The Complete Guide to Customizing Your Bridal Look

Once you’re engaged and planning your wedding, choosing your wedding dress is likely at the top of your new and exciting to-do list. But let’s not forget all of the wedding accessories you’ll need to create a complete custom bridal look that’s wholly and uniquely YOU! Creating a stylish bridal ensemble that reflects your personal style is one of the best parts of wedding planning, and Avery Austin is here to help you figure out how to accessorize your wedding dress in a way that creates a customized bridal look that best suits you and the celebration you’re planning. Read on to explore tips for customizing your wedding dress, as well as all of the different types of bridal accessories and their bridal styling tips, or select the topic you’re most interested in from the list below to jump directly to it!

• Your Wedding Dress: The Star of the Show
• Veil or Headpiece: The Crowning Bridal Accessory
• Wedding Jewelry: Stylish Accents for Your Bridal Look
• Wedding Shoes: The Base of Your Custom Bridal Look
• Removable Features: For Multiple Custom Bridal Looks
• The Bridal Bouquet: A Handheld Dream Come True

Your Wedding Dress: The Star of the Show

There’s a reason the wedding dress is the first thing many brides get excited about after becoming engaged. By far the most important aspect of your wedding day look, the bridal gown is what you build the rest of your custom bridal look around. This makes it so important to choose your wedding dress carefully, making sure it suits you and the overall aesthetic you’re hoping for on your big day! Let’s take a look at some things to keep in mind as you search for the first part of your complete bridal look.

• Customize Your Avery Austin Wedding Dress: Become one of our treasured brides by choosing an Avery Austin wedding dress and get all the customization perks that come along with our gorgeous designs. For example, every style in the wedding dress collection can be customized by petite, standard, or tall lengths. For most products, you can also create a custom bridal look by changing the neckline, back, sleeves, and more! For more information on how to create and order your custom bridal look, check out this blog on designing your custom wedding dress with Avery Austin.
• Choose a Color: If you’re thinking, but wait…aren’t all wedding dresses white? You’re not alone in this common misconception! There is actually quite a range of white and off-white hues, like ivory or champagne, to consider. You can also step completely outside of the traditional bridal fashion box and go for a dress in your favorite color or a black wedding gown! Explore Avery Austin’s collections of white and ivory wedding dresses, nude and neutral wedding dresses, and black wedding dresses and see which type of bridal gown color inspires you.
• Choose a Flattering Silhouette: The dress shape that flatters you best is going to depend both on your figure and your personal style and comfort. If you’ve got curves you’d love to show off or you generally prefer more fitted designs, then go for a style from this mermaid wedding dress collection. If you’re a big fan of layers, volume, and ultra princess vibes, then a ball gown silhouette is your best bet, and there are some gorgeous options available in Avery Austin’s ball gown wedding dress collection to consider. Not sure what would look best on you? Check out the universally flattering option that features a fitted bodice and flowy skirt: a-line wedding dresses.
• Keep Location and Theme in Mind: Beach weddings call for a completely different custom bridal look than that of an urban rooftop celebration, so if you have even a general idea of the type of venue or theme you’d like to have for your big day, use that to inspire the type of silhouette, fabric, or features you look for in your dream gown.
• Consider the Season: Wearing a wispy, strapless chiffon gown in the middle of winter could be completely uncomfortable without the appropriate bridal accessories to keep you warm and comfortable. On the other hand, a heavily layered ball gown with long sleeves and a train on a tropical beach could be equally uncomfortable, so keep the season and climate of your wedding venue in mind when choosing your bridal gown. In general, you want lightweight fabrics and airy design features for warmer weather but heavyweight fabrics and extra coverage or layered wedding accessories for cooler temperatures. Get more inspiration here for summer wedding dress ideas and winter wedding dress ideas.
• Stitch in Sentimental Touches: One of the best ways to create a custom bridal look with your wedding gown is to sew in extra details that are meaningful to you. For example, you could stitch in you and your spouse-to-be’s initials and wedding date, or you could incorporate fabric from a loved one’s clothing (like your mother’s bridal gown). Then it will feel like these special people are an integral part of your complete bridal look on one of the most memorable days of your life.

