Choosing the accessories for your wedding gown can be a fine line. On the one hand, you want to look as elegant as possible, but on the other hand, you wouldn't want to look overdone. The question is how many bridal accessories should you wear to achieve the perfect look for your wedding?

The short answer to the question is, it depends. In fact the level to which a bride should accessorize will depend on several factors. The formality of the wedding, the details on her gown, her hairdo, and her own personal style will all play a role in making the determination. A good starting point is to think about how the accessories will look in photographs; if it seems like they will disappear, then more is needed, either in numbers or in the drama of the pieces. Also keep in mind that old adage: if you look in the mirror and one thing jumps out and yells, remove it. This will help you to have balance.

For a formal wedding, typically the gown is more dramatic and the embellishments more lavish. Therefore the accessories need to have a strong presence just so as not to get lost. If you were having a black tie wedding and wearing a bridal gown with heavy silver embroidery, you would generally want to wear a bridal tiara, a Swarovski crystal jewelry set including earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet (or two!), and a veil, possibly with additional embellishment. This may sound like a lot, but anything less is likely to look underdone.

When you are planning to wear a full compliment of bridal accessories, you can keep the look in check by choosing one stand out piece to build your jewelry suite around. In other words, if you have found a fabulous crown covered in sparkling crystals and rhinestones, let that be the focal point of your accessories. Do not add in a three layer choker, a two inch wide rhinestone bracelet, and a jumbo pair of crystal chandelier earrings: that would be way to much and would end up looking like a costume. However, if you took that same sparkly crown and added in a pair of Swarovski crystal bridal earrings with a short drop, a crystal necklace with only one row, and a tin cup style crystal bracelet, the effect would be stunning.

More casual weddings call for a lighter touch with accessories. That may not mean any fewer pieces, just jewelry that is simpler in design. Let's say that you were planning a beach wedding. The full crown that is perfect for a cathedral would be totally out of place on a sandy beach. A pearl and crystal headband, though, would look wonderful and would also keep your hair from blowing in your face. To coordinate with your bridal headband, you could either layer in beach theme jewelry, or simple bridal jewelry sets with freshwater pearls and hints of crystal accents. The finished look will be just right: enough for a bride, yet also fresh and easy enough for a beach. A veil, by the way, is never too much for a bride as long as the length and details of it are in proportion to the gown and the setting.

Accessories are a critical part of the bridal ensemble. Without jewelry and a headpiece, the bride just does not look finished. The right bridal accessories will not only bring out the best in your wedding gown, but will also highlight your own best features to perfection.