They might be years away from their golden anniversaries, but fashion-savvy brides are taking a page from the decadent spring 2011 runways and using shimmery gold to spice up everything from décor to groomsmen’s accessories. The beauty of metallics, especially gold, is that they look gorgeous with just about every color, so regardless of your palette, adding a touch of gleam to your big day is easy. Below, we’ve outlined some truly dazzling pieces.

The Dress

Leave the creams and whites to the more traditional gals; for a fashion risk taker nothing is more glamorous than Claire Pettibone’s Dragonfly sheath (price available upon request; clairepettibone.com). The dress might look as golden as an Oscar statuette from afar, but up close you can see the varying shades of the beads from green and pink to yellow and blue. You won’t want to cover an inch of this gown, so stay away from weighty veils and opt instead for soft hair with a delicate headband or an oversize silk flower clip à la Marc Jacobs’ spring 2011 show.

The Bridesmaids

Soft gold is a stunning, not to mention easy-to-wear-again, option for bridesmaids. If money is no object, Alexander McQueen’s showstopping printed and feathered cocktail dress is the ultimate avant-garde choice for your closest friends (price available upon request; alexandermcqueen.com). For a less formal affair, Halston Heritage’s handkerchief hem frock is the wallet-friendly and figure-flattering way to go ($365; net-a-porter.com).

The Groom and Groomsmen

It’s safe to say your fiancé and his groomsmen will be dressed to the nines, but let them have a little fun, too. Rotenier’s quirky gold-plated cufflinks are an easy way to add a bit of dazzle and humor to their big-day attire without being too flashy. The lucky groom deserves a pair of four leaf clovers while the monkey and banana set is a perfect gift for his jocular best man ($345 each; rotenier.com).

The Mother of the Bride

This is an important day for mom too, and there’s no better way for her to stand out than in this sweater and slacks combo from Oscar de la Renta’s pre-fall 2011 collection (price available upon request; oscardelarenta.com). Sure, it might seem a bit more casual than a structured dress, but the shiny, bright gold keeps this ensemble strictly in evening territory. Makeup and hair should be low-key to accommodate for so much of the gilded stuff, but a bold red lip is a fun choice for a sassy MOB.

The Invitations

Even if a gold gown or cake isn’t your cup of tea, you can still get in on the metallic trend with your invitations. This elegant and plenty traditional suite from East Six keeps the decadence low-key with classic flourishes, a beautiful accompaniment to the soft ivory card stock (price available upon request; eastsix.com). If you crave just a touch of color, try a hand-lined envelope featuring one of your wedding colors.

Flowers and Décor

Unless you’re aspiring to Las Vegas levels of opulence, all-gold décor for a wedding is simply too overwhelming. For a softer approach, make like Todd Fiscus of Todd Events in Dallas, TX, and pair gold-rimmed place settings with delicate accents like lush, creamy roses and an embroidered tablecloth (toddevents.com). The crystal beading in the centerpiece and Philippe Starck’s contemporary Louis Ghost Chairs further lighten and brighten the setting.

The Cake

A flower-bedecked tower might be the traditional wedding cake option, but if you prefer something more streamlined and modern you won’t do better than this chic four-tiered beauty from The Buttercream Studio (custom cakes begin at $10 per person; thebuttercreamstudio.com). The extra-large gold bow adds a bit of flirty sweetness to the clean cream palette and complements the delicate floral appliqués—a nice option for those who find sugar flora a bit fussy.

The Favors

Wedding favors are never easy to decide on, so go with something that’s a bona fide crowd-pleaser: chocolate. Godiva’s elegant ballotin sets are not only a great, and delicious, way to thank your guests, but they’re also an easy way to add a bit of sparkle with the chocolatier’s signature gold packaging (prices begin at $4 per ballotin; godiva.com). Set up a pretty department store-worthy display by the door so guests can grab a box or two on their way out.

The Registry

Who says you have to stop the gold rush once the wedding’s over? Registering for the glittery stuff is a great alternative to more traditional silver and cream shades—and more modern than you might think. Forget Baroque, Sambonet’s H Art Gold flatware is streamlined and very 21st-century chic ($20 to $140; available at Michael C. Fina, 800.289.FINA). For something a bit more whimsical, opt for Kelly Wearstler’s pretty Trousdale place settings ($56 to $499; available at Michael C. Fina, 800.289.FINA).

The Honeymoon

Instead of the beach, head for a locale steeped in gilded tradition, namely, Egypt. The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The Nile Plaza features not only beautifully decorated rooms with views of the Nile and the Citadel, but also plenty to do when you aren’t holed up in your honeymoon suite (doubles from $460; fourseasons.com/caironp). Whether you’re in the mood for a pharaonic-era oil massage or a dinner cruise down the Nile complete with belly dancers, this glamorous resort will have you and your beloved feeling like royalty in no time.