Once you’ve chosen your bridal gown, it’s time to figure out how to accessorize your wedding dress! The next few sections will cover different types of wedding accessories and bridal styling tips to help you complete your custom bridal look.

Veil or Headpiece: The Crowning Bridal Accessory

One of the most classic of wedding accessories, the veil or bridal headpiece can beautifully round out your complete bridal look. Of course, if you’re looking for a trendier bridal accessory for your hair, there are many options to explore! Below are a few ideas, both timeless and modern, to consider for hair wedding accessories.

• Veils: From stylish little birdcage veils to stunning, long cathedral veils, choosing the right length and style can go a long way to creating the custom bridal look of your dreams. Explore all of the possibilities in Avery Austin’s Veil Style Guide, then shop the beautiful designs in the wedding veil collection.
• Tiaras & Crowns: Perfect for luxurious, glam weddings, as well as fairy-tale-inspired nuptials, it’s easy to feel like royalty with one of these sparkling bridal accessories. Decide just how much glitzy sparkle or ornate jeweled beadwork you prefer, then you can focus your search on a more elaborate crown or gently worked metallic tiara to complete your bridal look.
• Bridal Headbands: From bands with woven fresh or dried flowers to beautiful satin bands, these wedding accessories are perfect for keeping hair away from your face but loose and flowy in the back. If you need a dash or razzle dazzle, don’t worry! There are plenty of beaded bridal headbands to round out a shimmering custom bridal look too.
• Combs & Hair Pins: A beautifully detailed hair comb or floral hair pins are perfect for securing your hair up in unique ways. When it comes to vintage bridal accessories, combs and hair pins are top tier options to complete a bridal look with old-fashioned flair.
• Hats: Go classy chic with a beret or rustic and country-inspired with a cowgirl hat. Yes, cowboy hats can be bridal too, especially in white, maybe even with a veil or a jeweled lettering that spells out “BRIDE” across it! Of course, if you want to add a casual edge to your custom bridal look, bridal baseball caps with mini veils are fun, especially when paired up with a pair of Converse! (But more on shoes later…)

Bridal Styling Tip: When creating your custom bridal look, consider whether your headpiece wedding accessory is meant to be a statement piece or one small part of your complete bridal look. Then you’ll know whether to go more elaborate or simple with this piece.

Wedding Jewelry: Stylish Accents for Your Bridal Look

It’s time for the bridal bling! In precious metals, like gold, rose gold, silver, and platinum, or dazzling materials, like gemstones, pearls, and beadwork, wedding jewelry can be simple and classic or head-turning and luxurious. Some of the most common types of bridal jewelry include necklaces, bracelets, and/or earrings, so we’ll focus on those bridal accessory styles below. Other types of jewelry you could consider for a complete bridal look include rings (in addition to your new wedding band!), brooches, and anklets, so build your custom bridal look at you see fit!

• Necklaces: When choosing a necklace, consider the neckline of your wedding dress. For low or plunging necklines, longer or drop necklaces are ideal, while higher necklines might call for shorter or collared styles of necklaces. Keep in mind that a very beautifully embellished high neckline on your bridal gown can stand beautifully on its own, so feel free to skip this wedding accessory entirely if you prefer. Fun Fact: Did you know that there is a such thing as back jewelry? This is a type of “backwards” necklace that drapes down the back instead of the neckline and they are perfect for backless bridal gowns.
• Bracelets: Bangles, cuffs, tennis bracelets, charm bracelets…there are so many stylish options to explore when it comes to this wedding accessory! Consider the vibe you get from each style and see how it aligns with your custom bridal look. Bangles add whimsy to a boho-style wedding dress, while tennis bracelets offer a delicate, classy edge that’s perfect for an elegant theme. Pro Tip: If you’re wearing a lace wedding dress, or a style with similarly delicate fabric, consider skipping this bridal accessory, as bracelets can easily snag and tear lace as your arms move.
• Earrings: Are you more of a simple studs kinda girl, or are you all about those hoops, dangles, and drops? Before you jump on an earring style bandwagon though, consider how this bridal accessory will match up with your chosen gown and, especially, your hairstyle. If you’ll have a high neckline or straps in a delicate fabric that might snag on earrings that drop or dangle, consider small hoops or studs instead. If your hair will be swept into an updo with your ears on full display, consider going all out on an eye-catching earring design, but keep it simple with studs or skip earrings altogether if your hair will be down and covering your ears anyway.

Bridal Styling Tip: A great rule of thumb to keep in mind when choosing jewelry wedding accessories is to keep the simplicity or complexity of your bridal gown in mind. With a simple wedding dress, go for statement pieces that will stand out and add thematic or stylish flair to your custom bridal look. When your wedding gown is meant to be the star of the show with lots of dramatic detailing or heavy embellishments, then go light on the jewelry, sticking with delicate, subtle pieces.

Wedding Shoes: The Base of Your Custom Bridal Look

Comfort and style are key when choosing your wedding day footwear! While the traditional floor-length wedding gown generally hides your feet, only giving little glimpses of your chosen bridal shoes, short or high-low styles will have your wedding shoes on full display. Whether you plan on your bridal footwear being a subtle complement to your custom bridal look or an eye-catching statement that completes your bridal look, below are a few styles to help inspire you.

• Classic Bridal Shoes: These are the formal shoes that come to mind whenever you need to dress up: high heels, low heels, or fancy flats. If you want this wedding accessory to feel more traditional, it’s best to stick to white and off-white hues, usually in a matching fabric, like satin or lace. Add a little shine or sparkle to your custom bridal look by choosing heels or flats in a metallic hue (like gold or silver) or with dazzling bead or jewel embellishments.
• Bridal Slippers & Ballet Flats: For the ultimate in comfort (especially hidden beneath full, floor-length skirts), bridal slippers are the way to go. Cushioned flat bottoms with soft, sometimes fluffy linings, bridal slippers are perfect for keeping your feet comfy and warm at indoor venues (and they’re fun to show off to your guests at the reception too!). Ballet flats are perfect for a fancy, vintage look, especially if you choose a style that laces up your legs.
• Boots: Including Victorian-style lace ankle boots, comfortable white snow boots, and chic white cowgirl boots, this bridal accessory footwear opens up a lot of possibilities for different themes and venues. Complete your custom bridal look by choosing a pair of boots that matches your vibe in heel length, fabric, and embellishment.
• Sneakers: Trendy and fun, sneakers bring a dash of casual flair to an otherwise formal look. A favorite for brides who will be doing a lot of walking and dancing, sneakers make it easy to navigate a variety of flooring and outdoor terrains. Customize your bridal look with a pair of personalized Converse, embroidered Vans, or a colorful or bedazzled pair of sneakers from your favorite brand.
• Flip-Flops & Sandals: Perfect for beach and destination weddings, flip-flops and sandals keep you cool and comfortable outdoors. From simple designs with little bead or pearl embellishments to fancy styles with big satin bows or fabric flowers, bridal flip-flops and sandals can be as extravagant or laidback as you want to suit your custom bridal look.

Bridal Styling Tip: Keep the terrain of your venue in mind when choosing this wedding accessory. Bridal flip-flops are a win for beaches but will have you chilled at a mountainside ski resort venue. Stilettos are sexy for indoor events, but the long, skinny heels are sure to sink in the grass at an outdoor event. Whatever type of bridal footwear you choose, make sure it will be comfortable and suited to your celebration location.

