Tag: Jewellery

Explore the world of wedding jewellery, from classic engagement rings to accessories that complement your look.

How reviews help wedding dress, makeup and accessories suppliers generate bookings

Popularity has always been a surefire way to secure business; and online popularity – which translates to reviews – is one of the most powerful ways to show the world you’re liked, respected and worth investing in.

Reviews are particularly important in the wedding industry.

In today’s world, we Google before be book, buy or visit.

And just a few positive reviews can reassure couples you’re worth checking out, whereas negative reviews or no reviews at all will fill couples with dread and suspicion.

But why take our word for it?

We’ve reached out to Bridebook Award Winners 2018 – that is, the most impressive, talented and successful wedding makeup, dress, menswear, jewellery and accessories suppliers we’re working with right now – and asked them to explain in their own words how powerful they believe reviews are in helping them reach award-winning status.

Bejouled – Bridebook’s Jeweller of the Year

What are the top 3 benefits to having reviews in your personal experience?

Benefit 1 – I think the biggest benefit to having reviews is that it shows potential customers that you are a quality supplier, with loads of happy previous customers! I think many consumers will look at reviews before contacting any wedding suppliers as they can trust what others have said and look to their experience with that company.

Benefit 2 – Having great reviews also lets us know that we are doing a great job! There is nothing better than seeing your customer showing off their sparkling jewels, over the moon with the finished result. One of our favorite parts of the job is getting positive feedback and making our customers happy makes everything worth it.

Benefit 3 – A great benefit of reviews is having all of our wonderful Thank You cards on display in our Boutique which shows customers when they walk through the door that we are loved by some many previous customers. We have had many say that seeing all of the lovely cards sealed the deal for them!

How does the review process work in the UK wedding jewellery sector and can you identify any areas that could be improved?

I think most reviews these days come from Facebook which is great as it’s a platform that most people are active on. However, we try to push reviews across all our platforms such as Google, Bridebook, Vows Awards etc so we have great reviews across the board.

The only downside to the review process is that sometimes you can receive a negative review from someone who has never even been in contact with the company and that can impact your overall rating as a whole which can in turn impact the opinion of potential customers with regards to your brand. I think if a better screening process was put in place to validate reviews it would stop this from happening.

Dani Roberts Makeup – Bridebook’s Bridal Beauty Therapist of the Year

What are the top 3 benefits to having reviews in your personal experience?

  1. Real customer feedback so that I can improve the service I provide in the future.
  2. Gives future clients reassurance and an insight to what I can provide for them on their big day.
  3. Shows your experience in the industry and that you’re a reputable business.

How do you generate bridal beauty bookings?

I currently use social media and post photos of my work as advertisement. I also have a lot of bookings through word of mouth and recommendations.

Do online reviews play a part when couples contact you via word of mouth referral?

I think they do as I direct them to my website and Bridebook profile so that they can get an idea of my style and pricing, view my work and so that they will be able to read reviews for that extra level of reassurance.

Sarah’s Wedding Boutique – Bridebook’s Wedding Dress & Accessories Supplier of the Year

How does the process of review giving / collecting work in the wedding dress and accessories sector?

Reviews are usually given following a purchase or once the bride has become a ‘Mrs’. This enables the bride to give genuine feedback on our Bridebook profile based on their wedding dress buying experience from start to finish.

Is it more important to win approval and good feedback from fellow suppliers rather than brides? Why?

Approval from both suppliers and brides are equally important with regards to working relationships and productivity. Both go hand in hand in terms of business success and a positive attitude is infectious! We have a great rapport with everyone involved. I believe this is an important strength which should never be underestimated.

What are the top 3 benefits to having reviews in your personal experience?

  1. It is important to receive feedback from our customers to know we are doing things right.
  2. To promote customer and shop awareness.
  3. To boost staff morale and confidence.

Whitfield & Ward – Bridebook’s Menswear Supplier of the Year

What are the top 3 benefits to having reviews in your personal experience?

