Elegant Wedding Dresses and Accessories

Most women dream of having an elegant wedding dress for their special day from the time that they are young girls. When it comes time to begin shopping for a dress, however, they may feel overwhelmed by the vast selection of wedding dresses and accessories to choose from. How can you be sure that your dress and accessories are the epitome of elegance?

Finding the perfect wedding dress and the right accessories will depend largely on your individual taste. But by understanding the different styles and options that are available, it will be much easier for you to find elegant wedding dresses and accessories that live up to your childhood dreams.

Wedding Dress Silhouettes

There are a number of different dress silhouettes to choose from. A-line dresses provide a classic silhouette that is timeless and elegant, with a flared skirt and a narrow top. Ball gown style wedding dresses feature a fitted bodice and a large, full skirt that brings to mind fairytales and old-world romance. Empire waists cinch close below the bust to allow for a longer skirt, while dropped waists cinch closer to the hips in to create a longer torso silhouette.

When choosing a silhouette, consider your body shape and be sure to try on as many different styles as possible. Generally, pear-shaped women may want to look for dresses with higher skirts, like the empire waist style. Again, since every woman's body is different, it's important to try on a wide variety of silhouettes until you find one that showcases your best features.

Wedding Dress Necklines

In addition to the various wedding dress silhouettes, brides-to-be can also choose from a wide selection of elegant necklines. Off-the-shoulder dresses elegantly showcase the neck and shoulders with a tasteful strap or straps to hold the dress in place, while strapless wedding dresses use a more supportive corset material.

Wedding dresses with full necklines can range from a choker-style to an elegant v-neck design. Depending on the bride's taste, the neckline can be modest and conservative, or bold and alluring. Keep in mind that lace or scalloping can be added to deep, plunging necklines for a bit more coverage.

Wedding Tiaras, Veils and Other Hair Accessories

After finding the perfect wedding dress, many women choose some form of hair accessory to complete their wedding day look. One of the most common and traditional ways to do this is with a wedding veil, though the full, traditional veil is not as popular as it once was.

When accenting an especially elegant wedding dress, some women choose to wear a tiara that complements the design of the dress instead of a veil. And others wear a stylish hat that matches the color and general design of their wedding dress. It's important to remember that the hair accessory and the dress should not compete with each other. Think of the dress as the star, and the hair accessory as a supporting character.

Wedding Earrings and Necklaces

Earrings and necklaces can also provide the perfect finishing touches to a wedding dress. Bridal earring and necklace sets can range from simple pieces that color-coordinate with the wedding gown to more elaborate diamond or gemstone sets that bring an entirely new level of elegance to the bride's overall appearance. While the earrings and necklace often come in a matching set, some women choose to wear only one, or to mix and match jewelry styles to express their unique taste.

Earrings can be small and simple, or large and extravagant. And necklaces can range from simple chains or chokers to large pendants. Again, keep in mind that your jewelry should not overpower your gown. Earrings and necklaces should work together to complement your wedding dress.

Other Wedding Accessories

There are a number of other accessories that can accentuate an elegant wedding dress. Designer

shoes that are created with specific wedding dress style in mind are an excellent option for many brides.

Gloves are another elegant accessory that are popular among many brides. They can range in length from short lace gloves that cover only the hands, to full-length satin gloves that cover most of the arm. Broaches, belts, or sashes can also add small touches of elegance to your wedding day look.

Brides-to-be who are looking for elegant wedding dresses and accessories have so many options. Remember that elegance is in the eye of the beholder. The best way to find an elegant dress and complementary accessories is to keep an open mind and to try lots of different styles and looks. From dress silhouettes and necklines, to hair accessories and shoes, there are lots of ways to make a unique and elegant statement on your wedding day.