A bride’s wedding day look is incomplete without the delicate details that tie it all together—her accessories.In the UK and beyond, modern brides are embracing a blend of tradition, personal style, and contemporary trends when choosing their accessories.
Whether you’re going for classic elegance, boho-chic, or regal grandeur, the right accessories don’t just enhance your look—they help tell your unique love story. In this guide, we’ll explore the must-have wedding accessories UK brides are loving, how to coordinate them with your dress and bridal jewellery, and why these seemingly small pieces play such a big role on the big day.
1. Bridal Jewellery: The Heart of Wedding Accessories
No bridal look is complete without jewellery. It is often the most symbolic and treasured part of a bride’s attire—sometimes passed down through generations, other times newly purchased to mark the occasion.
Essential Bridal Jewellery Pieces:
Necklace: Ranges from dainty pendants to heavy Polki, Kundan, or diamond chokers
Earrings: Can be simple studs or elaborate chandelier styles
Bracelets/Bangles: Gold, pearl, or enamel pieces to adorn the wrists
Maang Tikka/Matha Patti: Traditional forehead jewellery that elevates the bridal face
Rings and Hathphool: Rings, often paired with chains connected to a bracelet
Nose Ring (Nath): A traditional ornament with deep cultural symbolism
When choosing bridal jewellery, it’s important to consider not just the dress, but also your skin tone, neckline, hairstyle, and the overall aesthetic of the wedding. Gold and Polki jewellery are ideal for traditional bridal lehengas, while minimalist diamond sets suit modern gowns or fusion outfits.
Many wedding accessories UK designers now offer complete bridal sets that include matching earrings, necklaces, bangles, and headpieces—ensuring harmony in the final look.
2. Veils, Dupattas, and Hairpieces
A bridal veil or dupatta adds elegance and can be styled in various ways depending on the culture, dress design, and personal preference. In Western weddings, long cathedral veils or shorter fingertip veils continue to be popular. Meanwhile, South Asian and Middle Eastern brides often wear ornate dupattas with detailed embroidery, draped gracefully over the head or shoulder.
Hair Accessories Include:
Tiaras and Crowns: For a royal touch
Hair Combs with Crystals or Pearls
Floral Pins or Clips: Real or artificial flowers to match your theme
Traditional Jhoomar (side tikka): Popular in Pakistani and Mughal-inspired bridal looks
These accessories add dimension and detail to the bride’s hair and face, tying together the look and making sure every angle looks picture-perfect.
3. Footwear: Style Meets Comfort
While often overlooked, your wedding shoes are an essential bridal accessory. Not only should they complement the dress, but they must also be comfortable enough to carry you through the ceremony, photos, and reception.
Popular Bridal Footwear Options:
Heels: Stilettos, kitten heels, or block heels for height and elegance
Juttis or Mojaris: Embroidered traditional flats for ethnic brides
Ballet Flats or Sandals: Chic and comfortable alternatives
Sneakers: Customised wedding sneakers are trending for relaxed receptions
In the wedding accessories UK market, several brands now specialise in luxurious bridal shoes that combine comfort with style, offering extra cushioning, wide fits, and anti-slip soles without compromising design.
4. Clutches and Bridal Bags
A bridal bag might not be the first thing you think of when shopping for accessories, but having a small clutch or pouch is a practical and stylish addition to your wedding day essentials. Choose something that can hold your lipstick, tissues, mirror, and phone—without clashing with your outfit.
Look for clutches adorned with pearls, crystals, sequins, or traditional embroidery. Many UK bridal accessory boutiques offer personalised bridal bags with initials or wedding dates embroidered on them, making them both functional and sentimental.
5. Wedding Belts, Sashes, and Kamarbandh
Waist accessories like belts and sashes are increasingly popular among brides. For Western gowns, a satin or rhinestone-embellished sash can define the waistline and add sparkle. In South Asian bridal fashion, the kamarbandh—a decorative waist chain—is often worn over sarees or lehengas, offering a regal silhouette.
Coordinating your belt or kamarbandh with your bridal jewellery enhances the cohesiveness of your look. For example, a pearl-embellished kamarbandh pairs beautifully with pearl jewellery and an ivory lehenga.
6. Gloves, Capes, and Shrugs
For brides having winter weddings in the UK or looking to add drama to their ensemble, capes and shrugs are trending alternatives to traditional wraps or shawls. Gloves—especially lace or satin—can add vintage charm to classic white gowns and are being revived in modern bridal fashion.
These accessories are ideal for seasonal weddings and outdoor ceremonies, offering both warmth and style.
7. Personalised Touches: Sentimental Accessories
In today’s weddings, it’s all about personalisation. Many brides are incorporating meaningful tokens into their bridal accessories—such as engraved lockets, embroidered initials, or family heirlooms. From cufflinks to name-tag necklaces and handkerchiefs with embroidered vows, these items add a unique and heartfelt touch.
Customisation is at the heart of many wedding accessories UK designers, who now offer bespoke services for jewellery, clutches, veils, and more.
8. Coordinating Accessories for the Bridal Party
Bridal accessories don’t end with the bride. Coordinating accessories for the bridesmaids, flower girls, and even the mothers of the bride and groom ensure a harmonious visual flow in the wedding photos.
From matching hairpieces and bangles to coordinated sashes and clutches, these small touches can tie the entire bridal party together while giving each member a polished and intentional look.
9. Where to Shop: Exploring Wedding Accessories UK
The UK boasts a growing and diverse market for bridal accessories. Whether you’re after vintage charm, traditional cultural pieces, or modern designer touches, there’s something for every bride.
Popular Shopping Options:
Boutique Stores: Offer personalised fittings and bespoke creations
Online Platforms: Convenient, with a wide range of bridal jewellery and accessories
High-Street Brands: Affordable yet stylish options for budget-conscious brides
Artisan Markets: Unique, handmade pieces that support local craftspeople
