Bridal Accessories Are Just as Important as the Wedding Gown—34 Beautiful Pieces Worth Bookmarking
As my cool fashion friends and I inch closer toward being engaged, we've all been been daydreaming about the little details that will make our wedding wardrobes feel uniquely us—and, personally, I’m already excited to start shopping for pieces beyond the dress. From courthouse ceremonies to bachelorette parties and bridal showers, the right accessories can elevate any outfit and make you feel like a bride long before the big day. I’m obsessed with elevated bridal trends like chic gloves, luxe scarves, and designer heels—pieces that aren’t just for the wedding but will seamlessly fit into my wardrobe year-round.
"These days, the modern bride is after two things: versatility and personalization. And accessories get the job done without requiring a custom gown," explained Bella Gerard, B List author and content creator. "The overall concept of the wedding wardrobe has brides buying more than one simple white dress: They want removable toppers to change their neckline, gloves to act as removable long sleeves, unique hats and headpieces for when their veils come off." The idea, Gerard, who is a 2025 bride, says, is to give brides the illusion of multiple looks without shelling thousands of dollars on several dresses. Naturally, accessories are the way forward. "[Accessories] are also an incredible opportunity to show off one’s unique personal style without having to stray from classic gown silhouettes."
Bridal trends are informing most of what I'm obsessed with at the moment: Gloves are having a major moment in the space, adding instant elegance and sophistication. Whether worn with a sleek jumpsuit for a courthouse wedding or a simple dress for a bridal shower, they’re a perfect statement that can be worn again on a chilly evening or date night. I also can’t get enough of editorial hats, like pillbox styles or wide-brim shapes, that add flair to any favorite. (A personal lust of mine, you might ask? Kyha Studios Laura Bruni hat that's been unable to escape my mind—and Pinterest board!—since I saw it earlier this year.) As for shoes, my friends and I are making a beeline for creamy, white designer heels. They’re a must-have, of course. I’m already imagining a pair of timeless stilettos that I can wear long after the wedding, whether paired with jeans or a little black dress.
Let’s be real, bridal fashion is about looking amazing, no matter the event. Treat yourself—wedding planning is stressful, and you certainly deserve a little treat. Below, shop the best bridal accessories to buy ahead of your big day.
Bridal Shoes
The classic bridal shoes on every cool girl's Pinterest board.
If you're in the market for something a bit more affordable, opt for this pretty under-$100 pair.
Another romantic pair for the bride who's partial to comfortable shoes.
I low-key already bought these for my nuptials, and I'm not even engaged.
Bridal Bags
Another bag I've bought on my bridal bag question.
If you want something a bit out-of-the-box for your bridal bag, look no further than the viral Simone Rocha pearl bag.
Bridal Jewelry
Earrings that scream "I'm not like other brides. I'm a cool bride."
If you're up for buying an investment piece to wear down the aisle, look no further.
Perfect for a tropical honeymoon destination—being a bride never ends!
Put your significant other's initial on this one to keep them close to your heart.
Kyha Studios has to be one of my favorite bridal brands on the market right now, and luckily for me, its jaw-dropping accessories are just as good as its gowns.
Another investment piece from mined-diamond company The Clear Cut that will last you a lifetime.
Bridal Hair Accessories
I already gushed about how badly I needed this hat in the intro, but once isn't enough: I neeeeeed this stunning, vintage-inspired hat.
Pillbox hats are a subtle, chic way to give off '60s vibes with your bridal looks.
Anyone who's anyone knows the remarkable Danielle Frankel. If you're not in the market for one of her jaw-dropping dresses, you should scroll through the brand's simple, elevated veils.
Perfect for throwing your hair up on your way to meet with vendors last-minute.
More Bridal Accessories
I'll leave you with one of the best finds on this list to spice up your boring white pumps.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitiated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)
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