  1. Reviews give our customers an insight into how we operate and what to expect when they come in to see us.
  2. They give customers confidence and trust in our service and products.
  3. More importantly, reviews let us know if we’re delivering the great customer service we promise and if there’s anything we need to improve on.

Could you estimate what proportion of the reviews you receive are from men versus women?

Approximately 70% men vs 30% women.

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Reviews are the difference between converting an enquiry into a booking, or not.

Take our advice and the advice of award winning, expert wedding suppliers today, and start harnessing the power of reviews for your wedding business.

For more information and interviews with award winning UK wedding suppliers, check out our Review Series.

How To Choose The Right Wedding Ring For You

After the most perfect proposal and receiving the engagement ring of your dreams, finding a wedding band to match will take some time. Consider these tips before you start to shop…

 

Bridebook.co.uk wedding rings

 

What’s Your Style?

 

Are you a platinum woman, or will a warm gold suit your skin tone? Have a think about what metals you like and if you’d like something detailed or simple. Consider if you want your band engraved, heavily embellished or finished with glitzy gemstones before you start ring shopping, so you can put more of your efforts into the style you like. And if you’re not at all sure what type of ring you want, start dreaming! Take inspiration from Pinterest and other sharing sites that might give you a few ideas of what ring would suit you.

 

To Match Or Not To Match?

 

Do you want your wedding band to match your engagement ring, or just complement it? Would you like you and your husband to- be’s bands to match metals, or take on your own unique styles? Now is the time to answer all of these questions, but don’t be afraid to take a different stride. You and your partner’s rings could entwine two different metals to represent your individual personalities, meaning you could always have them connected to you on your finger. How romantic!

 

Budget, Budget, Budget!

 

Just like any other part of your wedding planning, you will need a budget. You might want to research a little into how much your dream ring might cost, before creating an unrealistic budget and being disappointed. Set aside enough of your wedding funds to go towards a ring that you love as you will be wearing it for a long time to come. Take into consideration how much it will be to insure your ring too.

 

Lifestyle Choices

 

Ponder your day-to-day lifestyle before committing to a specific ring. Certain metals will be better for different people, so if you’re always on the go and want your ring to feel extra durable, go for platinum and avoid stones that may fall out or get dirty. Or if you’re someone who uses their hands a lot and wants a ‘comfort’ choice, try a flatter band with more rounded edges so your ring slips into your life with ease.

 

Make Sure It Really Fits

 

Throughout all the seasons of the year and among having children and many different exercise regimes, your ring will experience it all. But you will need to make sure it’s sized right in the first place so it can be comfortable during all of these situations. Your fingers will expand and slim down depending on the weather and also your weight, so go and try on your ring on different days or in different heats so you can work out what size will be most comfortable for you the majority of the time.

 

Think Ahead

 

Most people wear their wedding bands all day, every day for 50+ years. So when choosing your dream ring, you will need to consider if you’ll still like it in years to come. Following the latest jewellery trends can be a great place to start, especially when it comes to finding inspiration. If you do so, however, take into consideration that these styles may become less popular over time. Just make sure you are in love with them regardless. Choose a ring because you have fallen in love with it, not just because your friends love it at the time. Also, don’t forget to get it insured!

 

Don’t Forget The Upkeep Of Your Ring

 

After all the time you will spend wearing your ring, don’t expect to have it looking totally sparkling year upon year without any maintenance. Embellishments, gemstones and engraved rings will take more work to make them look new again, so research into what you can do to keep them clean. (And if you’re not sure you can commit, ask your jeweller about what type of wedding bands are low maintenance!)

 

Happy Planning!

