Why I Love Beaded Bridal Straps
I have to admit, I have a bit of a soft spot for bridal straps.
When I first started making them, I don't think I realised just how much difference such a small thing could make to a wedding dress. But after making hundreds of pairs, I still love seeing how a beautiful pair of straps can completely change the look of a gown.
And that's really what I love about them.
You don't necessarily need a whole new dress to have a different look.
One dress, two looks
Quite a few of my brides start with a strapless wedding dress.
They love it exactly as it is — and why wouldn't they? A strapless dress can look incredibly elegant.
But then there's the little voice that says, "I wonder what it would look like with straps?"
That's where I come in!
A pair of detachable beaded straps can give you that extra bit of detail without changing your dress permanently.
You could wear your dress strapless for your ceremony and then add your straps afterwards for a completely different look for your reception.
Or simply wear them all day because you love them.
There are no rules!
Sienna pearl and crystal straps
So many different styles
This is probably one of my favourite parts of making straps — there really isn't a one-style-fits-all.
Some brides want something really delicate and barely there. Just a little bit of sparkle sitting on the shoulder.
Others want pearls.
Lots of pearls!
And then there are the brides who say, "I want sparkle!" — and I completely understand that.
Crystal, diamante, pearls, beads... sometimes it's a combination of all of them that makes the perfect strap.
I make everything by hand, so I can play around with different combinations and create designs that have their own personality.
Some are simple and understated. Others definitely make more of a statement.
The little details matter
When you're choosing something for your wedding dress, it's very easy to concentrate on the big things.
The shape of the dress.
The veil.
The shoes.
The jewellery.
But sometimes it's the little details that bring everything together.
I love it when a bride chooses straps that pick up on something that's already in her dress — perhaps the pearls in the bodice, the sparkle in the beading or the crystals in her accessories.
It doesn't have to match everything exactly.
Sometimes a little bit of contrast looks even better.
Making them for your dress
One of the things that's really important to me is that the straps aren't just something that has been taken off a shelf and sent out in a packet.
I make each pair to order.
That means I can make them to the length you need, and there are different finishing options depending on your dress and how you want the wear them.
And if you're not quite sure what you need, please ask me.
Honestly, I'd much rather have a bride message me with a question before ordering than worry afterwards that she has chosen the wrong length or style.
I've had lots of conversations with brides about their dresses, their measurements and what they're hoping to achieve — and I really don't mind!
And yes... I do get excited about beads!
I spend a lot of time looking at beads.
Probably more time than a normal person should.
I'm always thinking about how different beads will look together, how they catch the light and whether a particular combination will work on a wedding dress.
Sometimes I'll start with an idea and end up changing it completely.
That's part of the fun of making things by hand.
I don't want my straps to look mass-produced. I want them to have that little bit of something special about them.
Your wedding, your choice
If you've found your dream dress but you're wondering whether it needs straps, don't be afraid to experiment.
Try different styles.
Look at pearls.
Try some sparkle.
Hold them against your dress and see what you think.
And remember that you don't have to make a decision just because someone tells you what you're supposed to do.
If you love the dress strapless — wear it strapless.
If you love it with beautiful beaded straps — wear the straps.
And if you want to wear it both ways...
That's exactly why detachable straps are so lovely.
I get to make the little bit of sparkle that helps you create your perfect look — and I never get bored of that.
So if you're looking for handmade beaded bridal straps, have a look through my collection. You might just find the finishing touch you've been looking for.
And if you can't find quite what you have in mind, get in touch!
Stacie wearing “Xanthe” straps
