Sash it up!

Let's face it ladies, even the prettiest wedding gowns sometimes need a little help to make a girl in a great gown look like a bride.  Accessories are crucial to your wedding day look.  And sometimes the most jaw dropping, show stopping accessory of all can be easily overlooked.
On the popular television show Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta, Monte says that "Jacking up" or accessorizing your gown is a very important part of shopping for a wedding gown.  When the accessorize the women on their program, they do their hair, fit them with jewelry and a veil, and often add a belt or sash to the gown.

A belt can take a gown that is pretty and turn it into something extraordinary.  Take this gown by Alvina Valenta.  Alone it is a beautiful mermaid style gown with lace detail along the bodice and hem, and a flare of lace along the sweetheart neckline that adds a touch of playful.  But in the nest photo after they have added a very simple belt with rhinestone accents the gown takes on a different feel for a different style wedding.

This belt is much less dramatic than many that are out there to choose from.  Swap out that simple sash for something more elaborate like those below, and think of how different it would be.

    

This example is from a real bride.  Chelsea Clinton added a gorgeous belt to her Vera Wang wedding gown.  It completely transformed her gown from nice to stunning.

So brides don't forget to accessorize when trying on your wedding gowns.  It could make all the difference between a dress you like and a dress you love.

Links to all of the belts above can be found on our Pinterest page.