Let’s assume that you’ve been fortunate enough to find your perfect wedding dress – the one that feels like it was made for you and fits you like a glove. The one you’re hoping will leave your groom speechless when he sees you in it.
You really don’t need to do much more to improve on that vision. However, what you can do is add the perfect accessories to flatter and compliment that vision – from head to toe.
When choosing those accessories, you need to consider:
• Your personal taste
• Your comfort level
• Family heritage/customs
• What type of wedding is planned?
Inside – A church, a home, a banquet hall, or a hotel?
What type of floors – Wood, concrete, carpet?
Outside – A patio or deck, a beach, a garden?
What type of surface – Wood, sand, grass, cement?
Headpiece and Veil
If you had not planned to wear a headpiece and veil, you may want to reconsider. A headpiece and/or veil can provide balance, and is the ultimate touch to add grace and elegance to your overall look. It can be as simple as a round wreath with flowers and lace, or as extravagant as a tiara covered with crystals or jewels. The veil can be short or long, even replacing the train. Remember your appearance from the back is as important as how you look from the front. During the ceremony your guests will be getting a good view of the back of your wedding dress for an extended period of time.
Makeup
Since the most noticed accessory will be your smiling face, consider treating yourself to professional makeup application for your wedding day. Professionally applied makeup will be longer lasting; they know all the tricks of the trade. Experiment ahead of time. Don’t have your makeup done for the first time by someone on the day of your wedding. Do a trial run to make sure you’re happy with the results. And don’t go for a drastic change from what you usually wear. You want your groom to recognize you as you walk down the aisle toward him. Start experimenting with makeup artists at least a few months before the big day.
Skin Care
Too many people tend to take their skin for granted. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and should always be kept clean and moisturized. Don’t try any new products just before your wedding to prevent any possible negative reactions. Limit exposure to the sun and don’t experiment with tanning methods before your wedding. You don’t want to have an unnatural look on this of all days. Orange skin or sunburnt skin is not the look you’re going for. Be aware that some vitamins may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Whether your skin is oily, dry or a combination, facials improve the texture of your skin. It’s good to start regular facials about six months before the wedding. This gives your skin plenty of time to get into glowing shape for the big day. Be sure to get your final facial at least one week before your wedding day to allow for the breakouts that can occur for a day or two after a facial.
Hair
Just as with your makeup, you’ll want to start planning for your wedding day hairstyle months before your wedding date. Take your headpiece, veil, and a photo of your wedding dress when you visit the salon. A good salon that has experience with wedding hairstyles will be a tremendous asset to you. You may want to have your hairstylist give you a thorough conditioning treatment to add luster to your hair about a week before the wedding. If you plan on straightening or coloring your hair, have that done a few weeks before the wedding. Once you decide on a hairstyle, set an appointment for the morning of the wedding. It’s a real time saver to have your hair, makeup and nails all done at the same salon.
Teeth
You’ll want your teeth their absolute whitest since you’ll be smiling all day. Don’t overlook that your smile will be featured in all the photographs taken of you. Your teeth can have a definite impact on each and every one of those photos. Talk to your dentist about whitening techniques available. If your regular dentist doesn’t offer these services, look for a cosmetic dentist that specializes in this type of work. This is another area where you have to plan ahead. Start with the whitening process at least a few months before the wedding.
Nails
Your hands are going to be looked at closely since you’ll be showing off your new wedding band all day. To make sure your hands look their best, start a few months before the wedding with regular manicures to get your cuticles and nails in good shape. If you’ve never had a professional manicure before, you will be surprised at the difference it makes. Your polish will last longer – which means prolonged protection of the nails – and when your cuticles are in good shape, your nails will grow longer and faster than before.
Jewelry
Jewelry can be a beautiful addition to almost any outfit, although too much can be a definite distraction from your wedding gown. The best rule of thumb is to keep it simple. When you’re in the salon selecting your gown, let the salon’s bridal consultant advise you on what type of jewelry is appropriate for your style of gown.
Fragrance
The trick to wearing fragrance is to not wear too much. You don’t want your perfume arriving before you. Also, if any of your activities are planned outdoors, you may want to go light on the fragrance so as not to attract bugs. A light spray of your perfume on your wrist or a handkerchief, or a dab behind your ear will make just the impression you need. This is going to be a fast-paced, hectic day. So you’ll want to be sure to use a good antiperspirant, but make sure it’s not a messy roll-on that will stain your wedding dress.
Shoes
This could possibly be one of your biggest decisions – consider the types and styles of shoes that will match your dress. Choose your shoes before any needed alterations are made to your gown. Most bridal shops and specialty shoe stores will have a variety of shoes for you to choose from. Try to find those that will add some excitement to the already-perfect dress – simple, elegant and sophisticated. When you need to raise your skirt to take a step up, a glimpse of your shoes will make a definite impact on your guests.
Another important consideration here is the right size heel for the ceremony itself – will you be standing taller than your groom? You also need to consider the location of the wedding: If a garden wedding is planned, you certainly don’t want 3-inch heels that sink into the ground. Likewise, if you’re going to be walking or standing on a concrete floor all evening, you don’t want to wear narrow, toothpick-thin heels. And don’t forget to break in those shoes before your wedding day.
Whatever the case, the best rule when choosing the right shoe for your wedding is: don’t sacrifice your comfort for a better-looking shoe. If your feet hurt because your shoes are too tight and uncomfortable, it could make you miserable all night. You do however want your shoes to add a graceful beauty to your “vision.” You’re going to want to dance all night…and this is not a day for dealing with blisters from brand new shoes.
Article courtesy of Akron-Canton Weddings magazine. For more information on planning a wedding in the Akron-Canton area, consult their website at AkronCantonWeddings.com.
Wedding Dress Ideas
