How to Care for Your Bridal Accessories

Keep every special detail looking beautiful

From crystal tiaras and delicate hair vines to jewellery, shoe clips, belts, bags and keepsake pieces, bridal accessories often contain fine components that need thoughtful handling.

Many of my accessories are shaped, assembled or embellished by hand. Small crystals, pearls, metal connectors, fabric flowers, lace and satin details can remain beautiful for years when they are kept dry, handled gently and stored correctly.

As every design is different, always follow the care information supplied with your order. If you are uncertain how to clean, wear or repair a particular item, please contact me before attempting a treatment.

The golden rule: put bridal accessories on last, take them off first and store each piece separately.

Before the wedding or event

Check everything early

Unpack your accessories on a clean, dry surface and inspect them well before the event. Practise the fastenings and make sure you understand how each item should be positioned or secured.

Keep all original packaging until you have checked the order and are certain you are keeping it. Do not remove hygiene seals, bend, alter, wear for an extended period or apply hair and beauty products while trying items on.

If your hairstylist will be fitting a tiara, comb, vine or pins, show them the accessory before the wedding if possible. They can plan the hairstyle and any additional hairpins needed without repeatedly bending or repositioning the piece.

Beauty products come first

Apply perfume, hairspray, setting spray, make-up, fake tan, body lotion and shimmer before putting on jewellery or hair accessories. Allow everything to dry fully.

Moisture, oils and beauty products can dull crystals and pearls, mark fabric, affect adhesives and speed up tarnishing or discolouration of metal finishes.

Hair accessories

This section applies to tiaras, hairbands, combs, hair vines, hairpins, flower crowns and decorative clips.

Handle the base—not the decoration

Hold a hair accessory by its strongest structural point: the band, comb, clip or main metal base. Never pull it from its packaging or hair by crystals, pearls, flowers, leaves, wire branches or decorative loops.

Insert and remove combs in the same direction as the teeth. Do not rock them sharply from side to side. For extra security, use ordinary hairpins through the intended loops or around the base rather than forcing the accessory more deeply into the hairstyle.

Tiaras and hairbands

Open a tiara or hairband only as much as needed to place it comfortably. Repeatedly stretching the band or bending the sides can weaken the metal, loosen stones or change its shape.

Put it on using both hands and apply even pressure to the undecorated ends. Do not press down on the central embellishment.

Hair vines and wired designs

Hair vines are designed to have some flexibility, but they should be shaped slowly and only as much as necessary. Avoid repeatedly bending the same point, twisting branches around hairpins or trying to straighten the vine completely after use.

Ask the hairstylist to secure it using its loops or designated fixing points. Decorative wire branches should not be used as anchors.

Hair combs, pins and clips

Open clips using their mechanism rather than pulling the decorated top away from the base. Remove pins one at a time and check that hair is not wrapped around crystals or wirework before lifting them free.

Do not sleep in hair accessories or place your head against a hard chair, car headrest or wall while wearing three-dimensional pieces.

Fabric flowers and feathers

Keep flowers and feathers dry and away from hairspray, perfume and steam. Do not crush them under other accessories or attempt to reshape them with an iron or hairdryer.

If a flower becomes lightly compressed, allow it to rest unwrapped and gently ease the petals back into position with clean, dry fingers. Separate feather fibres very lightly without brushing or wetting them.

Bridal jewellery

This section applies to earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, brooches and jewellery sets.

Wearing your jewellery

Put jewellery on after dressing, perfume and hairstyling. Fasten necklaces and bracelets by holding the clasp and end ring—not by pulling the chain, stones or decorative section.

Ask someone to help if a clasp is difficult to reach. Forcing a connector, tugging a bracelet across the hand or pulling a necklace free from hair can separate small metal links.

Remove jewellery before sleeping, showering, bathing, swimming, exercising or using a spa. Keep it away from perfume, hairspray, fake tan, creams, cleaning chemicals, salt water and chlorine.

Preventing snags

Check that jewellery does not catch against lace, tulle, beading or loose hair. If it snags, stop and release the fabric or hair carefully. Never pull the jewellery free.

Bracelets are particularly exposed while moving, dressing and carrying bags. Avoid placing strain on them or catching them against chair backs, door handles and clothing.

Cleaning jewellery

After wearing, gently wipe each piece with a clean, soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove skin oils and product residue. Support delicate chains and connectors as you clean rather than pulling the item taut.

Do not soak bridal jewellery or use silver dip, jewellery-cleaning solution, alcohol, toothpaste, bicarbonate of soda, abrasive cloths, steam cleaners or ultrasonic machines. These treatments may affect plating, adhesives, pearls and crystal finishes.

Tarnishing and colour changes

Metal finishes can naturally change over time through exposure to air, moisture, skin chemistry and cosmetic products. This is normal wear rather than a fault.

Keeping jewellery clean, completely dry and sealed separately from humid air when not in use will slow the process. A suitable anti-tarnish strip may be placed in the storage box, but it should not sit directly against the jewellery.

Shoe clips

Shoe clips are decorative accessories and should be attached and removed carefully.

Open the clip using its mechanism and position it on a suitable edge of the shoe. Do not force it over material that is too thick, bend the clip to make it wider or press down on the decorative top.

Before the event, test the position indoors to make sure the clip sits securely and does not rub your foot. Also check that a crystal or metal design cannot catch the hem of your dress.

Remove shoe clips before cleaning or storing the shoes. Wipe the clips with a soft, dry cloth and wrap them separately so their metal backs cannot scratch the shoes or one another.

Shoe clips may leave a light pressure mark on very delicate fabric. Choose the position carefully and avoid repeatedly moving them around satin shoes.

Bridal belts and sashes

Handle embellished belts by the ribbon or main fabric, supporting the decorative section from underneath. Do not lift the entire belt by a single crystal, appliqué or thread.

Apply perfume and body products before fastening the belt. Keep make-up and fake tan away from pale ribbon and satin.

After use, lay the belt flat with colour-free tissue over the embellishment. If it must be rolled, make a very loose roll with the decoration facing outwards and tissue between the layers. Never create a sharp fold through the embellished area.

Do not machine-wash or soak an embellished belt. Lightly blot a small mark with a clean white cloth and contact me or a specialist cleaner before attempting more.

Bridal bags and clutch bags

Do not overload a bridal bag. Excess weight can strain the frame, clasp, chain, lining and decorative attachments.

Open and close it using the intended clasp rather than pulling on embellishments. Keep chains away from delicate dresses and veils, and never use the chain to lift a bag that is caught or trapped.

Protect satin and fabric bags from rain, drinks, make-up, pens and hand cream. If a spill occurs, blot immediately with a clean white cloth without rubbing.

After use, empty the bag and allow it to air. Loosely fill it with colour-free tissue to support its shape, wrap chains and metal clasps separately and place it inside a breathable fabric cover or its original box.

Garters, ties and pocket squares

Always check the individual care instructions before washing. Plain fabric pieces may have different requirements from items with lace, crystals, vinyl, embroidery or handmade flowers.

Garters

Put a garter on by easing the elastic evenly over the foot and leg. Do not pull it up by a bow, flower or embellishment. Avoid overstretching it or snapping the elastic against the skin.

If washing is permitted, hand wash gently in cold water and do not wring. Embellished or highly structured garters are best spot-cleaned unless their instructions say otherwise.

Dry flat and reshape bows or flowers while damp. Do not tumble-dry or iron embellishments.

Ties and pocket squares

Keep food, drink, make-up and perfume away from pale satin. Untie knots slowly rather than pulling the narrow end forcefully through the knot.

Store ties flat or loosely rolled to prevent hard creases. Pocket squares should be unfolded, allowed to air and stored flat with tissue. Do not iron over embroidery, vinyl or decorative details.

For significant staining, use a cleaner experienced with occasion fabrics and explain any handmade or decorative elements.

Ring pillows, flower baskets and keepsake pieces

Carry ring pillows and baskets by their main base or handle—not by ribbons, flowers, lace or embellishments. Do not overload flower baskets or allow children to swing them by the handle.

Keep these pieces dry and away from food, drinks, candles and outdoor ground. Dust them using a very soft, dry brush.

Store three-dimensional details without pressure around them. Use colour-free tissue for support, but do not pack tissue so tightly that flowers, bows or ribbons are crushed.

Proposal-box and keepsake contents should be returned to their individual compartments after use. Avoid storing paper items in damp rooms or direct sunlight, as moisture and light can cause warping and fading.

Cleaning crystals, pearls and fabric details

Crystals and rhinestones

Use a clean, soft, dry brush or lint-free cloth. Work around stones without testing, twisting or pulling them. Avoid water and chemicals that may affect the foil backing, finish or adhesive.

Pearls

Wipe simulated pearls gently with a soft dry cloth. Perfume, hairspray and cosmetics may dull their surface, so put them on only after products have dried.

Lace, ribbon and satin

Blot small marks with a clean white cloth and avoid rubbing. Water can leave rings on satin and may affect dyes or adhesives. Do not use stain-removal pens or household cleaning sprays.

Flowers and bows

Remove surface dust with a very soft dry brush. Reshape with clean fingers and store without pressure. Do not steam, iron, soak or apply heat.

Safe storage

Clean and dry every accessory before putting it away. Store items in a cool, dry and dark place, away from bathrooms, radiators, direct sunlight and large changes in temperature.

• Keep jewellery pieces separate so chains cannot tangle and stones cannot scratch one another.

• Lay necklaces flat or close the clasp and place the chain in its own pouch.

• Store earrings as a pair with their backs attached.

• Cushion hair comb teeth and shoe-clip backs with colour-free tissue.

• Support tiaras and hairbands in their natural shape—do not flatten or stretch them.

• Protect flowers, feathers and bows from pressure.

• Stuff bags lightly with colour-free tissue and isolate chains and clasps.

• Store pale fabric items away from coloured tissue, ribbon or materials that could transfer dye.

Avoid airtight plastic for fabric pieces. Small jewellery pouches or boxes can be used for metal accessories once the items are completely clean and dry.

Quick care checklist

Do

• Put accessories on after make-up, perfume and hairspray have dried.

• Handle pieces by their base, clasp, comb or strongest structural point.

• Ask for help with difficult clasps and hair placement.

• Wipe jewellery with a clean, soft, dry cloth after wearing.

• Remove accessories before sleeping, washing or swimming.

• Keep every item dry and store pieces separately.

• Retain loose stones or components and contact me for advice.

Please do not

• Pull jewellery by its chain, stones or connectors.

• Bend tiaras, hairbands or vines repeatedly.

• Force shoe clips over thick material.

• Spray perfume or hairspray while wearing accessories.

• Soak, scrub, steam or chemically clean embellished pieces.

• Store chains tangled together or metal parts against satin.

• Crush flowers, feathers, bows or wired designs.

If something becomes loose or damaged

If a stone, connector or decorative element becomes loose, stop wearing the item and keep every component safely. Send me clear photographs before applying glue, bending metal or attempting a repair.

Many simple repairs may be possible. Depending on the age of the order, type of damage and condition of the item, postage or repair costs may apply.

Damage caused by catching, pulling, bending, water, cosmetic products, unsuitable cleaning or normal wear is not a manufacturing fault, but I will always try to offer practical advice where possible.