Need help with hair and accessories

M&MJK

Can someone please help me out?  I am not very fashionistaie so the accessories (jewelry, shoes, hair pieces) have me overwhelmed.  Do I need to find a hairstyle that I like first and then search for combs/veils/etc. that work with it, or should the process be the reverse?  Do I find the veil first?  What about the jewelry?  I have never been a fan of Dynasty-level sparkle, but it seems like just about everything I see out there is over the top.  And where on earth can I find bridal shoes that have heels LESS than 1.5 inches?  I have never like heels and can't walk in them.  For the reception I need shoes that are more comfortable/functional, but I still want them to look nice and work with the dress to some degree. I know that is a tall order, but I can't survive in formal dressy shoes all day for medical reasons.  Can anyone give me some hints??  I am feeling very overwhelmed.

csweaney

In terms of the shoes I recommend looking on an online site that allows you to narrow down the selections by heel height. That will make it alot easier than sifting through everything.

As for veils and headpieces, its more important to just find things that you like. You can figure out how to put a veil in most hairstyles. If you're planning on taking the veil out for the reception, its nice to have some sort of hair piece or even something as simple as a sparkly hair pin, etc. I recommend looking for hair combs on etsy.com. Just type in bridal hair comb. Lots of options.

For jewelry, I also recommend etsy. It should be easier to find some not-mega-sparkly things on there than in regular stores.

[Deleted User]

Try Colorifics, many companies carry them because they make several different dyable shoes. Here is a link to Famous Footwear who has many styles & heals. You might have a hard time with 1 1/2 inch but they have several 2 inch heals in great styles. I recommend going for something that has a strap that goes around your ankle. I don't wear heels often myself so I find the ones with ankle straps are a little easier to walk in. I actually got the Cassidy for my wedding & they are pretty comfortable.

http://www.famousfootwear.com/en-US/_/_/_/_/Srch0+colorific/Products.aspx

[Deleted User]

Oh, then for the reception I'm doing ballerina flats that I got from Target that are covered in rhinestones, so I still have plenty of bling on my shoes but it will be like wearing slippers.

itzMS

The first step is to remove the word "bridal" from your search for shoes. What color shoes would you like? After that, determine your price range. We can help you with tons of online suggestions once you have those two specifics. I wore a great pair of open-toe pastel gold flats, so anything is possible. You can get designer shoes, but a lot of ladies have worn Payless shoes on their wedding and loved them!

For veils, try every style of veil on with your gown while at the bridal salon. Birdcage, elbow/fingertip length, chapel/cathedral length. Try them with and without: ribbon, lace, sparkle, multiple tiers/layers. I guarantee one will stand out as looking best with your dress. You certainly don't have to buy the veil there. Many Knotties buy their veils through ValuVeil online and have loved them. I bought mine on Amazon.

Jewelry is also something you should try on with your dress at the bridal salon. They should have accessories for you. Again, if you're on a budget, you can often find similar accessories for much cheaper at a major department store. In my case, I just wore pearls my mom borrowed to me and gold earrings I already owned.

Finally, I would wait to do your hair trial until after you have selected all of the above items. Given the fact you are so undecided, I would suggest doing one trial a few months before the wedding, and a second a few weeks before the wedding. Take pictures of you in your gown & accessories to your stylist. The main general suggestions for hair are to not expect a style that doesn't work with your hair texture. For example, don't expect cascades of curls if your stick straight hair has never held a curl in its life. Look through pictures in magazines of models with similar hair to you and get ideas!

M&MJK

Thank you for the suggestions.  I worry about purchasing shoes online because I won't be able to try them on first.  I guess I should start the process now so I have pleny of time for shipping returns and such.  I have looked at seemingly hunderds of pictures of shoes and hair styles.  I really like some of the loose/messy updos I see, but I also like some of the half updos.  I am actually considering a hair style change partway through the reception (after the cake cutting and dances and dinner).  Has anyone tried this?  Again, thanks so much for your help.  It's easy to get lost in the details.