All the Wedding-Guest Accessories I Love for Finishing Off an Outfit
I just love me a wedding. The joy of two perfectly suited people making a heartfelt commitment in conjunction with copious amounts of fizz, a merry group of party companions (new and old), some cheesy dance-floor tunes and one big-fat opportunity to get dressed up—it's the dream combination.
Part of the excitement for me is thinking about what to wear. There are so many wedding-guest outfit options, and I've definitely experimented with a few. A trouser suit has served me well for city nuptials, but for the most part, dresses are my trustiest of fashion friends. I'm not that fussed about wearing the same style to multiple weddings. With carefully chosen accessories each time, you can really change the look and feel of your favourite frock.
That's where this handy gallery comes in, offering you the very best in every type of wedding guest accessory. From hats to shoes, jewellery to bags, whether you're a serial outfit-repeater or an "only wear it once" kind of girl, we can all agree these little extras lift any ensemble on the big day. Many of them even work well in the office, on nights out and during your summer hols.
Wedding-Guest Bags
Make it small, decorative, handheld and a conversation starter. But most of all, make it something that really cheers you (and a host of outfits) up. I'm often searching for vintage treats on eBay, but there are plenty of new designs to keep cute bag lovers happy. Beading is still in, as is fringing, but anything goes in terms of colours. I'd suggest choosing a neutral white, cream or metallic to match well with a host of looks.
Shop my wedding-guest bag picks:
Wedding-Guest Shoes
From simple strappies to more OTT bejewelled courts, finding the right wedding-guest shoes for you is really dependent on what style you'd normally wear and what you find most comfortable to spend a solid six or so hours in. White, nudes and metallics will always serve you well, but if you're more adventurous than that, I'd urge you to try a colourful satin pair.
Related: The 4 Colours Our Editors Will Be Wearing to Weddings This Season
Shop my wedding-guest shoe picks:
Wedding-Guest Jewellery
Although necklaces, bracelets, rings and brooches are all very valid accoutrements for your wedding ensemble, it would appear that big, bold earrings are still taking up the most airtime on social media and the most shelf space in stores. Particularly great with hair up and a statement neckline; you can go for anything from colourful jewels to pearl baubles or super-minimal gold discs.
Shop my wedding earrings picks:
Wedding Hair Accessories
It's been a long time since we've seen someone cool attend a wedding wearing a hat (I'm personally a big fan but realise they're a marmite accessory for most). These days, it's all about headbands, hair clips and barrettes, and the more princess-y the better, by the looks of things…
Shop my wedding hair accessories picks:
Related: 27 Wedding Guest Dresses I'd Buy From & Other Stories, Topshop and Zara
Wedding Guest Sunglasses
I see weddings as an opportunity to bring your most "extra" self to the fore, and nothing does that quite like a look-at-me pair of sunglasses. Now's the chance to go all-out for diamantés, strong silhouettes and colours that stand out.
Shop my wedding sunglasses picks:
Next up, the best wedding-guest dresses of 2019.
Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.
-
How Everyone Will Be Wearing Their Non–Skinny Jeans This Spring
Here's your outfit inspiration.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Suddenly, Women With The Row Style Are Breaking This Fashion Rule
You should too.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears Today
A true fashion icon.
By Judith Jones
-
Suddenly, All the Chicest People I Know Are Upgrading Their Outfits With This Winter Accessory Trend
Inspired by the early 1900s.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% Classic
Just as you are.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Sunglasses! Sneakers! Jewelry! Here Are the Top 2025 Accessories That Will Replace 2024 Styles
It's all about personality.
By Emma Spedding
-
I Don't Do Maximalism—6 Quiet Luxury Trends That Are Still Cool in 2025
On-trend, not trendy.
By Natalie Cantell