One of the most challenging parts of being a bride is choosing the right jewelry to complement your gown and overall look. With so many options available, knowing where to start is difficult. It gets even more complicated when you have friends, family, and even your wedding planner giving you their two cents.
What should you go for? Who should you listen to? Here are a few tips on how to choose bridal jewelry that will enhance your beauty on your big day:
The wedding day is the most special day of your life. You can make it more special by choosing the best earrings and necklaces with your bridal gown. There is no shortage of earring styles available today, but you can highlight your look with customized options.
Plus, it is essential to select earringdesigns that stand out and make you look beautiful on your wedding day. Bridal earrings are available in different metals, but gold is the most preferred choice for most women.
Jewelry and accessories play an essential role in your bridal look. It is thus vital that you plan your shopping well, so they enhance your overall bridal look. For only then will all the elements come together cohesively and enable you to look gorgeous.
Although jewelry and accessories are an important part of the bridal outfit, most brides consider them an afterthought. This is one of the first mistakes to avoid. Plan your look well instead of just going shopping and picking up something that you think will work well with your dress. Think of the different options to enhance your features, show off your dress and complement the theme. This will help you narrow down your jewelry and accessories choices better.
Here are some clever tips to help you understand how to choose the right wedding jewelry.
Always buy your jewelry and accessories after the dress
It isn’t uncommon for brides to end up buying a dress that is totally different from what they envisioned. In fact, we have lost count of the number of times a bride comes shopping with a definite idea of what she wants and walks out with a dress that she never imagined she would buy. This is why we suggest you shortlist the features you want to see in your dress. You can then look at dresses that satisfy most of your preferences if not all. Remember that you may end up going on an unending search to find a dress that satisfies every one of your requirements unless you have it tailored. Hence we suggest you first pick the dress, and then move on to looking at jewelry.
Let your dress be the guide when picking jewelry and accessories
The right type of jewelry and accessories work with the wedding dress, not against it! Brides who strike the right balance between the dress and the accessories look amazing. So, as a general rule of thumb, choose simple accessories if your dress is opulent. Heavy and flashy accessories are suitable if your dress is simple with few features that stand out. Look at the neckline, sleeves, how heavy the skirt is and work in the bodice to decide what would look appropriate to balance out your look.
Look online before you go to the shops
Most jewellers and accessories vendors list their inventory online. You can also find plenty of inspiration on the internet, on Pinterest and on bridal websites. It is a good idea to browse through the different available designs and identify the options you like most. Since you may not be used to wearing elaborate head pieces, veils and tiaras before, gathering information on what would suit your style, facial features and taste is a good idea. An online search will help you understand what is available. Visit various jewelry websites to use offers and discounts that will help you get a better deal for the money you spend on your accessories.
Choose your outfit properly when you go wedding shopping
The neckline of your dress is a significant factor to consider when picking jewelry. The entire effect will be ruined if your accessories clash with the neckline. To avoid this, wear a dress or top with the same neckline as your wedding dress when shopping. This way, you can understand how the necklace, earrings and veil will look with the wedding dress neckline. Also choose a light or white coloured top, to get the actual picture of how the jewelry will look against your dress. If you wear a colourful dress, the colour of the stones will show up differently than it would against white.
You needn’t buy if you would rather rent
Just like wedding dresses, wedding jewelry isn’t cheap. If you are a person who loves jewelry and will most likely use your wedding gems after your wedding day, it is a worthwhile investment. However, if you don’t usually wear jewelry, renting is a better idea. Many wedding dress rental shops also rent out wedding jewelry. You should be able to find accessories that match your wedding dress with this option. The shop you rent from may ask you to put down a deposit when you take the jewelry away. However, it is the easiest way to look great on your special day, at minimum cost.
Match the stones and metals
What we mean by this is that you should keep the effect cohesive. When you shop for wedding jewelry you will have various options like rhinestones, pearls, colored gemstones and more. Try to achieve a cohesive effect by choosing the same type of stones for each of your accessories. Similarly, be careful about mixing different metals as it can look cluttered. Don’t mix and match too much or you will ruin the overall effect. Even if the pieces look good on their own, they will not contribute to your look if they are all too different.