Removable Features: For Multiple Custom Bridal Looks

Perfect for changing up your look from ceremony to reception, removable wedding accessories are great for creating WOW moments with your custom bridal look. These types of bridal accessories also make it easy when you need to transition between hot and cold environments on your wedding day. Here are some removable wedding accessories to consider for your custom bridal look:

• Overskirts & Petticoats: If you plan to remove this type of bridal accessory, then you’re in for a gorgeous silhouette change. Overskirts add volume and style over the dress, generally wrapping around the back from hip to hip. Adding or removing an overskirt to your wedding dress means switching between more of an a-line, flared design to a fitted style. On the other hand, petticoats go under the skirt of your wedding dress to create extra warmth, volume, and sometimes structured flare if you choose a petticoat with a hoop. Adding a hoop petticoat can create a ball gown style while removing it would make the skirt loose and flowy.
• Jackets & Boleros: From leather and denim jackets to short, open-front bridal boleros in matching fabric, this wedding accessory adds chic style, extra warmth, and comfortable coverage. Leather and denim jackets contrast gorgeously with the formal vibe of a traditional wedding dress and can add an edgy or rustic vibe to your look. Bridal boleros can heighten the elegance in a matching color and fabric or create a bold contrast in a different color and fabric.
• Stoles & Wraps: Often made with faux fur or feathers, bridal stoles can elevate the elegance or radiate a classic, Old Hollywood vibe when draped around the shoulders and arms. Wraps or shawls are usually longer and can be wrapped around the arms and entirety of the bodice if preferred. Made in sheer lace and chiffon, shiny silk, soft velvet, and more, wraps and shawls can create a custom bridal look to match your style and theme with ease.
• Capes & Cloaks: Secured at the neck or arms and draping down the back, sometimes as far out as a train, capes are ethereal and magical in photographs. Usually made from lightweight, sheer fabrics, capes are ideal for indoor venues or fair-weather outdoor locations. On the other hand, cloaks can suit wintry weather when made from thick, warm fabrics like velvet with faux-fur lined hoods or warm climates when the hood and draped fabric is lightweight. This wedding accessory is especially versatile for bridal photos, since you can pull the hood up or down or remove the cloak entirely for even more variety.
• Sashes & Belts: Define your silhouette with pizazz when you choose a belt or sash wedding accessory to complete your bridal look! Tied around the waist, sashes are completely adjustable and you can even create a stylized bow or knot on the front, side, or back of your dress. Some bridal sashes even feature floral or jeweled embellishments for an extra dose of elegant or vintage flair. Beaded or jeweled belts are perfect for adding sparkle to simple styles or creating a dazzling border between bodices and skirts in different fabrics, such as a sheer lace bodice and a flowy chiffon skirt. Pro Tip: Be careful about pairing up a crystal belt with a lace wedding dress. If it looks like the edges of the belt will snag the delicate lace, it might be best to look for a satin sash with jeweled embellishments that do not extend to the edges that touch the lace.
• Bows: Girly and fun, bows are naturally feminine and the perfect bridal accessory, especially when removable! Imagine tying or clipping on a big, oversized satin bow to the lower back of your wedding gown just before making your grand entrance to your reception. Smaller bows with long, draping ribbons make great accents to shoulder straps. Look over your wedding dress and consider if your custom bridal look would benefit from another bow (or two, or more!).
• Sleeves: Very handy when you need coverage for a church ceremony, removable sleeves make it easy to follow certain venue dress codes then get more comfortable when it’s time to let your hair down for the reception. Detachable sleeves are usually clipped or snapped into the wedding dress itself, while other removable options are fitted or feature a top cuff that can be slid up to about mid-bicep. Imagine the crowd’s reaction when you go from a long-sleeve style for the ceremony to a strapless style for the reception!
• Gloves: From vintage-style lace wrist-length gloves to luxurious full-length satin gloves, this wedding accessory is beautifully sophisticated and so easy to remove when you’re ready to relax into your reception fun. Explore different fabrics, lengths, and embellishments to find just the right style of gloves for your custom bridal look.