A Guide To Choosing Wedding Jewellery

After weeks of scouring wedding dress shops and hours of fitting room dramas, we know that ‘the dress’ is important. But choosing your wedding jewellery is just as crucial to give you the perfect look as you walk down the aisle. So before you start your search, be sure to consider these steps first, all from our expert insight here at Bridebook.co.uk

Bridebook.co.uk wedding jewellery

Complement Your Dress

First off, the colour of your jewellery needs to stay in theme with your dress. If you’ve gone for an ivory or champagne shade of gown, gold metal will really set off this style and make you glow. If you’ve chosen a bright white gown, platinum or silver jewellery will enhance your look – or try rose gold metal to complement a dress with soft pink or blush tones.

Find a Skin Match

The same goes for jewellery working with your skin colour. If you are dark-skinned or have an olive complexion, try and find a lighter hue of jewellery that will stand out, perhaps a silver metal. On the other hand, a pale colouring can be complemented by tones of warm golds – but remember to adjust this if you’re planning on getting a tan for your big day! Whilst we are on the topic of skin tones have a read of our article: Nu Bride’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Make-Up Artist for Your Skin Tone.

Hair Accessories

Remember what you’re putting in your hair before you choose what jewellery you’re going to wear on your big day. Think about whether you’re going to sport the veil look, a glitzy tiara, or just using a simple accessory to finish off your hair style. When jewellery shopping, take your hair items with you so you can match metals if need be.

Be Comfortable

On your wedding day, you still need to do ‘you’. So if you don’t normally wear extravagant necklaces and heavy earrings, why do it on the best day of your life? You need to feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing, so let it emulate your personality and be yourself!

Happy Planning ! 

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Wedding Prices: Rings 

Saving Tips: Wedding Accessories 

Introduction: Your Wedding Accessories

Q&A With Royal Favourite Jewellery Designer Kiki McDonough

Q & A With Royal Favourite Jewellery Designer Kiki McDonough

One of the most sought after jewellers in the luxury style set, including a personal favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge herself, Kiki McDonough epitomizes timeless style through her vibrant and wearable pieces perfect for the style-wise bride. Bridebook was lucky enough to chat with Kiki to get the inside scoop on how to accentuate your wedding day outfit with your jewellery.

bridebook.co.uk-kiki-mcdonough portrait in purple dress
The amazing lady herself, Kiki McDonough

Besides the rings, if you could only wear one piece of wedding day jewellery, what would it be?

Earrings to light up and frame the face!

What is your absolute favourite wedding day jewellery piece?

A tiara. Your wedding day is the only time you can wear one, and they are the most beautiful pieces of jewellery.

Colour is a definitive part of your design style – what are some different ways a bride could incorporate colour into her wedding day outfit?

Lots of brides choose blue topaz jewellery. It is a wonderful colour because you can wear it afterwards which is very important. I think it is a shame never to wear your wedding day jewellery again.

bridebook.co.uk-kiki-mcdonough
These gorgeous drop earrings by Kiki McDonough would be perfect for a bride’s ‘something blue’

If a bride wants to keep her ceremony jewellery to the minimum, what are some recommendations for incorporating jewellery pieces at other points of the day and night?

We sell pretty little diamond hoops which are perfect for during the day, and brides can then add drops for the evening.

Or if you really want to add some sparkle for the dance floor, a lovely colourful multi-gemstone necklace is sure to be a show-stopper!

What is the most creative way you have seen blue incorporated into a bride’s wedding day outfit for her ‘something blue’, and how would you recommend a bride do that through her jewellery?

We sell beautiful blue topaz heart pendants and matching earrings surrounded by diamonds. One recent bride wore the blue pendant herself and then bought her bridesmaids matching necklaces, but each one was given a different stone to suit their individual colouring.

bridebook.co.uk-kiki mcdonough's blue topaz pendant
The blue topaz in Kiki McDonough’s gem pendants is simply striking

What type of jewellery did you wear on your wedding day?

I wore a diamond Fleur De Lis brooch belonging to my mother (something old and borrowed), and a little pair of blue topaz earrings (something new and blue).

What was your favourite moment from your wedding and your #1 wedding planning tip for brides to be today?

