Today’s micro-wedding or ‘mini-mony’ has allowed us to rethink the rules of bridal wear, and we're advocating marrying pragmatism with pizzazz. We're wedded to alternative bridal accessories with a contemporary ease and practicality, which you'd hope to wear again and again, from shoes without sky-high heels, to bags big enough for your hand sanitiser. Here, we present the pieces for achieving down-the-aisle delight.
Sleeper
Manon mules, by Sleeper
For brides prioritising a chic sense of comfort, Sleeper’s slip-on satin mules are a match made in matrimonial heaven. This champagne colourway is particularly celebratory and would suit an array of bridal tones, from ivory to cream. When you fancy something more fuss-free, you can simply detach the marabou feather trim.
Paco Rabanne
Iconic 1969 Mini Square Handbag, by Paco Rabanne
So it’s unlikely you’ll be dancing under a mirror ball with hundreds of friends. Bring disco dazzle to your ensemble with a chain mail bag by Paco Rabanne. You’ll shimmer and jangle as you take your first strides into married life.
JW Anderson
Crystal embellished mid heels, by JW Anderson
A graphic silhouette is a sublime way to dial down glitz. Take JW Anderson’s dance-all-night mid-heel sandals, which are detailed with a circular rhinestone hoop. They speak of sparkle but are streamlined in design too.
Jennifer Behr
Henley faux pearl hair tie, by Jennifer Behr.
A modern sense of ceremony can be achieved with classics with a twist. Jennifer Behr's hair tie is formed from a strand of elegant faux pearls, which encircle the hair instead of the neck or wrist. It'll also keep you from nervously twiddling your tresses.
Miu Miu
Patent leather and crystal slingbacks, by Miu Miu.
A kitten heel will ensure you don't need a shoe change throughout the day, and keep you feeling firmly on your feet (even after a few glasses of fizz). Miu Miu's patent silver style are delicately dazzling, complete with pretty bow detail and crystal embellishments.
Judith Leiber Couture
Bow Just For You clutch bag by Judith Leiber.
There's an artistic élan behind this Judith Leiber clutch bag. To terrific Trompe-l'œil effect, the style resembles a 3D bow, formed from twinkling crystals. It's also sizable enough for a small hand sanitiser.
RELATED STORY
Prada
Sequinned head band, by Prada.
If a veil feels too traditional, why not opt for an eye-catching head band instead? This Prada option is a signature of the house, and in a matrimonial melange is imagined here in white satin and twinkling paillettes.
Khaite
Seville Pump in ivory, by Khaite
The standout silhouette of this pump is worthy of a speech itself. Don't let the ivory silk fabrication fool you, these styles are anything but traditional. The upper is cut to fall symmetrically on the foot, and curves with a tie around the ankle. Nothing will be chicer skimming from underneath a dress, skirt or trouser suit.
Simone Rocha
White beaded mini tote bag, by Simone Rocha
The delicate structure of this bag has been woven from strands of faux pearls and crystals. Both classic yet utterly contemporary, it's sure to carry all your on-the-day essentials. It will also wonderfully offset layers of tulle and organza, fabrics which Rocha herself revels in.
Christopher Kane
Ostrich feather-trim short tulle veil, by Christopher Kane
Christopher Kane is a master at making flouncy details feel subversive. There's something tongue-in-cheek about the indulgent ostrich feather trim of this tulle veil, made from brides keen for sugar-coated tradition with a twist.
-
A major Frida Kahlo exhibition is coming to the Tate Modern next yearTate’s 2026 programme includes 'Frida: The Making of an Icon', which will trace the professional and personal life of countercultural figurehead Frida Kahlo
-
Stay at Nujuma, a forward-facing sanctuary in the Red Sea regionNujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, sets the bar high as one of Saudi Arabia’s ultra-luxury destinations
-
Pierre Yovanovitch’s set and costumes bring a contemporary edge to Korea National Opera in SeoulFrench interior architect Pierre Yovanovitch makes his second operatic design foray, for The Marriage of Figaro in Seoul
-
Molly Goddard on creating a community of contemporary bridesAs new Molly Goddard bridal wear is released, the designer talks about creating romantic but real wedding dresses, while three recent brides tell the stories behind their own Goddard gowns
-
Introducing WeddingpaperWelcome to Weddingpaper*, our brand new guide to bridal elegance, immaculate grooms, and thoroughly modern nuptials
-
How to be an impeccably dressed wedding guestUp the drama and dazzle at your next autumnal nuptial celebration. Divorce that dialled down dressing. Ostentation and elegance are a match made in style heaven.