Know the best combinations for the white of your gown
Wedding gowns come in different shades of white. There’s bright white, champagne white, ivory, candlelight and ecru. Other metals look good with the different whites mentioned here. Pearls and metals with silver finishes are best with pure or bright white. Off-white colors like ivory and candlelight work well with gold and silver. Champagne looks good with rose-gold embellishments and jewelry. Ivory and ecru have yellow undertones and are good with yellow gold. You can also look at the embellishments in your gown, as a guide. If your gown has crystal and silver embroidery, choose the same colors in your jewelry. Similarly, if it features gold or pearls, following the same in your gown for a cohesive effect is best.
Re-purpose traditional jewelry for a contemporary look
If you have heirloom jewelry that doesn’t entirely appeal to your taste, accept it saying it doesn’t fit your style. Nonetheless, don’t wear it as it is if you aren’t fond of it. Instead, consider whether you can re-purpose it to suit your modern taste. Many jewelry shops offer this service. So, you can transform your family heirloom into a modern design with their assistance. Decide what you want the heirloom piece to be transformed into. Don’t limit yourself to making small changes. Brides have changed necklaces into earrings and bracelets, and strings of pearls into hair accessories. Ultimately, the important factor remains that the sentiment is still there, while you can wear jewelry that is more your style on your special day.
You don’t have to wear one of every accessory
The last thing you want to do is look cluttered with gems. Too many accessories and jewelry will make you look too busy. The different things you wear will then drown in sparkle and not be visible. The better option is to wear just the pieces that are actually necessary. It is a good idea to have one focal piece of jewelry and one or two more pieces to complement it. If your wedding dress is simple, make your focal piece big and bright for more sparkle. If it is an ornate gown, keep your jewelry simple and light to get the look right.
Please think of how photogenic your gems will be when you choose them
Although your accessories may look fabulous to your eye, it isn’t necessary that they will photograph equally well. Specific stones may have a dull finish with an old and faded look in photos. And intricate finishes may not show up in pictures. So, pay attention to how your jewelry and accessories will reflect on the camera. We suggest that you take some pictures to test how they look when clicked and only then make your final decision.
Be bold, go for color
Although there are many options, not all brides are comfortable in anything but a white wedding gown. If you aren’t sure but love colour, explore the variety of colourful gems to add that pop of color to your outfit. Take a chance with color, and you may be pleasantly surprised. Colored gemstones accentuate the beauty of any outfit. They are a perfect choice for the bride, especially if your wedding has a color theme. Colored gems allow you to incorporate the color theme into your wedding attire. Choose sparkling stones like sapphires, emeralds and rubies for a radiant effect and gems like jade, turquoise and coral for a casual wedding theme.
Don’t forget to check how you look from every angle
Don’t focus entirely on how you look from the front when choosing accessories! Remember that you will be facing away from your guests during the ceremony. So, use this opportunity to show off some extra style. Use dainty hair accessories that pack a punch from the back, or include a sash that has a beautiful tie-back that will impress. Additional accessories can help you look good from all angles. So, choose wisely.
Avoid extreme trends
Your wedding photos are images that will be frozen for eternity. Your generation and future generations will never forget you by how you looked on your wedding day. Don’t appear dated in them by choosing jewelry that is too trendy and will go out of fashion in no time. Classic styles are always fashionable and, hence, a safe choice. However, if you want to try out contemporary designs, do so by all means. Just ensure that they aren’t entirely new styles on the wedding fashion scene.
Make the most of package deals
The bridal ensemble takes up a huge chunk of the overall wedding budget. One way to make your money go further is to opt for package deals that give you more value for the money you spend. For example, bridal shops often have big discounts on jewelry and accessories if you buy it along with your dress. This will allow you to find the accessories for your big day without breaking the bank. At Best for Bride, we often have deals on accessories purchased with the wedding dress. The alternative is to have a flat percentage off the dress price. When you compare both options, you will realize that buying accessories as part of the package will help you save more.
Everything depends on your personality
We mentioned a number of rules here. However, no rule is set in stone and everything finally boils down to what you like. If you want to bring on the bling, do so! Or if you aren’t satisfied with the just one statement piece, wear all that you like and plan the rest of your outfit to balance it out. If you don’t favor jewelry, keep it simple and find basic pieces that suit your taste. You should be comfortable with the choices you make, as this is what will reflect on your wedding day. As long as you love what you see, you won’t regret your choices later.
So, tell us how you have planned your wedding day look? What are the accessories you chose and what did you base your decision on?
At Best for Bride, you can find amazing wedding gowns as well as superb accessories to enhance them. Everything from the veil and tiara, to jewelry and shoes are available in-house and online, so you can pick your choice easily. Check out our website to learn more about what we have for brides like you. Additionally, you can also find out about the special package offer we have on accessories that are purchased with the wedding dress. For more wedding tips and advice for brides, stay tuned to our blog page.
While a wedding dress can transform you into a beautiful bride, wedding jewelry is quintessential to add the finishing touches to your bridal look. Your choice of accessories impacts your wedding day look to considerable extent, and hence what you choose to wear with your wedding gown is very important. Here are ten smart tips to keep in mind when you, the pretty bride, have to choose your wedding day jewelry.
Always buy your wedding dress first
Your wedding dress should be first on your shopping list, and not something you buy after choosing your accessories. It is easier to find accessories that match the dress, than the reverse. The only exception is when you will be wearing heirloom jewelry. Heirloom jewelry usually features designs that go well with classic wedding gown designs. Since the wedding dress aisles are chock full of classic collections, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a dress that works with this jewelry. This may however, not be the case with modern designs. Since modern jewelry are usually very specific in nature, you may end up on a wild goose chase, to find a gown that matches the style of your chosen accessory. So, if your theme is something unusual, (like a peacock theme or rainbow theme), and you wish to find accessories like belts or headbands that match this theme, first buy your dress and then go shopping for the accessories. This will be easier to match.
Balance is key
Simple is elegant. The more details you use, the more chances of the finer ones getting lost in the jumble. When you choose your wedding jewelry, you should balance it out with the details on your dress. Keep the jewelry simple if your wedding gown is elaborate with intricate beading, embroidery, or other details. If you have chosen a minimalist wedding gown, or one with few details, it is fine to choose bigger and bolder jewelry. Similarly, pay attention to how the jewelry comes together with the details on your dress. If the wedding dress has an elaborate neckline, go easy on the necklace. Or if the dress has long sleeves, you can skip wearing a bracelet. If there is a motif of significant size on the bust, neckline or waist, your jewelry should not clash with it. Balancing your total look is tricky, but it can be achieved if you try to focus on what you really need. Your guests will not think much of your fashion sense if you look like a disco ball. So, stay away from the temptation to choose more sparkles than is really necessary.
You need not wear several jewelry pieces
Whether you buy a jewelry set, or choose each piece separately, you do not have to wear everything on the list. This can again clutter up the overall look, and take away the impact that can be achieved by just one statement piece. Wear small studs or leave out earrings entirely if your necklace is flashy and big. You must also tie the overall look to any statement motifs or embellishments on your wedding gown. If your dress features a beaded sash or waistband, go easy with the bling in your necklace. A single statement jewelry piece like tanzanite earrings is very fashionable. When no other pieces compete for attention, all eyes will be on this single piece of jewelry, making it effective.
The metal colors should match the dress
This is because some colors look good together, while other combinations may clash against each other and ruin the effect of both. When choosing jewelry, you have choices like white, gold and pink. Jewelry made from metals like silver, palladium, platinum and white gold look good with stark white dresses or those with silver embellishments and beading. Jewelry in shades of yellow and gold look better with creamy white wedding dresses. Rose gold goes with white and silver. Also if the embellishments in your dress are silver, stick to the same color or gemstones that are set in a white base, so they match. If the embellishments are with pearls and beads, you could wear a string of pearls and other matching accessories. Colorful details on the dress, like sashes and waistbands should also be considered when choosing the color of the accessories. Certain shades like navy and gray look better with white than with gold or rose gold.
Don’t forget your hair
You may not be a big fan of wearing a tiara on your wedding day, but there is no harm if you do. Nevertheless, there are many fascinating options in hair accessories, like combs and head pieces that can make you look very pretty. Whether you tie your hair up or leave it down, you should consider decorating it with a headpiece that matches your dress and adds more impact to your overall look on the day. Choose big or small hair accessories, depending on the color and texture of your hair and the size of your face. If you have thick curls, you may need bigger accessories for it to be noticeable. For fine and thin hair, elaborate accessories may look too heavy. Also, your accessories need not be metal. For brides who love flowers, you can weave flowers into your hair for a natural but classic look. Flower crowns are another interesting accessory to consider. Also remember that varying the position of the accessory on your head, can help you achieve different looks. So, try out different options to find the best placement location. Finally, don’t pick out your hair accessories before deciding your wedding day’s hairstyle. This is because some hair accessories do not look good with specific styles. So, you may have to reconsider your choice if they do not go well when you try them together.
Think beyond the wedding ceremony
Unlike your wedding dress, you can get more than just one use out of your wedding jewelry. Keep this factor in mind when you choose accessories. This actually makes it worthwhile to spend a little more on your jewelry. Rather than choose accessories that are apt just for the day, or pieces that go well with the wedding theme, invest in jewelry that you like, and can see yourself using again in the future. If there is a gemstone that you are fond of, or there are certain designs that you have fallen in love with, this may be the time to seriously consider buying it. This could even be your something new. It is also a fact that jewelry is a good investment, as you can pass it on as an heirlooom to your children. They are more likely to use it than they are to use your wedding dress.
Consider renting if it is too expensive
If you are on a tight budget, investing too much money in your wedding accessories may not be possible. However, you do not want this factor to lessen the impact of your wedding day look. In such a case, you can have what you want for a reasonable budget, when you rent your accessories. At Best for Bride, we offer all bridal accessories on rent, just like we rent out wedding dresses. Since these pieces of jewelry are well-cared for, and look brand new, nobody is going to know that you aren’t wearing stuff that belongs to you. This is also an affordable option to have bigger and more beautiful and expensive pieces that you may not be able to consider otherwise. Choose jewelry that matches your wedding dress style, and collect it a day or two before your wedding after signing the required paperwork. All you now have to do is take good care of them while they are in your custody, and enjoy dressing up like a princess on the biggest day of your life; without a hefty fee, that is!
The necklace can make or break your look
If there is one thing that your jewelry should match, it is the neckline of your dress. Finding the right adornment for your neckline style can instantly add extra points to your look. For a low-cut neckline like a sweetheart or strapless, almost any style of necklace would look good. This can be a string of pearls, a bold necklace or even a simple necklace with a pendant. The dress will usually feature an ornate neck area for the illusion neckline. This eliminates the need for a necklace, and you can wear a small one if absolutely necessary. A thin chain with a pendant would go well with a V-neckline. For halter dresses, it is best to skip the necklace altogether and focus on the hair and ear accessories instead.
Strive to stick to how you normally look
If you have always been big on the bling, your wedding day needs not be different. However, if you have always worn simple accessories, then you will feel and look drastically different on your wedding day if you were to drown yourself in jewelry. Whatever you wear should be an extension of your personality. Only then will it bode well with your overall look. So, don’t try something that you have never done before, for the first time on your wedding day. Look to your best-looking moments from the past to decide what kind of jewelry will suit you the most. Think of the one piece of jewelry that everyone has appreciated on you, in the past. This design most likely complements your style and enhances your beauty. Try to find wedding jewelry in a similar style, and you are likely to find the best one for your natural features. As with your hairstyle and makeup, your accessories should also enhance your natural beauty and add that extra dose of glamour to you—not change you into a whole other person who nobody can recognize.
Mix and match jewelry sensibly
Your wedding day is not the occasion to bring out all the expensive stuff that you own. As with mixing metals in your accessories, mix the gemstones also with care. Too much variation in color, style and design can do more harm than good in making you look your best. Stick with one colored stone throughout your accessories and choose jewelry that follows a similar pattern. Mixing up pink and white pearls in different parts of your ensemble, or wearing rhinestones on your neck and pearls in your bracelet can make you look like a fashion disaster. Also, don’t forget to match your watch to the rest of your jewelry in terms of color and finish. If you have difficulty finding one that goes well with the rest of your accessories, there is no harm in skipping it.
It is absolutely essential to try on your wedding jewelry, along with your wedding dress, before your wedding day. You can take your accessories to one of your fitting appointments when you will try on your wedding dress. If you do your hair also in the style that you will be wearing on your wedding day, you can have a fair idea of how you will look on your big day. This will also allow you to modify the look, if you want to.
At Best for Bride, you can buy or rent a range of wedding accessories. This includes tiaras, earrings, headpieces, bracelets, rings, necklaces and much more. Visit our online shop to find out the various designs we feature. You can also shop from our extensive collection of wedding gowns and dresses for the rest of the wedding party, including flower girls and mother-of-the-bride party favors and décor items. We pride ourselves on being a unique and one-stop destination for everything bridal and are sure that you will find all you need for your dream wedding in our store. Visit us today to find out how we can help you.
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