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What to Look for When Choosing Jewelry for Your Wedding Day

What to Look for When Choosing Jewelry for Your Wedding Day

When it comes to wedding day jewelry, many brides-to-be are unsure where to start. Choosing the right pieces can be daunting, as there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for jewelry for your wedding day. From statement necklaces and earrings to delicate bracelets and rings, deciding what jewelry will make you feel beautiful on your special day is essential. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some key factors you should consider when selecting jewelry for your big day. 

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Bridal jewelry suggestions for different fashion styles

Once you choose your wedding dress, you are only half-done with dressing up for your wedding day. You still have to choose your hairstyle, makeup and most importantly, the accessories to bring together your overall look.

Just like there are thousands of options in wedding dresses, there are plenty of choices in wedding jewelry too. Finding the right balance in size, structure and impact created by the chosen accessories, is important to fashioning your overall wedding day look. Neither should you go overboard with accessories that it competes with your wedding dress, nor should it be too simple that it doesn’t help you to stand out as a bride.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your wedding day jewelry.

  • Buy your wedding dress first: We always recommend buying your wedding dress first and then choosing matching accessories, as it is easier to do things in this order. The only exception is if you will be wearing heirloom jewelry or have already spent a fortune on jewelry that will be the signature element in creating your look.
  • Find the right balance: If your wedding dress is simple, choose statement jewelry that enhances your overall look. On the other hand, if you have chosen a richly embellished wedding dress with plenty of detail, opt for simple jewelry so your overall look isn’t cluttered.
  • Choose jewelry that suits your features: Always try on jewelry before you buy it, so you can make sure that it complements your facial features. Certain styles look better than others on different face shapes. So, make sure that the accessories you choose highlights your most attractive features.

Now you know what you should be looking for, when choosing your wedding jewelry.

With more and more brides preferring themed weddings, it is necessary to find jewelry that will contribute to the style they sport on their wedding day. Let us take a look at some inspiring wedding jewelry ideas for the most popular wedding themes we find these days.

1.Boho

This style is non-traditional, bold and vibrant. It is colorful, wild and has an unconventional edge that is both endearing and unusual, and is significantly different from anything traditional. When you are a Boho bride, your wedding dress will usually be dramatic enough. It isn’t necessary to find matching accessories for your wedding dress, as this style allows you to mix and play with entirely different styles to create your own signature look. Here are some ideas.

  • Instantly add style to your look with a unique headpiece that screams out your style statement. Feathers, flower crowns, oversize beaded head pieces and colorful headbands are all suitable for this style.

Image Credits: Faylyne, via Flickr
Image Credits: Faylyne, via Flickr

  • A colorful necklace with a lot of texture, like fabric strips, beads and stones, is a must-have. This will not only add color, it will also be a unique piece.

necklace

  • Prints and patterns appeal to Boho brides immensely, and there are many ways to add these to your ensemble. Consider wearing a earrings with colorful prints to instantly add a pop of color to your face.

earring

  • Unexpected pieces of jewelry like toe rings, anklets or other foot jewelry are an amazing way to make a statement, especially if your wedding dress just skims your ankles and exposes your dainty feet.

anklet

Classic

The name says it all—the classic bride prefers timeless trends that never go out of fashion. There is a refined sophistication to this style, and these brides usually have an affinity for pearls and diamonds in simple but stunning designs. Classic wedding dresses feature traditional silhouettes like ball gowns or A-line dresses, with or without sleeves. The makeup is usually quite simple, and the hair is done in simple styles like chignons, buns or simply let down. Here are the jewelry choices that complement this style.

  • The choice of necklace depends on the neckline of the gown. If the dress features an embellished or high neckline, the necklace can be eliminated. If not, these brides usually prefer a string of pearls or a simple necklace with a stone studded pendant. If the bride opts for color, this can be achieved with gemstones like emeralds, rubies or sapphires.
  • While some brides choose large studs and dangling earrings decorated with pearls or stones, others prefer to keep it simple with a single stone stud. Basically, aim to strike the right balance between the earring size and necklace. If the necklace is elaborate, it is best to avoid earrings or stick to simpler ones.

