Fabulous & Functional Wedding Accessories

Have you ever heard the words practical or functional in association with tiara's, headpieces or jewelry when shopping for those finishing touches to your wedding day ensemble? Neither have I. If anything, it's the one time we seem to give ourselves permission to be impractical. To buy that amazing crystal tiara and glamorous jewelry with no regrets, or thoughts of when or how they could be worn again. And up until now, they usually weren't.

Something new and interesting is beginning to happen in wedding accessories. Designers are creating pieces, jewelry as well as tiaras and headpieces that can be converted, and worn in multiple ways. Thereby extending the life of these accessories to beyond just the wedding day alone. One of the first designers to pioneer this concept is Mandy of Tigerlilly Tiaras. All of Tigerlilly headbands can be worn in the hair or as a necklace or choker. Each piece comes with a detachable extender chain, plus a removable 's' hook. To wear a piece as a headband or tiara, you simply would remove the extender chain and a 's' hook, and then use bobby pins to secure it in place on your head. To wear it as a necklace, attach the 's' hook and the extender chain - genius! Tigerlilly was recently named 'Best Headpieces of 2007' by the editors of Brides Magazine for their revolutionary design innovations.

Meg Lammers of Meg Jewelry, has created for her Spring/Summer 2008 collection, a line of jewelry she calls 'The Evolution of Elegance'. Within the collection, there are pieces that can be worn multiple ways, and even mixed to create new looks. By using magnetic closures, a necklace can be wrapped around the wrist to be worn as a bracelet. A necklace and bracelet can be connected to create a longer version of the original necklace, or wrapped around the neck to create the look of a choker. One of the line's best selling pieces is a pearl necklace with a small tulle flower that is attached to the necklace with tiny but powerful magnets. The tulle flower can be made in many different colors to coordinate with your wedding palette. The piece can be converted into a bracelet and since the tulle flower is detachable, it can be worn in almost any way you could imagine, as a pin, in your hair, etc. Many of the line's necklaces can be worn either in the front, or draped down the back.

Another trend that leans on the side of practicality is choosing neutral metallics rather than white or ivory shoes and handbags. Many gowns are embellished with silver or gold embroidery, by accenting with coordinating matte metallics; the bride adds a chic and fresh touch to her attire, as well as the ability to wear those accessories easily on other occasions.

If you are looking for a wrap to toss over your shoulders should you get chilly during your wedding day, consider buying to coordinate with your wedding colors. It will add a pop of color to your ensemble, and will look very much in keeping with the color theme of your event. Wraps also make great bridesmaid gifts, so consider decking your bridal party out in them as well!

Even though most are more than willing to splurge on their wedding day ensemble, its nice to know that the option does exist, to purchase accessories that will be completely wearable long after the wedding. Fabulous and functional wedding accessories, who knew?

Resources

Tigerlilly Tiaras :: http://www.tigerlillytiaras.com

Meg Jewelry :: http://www.bella-jewels.com

Blue Tux Shoes :: http://www.bluetuxshoes.com

Wraps :: http://www.amazingcollections.com