What sets a bride apart sartorially these days? In an era where individuality is sought above all else on one’s big day, it’s no longer just the dress or ensemble that matters—though the importance of this wardrobe piece will certainly never diminish or wane. What completes the picture, now, are bridal accessories, and all the extra accoutrements that make for a truly special bridal look.
In today’s contemporary bridalwear space, a fashionable bridal accessory has evolved beyond unsentimental tiaras and standard bouquets. Expressive touches that reflect a bride’s personality—from a love of vintage, to a family heirloom, to a certain aesthetic touch—have instead become style moments unto themselves.
“This upcoming season, we’re seeing a beautiful synergy between timeless elegance fused with contemporary twists," says Shona Joy Thatcher, founder and designer of Australian ready-to-wear and bridalwear label Shona Joy. “Styling pieces a deciding role in completing any bridal look—from ceremony, reception, rehearsal, or recovery.”
Accessories are also now chosen and designed with versatility in mind, reflecting a broader push towards longevity and sustainability—gone are the days when your bridal look is only meant to be worn once, then wasted. “There are so many major moments around the wedding, from the hens party all the way through to the honeymoon. Our accessories are designed to be easily styled for any bridal occasion, elevating any look,” Thatcher explains, as well as well beyond the wedding itself.
As brides embrace this unprecedented creativity, it’s also inspiring bridalwear designers to push their boundaries. “This trend towards individuality in bridal fashion is exciting, pushing us as designers to be more creative, and to design with longevity in mind,” says Thatcher.
From long, trailing veils to off-kilter headdresses, capes and gloves, these are the bridal accessory trends we are—and will be—seeing around this wedding season.
There was a time not too long ago that long, sweeping veils were regaled to a bygone era. But, as is the way with fashion, what goes around comes around. This wedding season, extra long sheer veils are back in a big way. Whether trailing behind a bride or worn over the head, it seems the longer the chiffon, the better.
An elegant way of bringing a touch of tradition into a contemporary style, these veils are simple and chic, and like Shona Joy’s dramatic cathedral-length veil, often might feature an intricate lace trim or embroidered detail for that unique touch.
There is something elegantly dramatic and timeless about wearing elbow-length opera gloves with a formal look, and it’s something the It-girl brides of this season have cottoned on to. With sophisticated vintage bridal styles making the rounds again, it was only a matter of time for gloves to reappear. From silky ivory pieces that make a bold yet refined statement, to sheer or lacy sleeves that bring texture to your wedding day look, gloves are an effortless accessory that adds a lot of dimension to a bridal ensemble.
Like opera gloves, neck scarves that conjure up visions of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly are having a moment with brides right now. Whether styled loosely over the shoulders, knotted at the neck, or draped beneath a veil, they add a soft, romantic edge while offering versatility—perfect for transitioning from ceremony to reception. Crafted from silk or lace, neck scarves are proving to be a chic alternative to traditional jewellery, lending brides an effortless way to channel old-world charm with contemporary flair on their wedding day.
Not keen on a bridal neck scarf? Consider a cape or shawl. From ethereal tulle capes pinned at the neck to silky minimalist shawls wrapped around a bride’s arms, or even easily removable sheer tops, these accessories create a striking statement. Capes lend an air of regal drama, perfect for grand entrances or major moments, while shawls offer both style and practicality, especially for outdoor or winter weddings. A well-chosen covering not only enhances the silhouette but also adds versatility, changing a bridal look simply by slipping it on and off.
Bows are back, and not going anywhere for brides just yet. A feminine touch that’s found new life in recent trend cycles, it’s a timelessly romantic silhouette that works perfectly for a wedding day. From larger than life bows acting as veils, to small simple hair clips or bows attached to a wedding dress for added volume and shape, there’s really nowhere a bow doesn’t go for a bridal look.
On the topic of vintage, for brides who aren’t keen on a long veil, something shorter and off-kilter is one of the chicest ways to accessorise your wedding look. From lacy retro head coverings to ruffled mini veils and handmade crocheted headdresses, these pieces offer a stylish nod to the past or sentimentality whilst feeling refreshingly modern. Whether sourced from vintage boutiques or crafted bespoke, these accessories allow brides to experiment with texture, shape, and whimsy. The only limitation to how unique and different you can go with a head accessory is a bride’s imagination.
