Bridal accessories checklist: Everything you actually need (and nothing you don’t)

You have found the dress. You have done the group chat reveal. You have survived the fittings. Now all that stands between you and your fully realised bridal look is the suite of accessories that pull everything together. Accessories can make the difference between “very pretty” and “this is a moment, please take my photograph”. They elevate your dress, define your style and ensure you feel comfortable and confident from morning until the final song.

This checklist covers everything you genuinely need to consider, along with the clever little extras that brides often forget until the morning of the wedding when they are trying to fix a problem that could have been solved with a $6 item from a chemist. This is the organised bride era and you are entering it with full power.

1. Veil or no veil?

You do not need a veil to be a bride, but if you want the cathedral-length drama or the fun flick as you walk past your guests, this is your moment.

Options include:

• Classic veil
• Pearled veil
• Blusher veil
• Bow veil
• No veil (hello, clean-girl chic)

Hot tip: If you’re skipping the veil, consider elevating your hair accessory game to balance the look.

2. Hair accessories

Whether you’re going sleek bun or romantic waves, your hair accessory does the heavy lifting.

• Combs
• Clips (pearls, crystals, sculptural gold… you choose the statement)
• Pins
• Fresh florals
• Headbands or crowns
• Bows (the bridal bow agenda is alive and thriving)
• Pick one hero piece and let the rest chill.

3. Jewellery (the big three: Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet)

Rule of thumb: your jewellery should complement your dress, not fight with it.

• Earrings: always the MVP. Drops for drama, studs for minimalism, pearls for the classic girlies.
• Necklace: only if your neckline wants one, otherwise skip.
• Bracelet: delicate works best so it doesn’t catch on lace.
• Rings: something small on the right hand if you want balance.

PSA: This is not the day to experiment with something heavy or jangly.

4. The shoes (comfort, but make it fashion)

This is where girls either thrive or perish.

Choose:

• Ceremony shoe (the beautiful one)
• Reception shoe (the comfortable one, padded, often flat or block-heeled)
• Outdoor shoe option if you’re walking on grass or gravel

Break them in. Seriously. Don’t be a hero.

5. Something old, new, borrowed, blue

The sentimental bits: the tiny things that end up meaning the most.

Ideas include:

• A tiny blue stitch inside the dress
• A borrowed piece of jewellery
• A vintage clutch
• Something old from a loved one (a handkerchief, bead, charm, brooch)

6. Bridal bag or clutch

A micro-bag for micro-emergencies.

What goes inside:

• Lipstick
• Powder or blotting papers
• Tissues
• Safety pins
• Mints
• A tiny vial of perfume
• Band-aids for rogue blisters

Your bridesmaid or planner can hold it, but it needs to exist.

7. Lingerie & shapewear

You need lingerie that supports the dress, not lingerie that fights for its life.

• Strapless bra or built-in cups
• Seamless underwear
• Shapewear (only if you want it)
• A pretty set for photos if you’re into that (get it, girl!)

Make sure you try everything on with the dress before the day.

8. The robe or getting-ready outfit

This is for those pre-ceremony photos where you want to look radiant, not like you’ve been steaming dresses for two hours.

Think: satin, linen, lace, PJs, coordinated with the vibes.

9. Emergency kit (do not skip this section)

This is the bit brides forget. And then regret.

Include:

• Fashion tape
• Bobby pins
• Needle + thread
• Panadol
• Stain remover pen
• Water (hydration is an accessory now)
• Deodorant
• Plasters
• Eye drops
• Portable fan (trust)

10. Outerwear & weather extras

Especially for winter weddings or unpredictable weather.

• Shawl, wrap or cape
• Coat or blazer for chic brides
• Umbrellas (pretty white ones for photos)

11. Reception-only accessories

When the party starts, the look evolves.

• Statement earrings for the outfit change
• Hair switch: bow for the reception, veil for the ceremony
• Second dress or jumpsuit
• Fun shoes
• Groom’s jacket for photos if you’re that couple

12. Perfume (your signature scent moment)

Choose something timeless, soft and emotional. Keep it consistent for anniversaries.

13, The unexpected-but-actually-essential things

These don’t sound glamorous, but trust:

• Heel stoppers for lawns
• Sunglasses for summer ceremonies
• Tissues sewn into the bouquet ribbon
• Breath mints (for both of you)
• A backup pair of earrings because the universe loves chaos

Your bridal accessories checklist (copy and paste this into your notes app!)

• Veil
• Hair accessory
• Earrings
• Necklace
• Bracelet
• Engagement ring cleaned
• Wedding band
• Shoes (ceremony)
• Shoes (reception)
• Backup shoes
• Lingerie
• Shapewear (optional)
• Bridal robe/Get-ready outfit
• Perfume
• Clutch/bag essentials
• Jewellery for reception outfit change
• Outerwear
• Umbrellas
• Emergency kit
• Reception-only accessories
• Sunglasses
• Something old
• Something new
• Something borrowed
• Something blue