  • Hair accessories like little brooches, scintillating classy headbands or pretty beaded headpieces can be used to dress up your hair in a sophisticated way, especially if you aren’t using much jewelry in the rest of your outfit.

Vintage

Each vintage era has its distinct characteristics, and your jewelry should go well with the era that has inspired your wedding plans. If you are just aiming for an old-fashioned vibe, there are common elements like lace and pearls that suit almost all the styles. Let us take a look at some samples of what accessories would be suitable for a vintage style wedding dress.

  • Pearls and stones are a must-have, and the more elaborate the necklace, better it will match the vintage theme. Strings of pearls, like those featured in this picture, will bring the vintage effect alive in your outfit. If you want more drama, club different sized strings of pearls to come up with your own stylish interpretation of a vintage piece. Else search through your mother or grandmother’s jewelry collection to pick out necklaces that were trendy in their days.

  • Finish off your vintage hair up-do with a vivid headpiece with enough sparkle to make a statement. Whether you choose to place it around your crown, above your bun or as a string on just one side, it is bound to add that finishing touch to the perfect hairstyle.

  • Add a touch of vintage glam to your face with the help of oversize shiny loops in your ear. The more jazzy they look with shiny stones, the better it will be. With a pair as magnificent as in this picture, you can even skip a necklace, as they are absolute showstoppers.

Beach style

There are many brides who would have it no other way, than have their nuptials at the beach. Since these weddings are casual, fun and full of the essence of the sand and sea, their dress and accessories should reflect this tone too. While the wedding dress itself should best feature soft, lightweight, breezy fabric, the jewelry can be loud, with plenty of inspiration drawn from the frolicking waves and blue skies that characterize every beach location. Here are a few ideas.

  • Start with a nautical inspired headband. Here is one with starfish and flowers as blue as the ocean. The best part is that it weaves into the hair seamlessly, so it looks like it is a part of the hairdo. Could it get any better than this?

Image Credits: Faylyne, via Flickr

  • Pearl earrings and studs are perfect for a beach wedding, as these are associated with the ocean. However, if you want a casual look, go with colorful options like corals or shells in your jewelry, and it will look great. These dangling coral earrings are simply perfect to dress up your white attire with a little pop of color, and it is just apt for a beach wedding.

Image Credits: Naomi King, via Flickr
Image Credits: Naomi King, via Flickr

  • To go with your coral earrings, get an equally attractive coral necklace. The bright pop of pinkish orange will instantly color your wedding outfit and make you look like a sea princess, all set to be wed where surf meets turf. This coral necklace has a darker tone, and is perfectly complemented by the blue turquoise beads. The silver pendant adds a vintage touch and gives it a beautiful personality.

Image Credits: Wayne Noffsinger, via Flickr
Image Credits: Wayne Noffsinger, via Flickr

  • If there is one wedding where foot jewelry doesn’t look out of place, it has to be a beach wedding. Dress up your pretty feet with beautiful accessories, as you will be trotting through the sand and they will highlight your beautiful feet.

Image Credits: Alex Lupo, via Flickr
Image Credits: Alex Lupo, via Flickr

Glamorous

When we think of glamorous, the image that immediately comes to mind is plenty of glitter, sexy outfits and large signature style jewelry. When you choose a dress that has all the elements that make it captivating, you can wear just minimum jewelry to complement it. Take care to not overdo the jewelry, or you can end up looking over-the-top and cluttered. Here are some jewelry options to add a touch of glamour to your wedding day look.

  • If your wedding dress has a strapless neckline, bring on the bling with a loud and bright necklace. Gold is the ideal metal to use, as it instantly adds more glamour to your look. If not, opt for sparkles with gems in your necklace. Consider big motifs and large pendants for a striking finish. If you have a color theme for your wedding, don’t hesitate to consider a necklace with colored gems for that unique touch.

  • If an eye-catching necklace doesn’t appeal to you, choose big, bold earrings instead. If you wear your hair in an up do, draw focus to your face with dangling earrings. Instead, if you leave your hair down, a big stud is a better option as it will not get lost within your tresses. Remember to stick to only one statement piece of jewelry; either the earring or a necklace. If you will be wearing both, keep them small, so you don’t look like you belong in a costume parade.

