How to create a luxury bridal look? Inspired by unique designs, fine handcrafting and lavish prettiness, this is your Everything Guide to looking ultra-luxurious on your wedding day. Included in this article:
How to distinguish genuine luxury
How to shop for exclusive bridal pieces
Design your bridal colour palette
Vintage luxury VS Modern luxe
Luxury doesn’t always equal expensive
How to look for great craftsmanship
Accessories, jewellery, florals
Final touches
What does luxury actually mean?
“Luxury is in each detail”, said Hubert de Givenchy. This is the essence of a luxe bridal look. Luxury weddings are all about design and quality. Plus originality and craftsmanship.
First of all, a luxury item does not necessarily need to be of a big brand. Nor expensive. Most of all, it must be beautifully made and last a long time.
Luxury can also be a feeling. Even if you aren’t sure why an item looks sumptuous, you’ll subconsciously pick up on its special qualities, such as exquisite colour and texture, expert stitching and superior design.
Modern Vs. Vintage luxury
Luxe bridal style is not limited to any one type of design or look. It can be classic or whimsical, grand or understated.
However, there are two luxury tendencies you should be aware of: vintage and modern.
1. Vintage luxe
1930’s style by Sortra – Rococo style by Ines DiSanto – Art Deco by Carriage House Weddings
The two most opulent antique eras were Rococo and Art Deco.
When it comes to Rococo, “more is more”. This era was all about outrageous extravagance. Think Marie Antoinette hoop skirts, lavish jewels and hair curled and twisted into an elaborate updo.
The Art Deco era, on the other hand, was modern and sleek in comparison. It embodied the excitement of the jazz age and women’s increasing independence.
In the Roaring Twenties, silhouettes were narrow and relaxed with intricate beading, hair styled into a smooth bob or a neck chignon.
Sexy luxe by Lurelly – Minimalist luxe by Antonio Riva – Romantic luxe by Lihi Hod
With modern luxury, focus on creating your own style with a dress and accessories made by current designers and craftspeople.
You don’t need to buy everything from a luxury brand. To create a unique look, try shopping in boutiques or on Etsy.com.
Seek out online retailers offering handcrafted pieces, check department stores for one-off sample items, or hire a seamstress to make a custom gown.
Trust your instincts. If an item or an accessory looks innovative and has an exclusive feel, that’s what you should go for.
You colour palette is SO important
Selecting the right colour palette is very important when designing a luxe wedding. Certain colour combinations immediately say “luxury”.
Choose sparingly!
Pick between 3 and 5 colours that are visible in your own bridal look, as well as your wedding decor:
1. One pale main colour that matches your dress (eg. ivory, white, pale rose) 2. One strong main colour (eg. charcoal, royal blue, plum) 3. A metallic tone (eg. gold, silver, rose gold) 4-5. Subtle tone variations on anyof the above
You’ll need to pick the dress before you can choose any of the accessories.
A luxury dress can be couture, self-designed, bought from an antique shop or even off the shelf. The secret to achieving a luxurious look is to find something unique.
The world is your oyster as far as styles go. There is no limit to silhouette, cut or colour, as long as your dress shows exceptional detail and craftsmanship.
This means the sewing, tailoring and detail must be perfect. Don’t accept anything less.
The veil or headpiece
A veil is not a must when it comes to luxe bridal styling. However, a cathedral veil does add a remarkable look of grandeur, so it is well worth considering.
If you forgo a veil, your next step is to hire a professional hairdresser. A luxe bridal look is polished to the end.
So it’s a good idea to pay for some extra time to experiment. Try different updos, downdos and headpieces, until you feel your hair is perfect.
Not all hairstyles match all necklines. Try out the hairstyle with your dress on.
If that’s not possible, take a photo of your dress to your hairdresser appointment. A professional stylist will be able to recommend the best look for your dress.
Jewellery – genuine gemstones only
For a luxe wedding, jewellery should be authentic. Fine jewellery made with real diamonds, gems and precious metals is the ideal here.
Pick pieces that show creativity, quality and, if possible, are handcrafted.
The most luxurious bridal jeweller pieces are made with diamonds – the rarest of all gems.
Diamonds give your jewellery instant heirloom status. If you’re on a budget, choose a sterling silver setting instead of gold or platinum.
If you prefer coloured gemstones, the “Big 3” gems are red rubies, blue sapphires and green emeralds.
If you’re not keen on very bright colours on your wedding day, then pink, white or yellow sapphires, blue topaz, pale purple amethyst or garnet are an excellent choice.
These highly durable and natural gems comes in many colours, including pure blue, pastel blue, pale pink, fuchsia, purple, yellow and more:
Roses are the most popular flower for luxe weddings. They’re expensive, but come in nearly all colours and their scent is stunning. Rose petals are the classic choice for flower girls to sprinkle down the aisle.
Peonies, gardenias and hydrangeas are elegant flowers that give an air of opulence. Calla lilies look stunningly sleek if you’re going for a simple, a look.
Stick to floral colour scheme that’s coordinated with your wedding palette. This will give a cohesive, stylised look to your whole wedding.
A skilled florist will design your chose floral hues to run through your bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids’ bouquets, and floral arrangements at the venue.
Last but not least – all the other details
There are many other ways to add luxury to your wedding day. For your invites, menus and place names, consider gold accents and beautiful, swirling calligraphy. Create an aristocratic feel with a candelabra, gold toned cutlery and professionally designed centerpieces.
Cascading, elaborate foliage and flower arrangements bring a luxurious air to your venue, whether it’s a grand country mansion, a classic Greek beach destination or an outdoor wedding in landscaped gardens.
Don’t forget about guest dress etiquette. Black tie looks stunningly elegant for evening weddings. If you’re going for a palatial feel, white tie is the most formal and elegant dress code.
Finally, when you’re whisked away for your luxury honeymoon, choose a gilded vintage Chrysler, a stretch limousine or a horse drawn carriage to embark on married life.
How to create a luxury bridal look? Inspired by unique designs, fine handcrafting and lavish prettiness, this is your Everything Guide to looking ultra-luxurious on your wedding day. Included in this article:
What does luxury actually mean?
“Luxury is in each detail”, said Hubert de Givenchy. This is the essence of a luxe bridal look. Luxury weddings are all about design and quality. Plus originality and craftsmanship.
First of all, a luxury item does not necessarily need to be of a big brand. Nor expensive. Most of all, it must be beautifully made and last a long time.
Luxury can also be a feeling. Even if you aren’t sure why an item looks sumptuous, you’ll subconsciously pick up on its special qualities, such as exquisite colour and texture, expert stitching and superior design.
Modern Vs. Vintage luxury
Luxe bridal style is not limited to any one type of design or look. It can be classic or whimsical, grand or understated.
However, there are two luxury tendencies you should be aware of: vintage and modern.
1. Vintage luxe
1930’s style by Sortra – Rococo style by Ines DiSanto – Art Deco by Carriage House Weddings
The two most opulent antique eras were Rococo and Art Deco.
When it comes to Rococo, “more is more”. This era was all about outrageous extravagance. Think Marie Antoinette hoop skirts, lavish jewels and hair curled and twisted into an elaborate updo.
The Art Deco era, on the other hand, was modern and sleek in comparison. It embodied the excitement of the jazz age and women’s increasing independence.
In the Roaring Twenties, silhouettes were narrow and relaxed with intricate beading, hair styled into a smooth bob or a neck chignon.
For 1930-40’s Art Deco, go for finger-curled hair, a long column dress and geometric diamond designs.
>>CLICK HERE to read more about vintage bridal styles
2. Modern luxe
Sexy luxe by Lurelly – Minimalist luxe by Antonio Riva – Romantic luxe by Lihi Hod
With modern luxury, focus on creating your own style with a dress and accessories made by current designers and craftspeople.
You don’t need to buy everything from a luxury brand. To create a unique look, try shopping in boutiques or on Etsy.com.
Seek out online retailers offering handcrafted pieces, check department stores for one-off sample items, or hire a seamstress to make a custom gown.
Trust your instincts. If an item or an accessory looks innovative and has an exclusive feel, that’s what you should go for.
You colour palette is SO important
Selecting the right colour palette is very important when designing a luxe wedding. Certain colour combinations immediately say “luxury”.
Choose sparingly!
