Once you’ve asked your besties to stand by your side on the big day, and you’ve chosen dresses you think everyone will actually like, it’s finally time to choose accessories! From flower crowns to pretty pumps, here’s how to lock in a look that works for your whole wedding crew.

Photo Credit: Ken Kienow on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

1. Nail down the look. You’ve carefully chosen a theme or style for your wedding, so you likely want your bridesmaids’ attire to seamlessly match that look. If you’re having a vintage affair, consider accessories that incorporate rhinestones or other era-appropriate baubles. At a rustic wedding, you might want to do floral crowns or handmade corsages. For a glam, modern fête, choose statement necklaces or earrings with serious wow-factor.

2. Let your bridesmaids choose. We’re firm believers in letting bridesmaids pick out their own accessories, especially if you’re asking them to pay for them. Unless you want a wedding look that’s absolutely uniform, your ‘maids will be happier if they can purchase accessories that fit their personal style, or re-wear items they already own. And if you go this route, you can always give them simple guidelines (such as “avoid statement necklaces please”) to make things look somewhat cohesive.

3. Consider gifting accessories. If you want your bridesmaids to wear one item that’s the same across the board, consider giving it to each woman pre-wedding. For example, you could pick out a beautiful bracelet, printed clutch, or a monogram pendant that will suit all of your gals. And if you’re expecting your bridesmaids to wear an accessory that’s purely for the pictures (like fascinators for a garden party or matching coats and scarves at a winter wedding), you should cover the cost.

4. Know that headpieces and floral accessories are on you. If you’re asking your bridesmaids to wear fresh hair wreaths, corsages, or other florals, know that you’ll be footing the bill. You can ask your girls for input or show them a few options and talk through their favorite styles, or you could even bring one of your bridesmaids to an appointment with your florist to share her thoughts.

5. Don’t forget the shoes! We love when brides let their ‘maids pick out their own shoes; every woman’s feet are different and not all of us are comfortable tramping down the aisle in six-inch heels. If you want a uniform look, ask your bridesmaids to wear shoes in a particular color or style.

Ultimately, you should try to choose accessories for your bridesmaids that fit the overall theme of your wedding. But it’s also important to give them space to feel comfortable and confident on your big day.

Browse more big day accessory inspiration on Lover.ly!

—Kellee Khalil

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly