Outdoor weddings are very popular. What could be better than getting married among all that nature has to offer? Dressing for a wedding in a garden or on the beach is not quite the same as planning for one in a traditional indoor venue like a ballroom or a country club, however. Everything you choose to wear with your bridal gown should take the outdoor setting into account. These are the best accessories for outdoor weddings.
When your wedding is inside, you can pretty much wear any shoes that you like, but this is not the case for outdoor weddings. Uneven ground, plush lawns, or sandy beaches can all make wearing the wrong footwear treacherous, and no bride wants to trip on her way down the aisle! The number one rule for a garden or beach wedding is to wear low shoes. Either choose flats or low heels with a broad base which will not sink into the ground. Low shoes can still be fabulous, ladies, so do not think that you will have to give up style when shopping for practical footwear. For a beach wedding, a jeweled metallic sandal is spectacular. If your ceremony will be on grass, rather than sand, any dressy flat will do. Think of a satin ballet flat or a silk slingback with a jeweled ornament or chic bow at the toe. Remember that white silk shoes are likely to get grass stains, so if you can find a great looking pair which can be dyed black after the wedding, that would be a nice bonus.
Of course every bride needs beautiful jewelry for her wedding. When you are getting married outdoors, it can be nice to select sets of jewelry which tie in with the location of your ceremony. For instance, brides having beach weddings can choose pieces like Swarovski crystal necklaces in the shape of starfish or seashells (they make great bridesmaid gifts, too). Having a garden wedding? Why not a delicate necklace with a floral design?
More simple bridal jewelry also works beautifully when you are saying your “I dos” in the great outdoors. A classic pearl tin cup necklace is elegant yet airy, which is lovely with a summery organza or chiffon wedding dress. Sometimes brides wonder if it is okay to wear sparkly crystal jewelry for an outdoor ceremony, and the answer is absolutely! The crystals will dance and glitter in the sunlight, which is a gorgeous effect. Just be careful to select crystal bridal jewelry which is more delicate than bold, as it will better suit the less formal feeling of most outside locations. A crystal pendant or station necklace worn with short drop earrings is always very pretty, and will not feel like too much, no matter how relaxed the wedding venue may be.
Once you have selected your bridal jewelry, it is time to think about your hair jewelry. Fresh flowers are pretty, but not always very practical for an outdoor ceremony. They can be very large, and they have a tendency to wilt in the hot sun. Some fresh flowers will even attract bugs, and what bride wants that? A better option is to select a jeweled headband or hairpins for your headpiece. They will add just the right amount of decoration. If you are wearing your hair down, the festive headband will also come in very handy to keep your hair out of your face if it is breezy.
One final accessory to consider for your outdoor wedding is a wrap. In many parts of the country, it can get chilly as the sun sets, especially if you are wearing a sleeveless or strapless gown. A chiffon or organza wrap can be just enough to take the chill off, and the sheer fabric won't hide the details of your gorgeous wedding gown. Once you have the last piece in place, you will be ready to get married in high style!
