2012’s Trendiest Bridal Accessories

Bridal accessories will be bolder this year and will also reflect the new wave of brides who want to personalise their look or simply be unique; by incorporating traditional elegance with their own modern flair.

Here is the "glam list” for this year:

Victorian-inspired – Accessories are taking a cue from the Victorian era. This year, we are seeing motifs that were once popular on Victorian jewelry such as: flora, fauna and bows. The incorporation of ribbon, lace and tulle on jewelry pieces, is another Victorian influence.

Sashes– Sashes are multifunctional; providing a focal point to simple dresses and helping to create an hourglass shape. They canbe bought in various colours and most are embellished with feathers, jewels, crystals and beadwork. The popular colours this year are: black, blush pink, deep purple, mauve, lavender and champagne or ivory

 

 

Head Gear - The shorter, face framing “bird cage veil” is still popular, as well as fascinators. Ribbon headbands or metallic headbands that incorporate flowers, plumes and crystals are also trending. Other stunners are: bohemian styled-headpieces (similar to what Kim Kardashian wore on her head, for her wedding), jeweled barrettes, embellished hairpins and dramatic, crystal haircombs.

Bold Colour – Modern brides are now exploring coloured gemstones and crystals instead of the traditional clear crystals, diamonds and pearls. Some brides are even opting to match their jewellery with the colour of their bridesmaids’ dresses, for example sets in sapphire, turquoise, onyx, ruby and emerald. Other choose to match jewellery to their shoes, if they have chosen to wear a coloured shoe!

New spin on pearls – Brides who love pearls are now going a fresher route and choosing pearls in black, grey, blush and other pastels.  

Statement Necklaces – Stylish “bib” necklaces are all the rage this year or for those who think those are too daring – long, layered necklaces or chunky “torsade” necklaces (multiple strands of pearls or beads, twisted and held together with a clasp) can also be just as dramatic. These types of necklaces are best for simpler wedding gowns and also work especially well for sleek strapless-styled dresses.  

Wrist Wear- This year, is all about statement cuffs (filigree, studded or solid) as well as stacks of varied bangles, for example pearl bangles interspersed with diamond or rhinestone bangles.

Earrings – Chandelier and shoulder sweeping earrings are still “in,” particularly those that are in the geometric, Art Deco style.

Rings – apart from the engagement ring, trendy brides are now wearing cocktail rings, which feature large real or faux gemstones.

Eco-friendly jewelry – There is now greater interest from brides about jewellery that is ethically-mined, recycled or hand-crafted.

Grab that Clutch!

To clutch or not to clutch – that… my girls is the question! After all, do you really need a hand bag on your wedding day? Or will your maid of honour take all and sundry for you? (since you’d rather be holding your champagne glass for the night!)

On the other hand, “pro-clutchers” will be thinking that they should definitely take their glam look full throttle and pose the day away holding that fab clutch. I think I tend to agree with the latter, especially if you’re a fearless bride who is opting to wear colour on her dress, with her jewellery or add a pop of it with a cute pair of coloured pumps or hair accessory.

The trends I’ve seen in bridal clutches and handbags are largely frame bags (i.e. those with the metal frame that clasps shut at the top) and minaudieres (hard-cased bags that are usually embellished or in a luxurious fabric. These are held by the hand or can be used with a chain or strap that’s attached inside).

In terms of the styling of the bags, I’ve mostly seen:

• Graphically printed bags – with motifs such as: cherry blossom, peonies, roses, ferns, peacock feathers, orchids and dandelions.

• Metallic bags

• Bags featuring sparkling details such as crystals, pearls and jeweled accents

• Ruffles and three-dimensional, hand-made flowers on bags

• Bags in neutral or nude shades.

Last night I flew in from New York on the heels of Bridal Market Week 2011. At the Wedding Channel’s Couture Show in Manhattan, I saw some amazing handbags by famous Hungarian-born handbag designer, Judith Leiber.

Her bags are just the sort of decadent arm candy coveted by the likes of celebrities such as: Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Heidi Klum, Keri Hilson, and Kelly Osbourne; and were a familiar sight on the red carpets of the 2011 Grammy and Academy Awards.

And…if you can cast your mind back, Leiber’s pink cupcake minaudiere was famously worn by “Carrie” in the Sex and the City movie. Have a look at the slideshow above to see some of what I saw of her bridal collection!