Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
Your dress has probably been ordered for months. But accessories? Most brides treat them as an afterthought — something to sort out once the "big" decisions are made.
The problem is that the most beautiful bridal accessories — silk satin gloves, handcrafted veils, custom headpieces — aren't sitting in a warehouse waiting to ship overnight. They're made carefully, in small quantities, and they need to fit you properly. That takes time.
Add in international shipping, potential customs delays, and the fact that you'll want to try everything on with your dress before the wedding day, and three months goes quickly.
Here's how to use that time well.
Order Right Now: 8–12 Week Lead Time
These are the pieces that need the most runway. If you haven't ordered them yet, do it this week.
Bridal gloves Opera gloves and long satin gloves are having a major moment — and for good reason. They're one of the most transformative accessories a bride can wear, instantly elevating any silhouette from beautiful to unforgettable.
But fit is everything. Gloves that are too tight won't go on over rings. Too loose and they'll slip throughout the day. If you're ordering silk satin gloves, allow time to check sizing carefully, and factor in that some brides need a size up or down from their usual.
If you're considering gloves for your wedding, now is the time to order — not next month.
Veil Your veil is one of the first things guests will see as you walk down the aisle. A Juliet cap veil, in particular, sits close to the head and needs to work in harmony with your hairstyle — which means you'll want to trial it with your hairdresser before the wedding day. That requires having it in your hands well in advance.
Allow at least 8 weeks, more if you're ordering internationally.
Custom headpiece or hair accessories If your headpiece is handmade or made-to-order, treat it like your veil — order early and build in time for a hair trial.
Shoes Especially if you're having them dyed to match your dress, or if you're ordering a custom heel height. Dyeing takes time, and you'll also want to break them in before the big day.
Order Within the Next Four Weeks: 4–6 Week Lead Time
These pieces have shorter production times but still need to arrive with enough time for you to check everything is right.
Jewellery Earrings, necklaces, bracelets — if you're buying from an independent designer or having anything personalised (engraved, custom chain length, birthstone), allow 4–6 weeks. Even standard pieces can take longer than expected during peak wedding season.
Hair pins and combs Easy to overlook, but if you want them to coordinate with your veil or headpiece, order them at the same time so you can compare in person.
Garter Low urgency, but brides consistently forget this until the last minute. Order it now and tick it off the list.
Something blue, something borrowed If you're purchasing a "something blue" item rather than borrowing one, now is a good time to sort it. Same goes for anything you're gifting to bridesmaids that doubles as your "something borrowed."
Can Wait Until 6–8 Weeks Before: Standard Shipping
These items are widely available and don't require custom production, so you have a little more flexibility.
Bridal bag or clutch Unless it's custom or monogrammed, most bridal clutches ship within a week or two. That said, don't leave it so late that you're stressed about it arriving in time.
Getting-ready robes and outfits For you and your bridal party. These are usually standard sizing and ship quickly, but if you want matching sets in multiple sizes, order together to avoid stock issues.
Wedding day emergency kit Fashion tape, stain remover pen, blister plasters, safety pins, a small sewing kit. You can put this together from everyday items, but if you're buying a pre-made kit, 6–8 weeks out is fine.
The Things Brides Most Often Forget
Bridesmaid accessories If you want your bridesmaids to wear coordinating jewellery, hair accessories, or gloves, you need to order for multiple people — which means coordinating sizes, confirming everyone's preferences, and potentially dealing with exchanges. Start this conversation now and place the order together.
Flower girl accessories A small floral crown, a little basket, a sash — these feel minor but they're often left until the last week. Order them now.
Reception shoes Many brides change into a more comfortable pair for the dancing portion of the evening. If that's you, make sure you've actually ordered them. It's surprisingly easy to plan to do this and then not do it.
A backup plan for your veil If your veil is elaborate or delicate, consider having a simple alternative for the reception — something you can move freely in. This is especially worth thinking about if you're wearing a Juliet cap veil, which requires pinning and may not be comfortable for hours of dancing.
A Note on Gloves and Veils Specifically
We make silk satin opera gloves and Juliet cap veils, so we know this territory well.
The questions we get most often from autumn brides ordering in August are: Will it arrive in time? How do I know my size? Can I return it if it doesn't work with my dress?
The honest answers: yes, if you order now; use our sizing guide and measure carefully; and reach out to us before you order if you have any doubts — we'd rather help you get it right the first time.
Browse our bridal gloves and veils, and if you have questions about sizing, lead times, or styling, get in touch. We're here.
Your August Action Plan
- This week: Order gloves, veil, headpiece, shoes
- By end of August: Order jewellery, hair accessories, garter
- September: Confirm bridesmaid and flower girl accessories; order reception shoes
- 6 weeks before: Assemble your emergency kit; do a full accessories trial with your hairdresser
Three months is enough time — if you start now.