My favourite moment was leaving the house with my Father, as I really felt I was leaving home for the start of a very exciting new chapter.

My advice would be to always try to take a slow pace throughout the day – it goes so quickly so try to absorb it all and not let it wiz by in a complete flash.

Happy Planning! Head over to more of our  wedding jewellery articles on Bridebook. 

How Much Do Wedding Rings Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

The wedding rings you and your partner wear are a symbol of your love and commitment to one another. Not only do they have to be personal to you and your partner, but they need to complement each other and any engagement rings either of you might wear.

The money you might spend on your wedding rings will depend entirely on your taste, the level of customisation you’re after and – ultimately – your budget.

In this post, we’re going to explore everything related to the cost of wedding rings, including the average cost, how much you should spend on wedding rings and why some cost more than others.

What’s the average cost of wedding rings?

Photo © Ailsa Ritchie Jewellery | See their Bridebook profile

In the UK, the average amount of money couples spend on wedding rings is £1,000. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t include the money spent on the engagement ring and any other jewellery you may buy to wear on your wedding day.

In our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, we reveal that couples spend around £4,000 in total when it comes to wedding bling. However, that’s not to say that you have to stick to that amount – far from it. While some couples do spend this much – and more – you can still buy beautiful wedding rings even if you’re on a far tighter budget.

When it comes to choosing your wedding bands, there are plenty of options available that can affect the price.

How much should you spend on a wedding ring?

Photo © Augustine Jewels | See their Bridebook profile

While there may be a tradition that states you should spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring (which, by the way, you don’t need to stick to), there aren’t any similar traditions when it comes to your wedding rings.

How much you should spend on your wedding rings is a completely personal choice. If you have a smaller budget, and only want to spend a couple hundred pounds, then that’s totally fine – what the rings represent is far more important, anyway. Similarly, if you have a larger budget to play with, then spending thousands is totally okay too – what you spend doesn’t affect the amount of love you have for your spouse-to-be. You should never feel pressured to spend a certain amount of money on your wedding rings.

That being said, there is one exception to this ‘rule’. It’s advised that the metal used in your wedding rings is the same as the metal used in the engagement ring. This is because some metals are more durable than others, and harder metals can damage softer metals. They can also discolour at different rates, leading to them looking mismatched.

This means if your engagement ring is made out of 18-carat yellow gold, your wedding rings should be made from metal with similar durability – ideally 18-carat yellow gold. So, if your engagement ring is made from an expensive metal, your wedding rings should be – if budget allows – as well.

Why do wedding rings cost so much?

Photo © Oscar and Olivia | See their Bridebook profile

Your wedding ring is one of the rare pieces of jewellery that you’ll wear all day, every day, for decades. Whatever you’re doing, wherever you’re going, it’ll be with you. For that reason, many couples opt to wear wedding rings that are made from hard and durable – and therefore more expensive – metals.

So, while you may be able to pick up a pair of silver wedding bands for less than £150, because silver is so soft it’s prone to scratches and dents, and can even become misshapen over time.

Meanwhile, stronger metals, such as platinum or palladium, may cost three or four times this amount but are far less likely to become damaged.

Ruby from Lebrusan Studio explains why luxury ethical wedding bands in particular can cost so much, but are definitely worth it if you have the budget:

“In this instance, we may only speak on behalf of our own wedding bands, whose prices we believe to be a fair reflection of the time and skill that goes into making them. Along with ethical sourcing, quality of craftsmanship is one of our top priorities. Committing exclusively to fine materials with sound ethical credentials and 100% local and independent manufacture does not enable us to compete with high street jewellers in terms of price. What we can promise, however, is that our wedding bands are designed and crafted with the utmost care and attention, brought into fruition with the purpose of serving as long-standing heirloom jewels to be passed down from one generation to the next.”

How does the metal type affect the cost of a wedding ring?

