Preparing for your wedding is not just about the dress or the suit. The right accessories can elevate your look, adding personal touches that make you feel unique and stylish on your special day. Whether you’re the groom or the bride, choosing the right accessories will ensure you look and feel your best. Let’s explore the essential wedding accessories for both him and her to help complete your wedding day look.
Summary
For the groom, key accessories include:
- A waistcoat for a polished look.
- Brogues for classic style.
- A pocket handkerchief for a pop of personality.
- A bow tie or traditional tie to match the wedding theme.
Other essentials include a cigar case for pre-ceremony bonding, a pocket watch for a vintage touch, and cufflinks for added elegance.
For the bride, consider an embroidered handkerchief as a sentimental keepsake, a garter for the traditional toss, a floral hair wreath for a bohemian vibe, and a veil for timeless elegance. Accessories like a charm bracelet, lace gloves, a clutch, and jewellery complete the bridal look. Accessories enhance your wedding day outfit, adding personal touches and elevating your style.
Accessories For The Groom
1. Waistcoat
The waistcoat is crucial to a groom’s outfit, especially if you’re looking for a three-piece suit. A well-fitted waistcoat enhances the formal feel and adds a sophisticated edge to your look. Dark colours, like navy or brown, offer a timeless and elegant appeal. The waistcoat should match your suit for a cohesive look, but some grooms may choose a patterned or textured waistcoat to add some flair. It’s the piece that ties your outfit together, giving you a sleek and polished appearance. Ensure the bottom button of your waistcoat is left undone. This tradition dates back to King Edward VII and remains a standard for formal dressing.
2. Brogues
Footwear is one of the most important elements of your outfit, and brogues are a classic choice. Their decorative perforations give them a stylish and formal edge, making them perfect for weddings. A brown leather pair is especially fitting for a traditional or rustic wedding, as they complement various suit colours. Brogues balance elegance and comfort, ensuring you look good and feel comfortable during the long day. Break in your brogues before the wedding day to avoid discomfort while walking down the aisle or dancing later in the evening.
3.Pocket Handkerchief
A silk pocket handkerchief is an excellent way to add colour and personality to your suit. While it may seem like a small detail, the handkerchief can become your look’s focal point. Bold colours or patterns can create contrast, while more subtle hues complement the theme. Try a patterned handkerchief for a modern twist if you’re feeling adventurous. Remember, it’s all about balance – let the handkerchief add flair without overpowering your outfit. You can fold your pocket square in various ways to create different looks. Experiment with styles like the Presidential fold for a clean, classic appearance or the puff fold for something more relaxed.
4. Bow Tie Or Tie
The choice between a bow tie and a traditional tie depends on the theme and tone of your wedding. A bow tie adds a playful and classic touch to a rustic, vintage, or country-themed wedding. Bow ties also offer versatility in style, as they come in various patterns and colours. However, a traditional tie may be more appropriate if you’re going for a more formal or modern look. A narrow tie with a bold pattern can make a statement without overpowering the elegance of your suit. When choosing a tie, make sure it complements your bride’s outfit and the overall colour scheme of the wedding. You want to look cohesive in your wedding photos.
5. Cigar Case
A cigar case is a subtle, old-school accessory that adds a touch of luxury and tradition to your day. It’s perfect if you and your groomsmen plan to share a celebratory cigar before or after the ceremony. A leather-bound case can also be a great keepsake and even a wedding gift to your groomsman.
6. Comb
Staying groomed throughout the day is essential; a pocket comb can help you maintain your hairstyle. Choose a fine-toothed comb for neater hairstyles, and keep some hair product nearby to maintain your look.
7. Belt
A good belt is not just functional but also a defining accessory. For a formal wedding, choose a leather belt that matches the colour of your shoes. Opt for a smooth finish and a simple, understated buckle that won’t distract from your overall look. This small detail can pull your outfit together and make everything look more coordinated. Measure your waist properly and buy a belt that fits comfortably. Avoid belts that are too wide or overly decorative.
8. Pocket Watch
A silver or gold pocket watch is a great accessory, especially if your wedding has a vintage theme. This charming timepiece is both functional and fashionable, adding an air of nostalgia to your outfit. Consider engraving the back of the pocket watch with your wedding date or a personal message. This makes it a meaningful keepsake for the years to come.
9. Cufflinks
Cufflinks are another way to express your style while keeping things formal. Classic silver or gold cufflinks are timeless, but you can also opt for something more personalised, such as cufflinks with initials or themed designs matching the wedding vibe. If you want to add a personal touch, gift your groomsmen matching cufflinks for the day.
