Crystals for Weddings

Find the right crystals for your wedding project

The right wedding crystals depend on your fabric, how much each area moves and whether you'd rather glue, heat-fix or stitch them in place. Most bridal projects use more than one type, so match each part of your look to the method that suits it.

Wedding dress crystals

Hotfix crystals have a heat-activated glue backing, so you can fix them in place with a hotfix applicator. They're the quickest option on fabrics that can handle heat, and great for scattering sparkle across a bodice.
Non hotfix crystals are flatbacks you apply with fabric glue, which gives you more control on delicate fabrics like lace and satin.
Sew on stones have holes or channels so you can stitch them on, making them the most secure choice for straps and skirts that move. Shapes include rivoli (a round stone with a pointed, faceted face), navette (a slim oval with pointed ends), peardrop, emerald cut and Loch Rose flowers, across our Preciosa sew on stones and Zodiac ranges.
Pearls give a soft, classic finish next to crystals. Choose Zodiac flatback pearls in white, ivory and AB, Preciosa flatback pearls in cream, creamrose and vanilla, or Zodiac hotfix pearls in white, cream and dusky pink.

Crystals for bridal shoes

Non hotfix crystals are the best fit for satin and leather bridal shoes, as you can fix them with glue and no heat.
SS6 (2mm) and SS10 (3mm) crystals give full, even coverage, and a few SS16 (4mm) or SS20 (5mm) stones add depth.
Our Zodiac mixed size packs of 200 in Starlight White make curved heels and toes easier to cover.
Use a glue made for your shoe material. Browse our crystal adhesives to find one that suits satin, leather or fabric.

Bridal accessories, veils and jewellery

Preciosa bicone beads in Clear, AB, AB 2X and Clear Glitter are ideal for earrings and hair vines.
Preciosa round pearls come in white, cream, creamrose and pearlescent finishes for bridal jewellery.
Preciosa drop pendants and single stone settings in silver and gold work well on tiaras and hair combs.
Zodiac silver cupchain (crystals set in a flexible metal chain) and banding (rows of rhinestones on a flexible strip) are made for belts and straps.
Swarovski 3015 rivoli buttons finish the back of a gown or a groom's waistcoat.
Our Preciosa and Zodiac Bridal Bliss nail art mix lets you match your manicure to your dress.

Popular wedding crystal colours

Clear: the classic choice for white, ivory and champagne gowns.
AB (Aurora Borealis): a coating that adds flashes of rainbow colour as you move.
Transparent unfoiled: Preciosa crystals without a foil backing, so they take on the colour of the fabric underneath and blend into ivory and blush gowns.
Moonlight and Crystal DeLight: softer finishes on selected Zodiac sew on stones.
Pearl shades: white, ivory, cream, creamrose, light creamrose and vanilla, plus dusky pink hotfix pearls.
Gold and dark accents: Golden Shadow and Black Diamond Swarovski buttons and Jet Black ribbon shapes for gold or monochrome themes.

Size guide for bridal sparkle

Crystal sizes use the SS (stone size) system. As a rough guide:

SS6 (2mm) to SS10 (3mm): fine detail on lace and veils
SS16 (4mm) and SS20 (5mm): bodices and all-over scatter
SS34 (7mm) and above: focal points and statement details

Not sure which size you need? Check our crystal size chart before you order.

Why bridal makers shop with Crystal Parade

Authorised Preciosa Silver Partner, plus genuine Swarovski and our own Zodiac crystals for every budget
Trusted by West End productions, with crystals supplied for Downton Abbey
Retail packs of 100 and wholesale packs of 1440 for bridal studios and dressmakers
Sample packs so you can see colours against your fabric before committing
A bespoke embellishment service if you'd like our team to add the sparkle for you

Explore the bridal edit above, and if you need help choosing, just drop us a message. We'd love to help!

FAQS

What crystals are best for a wedding dress?

It depends on your fabric and how you want to apply them. Hotfix crystals are quickest on fabrics that can take heat, non hotfix crystals with fabric glue suit delicate fabrics, and sew on stones are the most secure choice for areas that move a lot. You can also combine them on one dress, for example sew on stones on the straps and hotfix crystals on the skirt.

Can I use hotfix crystals on a wedding dress?

Yes, as long as the fabric can handle the heat needed to melt the glue. Always test on a spare piece or a hidden seam first. For silk, fine lace or anything heat-sensitive, choose non hotfix crystals or sew on stones instead.

How do I add crystals to bridal shoes?

Use non hotfix crystals and a strong, flexible glue. Work in small sections from the heel or toe, placing each crystal with a wax pencil or pick-up tool, then leave the glue to cure fully before you wear them.

Should I choose Swarovski, Preciosa or Zodiac crystals?

Swarovski gives luxury sparkle, Preciosa offers premium Czech crystal, and we're an authorised Preciosa Silver Partner. Zodiac is our cost-effective alternative with amazing sparkle at a fraction of the cost. A popular approach is to use Swarovski or Preciosa on focal points and Zodiac for larger areas.

What colour crystals work best with an ivory dress?

Clear and AB crystals work with most shades. For a softer blend, try transparent unfoiled crystals, which pick up the colour of the fabric underneath, and pair them with ivory or cream pearls.

Can you embellish my wedding dress for me?

Yes, our bespoke embellishment service can add sparkle to your bridal pieces. Get in touch with your project details and we'll talk you through the options.