  • Go bold with a big headpiece if you want to look really glamorous. We think it is most effective when hair pieces are placed on the side of the crown, instead of at the center. If you really want to look glamorous, you can wear a tiara. After all, it isn’t everyday that you can dress up like a princess, and get away with it.
  • Don’t forget that your fingers and arms can also revel in some extra attention. Consider adding a bright, brilliant bracelet to your ensemble, especially if your dress is strapless and you will be showing off your arms. If not a bracelet, then you should consider a big, statement ring for one of your fingers, that will pop with sparkle. Don’t forget to ask your photographer to spare some extra attention to pictures with your bouquets, and your fingers will get all the glory they deserve.

bracelet

Finding the jewelry to match your outfit is a critical part of completing your bridal look. With these tips, it should be possible for you to get a start and identify what would suit your style and personality most.

Now, why don’t you tell us which of these styles best describe you!

If you are yet to go shopping for your wedding accessories, don’t forget to check out our fabulous wedding jewelry and accessories collection on this page here. From tiaras, attractive headpieces necklaces, earrings and more, we have everything that you need to dazzle and shine on your special day. We also have great offers and attractive discounts on accessories purchases, when you pick your wedding gown from Best for Bride. And, if you don’t want to buy all these items for your one-time occasion, our rental services are the perfect budget-friendly option. Why don’t you visit us today, and see how we can help you become the decked-up, pretty bride you always longed to be.

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7 perfect ideas for an environment-friendly wedding

You will already be aware of the fact that weddings use up lots of resources and are least environment-friendly, unless you attempt to make it otherwise. Fortunately, many couples today consider the environmental impact of everything they do, and choose to make wise and eco-friendly choices. The same applies to weddings too, and there are various ways in which you can plan an exciting, but sensible wedding that doesn’t harm the environment any more than is absolutely necessary.

There is a huge misconception that making green choices for your wedding means you have to compromise on style or function, and also that it can end up being very expensive. This is in fact, far from the truth. You can have a fantastic green wedding with as much an impact as any other wedding, if you plan it well. Additionally, there are several advantages of . Let us first look at what they are.

  • Our planet can no longer take the brunt of our demand for paper, water, energy and resources. Every wedding creates huge quantities of garbage and affects the environment in many different ways. A few eco-conscious choices can control this damage to a great extent.
  • When you make green choices and introduce this concept to your friends and family, they will also be intrigued by the options on offer. You can thus not only do your bit, but also promote an environment-conscious move, through your choices.
  • Simple actions like using less paper, making use of seasonally and locally available resources etc, can save you a lot of money and help you plan a budget wedding with huge impact. It is all about exploring the available options and keeping an open mind.

We have discussed some ideas in our previous post on planning a green wedding here. Let’s continue with some more ideas today. So, join in the fun.

1.Eco Jewelry

wedding jewelry

Do you really need that solitaire diamond for your engagement ring, for it to be meaningful? Wouldn’t responsibly and sensibly sourced jewelry and those that make use of recycled or repurposed stones and gems be equally unique? It could actually be extra-special, precisely for this reason! Ethically sourced diamonds are a valuable find that will give you what you want, sans the guilt. Cultured diamonds and other gemstones look equally good as their original counterparts, but with the added advantage that you will be wearing a stone that isn’t tainted by the sad stories behind the mining and extraction of such precious stones. Although these rings are grown chemically in a lab, they possess similar properties to the original stone and so would be just as durable and last as long as an original. The other great option is to use family heirlooms. If you aren’t a fan of the style, you can always have it reworked as it would still be a greener choice than getting a brand new one. Antique jewelers offer you opportunities to find something really special and perhaps with a history to it. So, explore these options to find not only your engagement ring, but also your wedding day jewelry. We found this wonderful article on the Inhabitat page that opens up a world of options in eco-friendly wedding rings. Why don’t you check it out to see the various choices that you can consider for your green wedding jewelry.