Pick between 3 and 5 colours that are visible in your own bridal look, as well as your wedding decor:
1. One pale main colour that matches your dress (eg. ivory, white, pale rose)
2. One strong main colour (eg. charcoal, royal blue, plum)
3. A metallic tone (eg. gold, silver, rose gold)
4-5. Subtle tone variations on any of the above
See our luxury palette slideshow for inspo:
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
For jewellery featured in slideshow visit TheDiamondStore.co.uk
The dress
You’ll need to pick the dress before you can choose any of the accessories.
A luxury dress can be couture, self-designed, bought from an antique shop or even off the shelf. The secret to achieving a luxurious look is to find something unique.
Sumptuous, classic luxury bridal materials include:
The world is your oyster as far as styles go. There is no limit to silhouette, cut or colour, as long as your dress shows exceptional detail and craftsmanship.
This means the sewing, tailoring and detail must be perfect. Don’t accept anything less.
The veil or headpiece
A veil is not a must when it comes to luxe bridal styling. However, a cathedral veil does add a remarkable look of grandeur, so it is well worth considering.
If you forgo a veil, your next step is to hire a professional hairdresser. A luxe bridal look is polished to the end.
So it’s a good idea to pay for some extra time to experiment. Try different updos, downdos and headpieces, until you feel your hair is perfect.
Not all hairstyles match all necklines. Try out the hairstyle with your dress on.
If that’s not possible, take a photo of your dress to your hairdresser appointment. A professional stylist will be able to recommend the best look for your dress.
Jewellery – genuine gemstones only
For a luxe wedding, jewellery should be authentic. Fine jewellery made with real diamonds, gems and precious metals is the ideal here.
Pick pieces that show creativity, quality and, if possible, are handcrafted.
The most luxurious bridal jeweller pieces are made with diamonds – the rarest of all gems.
If you choose essential diamond jewellery items – diamond stud earrings, tennis bracelets or a solitaire necklace – you’ll be able to wear these for the rest of your life, not just on your wedding day.
Diamonds give your jewellery instant heirloom status. If you’re on a budget, choose a sterling silver setting instead of gold or platinum.
If you prefer coloured gemstones, the “Big 3” gems are red rubies, blue sapphires and green emeralds.
If you’re not keen on very bright colours on your wedding day, then pink, white or yellow sapphires, blue topaz, pale purple amethyst or garnet are an excellent choice.
These highly durable and natural gems comes in many colours, including pure blue, pastel blue, pale pink, fuchsia, purple, yellow and more:
Other genuine gemstones to choose from are blue-violet shimmering tanzanite, sky blue topaz, purple amethyst and rich burgundy red garnet.
Colourful gems are the best and most authentic way to add sumptuous jewel tones to your bridal palette.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that you also have the option of coloured diamonds in gorgeous shades, such as champagne-yellow.
Flowers
Roses are the most popular flower for luxe weddings. They’re expensive, but come in nearly all colours and their scent is stunning. Rose petals are the classic choice for flower girls to sprinkle down the aisle.
Peonies, gardenias and hydrangeas are elegant flowers that give an air of opulence. Calla lilies look stunningly sleek if you’re going for a simple, a look.
Stick to floral colour scheme that’s coordinated with your wedding palette. This will give a cohesive, stylised look to your whole wedding.
A skilled florist will design your chose floral hues to run through your bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids’ bouquets, and floral arrangements at the venue.
Last but not least – all the other details
There are many other ways to add luxury to your wedding day. For your invites, menus and place names, consider gold accents and beautiful, swirling calligraphy. Create an aristocratic feel with a candelabra, gold toned cutlery and professionally designed centerpieces.
Cascading, elaborate foliage and flower arrangements bring a luxurious air to your venue, whether it’s a grand country mansion, a classic Greek beach destination or an outdoor wedding in landscaped gardens.
Don’t forget about guest dress etiquette. Black tie looks stunningly elegant for evening weddings. If you’re going for a palatial feel, white tie is the most formal and elegant dress code.
Finally, when you’re whisked away for your luxury honeymoon, choose a gilded vintage Chrysler, a stretch limousine or a horse drawn carriage to embark on married life.
Did you enjoy this? Get more luxury inspiration on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
Discover diamond engagement rings now at TheDiamondStore.co.uk.
Discover more
Share this: