The perfect accessory

Accessories can make or break a wedding outfit. Whether it's a great necklace, hair piece or earrings, it's important to get them balanced just right with your dress, hair, veil and overall look. I tend to think that a large statement necklace dictates small stud type earrings and minimal hair accessories, whereas with big, blingy earrings I would skip a necklace altogether. 

This also goes for bridesmaid accessories - although I would tend to pick out slightly subtler pieces for them. 

These are some of my favourite pieces I have come across on Etsy. 

This is a really sweet headband if you are going for an ethereal, garden party type of wedding. 

This would be a lovely 'something blue' if you don't mind wearing a bright colour so obviously. Otherwise, perfect for bridesmaids. 

Another gorgeous bridesmaid necklace. The colours would allow it to work with a variety of dresses. 

This necklace would be amazing with a slinky, silky number. Remember, during the ceremony the guests mostly see your back. Make it interesting! 

A gorgeous cocktail ring makes a great accessory for bridesmaids in lieu of the standard bracelet, and it's something they can definately wear again! 

These resin and gold bangles would be perfect for a less formal bride.

These are gorgeous statement earrings and champagne works with any colour, so these could be for bride or bridesmaids. 

These slightly retro looking earrings would brighten up black bridesmaid dresses a treat. 

These stunning cushion cut studs would be beautiful on their own or with a necklace. 

And my absolute favourite bridal jewellery, from The Crystal Rose... I would be teaming this with a dress that had little or no bling on it, but a big silhouette. Gorgeous! 

Wedding Hair Dos and Dont's...

Choosing a hairstyle for your big day involves a lot of consideration. Here are my Do's and Dont's for a perfect 'do. 

DO match your hair to your dress. The neckline of your dress should have some impact on whether you wear your hair up or down. The intricacy of the dress should also dictate how detailed or simple your hair is. 

DONT follow a trend, just because it's in at the moment. While this lady's hair is lovely, this will look dated in her wedding album really quickly. 

DO take accessories into consideration. A chunky necklace requires a more subtle hair do. 

DON'T worry about having your hair simple. Sometimes this is most effective, especially with a big veil or accessories.

DON'T forget you have to look at these pictures the rest of your life... ("What was I thinking?")

DO play to your strengths... Make the most of georgeous long hair, or if it's short, don't try to recreate a style more suited to long hair. 

DON'T be afraid to experiment or wear your hair in a non-traditional wedding style... These braids are gorgeous. 

DO remember to be practical... You have to spend all day with your 'do being photographed. You don't want to spend the whole night readjusting. 

DON'T wear your hair down if you know you are prone to sweating, red face or overheating when dancing. 

DO your hair how it makes you happy but also so you look like yourself. You don't want to be unrecognisable in your photos (this also goes for hair dye, ladies). 

DON'T turn up looking like you just rolled out of bed. That sexy bed hair effortless look has a time and a place; your wedding is not it.

A little bit flat...

Who says that you have to wear heels to a wedding? I'm all for comfort and I don't see why you or your bridal party should have to suffer through blisters, aches and twisted ankles for the sake of shoes that are hidden by a long dress anyway... 

Check out these gorgeous sandal flats that will add a little sparkle to your outfit but also keep your feet happy! 

These sparklers are $129.95 from Wittner:

These lovelies are from Nine West, on sale for $64.95:

Check out this cute and colourful number from Betts, so summery sweet and a bargain at $19.95!!

If diamantes are your thing, these flats (just $50) from Zu are for you! 

And I love these beauties, $139.95 from Florsheim. I know they aren't technically flat but they aren't super high either!

Wedding dresses... To sleeve or not to sleeve.

For some reason, I've always had this feeling that wedding dresses should be strapless. I don't know why but whenever I see a bride with straps or sleeves I feel like it's not quite a wedding dress. However, I did come very close to choosing a dress made with three quarter sleeves for my own wedding. I was inspired by what was technically Elizabeth Swann's underwear in Pirates of the Carribean. You know, the canvas looking dress that she walks the plank in... 

 

For some reason I just love it. I think the neckline would suit my shape and the lacing (if done slightly tidier) would be a nice embellishment. 

In the end I went with a strapless gown, but I still would love a dress like this. So I had a look at some lovely dresses with sleeves for inspiration. I think you'll agree these are all gorgeous dresses for any bride. 

I think this is a good compromise between strapless and sleeved... The open shoulders just look fabulous. 

For short sleeves this one with the high back and plunging neckline is glamourous and sophisticated. The lace softens it nicely. 

The lace on this gown is stunning. The sweetheart neckline is also a winner for me. Love it. 

I don't know if you'd technically call these sleeves but it certainly isn't strapless. The whole silhouette and cut of this dress is perfect.  

I know this is fairly non-traditional but there's something so sweet about it... The big tulle skirt, the knitted cardigan and the cute bow. I'm also a big fan of soft pastels instead of white if you are really against a white dress (or is doesn't suit you!). Most people end up going for pinks but I think this soft blue is gorgeous. 

A modern silhouette

A type of cake topper I have stumbled across lately is the silhouette. There are many variations and types  from figures, animals, words, letters and so on, the options are fairly limitless. I found all of these on Etsy and there are also stores which will custom make pretty much any silhouette you want in any colour (although I think the black is most effective for this style!).

There are some gorgeous 'bride and groom' silhouettes to choose from: 

And bust or cameo styles as well: 

I love this hand-in-hand one particularly: 

There is also plently of written toppers. Either with names: 

Letters:

Or even just a single initial: 

There are cute little shapes: 

And phrases (the heart just melts, doesn't it?):

 

For the animal lovers, these adorable daschunds caught my eye:

And the athletic among you: 

For the comediens, this one cracks me up: 

And although this one isn't technically a silhouette, I couldn't go past it. I think this is just so sweet! 

Mr & Mrs

At my kitchen tea, my maid of honour gave me a gorgeous set of Mr & Mrs mugs that me and my hubby use everyday. It was such a lovely gift and I have seen a few other bits and pieces that I would love to give (or recieve), all from Etsy of course! 

These mugs aren't the same as ours but I love the shape and the script.

How sweet are these cake forks?!

I particularly love these toasting flutes. I wanted to buy them for my friend who is getting married in March, but unfortunately they don't ship to Australia. I love the contemporary shape.

And last but not least, for a bit of a giggle, how about these cushion covers? 

Adorable!