Making a Statement

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Your dress is the vocal point of your wedding day look, but the right accessories can really make it shine.

"When you choose your look for your wedding day, you start with the gown, but it's the jewelry that you will wear again and again, evoking the sentiment of the day you were married," says Nina Miner, chief creative officer at Nina Footwear Corp.

Even if you're not into jewelry, Miner recommends at least wearing a pair of earrings. "The bride should focus on how her earrings finish her look, as they will be framing her face in every close up image," says Miner.

Also make sure the accessories reflect your true style. "There are so many style directions for the bride to embrace from a classic to a bohemian to a vintage look. She should go with the look that suits her shape, her personality and her venue," says Miner.

Consider these modern accessory trends and ideas to take your bridal ensemble to the next level.

1. Go big and bold

Statement jewelry is a great way to add some sparkle, but they need to complement (not clash) your dress. For a simple dress, sweetheart neckline or strapless gown, pick something bold like tassel shoulder duster or chandelier earrings, jewel or fabric chokers, or a chunky statement necklace. High necklines or heavily beaded bodices work better with chandelier earrings as opposed to necklaces, says David Tutera, wedding and entertaining expert. However, if you dress has a lot of embellishments or lace embroidery, opt for subtle, "barely there," accessories.

Don't go overboard with statement jewelry. "Go with one statement piece – from a tiara, to statement necklace to shoulder duster earrings, and make your other accessories complement your look more discreetly," says Miner.

2. A veiled alternative

Capes are replacing veils as one of the hottest accessory trends. Complete this look by balancing them with bolder hairpieces like floral headbands and sparkly hair vines, says Tutera.

3. Romantic rose gold

Rose gold is still heating up the runways with its ability to look both traditional and modern. "When it comes to jewelry, the romantic hues of rose gold have made it the metal of choice for brides everywhere," says Tutera.

4. Classic pearls
 

Classically feminine, brides from have always favored the look of pearls. Today pearl accessories, however, offer many options. "They are a traditional element, yet there are many ways for them to accent your bridal look from a classic single strand necklace to quite bold and inventive modern pieces," says Miner.

5. Crystal's clearly perfect

Crystals make statement floral cluster earrings shine and add understated sparkle to minimalist stud earrings. They can also add a pop of color to your look, particularly with the pastel blue and pink trends in the bridal market, says Miner.

6. Best foot forward

Don't forget your feet! Today's prettiest shoes include ivory brocade and embroidered flats.

"I always tell my brides, though it may go by in a flash, your wedding day is a very long one and you will be on your feet for many hours, so it's very important to invest in not only a beautiful pair of wedding shoes, but a functional and comfortable pair as well," says Tutera.

Whatever you choose, it's important to accessorize in moderation, says Tutera. “Go ahead and get glamorous, but don't overdo the jewelry and make too many statements. Let your dream dress do all the talking, and always remember choosing the right jewelry can make or break your look.”

Tags: Brides365, accessories, jewelry, veil alternative, rose gold, shoes