Photo © Lebrusan Studio | See their Bridebook profile

The type of metal you pick for your wedding bands will dramatically alter the price you’ll pay. Choosing the right wedding ring takes thought and consideration. The price of precious metals fluctuates, but below is a rough idea of what you might pay for a few popular choices.

Gold

A plain 9ct white gold wedding ring will cost between £150 for a 0.5 cm band to £400 for a 0.7 cm band. The variation in price is due to the amount of gold used to create the ring, as well as the strength of the gold, with 9ct or 18ct rings being the most popular and durable option.

Platinum

Platinum is the most durable metal and won’t show any sign of wear (even if you go rock-climbing in it every weekend), which is why it is also the most expensive option. You can buy a 0.2 cm platinum ring for a minimum of £350 or a 0.5 cm ring for £1,100 from a high street retailer.

Titanium

Titanium is a newbie on the wedding ring market and is a darker colour than other precious metals. It is very light and scratch resistant and can cost as little as £50.

Silver

As we’ve already highlighted, silver is a softer metal, which means it’s more likely to get damaged. However, it’s also a more budget-friendly option for couples keen on a precious metal band but not a lot of budget to play with. The cost of a silver wedding band starts from around £70.

What is the most expensive type of metal for a wedding ring?

Ruby from Lebrusan Studio shares her expert insights and explains about the cost of different types of metal in more detail:

“The greater the pure gold content in a gold alloy, the higher the caratage. In other words, whilst 18ct gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metal, 9ct gold consists of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals. The higher the carat weight, the greater the price, with 18ct gold generally tending to cost around twice as much as 9ct gold.

Here at Lebrusan Studio, we offer three types of gold with different provenance stories. Our recycled gold affords our clients the opportunity to minimise their environmental impact by utilising material already above-ground. Priced the same as ‘industry standard’ gold, it’s our cheapest option. Meanwhile, our Fairtrade Gold is a little more expensive because it can be traced right back to its artisanal source, with a proportion of the money we pay for it ensuring safe working conditions, financial security and educational, medical and environmental investment in the miners and their communities. Similarly, our Fairmined Ecological Gold – our most expensive gold option – fulfils the same purpose of championing and supporting artisanal miners, but is extra special because it’s extracted without the use of any mercury or cyanide whatsoever.

In spite of a historic dip in recent years, platinum just about remains a more expensive option than gold. This can be attributed to its relative rarity and its density, as precious metals are often priced by weight. Although white gold, which is almost identical to platinum in appearance, is cheaper, platinum comparatively requires very little maintenance over the years, so is arguably a reliable investment.”

What other factors can affect the cost of a wedding ring?

Photo © Diamonfire | See their Bridebook profile

Just like when it comes to choosing any other piece of jewellery, there are many factors that will affect exactly how much your wedding rings cost.

  • Design – Many couples choose a simple band, but this isn’t a requirement for your wedding rings. The more intricate the design, the more it’s likely to cost.
  • Size – The thicker the band, the more metal it requires and therefore the pricier it will be.
  • Brand/retailer – Rings from high-end brands and retailers, such as Tiffany&Co., will cost more than most online or high street retailers.
  • Season – During periods of high demand, such as the spring and early summer, costs can fluctuate.
  • Customisation – Many couples choose to personalise their wedding bands with a meaningful engraving, or the fingerprint of their beloved on the inside. Due to the time and expertise required, this will increase the cost.
  • Stones – It has become an increasingly popular option for brides and grooms to go for diamond set rings, as they can add a bit of sparkle to a simple band. These are priced similarly to engagement rings, depending on the metal that you choose and the cut, carat and clarity of the diamonds you wish to include. To give you an indication of prices, an 18ct white gold ring with a half band of 0.15ct diamonds will cost in the region of £625.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, we have a fabulous range of jewellers so you and your partner can find your perfect wedding bands. Sign up today and begin your planning journey!

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Happy Planning!