10. Cologne
Smelling great is an often overlooked but essential part of your wedding day look. A small bottle of your favourite cologne is a great way to stay fresh throughout the day, especially after dancing and celebrating. Choose a subtle yet memorable scent that will leave a lasting impression.
Accessories For The Bride
1. Embroidered Handkerchief
An embroidered handkerchief can be both practical and sentimental. This delicate item can become a keepsake from your special day, whether ait’sit’s a small monogram of your initials or a meaningful quote. It’s also handy to be around during emotional moments, like exchange. Consider embroidering your wedding date on the handkerchief as a personal touch.
2. Garter
The garter toss is a fun wedding tradition, and you can make it more personal by creating your garter with your bridesmaids. Consider designing two garters: one to keep as souvenirs and one for the toss. You can match the garter to the colour scheme of your wedding or add lace or embellishments for a more romantic look.
3. Hair Wreath
A floral hair wreath is a beautiful accessory for a bride seeking a more bohemian or natural look. You can DIY one with your bridesmaids or visit a florist for a custom-made piece. A floral wreath adds a soft, romantic touch to your hairstyle and pairs well with a relaxed or outdoor wedding. Use seasonal flowers for your wreath to tie in the overall theme and feel of your wedding.
4. Veil
No bridal look is complete without a veil, which adds an element of timeless elegance. Whether long and dramatic or short and sweet, a veil can enhance your wedding dress beautifully. You can choose from styles like lace, tulle, or veils with beaded or floral appliqués. If you’re unsure about your veil, try several styles during your dress fittings to see how they complement your overall look.
5. Charm Bracelet
A charm bracelet is a thoughtful accessory, not just for you but also for your bridesmaids. Pick out silver or gold charm bracelets and add small charms representing special memories or themes for your wedding day. It’s a lovely way to coordinate your bridal party’s look. You can add new charms for future milestones, turning the bracelet into a sentimental keepsake.
6. Gloves
A pair of lace gloves adds elegance and charm for brides wearing a vintage or classic look. Whether you opt for wrist or full-length gloves, this accessory adds a touch of old-world glamour to your bridal ensemble. If you’re worried about your practicality, choose gloves that are easy to remove during the ceremony or photos.
7. Clutch Or Handbag
As the bride, you’ll need a clutch to hold your essentials, such as lipstick, perfume, and tissues. A chic handbag or clutch complements your dress and is a practical and stylish accessory. Choose a clutch with a metal clasp or embellished design for added elegance.
8. Earrings Or Necklace
Jewellery is the perfect way to fulfil the “something old” or “something borrowed” tradition. Consider borrowing a piece of family jewellery with sentimental value, like a necklace or pair of earrings. This small touch can add extra meaning to your bridal outfit. Make sure your jewellery complements the neckline and style of your wedding dress.
Conclusion
Whether you’re the bride or the groom, accessories are the finishing touches that bring your wedding look together. From classic elements like waistcoats, brogues, and veils to more personalised items like charm bracelets and pocket watches, these details will ensure you look your best on your big day.
FAQs About Wedding
How Important Are Groom Accessories At A Wedding?
The groom’s attire for the wedding is crucial. Your outfit, be it a formal tuxedo or a more relaxed suit, is an integral part of the day. Groom accessories are the finest way to make your outfit feel like a perfect reflection of you, but there are many other methods to do so as well.
What Are The Best Accessories For Groom Attire?
Choosing well-curated groom accessories is the best way to make your outfit feel like a perfect reflection of you, but there are many other methods to do so as well. Groom accessories like printed ties and personalised cufflinks may make or break your wedding suit.
What Should The Groom Wear To A White Tie Wedding?
Grooms should ensure their wedding day outfit is of the highest quality for formal events that need white ties. When it comes to this particular method of putting oneself together, it is customary to wear a tuxedo with a tailcoat, a white pique vest, and a white bow tie.
What Is Modern Groomsmen’s Attire?
Not long ago, groomsmen could only wear traditional tuxedos or suits that matched the grooms. More and more weddings today are laid-back affairs with fun, forward-thinking themes like boho, beach, or rustic.
What Colour Should The Groom’s Suit Be?
The only acceptable colour for tuxedos is black, except for very special occasions when white is acceptable. In any other case, the groom’s wedding suit should consider the season and the colour palette of the wedding theme and coordinate with those colours. For example, darker-coloured clothes are generally reserved for winter, whereas harvest hues are reserved for fall.