Company Spotlight: Bridal Accessory Tips by Foolish Ginger

This spring we were asked by Christina Lily Photography to be a small part of a shoot for the bridal accessory line by Foolish Ginger. The shoot, styled by Gilded Lily Events, showcased the handmade headpieces, sashes and jewelry for Foolish Ginger's gorgeous line and we were happy to lend our dome chair and vintage garter box to the details. The pictures {and pieces} are absolutely stunning!

We asked Foolish Ginger owner, Erica, for some tips on choosing bridal accessories to complement a bride's look on her big day and she was kind enough to provide us with four super helpful pieces of advice. From Erica...

Before even looking at accessories, have your dress picked out.  I know this seems pretty obvious, but some brides fall in love with a particular hair piece or sash and then are seriously limited when it comes to choosing the gown. 

Have an inspiration or story. The first question I usually ask a bride when having a consultation is, "What is the look or style you're going for?" Whether it's vintage, bohemian, classic, old Hollywood, etc...know your style. I actually had a bride tell me she was going for mermaid glam once. Funny but helpful. Draw inspiration from movies, magazines, or a celebrity style icon. As a designer, I can be so much more helpful when the bride has a vision. 

Try on headbands, clips, combs, lace, no lace, feathers, rhinestones, just pearls, big, small...the key is variety. The best way to choose your accessories is to try a bunch of different styles on. Sometimes I work with brides that don't have a clue what they want.  Spin around a fitting room with a hand mirror, have someone take a picture of you in the piece. Try to get different vantage points. Trying on a variety will truly help you understand what you like, and are comfortable wearing. It's important to feel like you, just a more glamorous version. Be brave. Try things on that you normally would never think would be your style. You could surprise yourself. It will also help you finalize your choice. If you can't choose just one, remember you can do 2 different looks...one for the ceremony, another for the reception.

Leave the entourage at home. This last tip may seem a little harsh, but trust me, I know what I'm talking about here. Bring only one or two people with you when you're looking for your accessories and make sure they are people whose opinion you truly value. I've seen far too many brides struggle with family and friends when it comes to asking opinions. On a very regular basis I get bridesmaids who answer for the bride, or an aunt who insists that "this is what we want." I've seen brides light up when they find the headband they were dreaming about and then are talked out of it by someone who doesn't think it's her style. Too many opinions aren't good. It's your day, you are the one wearing the gown and the accessory... You should be the decision maker.

Erica is a self-taught jewelry-maker who attended art school at FIT in NYC and has expanded her studies through tons of different art and design courses. Her shop, Foolish Ginger, is in Asbury Park, NJ, where she takes private appointments with brides to help design the perfect piece for their big day.

Foolish Ginger
608 Cookman Ave
Asbury Park NJ 07712
732-455-8068
Foolishginger@yahoo.com
Www.foolishginger.com

To rent Trunk's dome chair or vintage garter box for your event or shoot be sure to check out www.trunkvintagerental.com and send us a note!

All photos in this post by Christina Lilly Photography