Bridal
Accessories
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It's no good
choosing your dress carefully unless you pay just as much
attention to what goes with it! Your accessories should complement
the mood and style of your dress and of the wedding in general for
instance it would be inappropriate to wear flat white sandals with
a very formal dress with a train. Keep your dress in mind when
choosing all your accessories ideally try them on with it and you
can be sure that the complete effect will be harmonious.
Shoes
You may not think that your shoes are particularly important, but
they could make or break your wedding day. Choose shoes that are a
sensible height so that you don't fall over when you are walking
down the aisle or the church steps. Remember that you will be
standing up for quite a long time during the day, so choose shoes
that are comfortable. Try your shoes on with your dress to check
that the hemline of the dress is not too short or too long. If
your dress is full-length the hemline should barely brush the
ground; anything longer is just asking for trouble! Shoes are
generally white or silver to go with a white dress. When you are
getting dressed on the big day, put your shoes on after your dress
so that you don't rip the fabric as you get dressed.
Stockings
Decide in advance whether you want to wear white or
neutral-coloured stockings or tights, and then buy two pairs in
case of accidents! If your wedding is in the spring or autumn you
may want to invest in a pair of warmer tights as a back-up in case
the day dawns gloomy and cold.
Garter
It is traditional for brides to wear a garter in memory of the
days when an unseemly scramble to remove the bride's garters was
all part and parcel of the wedding celebrations . . .you may wish
to dispense with this custom! If not, garters can be bought singly
or in pairs.
In Germany many brides still save one-pfennig pieces to buy their
shoes in accordance with an old tradition British brides used to
slip a sixpence into one shoe before the ceremony.
Shoes have often played an important part in wedding ceremonies.
In traditional Greek weddings the bride's mother stops the bride
at the church door and asks her three times, 'Bride, has thou thy
shoes?'
Coverings
It is not terribly appropriate to put a coat on over a wedding
dress, which causes problems if the weather is cold or wet. It may
be advisable to invest in a lacy but warm white shawl or one made
of fringed or embroidered white fabric to put round your shoulders
without spoiling the look of your dress if your wedding day is
colder than anticipated. White parasols are more ornamental than
useful, but photographers and wedding car chauffeurs may bring
more practical white umbrellas with them; check this with the
firms concerned.
When the bride and groom 's first night, or 'bedding. was a much
more public affair than nowadays, all kinds of frivolities were
indulged in by the wedding guests. One of the traditions was that
of 'flinging the stocking : the bride 's stockings were (forcibly)
removed then the guests would take it in turns to sit on the end
of the bed and fling the stocking over their shoulder onto the bed
trying to get it to land on the groom (if the guest was male) or
on the bride (if the guest was female).
Lingerie
Surprisingly, your lingerie can be a very important part of your
wedding outfit. Once again you need to be comfortable, and you
need a bra that is in no danger of riding up or coming undone. Try
your bra and panties on under your dress: are there any unsightly
lines or bulges? Can your underwear be seen under your dress? If
so, what sort of petticoat will you need? Is the skirt of your
dress full enough to warrant a stiff petticoat? If so you will
find it much cheaper to order one through one of the bridal
magazines than to buy one from a bridal shop.
Jewellery
Your jewellery should, of course, be chosen to complement your
dress - for instance you will only be able to wear a pearl
necklace or sparkling pendant if your dress has a low neckline or
a plain high one. Earrings, too, should be tried on with your
dress, and with your hair and headdress as you plan to have them
on the day Try all the jewellery you are thinking of wearing
together with the dress itself - pearls might look too creamy,
glittery necklaces too ornate.
In some parts of Austria the bride is presented with a 'tear
kerchief' woven of the finest linen,. this is for drying the tears
that she is presumed to shed on leaving home.
Bridal Outfit Checklist
Dress - Headdress - Jewellery - Shoes - Underwear - Misc
Dress
Is the dress laid out flat, not hanging up ( the dress may be so
heavy that it will pull itself out of shape if left on a hanger)?
Do I know how to iron the dress ?
Have I tried it on for fit a few days before the wedding to make
sure I haven't gained or lost weight?
Am I happy with the length
What am I going to do with the dress after I have changed?
If the dress is hired who is going to return it?
Do I have an emergency repair kit at hand in case of accidents?
Headdress
Have I tried on the headdress with the dress to make sure they
compliment each other?
Have I tried on the headdress with mu chosen hairstyle?
Is it packed so it will not get creased crushed or misshapen?
Do I need to buy extra ribbons or flowers to go with it?
How am I going to fix it to my head?
How do I get Creases out of my veil?
If I am having real flowers when do I need to collect them?
Have I double checked the order with the florist?
Jewellery
Is all My jewellery ready?
Does it all go together
Does it go with my dress
What is going to happen to it when I get changed?
Are all the clasps and fastenings secure?
Does any of it need cleaning?
Shoes
Are my shoes the right height for my dress?
Are they comfortable?
Are they easy to walk in?
Are the soles non slip?
Are they clean?
Have I removed all the labels from the soles?
Have I broken them in (at least two weeks before the day)?
Underwear
Does my bra make a good line under my dress?
Does any of my bra show above my neckline?
Can you see my undies through my dress?
Do I need a petticoat to make my skirt stand out?
Are my undies comfortable?
Are they right for the weather cool in summer, warm in winter?
Miscellaneous
Do I want a parasol?
Do I want a shawl?
Where am I going to keep my handkerchief?
What happens if it rains or is cold?
Do I want to go for something old, new, borrowed, blue? if so
what?
Should I be wearing any family heirlooms. |
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