2.Reusable bridesmaid dresses

Choosing eco-friendly bridesmaids dresses may not be too easy, as we would be looking at choices in unusual fabrics like hemp or bamboo for it to truly be eco-friendly choices. Although it isn’t impossible to find a dress that fits the needs, it isn’t necessary that you will be able to acquire them as easily as you would if you were to go shopping the usual way. So, what we suggest is to look at this idea from a different perspective. One of the common things most brides do is to choose bridesmaid dresses so they fit the wedding theme perfectly. This can narrow down the choices drastically, as standard bridesmaids dresses aren’t usually preferred for use on another occasion. If you have your mind set on peach or yellow as your bridesmaids dress color, you can easily imagine how many of your bridesmaids will bother using the dress ever again. Fortunately, you can quickly change the picture by making a different choice. We suggest choosing bridesmaid dresses in neutral colors and in universally flattering designs, so they find use more than just once. Colors like black, brown and navy, as suggested in this previous post, are universally appealing colors that aren’t typical bridesmaid material. So, your girls are more likely to find better use for it, and you do the planet a favor by choosing a dress that will be used adequately for the resources that went into creating it.

3.Digital photo albums

wedding photo

One of the budget bombers in a wedding is the photography package that a couple books. Apart from the huge amount that goes into hiring a professional photographer, more money is spent for the rest of the things like photos in frames and the wedding album. Just think of how necessary all this actually is. Do you really need that wedding album or would the pictures on the CD do just as well? The main advantage of digital photography today is that it reduces the need and use of paper, which is a diminishing natural resource. Since you will mostly be sharing your pictures with all your friends and family online, ask yourself if you need more prints than what you will be displaying in your own home? And if you opt out of the wedding album option, you may be able to save a significant amount on the photography cost. Before you go and order your wedding album, wait for a while to make sure you think it is necessary. If you do, you can always have one made from the wedding photos you will anyway have, and perhaps gift it to yourself as an anniversary gift. Article on the Green Bride Guide also suggests asking your potential photographer whether they use green practices such as rechargeable batteries and non-toxic inks, if you are looking for the right person who shares your vision.

4.Artificial bouquets and boutonnieres

flower arrangement

Are you aware of the environmental impact of cut flowers? These flowers are usually grown in greenhouses, using loads of chemicals and transported from abroad to make it to your wedding. Imagine the damage each of the steps in their growth, packing, preserving and shipping cause the environment! Make a green choice by opting for artificial flower bouquets instead. You can recycle material like paper or fabric to create beautiful bouquets. The Its Always Autumn blog provides plenty of tutorials on how you can design beautiful flowers for your customized bouquet. You can also preserve an original flower bouquet, but it is expensive to do so and requires maintenance, and still needn’t look the same as it did. Now, if you simply must have an original flower bouquet, at least consider faux flowers for your bridesmaid bouquets and boutonnieres. Not only will it be a lot easier on your wallet, it will also look stunning if you plan it well in advance and do it well.

5.Reusable décor

bamboo

The most common wedding décor involves lot of flowers and foliage, most of which will be trashed at the end of the day. Make a change by choosing your décor wisely so that it finds further use. Options you can consider are potted plants like succulents and décor accessories like soy candles which can be used again. You can also create interesting table and aisle decorations with faux flowers and artificial foliage. Another interesting option is to deck up your tables with cacti, lucky bamboo or other interesting potted plants which double up as party favors for your wedding guests. This way they will find a home after the ceremony, and will live on as interesting keepsakes from your wedding day. Plants like lucky bamboo and succulents are easy to grow, and even guests with a black thumb will not be able to kill them off, try as much as they might! Take it further by personalizing your décor with natural elements like twigs, cones, acorns and branches that bring the outdoors into your venue. With a little creativity and inspiration, it is possible to craft stunning centerpieces and venue décor that is environment friendly in every way.

6.Reuse a wedding dress

You do not need a brand new wedding dress to be a brand new bride. You can do the same with a second-hand wedding dress or even a rented one. Not only is this the right choice for an environmentally conscious bride, it is also easy on your budget. At stores like Best for Bride, you can find great wedding dress choices from a range of top-notch designer collections on rent, and these will hardly cost you anything for the look you achieve with them. If you click on this link, you can find out all the information you need about renting your wedding gown and even the rest of the accessories to go with it. The other idea is to remove your mother’s or even grandmother’s wedding gown from the attic and give it new life by have it redone in a modern style. If you have ever watched the show “Something borrowed, something new,” you will know that a talented gown designer can transform any old-fashioned wedding gown into the most modern silhouettes, while keeping the original charm still alive. As you breathe new life into an heirloom with a re-purposed wedding gown, not only do you make a conscious choice, you also add more meaning to your wedding day by bringing in memories from another happy marriage. One other thing you may not have considered is that the color of the fabric is an indication of how much bleaching the dress has been put through. Remember that bleaching introduces several toxins into the environment, and you may be better off with a natural organic white color than stark white, if this factor bothers you.

