- DO try on a few different styles of accessories. Just like wedding dresses, sometimes you may not gravitate to the accessory you thought you might and instead find that another style compliments your dress or physical appearance better. With hair accessories there many styles to consider - hair vines, crowns, hair combs, hair pins, hair slides... and with veils you have cathedral, chapel, waltz, shoulder length, finger tip or elbow length...the list is endless!
Personalised Veils by Rebecca Anne Designs. Photo by Mark Bamforth Photography
- DON'T always go with the trends. Think long and hard when going with something that is 'of the moment'. You want to make sure you will be able to look back at your wedding photographs in twenty years time and still love your look. You want it to be classic and timeless.
Bespoke hair pins by Claire Austin England. Photo by Holly Collings Photography
- DO shop around. Make sure you read the reviews and get recommendations from friends and other brides to be. You don't have to buy everything from one shop/website. There are some amazing small designers/businesses who you can find on Instagram and Etsy.
A bespoke headpiece by Claire Austin England. The tiara belonged to the bride's grandmother won on her wedding day over 50 years ago and I created four mini hair vines using the pearls from her tiara.
- DON'T underestimate the experience of ordering bespoke. There are many accessories you can buy which make it personal to you. Be it a bespoke headpiece designed and created by me, a personalised veil with your favourite song lyrics from Rebecca Anne Designs or hand painted shoes from Elizabeth & Rose. Do you want something completely unique that no other bride in the world will wear? Then go bespoke!
Hand painted shoes by Elizabeth & Rose London
- DO work your accessories around your wedding dress. You want to make sure everything compliments eachother, be it your jewellery, headpiece, veil, belt etc. It is nice to have a theme running through them, maybe a colour, a bead or a pearl etc.
- DON'T leave it too late to buy your accessories. The jewellery or shoes you want might go out of stock! This is especially wise when ordering a bespoke headpiece or accessory. Most designers will only take on a few commissions a month and so get booked up weeks or months in advance. I have an option where you can book your design slot by way of paying a £50.00 non refundable booking fee. That way you know your slot is safe but don't have to design it straight away if you're not sure what you want your hair like yet etc.
Bride headpieces by Claire Austin England. Photo by Fran Minifie Photography
- DO have a dress rehearsal before the big day. It is a good idea to try everything on together before your wedding day - your dress, jewellery, knickers, shoes, belt, hair accessory etc. That way you can make a list of what you are going to wear so you don't forget anything and also make sure it all 'marries' together (pardon the pun!) It's also worth wearing your shoes around the house to break them in and avoid blisters on the day.
Bespoke Headpiece by Claire Austin England. Photo by Joshua Gooding Photography
- DON'T forget about the weather - it doesn't always depend on the time of year these days. It rained the morning of our wedding in August! Think about purchasing a nice umbrella or a cover up if it's winter such as a wrap, bolero or cape.
Bespoke headpiece from Claire Austin England. Photo by Jessica Bryher Photography
- DO stay true to yourself. You want to wear a wedding dress and accessories that you feel comfortable in, both comfy and confidence wise. Of course it's an excuse to go EXTRA and look like the queen you are but make sure you're also staying true to yourself and you'll be the most stunning version of your regular self. My utterly gorgeous bride Jasmine wasn't afraid to go full princess vibes on her wedding day with her bespoke whimsical crown and Vivienne Westwood gown. Doesn't she look beautiful?!
Bespoke tiara by Claire Austin England. Photo by James Fear Photography
I hope these tips have helped! Happy wedding planning :)
Love Claire xxx