Bridal Styling Tip: While removable accessories are a great way to change up your look between ceremony and reception, you also have the option to simply create another whole complete bridal look for the ceremony with a second wedding dress! Just imagine the fun you can have creating two custom bridal looks for your big day. If this sounds like the right choice for you, check out Avery Austin’s collection of reception wedding dresses to start building your second complete bridal look.

The Bridal Bouquet: A Handheld Dream Come True

You can’t have a complete bridal look without a bouquet, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be a traditional bouquet to strike the same beautiful note, so let’s take a look at some classic bouquet options, as well as some trendy handheld alternatives to customize your bridal look.

• Floral & Greenery Bouquets: For the most traditional feel for your custom bridal look, go for fresh or dried flowers that match your chosen wedding color palette. For more of an earthy vibe, consider greenery like ferns, leaves, and foliage, or a bouquet of succulents. You can even explore floral options that are not fresh or dried. Fabric satin can create the same colorful look with heightened elegance, or felt flowers can add a dash of crafty fun to your custom bridal look. Need a hands-free floral option for your bouquet? Consider a floral hoop, which can be draped over your arm and features fresh, dried, or fabric flowers along the base of the circle.
• Alternative Bouquet Styles: Maybe you want to hold a bouquet for your wedding, but you're not a big fan of flowers. No problem! Why not walk down the aisle with a soft, feather bouquet? It could be made with bright and flashy peacock feathers or neutral feathers in shades of tan, brown, and black. Either way, this option is soft and fun, blending texture with eye-catching appeal. Need a little more sparkle? A brooch bouquet is the one for you! Crafted from sparkling brooches or vintage buttons, this bouquet style is luxurious from every angle. Another fun alternative to the classic floral bouquet is a paper one. Imagine colorful origami butterflies or flowers personalized with book pages, sheet music from you and your fiancé’s favorite song, comics, or poetry.
• Decorative Hand Fan: While you sure can cool yourself off a bit with this handy little wedding accessory, a decorative hand fan can also add a trendy and stylish edge to your custom bridal look. There are feathered hand fans for ‘20s flair, floral lace fans with a vintage feel, and colorful paper fans for a vibrant, fun tone.
• Lantern: Having an evening wedding? Imagine the stunning effect of you and your bridesmaids holding lit lanterns instead of bouquets during the walk down the aisle! There are also so many wonderful photography opportunities to explore with this wedding accessory. Look for antique style hand lanterns for a vintage vibe, a black lantern for a Gothic theme, or a classy white lantern with floral accents for an elegant vibe.
• Parasol: An umbrella with style, the parasol is a beautiful bouquet replacement. Besides looking fabulous in photographs, this bridal accessory also shields you from the sun if you’ll be outdoors a lot on your big day if it’s made with a thick fabric like satin. From clear umbrellas with quotes or fun designs to parasols made with girly ruffles or intricate lace, there are many ways this wedding accessory can customize your complete bridal look.

Bridal Styling Tip: If you are going with a floral bouquet, be sure to consider the location and the season of your wedding. Certain flowers are only available in certain areas and at certain times of the year, so if you have your heart set on a certain type of flower or there are certain types you wish to avoid, consult with a florist to make sure your preferences are possible, either fresh or dried. If you know in advance that you can’t get the flower you want, then it might be possible to get it done as a fabric flower or you can explore the other bouquet options above.

With all of the knowledge and advice in this Guide to Customizing Your Bridal Look, it will be so much easier to plan out your entire wedding day outfit from top to bottom. Shop Avery Austin’s collection of wedding dresses to find the star of your show, then round out your look with other wedding accessories with the bridal styling tips above. Whether you’re trying to create a soft, romantic look, a Gothic vibe, a free-spirited boho style, or a luxuriously sexy ensemble, choosing the right wedding dress and bridal accessories is the best way to complete your custom bridal look.