How to Save Money on Wedding Accessories

What you wear on your wedding day is one of the most important decisions for any bride or groom. Whether it’s a white dress with an elegant, flowing train, or a sharp suit with a neatly pressed shirt, it all helps you to look and feel fabulous.

Accessories are what really bring your outfits together and tie them into the overall look and feel of your wedding. With the average wedding costing £20,775,  couples on average spend £300-£400 of that on accessories.

Accessories can be just as important as the dress and suit themselves. For the bride, this includes your veil, handbag or clutch, shoes, jewellery and a headpiece. For the groom, it’s your shoes, cufflinks, watch, pocket square, tie and belt. You may want all of these, or you may want none (although we recommend shoes unless your wedding ceremony is at the beach). But, you’ll probably want at least a few of these – which means it’s likely to cost.

There are ways you can save money on wedding accessories and still complete your outfit. In this post, we’re going to explore the different ways you can spend less on accessories so you can keep safely within your wedding budget.

Do you need to buy new accessories for your wedding?

Photo © Tulle & Blue | See their Bridebook profile

No, you don’t need to buy new accessories, including jewellery, for your wedding. While you may want to treat yourself and your spouse-to-be to some shiny new bling for your big day, this can add to an already not-inconsiderable cost.

Instead of buying new accessories and jewellery, you more than likely already have a few suitable pieces if you’re willing to compromise on your look a little. Jewellery such as earrings, a bracelet and a necklace will often go with a wide variety of outfits, including a wedding dress. Why not try them on before committing to buying something new? Similarly, you more than likely have a pair of comfortable footwear which will be more than fitting.

If you’re a groom, you may already own a nice watch, and a smart pair of shoes which can be tidied up with some shoe polish if necessary. That means you’ll likely only have to worry about investing in a quality tie and pocket square which match the theme and colour scheme of your wedding.

10 ways to save money on wedding accessories

Photo © Dressarte Paris | See their Bridebook profile

As well as wearing items that you already own, there are plenty of other ways you can save money on wedding accessories and jewellery.

1. To veil or not to veil

Photo © The Wedding Veil Shop | See their Bridebook profile

Because they’re so delicate and intricately made, a veil can understandably be very expensive when purchased at a bridal shop, especially if you’re dreaming of a long one (if you’re unsure of the different lengths, check out our introduction to wedding accessories). For many brides, veils are symbolic of the day, but they’re often taken off fairly quickly after the ceremony as they can get in the way. So, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to consider forgoing the veil (which could save you as much as £250), and spend that part of your budget elsewhere.

When asked about veils, Nathalie Neuilly, founder of Dressarte Paris, told us: “We often do custom veils adding custom messages, initials etc. But it’s true that more than 75% of our brides decide to go without veils. Instead, they prefer to add fresh flowers when styling their hair, or upcycle their mum’s veil and create a custom accessory.” So, if you decide to ditch the veil, you won’t be in the minority.

If you’re keen on wearing a veil, check with your mum, grandma or another female relative to see if anyone has a beautiful veil tucked safely away from their own wedding – this can count as your something old and something borrowed. If they do, double-check it matches the colour of your dress and you’re good to go.

2. Consider crafty DIY accessories

Photo © Elsa Rose Boutique | See their Bridebook profile

If you have the time and creativity, you could have a go at creating your own accessories, or repurposing something you already own. There are plenty of tips, tricks and inspiration available on Instagram, Etsy and other platforms. This also makes for a fun and unique activity during your hen party.

Just make sure you’re not pressed for time and that you have enough (good-quality) material to have at least a couple of goes at it. And be prepared to compromise on your designs, as they are unlikely to rival the professional creations of a specialist wedding dressmaker or designer!

3. Borrow family jewellery

Photo © Cherished Wedding Boutique | See their Bridebook profile

While there’s a chance that you might not be able to borrow a veil, there’s a great chance that someone close to you will have an item of jewellery that you can borrow for your big day, whether it’s a unique headpiece or statement necklace. 

