Wedding Accessories

Today we have a guest post from Susan who owns Wow Tiaras – I met Susan at a bridal trade show, and was thoroughly impressed with how beautiful (and intricate) her jewellery is.  You can buy her jewellery online at her Etsy store – go check it out for a drool (and purchase!) session.  Anyway, over to Susan.

I absolutely love this elegant gown (‘Nicola’) by Ana Cristache.  It caught my eye whilst checking out the website for Emma Payne’s new Knightsbridge bridal boutique, and on closer inspection its definitely my favourite dress from the new collection.  It’s beautifully understated and to my mind the simple silhouette evokes forties hollywood glamour.  The unusual square neckline presents a couple of issues when thinking about accessories and as someone who designs jewellery, I wanted to share a few of my thoughts.

The neckline on this gown is quite high and as it’s a definite feature I would avoid wearing a large neckpiece which will only detract from it.  A ‘Y’ shaped necklace or one with a large central ‘drop’ will only fight with the bodice edge.  If you absolutely must have a necklace with a square neckline I’d go for either a single strand of smallish pearls worn at the collarbone or a dainty pearl choker worn higher around the throat.

My own preference would be for alternative finishing touches such as a substantial bracelet, glamorous earrings or a sparkling hair comb or clip.  (I’d probably wear all three being a bit of a magpie!).  Choose earrings that are on the dainty side and keep the true ‘shoulder-dusters’ for a strapless gown.  I’d avoid spoiling the polished look with a tall spiky tiara and would instead suggest pinning your hair up softly or catching back one side above the ear and adding a sparkling hair jewel.  Finally, a heavy cuff bracelet will add a touch of decadence for those who feel that ‘sparkly headgear’ is just not their bag.

*groan*. Sorry, couldn’t resist. Vivien Sheriff is the queen of bridal millinery, and if you haven’t spotted her confections lately, you’re in for a treat. Her 2010 range is even more stunning than 2009 (which is saying something – 2009 was a GOOD year in the Vivien Sheriff designing world).

Since I am blessed with an extraordinarily large head (it creates its own gravitational field), I’m really not sure how her hats would look on me (you need to be feeling sorry for my mother right now – she had to give BIRTH to this thing), but my head aside, if you are looking for something extraordinarily stylish and different from your regular bridal veil, especially if you’re going somewhere a little vintage with your style, Viven Sheriff may well be the milliner for you.

Take a look at her website »

If you’re wondering what you’re going to carry your lippy and bits and pieces around in on your wedding day, take a peek at this swoon-worthy bag from Olivier Laudus.

They also have very prettily beaded ring cushions (which can be personalised), and loads of other nice products.

Check out the Olivier Laudus website »

If you’re looking for an alternative to a veil that’s a little different and extremely stylish, Vivien Sherrif Millinery is definitely worth a look.  Her delightful confections range from feather, straw, and beaded headbands, through to 80′s inflenced  hats, with some  mad, off-the-wall designs thrown in.

Check out her website »

Katzi have been on my radar for a while – we did their website for them.  Anyway, that has nothing to do with why I wanted to blog about them (honestly…) – I’ve been seriously impressed with their jewellery from word go.  They have a completely diverse range, from fine, delicate pieces through to serious, statement style jewellery.

They’re so good, they’re getting top designers like Ian Stuart requesting they design special pieces for specific dresses.  Check out their website.

OK, so I’ve done two posts on wedding ring pillows in one day, but in the interests of a diverse selection (imagine what a Disaster it would be if you chose the wrong one – you’ll thank me for it later), I’ve just spotted these very cool, colourful specimens over at Brklyn Pillow.  Completely different from my last lot, as you can see.

If you don’t want to partake in the whole tradition of the best man losing the wedding rings, patting every pocket, turning pale, and borrowing rings from passers by, I’ve just discovered these rather delightful ring cushions from Anna Whitford (which then passes the responsibility of keeping the rings safe from the best man to the three-year old flowergirl; a much more sensible alternative).

She’s also got some seriously cool flower corsages that I’m drooling over, and could be a simple stylish touch to a bridesmaid outfit.

I have fat feet because, well, both of my parents have fat feet.  While other women shop for shoes on their ‘fat’ days, I opt for other diversions, like handbags, or books, or looking longingly at shoes for the Slender Footed.

So imagine my pleasure when I discovered that Rainbow Shoes have come up with a special +Fit collection for us fat-footed sisters, which are apparently ferociously comfortable.  Finally!  Bridal shoes that don’t mean your toes are eternally threatening to turn gangrenous from lack of circulation.  Rainbow Shoes, we salute you.