Accessorize!

By Sarah

You found the perfect dress, put in your order, and now you just have to wait six months until it arrives. Right?

Actually I was amazed by how many other things you need to complete a wedding outfit. I’m not just talking earrings and shoes, but also slips, sashes, shawls, bras and purses.

First of all, make sure you budget for all these accessories because they add up quickly. Then start shopping even before you try on wedding dresses for the first time. Here’s a rundown of some of the accessories you’ll need to consider:

Underneath:

Most bridal boutiques provide the bra and slip (the big poofy kind) for you to try on with dresses, which you can usually purchase. But, you may want to go to a lingerie shop to at least get fitted for a bra or bustier beforehand to ensure that it fits right. Bring it with you when you try on dresses.

Shoes:

Not only should they be comfortable, but you also want to make sure the height of the heal works with the length of your dress. I recommend ordering a couple of pairs of shoes of varying height (check the return policy first) before your first dress fitting and see which pair works the best. My biggest mistake was buying a $100 pair of shoes that I couldn’t return and finding out they were an inch too short for the dress. It is cheaper to get the right height of shoe than alter your dress. Also note that Des Moines has a very limited selection of bridal shoes, so expand your search online.

Bling:

Before you go out and buy expensive earrings or a necklace, raid your mother’s or grandmother’s jewelry chest to see if you can find an embellished gem. You may discover a broach that can make a cool hair accessory or some diamond earrings that will match your fancy dress without you paying a dime. Or see if you can borrow items from your friends who have already gotten married, especially a veil, which can cost more than $100. Most wedding jewelry is more over-the-top than you’d normally wear, so it’s better to borrow than spend for just one day.

Another tip: Try on your accessories with your dress to make sure they match. Just because a piece of jewelry is covered in diamonds and pearls doesn’t mean it will work with the total outfit. I’m also not a big fan of wearing too much jewelry – just earrings – so that you don’t compete with your dress.

Other ideas:

Consider tying an elegant sash in the color of your bridesmaids’ dresses around your waist.

Buy a delicate shawl to wear outside if your wedding is in a colder month.

Don’t forget a little purse to hold essentials such as makeup, pins and tissues.