Asking your in-laws-to-be is also a great way to further strengthen the union between your two families, and will no doubt mean a lot to them. 

4. Browse auctions

Photo © Anita Massarella Bridal Couture | See their Bridebook profile

A fun and exciting way to find some incredible (and also generally cheap) accessories is by attending auctions, either in-person or online. It might take time and a bit of effort, but you’ll likely be able to find some unique, vintage and affordable pieces that will also complement your outfit well. Just remember not to get too carried away during the bidding process…

5. Search for hidden treasures at charity shops and antique stores

Photo © Beverley Edmondson | See their Bridebook profile

As well as attending auctions, searching local charity shops and antique stores is a great way to find hidden gems – literally!

6. Choose one focal piece rather than several smaller pieces

Photo © Rachel Lamb Bridal Design | See their Bridebook profile

Instead of spending money on lots of different accessories, why not go for one big central piece that will pull your entire look together? This works well both for brides and for the whole bridal party. For example, consider going for a show-stopping one-of-a-kind hairpiece or a stunning statement necklace, instead of a collection of smaller (and potentially more expensive) pieces.

7. Shop online

Photo © Elizabeth & Rose Design | See their Bridebook profile

Many online retailers offer lower prices than high-street stores, but make sure you shop around. There are plenty of specialist retailers that have large collections of wedding accessories and jewellery. Online stores also often have deals and discounts, so make sure you search for voucher codes before making a purchase. Just bear in mind that photos aren’t always a true reflection of an item, so double-check the retailer’s return policy in case your order doesn’t look quite as you expected it to (and factor this into your accessory-shopping timeline).

8. Shop at local craft fairs

Photo © Rachel Sokhal Bridal Accessories | See their Bridebook profile

Keep an eye out for local craft fairs and markets. Independent jewellery makers and artists will often have stalls at these events, and chances are you’ll find unique handmade pieces which will perfectly match your outfit and be more affordable than pieces bought from jewellers or other retailers.

9. Rent wedding accessories

Photo © Sharper Millinery | See their Bridebook profile

Believe it or not, you can rent wedding accessories and jewellery to use on your big day. Rental companies will usually have a huge range of choices to suit any style, colour scheme and taste. You can rent everything, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and cufflinks. It’s a great way to wear an extravagant piece without paying extravagant prices. Just remember to pay attention to the terms of your rental so you don’t have to fork out due to additional fees or charges.

10. Look out for sales and discounts

Photo © Lace And Love | See their Bridebook profile

Start browsing for your accessories and jewellery early so you can keep a look out for offers, deals, discounts and end-of-season sales. You never know, your favourite piece could suddenly be discounted, saving you a ton of money.

Save money by planning on Bridebook 

Here at Bridebook, we have all the tools and top tips you need to help you plan your wedding and save money along the way. Sign up today and start planning your dream wedding!

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Happy Planning!

Introduction: Your Wedding Accessories

Bridebook.co.uk- vintage engagement ring and diamond wedding ring
By Alethea Photography

Jewellery:

We know that choosing your jewellery can be a sea of sparkle and gorgeousness, so we are here to guide you through it and make sure you look stunning come W-Day!

1)  You must not buy your jewellery before you buy your wedding dress! We know it is hugely tempting, especially when you see something gorgeous at a wedding fair, but trust us, fight the temptation! The majority of brides say that they end up choosing a different wedding dress to the one they originally imagined, so make sure your ensemble is perfect and wait!

2) Match your metals and your dress! Pure white gowns look fantastic with silver, platinum or pearls, whereas ivory dresses really suit yellow jewellery, as it highlights the creamy tone of the fabric. We also advise you to stick to one metal when it comes to your accessories for a chic and elegant look.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride wearing a ring and a pearl bracelet
By Guy Hearn

3) Next thing you need to think about is the neckline of your gown. Sweetheart or strapless gowns look great with anything from a necklace, to statement earrings, to flower hairpieces, to cuff bracelets. A V-neck dress most definitely needs décolletage decoration and we love a pearl necklace for a classic look, or a choker with earrings for more of a statement. Lastly, a halter dress look phenomenal with hair accessories: you can go for a headband, a tiara or some crystal pins to add a bit of sparkle!

