How To Accessorise Your Wedding Dress

Step 1: Don't Compete, Complement

The first rule of thumb is... Don't let accessories compete with the dress.

Step 2: Choosing a Tiara

If it's always been your dream to wear a tiara then now is your moment. Tiaras come in a variety of colours and shapes, from small ones designed to sit just in front of the veil, to large and colourful crowns.

An ornate dress is best combined with an understated headpiece, while a simple classically cut dress can be a great foil for a more flamboyant headpiece or jewelled tiara

If you have diamante crystals scattered over your dress or veil you could incorporate these into your tiara. Likewise with pearls.

You can also have tiaras made out of flowers which can create a stunning hairpiece... however talk to your florist about the best types to use. They'll be out of the water for a long time on the day so it is best to choose something robust.

Step 3: Choosing your Shoes

Ill-fitting wedding shoes will be your worst enemy after twelve hours on your feet. When choosing your shoes you must think about comfort as well as thinking about style.

Even if your dress is floor length it is important that your shoes match in terms of colour and fabric. Buy a pair you are likely to wear again.

Step 4: Choosing a Bag

Whether you need a ready supply of make up or tissues, or somewhere to stash your keepsakes, a small handbag of some sort is essential on your wedding day. The style of bag you choose depends on your outfit.

But if you follow the rule of opposites and put a simple bag with a dramatic dress or an ornate bag with a simple frock, you can't go too far wrong.

Step 5: Choosing Jewellery

When it comes to jewellery on your wedding day, less is definitely more. Think simple and understated- you and your dress are the stars of the show, not your jewellery.

When choosing jewellery for the day your dress should be your starting point. If your dress sparkles with diamante crystals, some crystal jewellery will help pick them out in the dress.

If you are wearing an intricate tiara keep the rest of your jewellery simple, for example wear studs in your ears rather than big dangly earrings.

And remember, wearing a piece of jewellery that has been passed down through the family or offered up by a friend can often be your something borrowed.