heights with the adornment of elegant earrings. Truly, it's within the accents that great outfits are built, and your wedding day is definitely a time you want to feel fully put-together.

Woman in white dress, collage of handbags

Style Notes: You probably won't spot a bride clutching a, well, clutch walking down the aisle, but the day doesn't end there. For all the fun of the day and night to come, you're going to need some key items close to hand. If you like to have a compact place for all your necessities, these are the chicest options around.

Collage of woman wearing hair bows

Style Notes: If you're already set up with a veil, then feel free to scroll on. But for those taking a less traditional approach, there's still plenty of opportunity to accessorise and add extra sparkle through elevated hair accessories. Bow details add a sweet touch, whilst a headband or slides can add accents of pearl or shimmer to keep the overall theme of your look running from head to toe.

Collage of women in white swimwear

Style Notes: Don't worry, we're not suggesting that your wedding dress should be replaced with a white two-piece, but as many continue their celebrations through honeymoons, take to the pool during their wedding abroad or even want to continue the celebrations on their next holiday, wedding swimwear is definitely worth covering. However you end up poolside, do so in fittingly white swimwear. It's the time to do it, after all.

Collage of woman wearing lingerie

(Image credit: @leatngu)

Style Notes: As much as you might wish you could wake up in your dress and wear it forevermore, sadly, you can't. But you can choose a cute pyjama set to wear when getting your makeup done and an after-hours outfit for when the dress is packed away. These are the nightwear and lingerie pieces in keeping with the opulence of the day.

Florrie Alexander
Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.