Veiled Effect

Choose a veil that complements your wedding dress. A cathedral-length veil adds drama to a sheath, while the proportions of an elbow-length veil go best with a ball gown.

Beautiful Brocade

Winter shawls not your thing? Wear a chic brocade jacket instead. A few style options: a classic waist-length bolero, a short and sassy capelet, or a fitted Edwardian design with a flared back and sides.

Dress Rehearsal

You don't have to bring your own shoes for the first try-on at the bridal shop, since most salons can lend you heels in a variety of heights.

Flat Chance

Golden Girl

Free Falling

Scuff the soles of new shoes with sandpaper to create traction, preventing tumbles when walking down the aisle and dancing.

Black Splash

Once forbidden, black accessories are now hip picks for brides not tied to tradition. Onyx extras add subversive style to oh-so-proper dresses.

Black and White

Hot Hands

Gloves are back in a big way—and look better than ever. The hottest choices this season? Styles that stop just above the elbow, and slouch gloves, which end midway between the wrist and elbow.

Fast Fix

If you slip on your new shoes the day of your wedding and realize a strap is too loose, punch an extra hole in the strap with a corkscrew for a tighter fit.

Dancing Shoes

Bring a pair of backup shoes in case you snap off the heel of your stiletto. Krazy Glue won't last on the dance floor, and nailing the heel back on is an invitation for a twisted ankle.

Slim Down

For a smoother look, try Spanx, a body-shaping hosiery collection that comes in an array of sheer colors and features footless control-top panty hose that end at your calves.

Sleek Shoes

Get posh wedding shoes without ever leaving your couch. Log on to Myglassslipper.com, which stocks couture designs by Giuseppe Zanotti, Kate Spade, and more.

Back Up

Missing an earring back? Secure your earring with a broken-off pencil eraser. If there's no pencil in sight, try a small bit of cork or a piece of chewing gum (recently used, then dried).

Something Borrowed

See if a relative or close friend will loan you her headpiece or veil. You'll be saving money and honoring the "something borrowed" tradition at the same time.