The dress sets the tone, but the jewellery tells the full story. Whether you’re going sleek and modern or soft and romantic, the right accessories can elevate your bridal look from beautiful to unforgettable. Join Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Jessica Muller as she teams up with Afsaneh Shafiei, the founder and creative director of Sani Bridal Couture, to help you choose pieces that complement your gown, not compete with it.

Established in 2012, Sani Bridal Couture has become known for bespoke bridal gowns crafted with precision and artistry. “Our atelier blends international experience with fine handwork – from delicate stitching and beadwork to couture tailoring – to create gowns that reflect each bride’s individuality,” Sani says. Her favourite part of running Sani Bridal Couture is helping brides to feel radiant, confident and unforgettable on their special day.

Alongside bridal couture, Sani also offers a curated selection of accessories such as robes, veils and fashion jewellery, allowing brides to complete their wedding ensemble in one place and with timeless elegance. “Sani’s bridal jewellery collection offers a harmonious blend of elegance and sparkle, designed to perfectly complement every wedding ensemble. The range features coordinated sets – necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings – as well as standalone pieces and exquisite tiaras,” Sani details. “At Sani, each piece is designed to enhance the gown, highlight the bride’s features and create moments that are both memorable and effortlessly refined.”

Sani Bridal Couture

 Image courtesy of Sani Bridal Couture.

MORE THAN ADORNMENT

Jewellery is the finishing touch to a bridal look – but that doesn’t mean it should be left as an afterthought. “Jewellery is more than an accessory – it’s a way for brides to express individuality, elevate their gown and add a sparkle to every moment. Choosing pieces with care ensures every bride feels confident, radiant and unforgettable on her special day,” Sani emphasises. “People love bridal jewellery because it celebrates individuality, elevates elegance and turns fleeting moments into lasting memories.”

“What makes bridal jewellery truly chic and elegant is the perfect balance of design, craftmanship and storytelling,” Sani explains. “At Sani, each piece combines delicate detailing, sparkling cubic zirconia and a thoughtful mix of timeless and contemporary styles. Beyond the aesthetics, every set is designed to evoke emotion, complement the gown and create a sense of effortless sophistication that feels uniquely personal to each bride,” she details.

THE MODERN BRIDE

Today, bridal jewellery blends minimalism with statement details. “Modern brides embrace pieces that are both timeless and personal,” Sani says. “Delicate jewellery becomes powerful through thoughtful design and context. At Sani, we focus on proportion, sparkle and placement – pairing minimal pieces with the gown and hairstyle to create moments that feel effortless, striking and unforgettable.”

Sani advises her brides to embrace delicate layering, subtle coloured stones and versatile sets that complement a variety of gown styles. “Modern brides can express personal style with delicate, thoughtfully chosen pieces – like subtle necklaces, stackable rings or minimalist earrings. By focusing on proportion, sparkle and harmony with the gown, jewellery enhances individuality without overpowering the look.”

“For a simple, refined bridal look, clear cubic zirconia and subtle coloured accents are ideal. Platinum or rhodium finishes enhance sparkle without overpowering the gown,” Sani recommends. For brides seeking a subtle yet striking statement, tiaras and coordinated jewellery sets hold the most impact. “A delicate tiara draws the eye and crowns the bride with elegance, while a matching set of necklace, earrings and bracelet adds harmony and sparkle without overwhelming the look,” she explains.

For brides seeking a bolder and one-of-a-kind look, Sani suggests statement tiaras, chandelier earrings or layered jewellery sets. “These pieces add drama and sparkle, enhancing unique designs while allowing the bride’s personality to shine with confidence and elegance,” she advises.

FINDING THE PERFECT PIECES

“At Sani, helping brides choose their wedding jewellery begins with understanding their overall vision – from gown style to personal taste,” Sani says. “We consider key aspects such as colour, proportion and style, ensuring each piece complements the dress without overpowering it. Weight and comfort are also essential, especially for pieces that will be worn all day.”

With the goal to guide brides towards selections that feel effortless, elegant and perfectly harmonious with their bridal look, Sani emphasises the importance of balance and harmony. “Balance is key – match the scale of the jewellery to the gown’s neckline and style,” she says. “Focus on harmony – coordinate metals, stones and shapes for a cohesive look,” she adds.

When it comes to bridal jewellery, less is more. “Choose pieces that highlight features without overwhelming the ensemble,” Sani advises. “To make jewellery feel special, brides should focus on pieces that resonate with their personality – a subtle coloured stone, a meaningful motif, or a set that complements their gown uniquely. Thoughtful selection transforms jewellery from simply beautiful to truly memorable and personal.”

And if you find it hard to choose between some favourite pieces, remember that you can always have the best of both worlds by swapping looks between the ceremony and reception. “Thoughtful changes enhance comfort while keeping the look elegant and fresh from ceremony to reception,” Sani shares.