7.Make your menu organic

organic

Every location has its own organic farms, and most vendors will agree to work with organic ingredients to create your wedding menu. You may have to think outside the box to make it work with what is available locally and seasonally, but it is definitely worth the effort. One thing many people associate with organic is bland and boring. But, this is wrong. Almost every fruit, vegetable, meat and dairy product you find on the regular supermarket shelves will also have an organic version. They can all be used in exactly the same way as you would with the inorganic counterpart. So, don’t let this idea limit you in any way. Organic is undoubtedly tastier and there are no dearth of choices in dishes. When the food you serve is free from additives, preservatives and artificial flavors and colors, it will go down well with your guests and you do them a big favor by choosing to serve a healthy hearty meal. Our favorite in the reception menu where organic food is concerned, are naked cakes without elaborate colored frosting. Usually decorated with fruits, berries and flowers, they are a delight as they are natural and delicious in their own way.

We hope we’ve shed some light on the different ways in which you can plan a stunning wedding without compromising on the details, and yet do it in a green and environment friendly manner. At Best for Bride we are constantly exploring everything that is even remotely associated with weddings. So, keep visiting our blog page for the most hot and happening updates in the wedding world. Also, don’t forget to visit our one-stop bridal website for all your wedding needs. We bring you not only wedding dresses, but have an impressive collection of bridesmaids dresses, décor options, cakes, favors, invitation cards, photography packages and much, much more.

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Next Steps to Glamour: 5 Must-Do’s After Purchasing Your Dream Wedding Gown!

So, you’ve finally found the dress of your dreams! Good job!

With one of the most significant decisions made, you may be relieved that you’re done with the most essential part of wedding shopping. But, before you sit back and relax, you have a few more tasks to actually complete your wedding dress shopping. Let us look at what they are.

Get your wedding dress altered

It is highly unlikely that the dress you buy will fit you correctly. Alterations are crucial to obtaining a perfect fit. Check whether the store where you purchased the gown offers fitting services. Else, find a professional seamstress who knows her way around wedding dresses to do the job. Plan your fitting schedules so your wedding dress is ready well before the wedding date.

Buy your wedding shoes

Now that you’ve chosen your wedding dress, it is time to accessorize. Your first stop should be the shoe shop, as it is a good idea to wear your wedding shoes to your first dress fitting session and get the skirt hemmed to the correct length. You will also have to break your wedding shoes in so they do not pinch or hurt your feet on your wedding day. The earlier you buy your shoes, the sooner you can accomplish this.

Choose your wedding jewelry

Once you buy your wedding dress, you should plan what you want to wear to complete your wedding look. Go with simple jewelry for a gown with plenty of details and embellishments. If you have chosen a simple wedding dress, you can opt for bold and big jewelry pieces. Buy them sooner rather than later so you can see how they go with your wedding dress. You will also have time to change them if they do not go together. If you use a family heirloom, get it out and have it polished and ready for the day.

Get your accessories right

You’ll also have to get all the other required accessories besides jewelry. Depending on your planned look, go shopping for your tiara, veil, headpiece, clutch or any other accessories you may require to complete your wedding look. Be flexible with your ideas on accessorizing, and don’t wait till the last minute to go shopping. Every accessory you choose should work well with your dress and not against it.

Buy the right innerwear

Invest in good innerwear to ensure you look and feel comfortable on your wedding day. If you want to hide any bulges, choose shapewear that will do the job. If your gown is strapless, make sure you find a well-fitted bra. If you don’t want your dress to cling to you, buy a petticoat that does the job. Buy your wedding day innerwear early, and wear them to your wedding dress alteration sessions. This will allow your tailor to alter it to your exact measurements so you look perfect on your wedding day.

Haven’t you found your wedding dress yet? Visit us at Best for Bride to browse our vast collection and find the right choices for you.