4) The final step is to make sure your jewellery reflects your personality! Whether you always sport a statement necklace, or if you never wear any accessories at all, you must feel like the best you on your wedding day!

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding shoes and bouquet lying on stairs
By Ten Twenty One

Veil:

This is the ultimate accessory to enhance and complete your dress. Although not all brides choose to have a veil, it is traditional and allows for a very special moment between father and daughter when the veil is lifted. So really think before you decide that a veil is not for you. Here are the different types of veil explained:

Bridebook.co.uk- bride having her birdcage veil put on
By Allister Freeman

1) Birdcage veil. This is a very contemporary take on the veil that would be most suited to a modern slim fitting dress.

2) Blush veil. This is a single layer of tulle that is kept over the face as you are walking down the isle.

3) Elbow length veil. This is an elegant veil that comes to your elbows and looks gorgeous, while not distracting from the dress as a whole.

Bridebook.co.uk- brides cathedral length veil being adjusted by bridesmaid
By Ten Twenty One

4) Fingertip length veil. This is the most popular veil option, as it works with all dress shapes. As the name states, the length comes down to the fingertips.

5) Chapel length veil. This veil flows the length of your dress and is perfect if you are having a formal church wedding.

6) Cathedral length veil. This veil provides the most drama. It flows the length of your dress and train. It looks absolutely stunning, but it is worth remembering that it obscures the back of your wedding dress, especially if you have always wanted a dress with an elaborately decorated back.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom behind brides billowing veil
By Miki Photography

Other accessories

While jewellery is the traditional accessory, that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself if it isn’t your style or if you fancy something different! We personally love a bride sporting a gorgeous belt, as it adds sparkle and structure to the dress. However, we do suggest you don’t go for a belt or sash wider than 3-4 inches, so it doesn’t overpower your gorgeous dress!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride in her wedding dress with belt embellishment
By Ten Twenty One

Another look that is really taking off this year is a cover-up! Whether a bolero or a gorgeous cape, they are the perfect accessory to carry your dress from day to evening and they add the all-important coverage if you are getting married in a house of worship!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and bridesmaid shoes balanced on a balcony rail
By Chris Giles Photography

Shoes

1) First thing first: COMFORT! Yes, it might sound less exciting than skyscraper heels, but remember that you will be wearing these shoes for the majority of the day, you will be standing and you will be throwing some shapes on the dance floor! So, we recommend you go for natural materials, as they are more breathable and will stretch to fit your feet!

2) On the subject of comfort, we recommend you go for a wedding shoe that has ankle support as opposed to a slip-on, just because you don’t want to end up losing a shoe on the dance floor! However, if your heart is set on a slip-on we recommend you check the heel and the sole of your shoe: a bendy sole will make sure your toes aren’t pinched and a comfy and cushioned heel will keep your foot in place!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride being helped into her wedding shoes
By Anna Clarke Photography

3) Don’t forget to buy your shoes around the same time as you order your wedding dress. This is very important as your alterations, especially the hem adjustment, will depend on the height of your heel. Buying shoes early on will mean you are ready for all of your fittings and that you have plenty of time to break them in at home! Awesome.

4) Lastly, when you are choosing your shoes make sure you consider your wedding season and your venue. If you are getting married in winter, you might want a back-up pair of weddingtons to avoid the puddles, or if you are having your reception in the summer months you might want a pair of flats or wedges at the ready for walking on grass! Actually, having a back-up pair of flats is always a great idea, just in case!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride in an embellished dress holding her bouquet
By Especially Amy

Happy Planning!

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