Finding the perfect wedding dress or suit can be a huge relief, however, that’s not where it ends when it comes to putting your attire together for the big day. There are still accessories to choose from to complete the ensemble, from the shoes you’re going to wear that balance style and comfort (you’re going to spend a lot of time on your feet!) to the jewellery that ties it all together.

But, what do couples spend on accessories during the build-up to a wedding? In this post, we’re going to take a look at everything related to wedding accessory costs, including shoes, bags, headpieces, jewellery and everything in between.

What are wedding accessories?

Photo © Joanna Reed Bridal Accessories | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding accessories are the extras you’ll wear on your wedding day in addition to your dress or suit. They add a little extra sparkle and complement the overall style and theme of your wedding.

Bridal accessories include a veil, a headpiece, jewellery, shoes and a handbag or clutch.

Groom accessories include a tie or bowtie, cufflinks, a watch, a pocket square, shoes and a belt.

There are also accessories for the ceremony and reception, such as ring pillows and flower girl baskets, and accessories at the reception, like table numbers that complement the decor.

What’s the average cost of wedding accessories?

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The average amount couples spend on wedding accessories is around £300-£400. This can include bridal accessories such as a veil and garter, and groom accessories like cufflinks and a pocket square.

If you’re looking for an idea of what individual accessories might cost, the below guide will give you an estimate of what to budget for. You can also use our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for an understanding of how much your overall wedding may cost.

Veil

A traditional bridal dress is worn with a veil, but it’s certainly not a requirement. In fact, over half of today’s brides choose not to wear one, so there is no right or wrong answer. If you’re keen to wear a veil, depending on the style you choose, expect to spend anywhere from £50 – £250. Bespoke veils with personalised detailing will naturally cost more than standard designs.

Nathalie Neuilly, founder of Dressarte Paris, shares her expert insights as an experienced dressmaker: “We often do custom veils adding custom messages, initials etc. But it’s true that more than 75% of our brides decide to go without veils. Instead they prefer to add fresh flowers when styling their hair, or upcycle their mum’s veil and create a custom accessory.”

Headpiece

If you’re not wearing a veil, a headpiece, such as a tiara or hair comb, can add a little extra sparkle. Costs will be around £100 – £250 but can go higher.

Jewellery

Of course, you’ll likely already have jewellery that would work nicely on your wedding day, but you may want to treat yourself to something new for such a special occasion. Costs for new jewellery can range from a simple pair of earrings at £20 and go up from there.

Jacket

If you’re wearing a strapless dress or getting married during the colder months, you may want to consider a bridal jacket that complements your dress for when the temperature drops. Costs start from £75.

Garter

A garter is a traditional accessory worn around the bride’s thigh and is usually made from lace. It’s another accessory that many brides choose not to wear, but if it’s something for you then you might spend between £20 – £50.

Handbag or clutch

Not many wedding dresses come fitted with pockets, and the modern bride needs somewhere to keep your phone that isn’t your bra. Plus, a small handbag or clutch can complement a dress beautifully. Costs for a clutch will often fall between £25 – £80.

Tie

The groom’s tie is a way to tie a suit together with the overall style and colour scheme of the wedding. Ties will often cost around £25 – £60.

Cufflinks

Cufflinks are a popular gift for a bride to gift her groom ahead of the ceremony. They can be unique and personal and can be customised so that they have meaning behind them. They cost around £50 – £100.

Pocket squares

Pocket squares are another traditional wedding accessory and one that is still typically upheld. It’s another great way to introduce a touch of colour to a suit. Thankfully, they’re relatively inexpensive at around £10 – £15.

Belt

A belt is something already found in no short supply in many drawers, but a new belt for the big day will cost around £15 – £25.

For more information check out our introduction to wedding accessories to give yourself a little inspiration.

What’s the average cost of wedding shoes?

Photo © Shoe Design and Bridal by J. | See their Bridebook profile

Another key accessory to budget for is the shoes you’ll wear on your big day. At your wedding, you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet, from the time the two of you are exchanging vows to when you’re dancing the night away ten hours or so later. For that reason, you’ll each need a pair of shoes that are kind to your feet.

The average cost of wedding shoes will vary, but couples in the UK spend around £200 on new footwear.

For some expert advice on wedding shoes, check out Jimmy Choo’s guide to the wonderful world of wedding shoes.

How much do the bride’s shoes cost?

Whether you’re looking for a flat or something with a heel, practicality is just as important as style on your wedding day. The cost of your bridal shoes can vary, but if you budget for between £60 – £150 you should find something to suit any taste.

How much do the groom’s shoes cost?

Grooms have a similar range of choices, including style, colour and even heel if you’re looking to gain an inch or so. Costs for groom’s shoes also vary, but will be around £50 – £130.

Should you buy new jewellery for your wedding?

Photo © London Diamond and Emerald Fine Jewellery | See their Bridebook profile

There’s a lot to buy during the build-up to your wedding, and whether or not you should buy new jewellery is your decision.

As it’s your special day, you may want to treat yourself to a new piece of jewellery to mark the occasion. Of course, if you’re hoping to wear several accessories, you may have to wear some that you own already. When you consider the cost of a headpiece, a necklace, earrings, a bracelet, cufflinks and a watch, the cost can quickly add up. Our data shows that the average amount couples spend on jewellery is £1,000, and this doesn’t include the cost of the wedding rings. But, it depends on you, your budget and the sentimentality as to whether or not you should buy new jewellery. It’s always nice to have a little treat though, of course!

For more information, check out our guide to choosing wedding jewellery.

Should the groom wear a hat and gloves?

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This is another question that doesn’t have a right or wrong answer. Whether the groom should wear a hat and gloves or not depends on the formality and the theme of the wedding. At a formal wedding, they’re not generally worn, but at a very formal wedding, where the groom may be wearing a tuxedo rather than a suit, they may also choose to wear a top hat, gloves, and even carry a walking stick. But, it’s purely a matter of taste and what suits your style. If this is something you’re looking to wear, then the cost for a hat and gloves will start from around £200.

For more information read our introduction to the groom’s attire.

What about wedding ceremony and wedding reception accessories?

Photo © Love2Sparkle | See their Bridebook profile

Accessories at your wedding ceremony, the wedding breakfast and evening reception do often cross over into wedding decor territory, which is worth bearing in mind when it comes to accessorising and budgeting for your overall wedding.

Examples of wedding ceremony accessories include:

Ring pillow or box
Basket for the flower girls
Guest book and pen
Aisle runner

Examples of wedding reception accessories include:

Name cards
Table numbers
Table runners
Cake topper

Plan your wedding with Bridebook today

Sign up to Bridebook and plan your wedding with ease, including a huge number of wonderful dress and accessories suppliers to choose from.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding accessories, we’ve written a guide to help you get the most our of your budget.

Happy Planning!

Sophia Shafiee

Sophia is a passionate writer and editor and expert on all things wedding content related, with a First Class degree from the University of Oxford. She frequently shares her wedding advice and tips with leading UK publications on behalf of Bridebook.com, including Harper’s Bazaar, SheerLuxe and Porter Magazine.

Last updated: 21st Feb 2024