9 Bridal Accessories You'll Need on Your Wedding Day (2024)

If you’ve recently said yes to the dress, you’re probably ready to put up your feet (perhaps with your beverage of choice) and take a bit of a break from shopping. We certainly encourage you to do so, but not for long—it’s time to look for your bridal accessories! From shoes to jewelry to undergarments, there are actually quite a few bridal accessories to investigate. Here are nine things you'll need on your bridal accessories list, along with some options you can buy right now!

Wedding-Day Accessories Checklist

Wedding Shoes

Shoes are one of the most important wedding accessories for the bride. Whether you want sky-high heels or comfy flats, you’ll need to select your wedding shoes before your first dress fitting so that your gown can be hemmed perfectly. When selecting your wedding shoes, consider your comfort, of course, but also your wedding venue and style. For example, if you’ll be outdoors on grass or in the sand for most of your wedding day, stiletto heels likely won’t be comfortable or appropriate—stick with wedges, sandals, or flats instead.

If you’re looking to go sky high on your big day, we love these sheer pumps. Featuring a smattering of sequins and crystals and a four-inch heel, these shoes are ideal for a feminine and glam bridal accessory.

Badgley Mischka Collection Weslee pointed toe pump, $215, Nordstrom

Getting married outside? Then skip the stilettos and try a sensible wedge, which won’t sink into the ground as you make the rounds on your big day. These metallic Badgley Mischka wedges feature the right amount of sparkle.

Jewel Badgley Mischka Bellevue ankle strap wedge sandal, $99, Nordstrom

Many brides see their shoes as an opportunity to add a pop of color to their wedding-day look. We adore these blue satin pumps with dazzling crystals on the toe.

Nine West x Neil Lane Always pumps, $89, Macy’s

Hair Accessories

You have a lot of options when it comes to how you should wear your hair—up, down, or in between. You’ll also need to decide if you’ll wear any hair accessories. Of course, there’s the traditional veil. From a super-long cathedral-length veil to a mid-length fingertip veil, or a short birdcage veil or blusher, there are lots of veil options to choose from. Remember, though—you don’t have to wear a veil to look or feel bridal.

If you choose to go sans veil, there are lots of other options to choose from. It’s all about figuring out what will look best with your dress and will complement the feel of your wedding day. Flowers make a natural hair accessory, whether you choose a single blossom or a boho-chic flower crown. Your can wear fresh flowers in your hair (ask your florist for help with this!) or if you’re worried about the blooms wilting, opt for fake flower accessories. There are also more glam hair accessories, like crystal headbands, hairpins, tiaras, clips, combs, barrettes, or bun wraps. And for a vintage touch, opt for a fascinator or even a hairstyle with feathers!

Brides getting married in a classic setting, like a house of worship, may opt for an elegant long veil to complement their wedding-day look. The most traditional of bridal accessories, veils come in a variety of lengths. This simple-yet-stunning (and affordable!) chapel-length veil will go with a variety of different dress styles.

Madeleine Fig Beauvoire chapel veil, $180, Anthropologie

If you’re opting for a vintage-inspired wedding-day look, your bridal accessories should follow suit. This pearl-adorned birdcage veil beautifully frames the face in glamorous style.

Twigs & Honey Silona birdcage veil, $148, Anthropologie

Add a touch of sparkle to your wedding hairstyle with this vintage-inspired crystal comb. This comb is a great way to highlight a gorgeous updo.

Nina Art Deco crystal pave comb, $60, David's Bridal

Looks inspired by the ‘90s are so in right now, and these barrettes definitely fit the trend. Add one barrette for just a hint of bling, or go all out with a series of sparkly hairclips.

Ettika crystal hair clips, $40 for 4, Nordstrom

Feminine bows and ribbons are making a major comeback in the world of bridal accessories. We love how these girlish hair adornments are translated into something modern and ladylike.

Bridal Jewelry

The most obvious bridal accessories you’ll wear on your wedding day are your engagement ring and wedding band. But in terms of additional jewelry, it’s up to you to decide what looks best with your dress. For example, a necklace can look great with a strapless neckline, but might not work well with a detailed illusion neckline. Our best advice is to avoid going overboard with the jewelry: one or two carefully chosen pieces is likely all you’ll need to shine.

These cluster earrings are modern and glamorous at once, without being too overdone. They’re so pretty and versatile, you’ll definitely be able to wear them even after your big day!

Cristabelle clustered stud earrings, $18, Nordstrom

Many brides choose to wear a classic strand of pearls on their wedding day. If you’re looking for a more contemporary and casual option, choose this statement necklace, featuring freshwater pearls.

Baublebar Lacey statement necklace, $38, BaubleBar

Don’t forget to adorn your wrist with a little sparkle on your special day. This cubic zirconia bracelet is oh-so pretty.

Nordstrom cubic zirconia tennis bracelet, $99, Nordstrom

Undergarments

Undergarments are another essential wedding accessory for the bride. Once you’ve selected your wedding gown, talk to your bridal salon about the undergarments they think would look best with your gown—and if any support can be built in. You may need to purchase shapewear, a specific type of bra, or seamless underwear to ensure your gown looks picture-perfect and your undergarments stay invisible. It’s a good idea to bring your wedding undergarments to your first dress fitting to ensure everything looks right.

A strapless bra might work for a night on the town, but for your wedding day, it’s best to wear more structured underpinnings, if your dress calls for them. This strapless underwire bustier features comfortable boning so you won’t spend your reception constantly pulling up your bra.

Felina8276 strapless underwire bustier, $55,Nordstrom

Seamless undies might be among the most important items on your bridal accessories list, even though no one will see ‘em! This underwear style is essential, especially if you’re wearing a form-fitting gown, to ensure pantylines won’t be visible under your gown.

SpanxUndie-techtable lace hipster panties, $24, Spanx

Even if you choose more functional undergarments to wear under your gown, you can certainly switch into something lacy for your wedding night. This cheeky set features a crystal “I Do” on the waistband, along with a matching garter.

Hanky Panky I Do thong and garter set, $49, Nordstrom

Garter

Whether or not you’re planning on having a garter toss as part of your reception, you may wish to include a garter as one of your bridal accessories for tradition’s sake and to have a keepsake from your big day. It can be a nice way to incorporate a family heirloom as your “something old” or to add a splash of color to your look as a “something blue.” You can also have some fun with your garter by having it decorated with a favorite sports team’s logo, your wedding colors, or a pattern you love.

If you think wedding garters are dated, think again. This simple lace garter is ideal for the minimalist, boho bride.

DavieandChiyobridal garter, $49,Etsy

A garter is a perfect opportunity to incorporate a “something blue” into your wedding-day look. This garter set features a vintage-inspired dusty blue hue, and includes a toss garter, should you choose to incorporate that tradition into your reception.

LoveForeverBridal dusty blue wedding garter, $36, Etsy

Jacket or Wrap

There are a few reasons why you may want to include a shawl, jacket, wrap, or other form of outerwear on your bridal accessories list. The most obvious would be if you’re marrying in the chillier months but still want to take photos outdoors. A (faux) fur wrap or stole would do the trick, and give your look a vintage-inspired touch. Or, if you’re looking for a more casual look, we’ve seen brides don everything from plaid flannel shirts to denim jackets to bright cotton cardigans over their gowns for great photo-ops. Or perhaps you’re wearing a strapless gown and would like a bit more coverage for your ceremony, particularly if you’re marrying in a house of worship. You might look for a bolero or shawl to match your gown.

Getting married in the wintertime? This faux fur stole will keep you cozy and looking fashionable as you take those outdoor portraits.

BHLDN Maxime faux fur wrap, $98, Anthropologie

Jazz up a simple wedding dress with a sheer tulle cape featuring romantic vine-and-floral appliques.

DavidandChiyo bridal cape, $172, Etsy

Lace bolero jackets are among the most traditional and feminine of your coverage options. This lovely bolero is adorned with sequins for just a hint of sparkle—perfect for a ceremony in a house of worship.

MeshkaBridal lace bolero, $97, Etsy

Go edgy with your bridal accessories by donning a custom leather jacket. Bonus: They look absolutely awesome in photos.

The Brodie Bride custom leather jacket, $128, Etsy

For a more casual cover-up, try a custom denim jacket. We love how this one is adorned with pearls to upgrade the look.

Gemini Fusion personalized bridal jacket, $83, Etsy

Gloves

For a very traditional, vintage-inspired look, some brides choose to accessorize with gloves. Bridal gloves come in a variety of lengths and styles, from wrist-length to over-the-elbow, in fabrics such as lace, satin, and crochet. Just note that if you are wearing gloves for your ceremony, you’ll have to remove them during the ring exchange.

For a vintage-meets-modern bridal accessory, these fingerless lace gloves are so unique. Fingerless gloves are a great option to wear during the ceremony, since you don’t have to remove them during the ring exchange.

GlovesByJana long ivory wedding gloves, $30, Etsy

If you’re going for an Audrey Hepburn-esque vibe on your big day, check out these satin gloves edged in lace—truly the epitome of chic.

Babeyond floral lace gloves, $15, Amazon

Sash

If you’re wearing a relatively unadorned gown without much beading or embroidery, you may want to jazz up your bridal look with a sash. Not only do sashes flatter the figure by emphasizing your waist, they also can help infuse your own personal style into your wedding day. From crystal-adorned glam sashes to nature-inspired sashes featuring fabric flowers and leaves, there are lots to choose from.

Wedding dresses featuring lots of beading tend to be expensive. If you’re into that sparkly look but don’t want to blow your budget, adding a crystal sash to your bridal look is a great option. We love the Grecian, ethereal vibes of this crystal belt.

A.B. Ellie Duarte sash, $268, Anthropologie

For a more boho-chic option, we adore this rose gold rash featuring a leaf-and-vine motif. It’s particularly ideal for an outdoor event.

IngenueB rose gold leaf vine bridal sash, $78, Etsy

Add a hint of color to your wedding gown with this blush pink floral sash. We love the handmade vibe, and how it accentuates the waist.

Magaela Accessories pink floral belt, $47, Etsy

Purse

Last on our wedding-day accessories checklist is the purse. You probably won’t want to carry a purse during your wedding—you’ll likely be carrying your bouquet for much of the day and you may end up misplacing it. However, if there are certain items that you’d like with you during the reception—makeup for a touch up, breath mints, or tissues—you can certainly put them in a purse or clutch and enlist a bridesmaid or close friend or family member to keep it safe for you.

For a contemporary, minimalist look, a modern clutch with a crystal-adorned clasp is petite and perfect to hold just the essentials.

NinaJora clutch, $65, Nina Shoes

Show off your new moniker with this acrylic clutch. It’s particularly cute to carry this purse while you and your new spouse are making your grand exit.

TheBrodieBride personalized acrylic clutch, $68, Etsy

If you’re getting married near the ocean, a beach-ready straw tote goes straight from your big day to the honeymoon.

David’s Bridal hand-lettered bride straw handbag, $40, David’s Bridal

Other Bridal Accessories

While the above is a list of bridal accessories you may need for the main event, remember that there are other accoutrements you’ll likely want before and after your ceremony and reception. As you’re preparing for your wedding, you’ll probably need a bridal robe, button-down shirt, pajamas, or other getting-ready attire (matching with your bridesmaids, perhaps?)—and maybe some comfy slippers. You’ll also want to have a garment bag for your dress as well as a shoe dust bag to protect your essentials. After the big day, pack an overnight bag with lingerie and/or pajamas to make your wedding night extra special.

And when it comes to groom’s accessories, guys have a list of outfit add-ons all their own, from ties to suspenders, belts to socks.