Page 14
Something Old, Something New
Words Uyi Ilenbs
Five bridal accessories and tips that every bride can incorporate on their wedding day
Classic veil or headpiece
When we speak about bridal accessories The traditional Veil comes in at number one. Veiling historically was a method to disguise the bride from evil spirits and her husband who wasn't supposed to see his new wife until the marriage had been officiated. The unveiling of the bride to symbolise ownership has changed from her father to her husband. Although the veil is a standard bridal accessory some modern-day brides challenge such superstitious and past status quo’s by ditching the veil and opting for alternative headpieces. Headpieces such as headbands, tiaras and jewelled hairpins to compliment glamorous hairstyles that fit around their bridal crowns.
BRIDE TIP
The modern-day bride has a wide range of headpieces to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. Opt for complementing headwear, cherry topping your dream gown and hairstyle.
For an outdoor wedding you might want to avoid any draping fabric and veiling, the great outdoors could cause some distracting movements stealing your moment.
Diamonds or pearls
Wedding day pearls have many different cultural origins, in ancient cultures pearls also represented purity and tears. It is said wearing pearls on your wedding day will stop you shedding tears and give your marriage happiness. Many origins and symbolisations usually get lost over time and bridal jewellery usually boils down to preferences with new age brides opting for a mixture of plain silver and gold, diamonds or pearls.
BRIDE TIP
preference will come into play when looking for your wedding day jewels this being said diamonds are forever and would bring a uniform look with your ring bling. Alternatively your wedding gown and headpiece may be your centerpieces then choosing more clean minimalistic jewellery will be more fitting.
Gloves or hands
Why do brides wear gloves? They were worn as a sign of formality, a way to dress up your look, this has more to do with periodic style than traditions. In some instances religious or cultural beliefs may need glove wearing but in most modern day cases gloves are simply not necessary. The new generation brides manicure and nail design are an equal and important part to her bridal attire so why cover it up ?
BRIDE TIP
If you have no wedding day ties to glove wearing, ditch them to show off that manicure and that amazing ring, hold hands as you make your life long commitment.
The wedding garter
This isn’t the most talked about accessory and its discreet positioning keeps it that way. The ‘race for the garter’ isn’t as popularly known as the bouquet throwing but similarly the winning single groomsmen will be tossed the garter as a reward. Although variants of this garter race still exist in modern weddings the wedding garter has more of an intimate accessory for the couple. It is typically created from lace trimmings (most modern garters use silk) gathered with elastic designed to stay still and secured on the bride's upper thigh until the groom removes it.
BRIDE TIP
Fun traditions such as this can be a huge source of entertainment for your guests however personalised wedding garters are a new and special touch to create an intimate memory for you and your spouse.
Bouquet
This finishing touch of flowers has been around for centuries, they are not the most typical bridal accessory on the wedding day but have proved its significance over the years. Historically flowers were used to communicate emotions when words fell through. In more current times the bridal bouquets use flowers that are made up of meaningful flowers significant to them. The use of flower language storytelling through floral designs adds another element to your special day, these bouquets are later passed on to single women from the wedding guest list.
BRIDE TIP
Your personal touches should extend to personalising your bouquet flowers. Style colours, shapes and trends are great guidelines but there are so many ways to infuse your personality and symbolise something special.