The Power of Personalisation: One Dress, Three Ways
In 2026, bridal style is all about transformation. Today’s brides are rewriting the rules, curating multiple looks from one gown and embracing the art of personalisation through statement accessories.
As our Head Designer, Rosie Keating Leary, shares: “Brides don’t just wear a gown anymore, they curate a sequence of looks that reflect their personality at every stage of the day.”
From sweeping veils to ethereal capes, chic gloves to romantic headscarves, the right accessory can completely reimagine your look. Whether you’re walking down the aisle, mingling over cocktails, or dancing into the night, your gown becomes the canvas for endless self-expression.
Ceremony Drama: The Veil as a Statement Piece
The ceremony is your moment of pure romance, and a veil sets the tone beautifully. A cathedral-length veil brings grandeur to lace or embroidered gowns, creating that breathtaking, photogenic aisle moment. If your gown is crafted in satin or crepe, soft tulle veils add a dreamy contrast.
As Rosie explains: “What makes a veil truly special is its adaptability. Opting for a veil that has no comb, like our Ophelia veil, means it can be worn traditionally for the aisle or draped as a shawl at the reception. Brides can layer it with a Leila cape for dramatic puffed sleeves, or add the Petal headpiece or fresh flowers for a unique twist.”
These thoughtful details allow you to make a statement while staying effortlessly true to your personal style.
Wedding Canapés: Subtle Accessories That Elevate the Look
As the celebration shifts to cocktails and canapés, this is your chance to refine your look with smaller, strategic pieces. Lace gloves bring vintage charm to sleeveless or strappy gowns, while detachable overskirts or soft tulle layers add movement and texture.
Rosie’s advice? “This is the perfect moment to experiment. Pair lace gloves with a fitted satin gown, or remove a dramatic cape to reveal a sleek silhouette. Accessories like the Cartier veil or smaller headpieces can subtly shift the mood, making each canapé and photo opportunity feel polished yet personal.”
Reception & Afterparty: Playful, Fashion-Led Styling
By evening, it’s all about freedom and fun. Detachable wedding skirts, mini dresses and silk headscarves make for stylish transformations. A statement cape, like our Ezra or Whisper styles, adds a dramatic flourish for the dance floor or your grand entrance.
As Rosie puts it: “Accessories are tools for self-expression. Layering gloves, capes, or overskirts creates different silhouettes for each moment. This is when brides can embrace playful, fashion-led choices that feel true to their personality while keeping the look dynamic from first dance to final farewell.”
Selecting Accessories by Venue
Your setting plays a huge role in choosing the right accessories. As Rosie notes, “For a church ceremony, a cathedral veil enhances the architectural space and brings a sense of tradition. At the beach, light, flowing fabrics like a silk bandana or sheer organza headscarf feel natural and relaxed.” Each accessory should feel intentional, functional, and reflective of your space, whether intimate, urban or outdoors.
A Designer’s Guide to Experimenting With Accessories
The biggest secret to discovering your perfect bridal look? Experimentation. Rosie shares: “Trying on unexpected combinations can sometimes lead to the best matches. Layer a cape over your gown, pair gloves with a strappy dress, or remove the comb from a veil to wear it as a shawl. Accessories are not just finishing touches; they’re tools for personal expression, giving every bride the chance to create a look that is uniquely her own.”
Your wedding day is a reflection of your story, and with the right accessories, your gown becomes a living expression of your personality. Whether it’s a sweeping veil, a delicate pair of gloves, or a statement cape, each choice helps you create three unforgettable moments, each uniquely you.
Explore our accessory collection and discover how to make your Grace Loves Lace gown truly your own.
