So, Harry Winston isn’t lending you a diamond choker and chunky diamond earrings like he does the Oscar nominees?
Check out our guide to
bridal jewelry and you’ll know just how to dazzle ’em on your special day -- without Harry's help.
Family Heirlooms. If you happen to have an amazing piece of jewelry at your disposal, wear it. Don’t hesitate to ask family and friends to borrow jewelry that you admire. Those who are close to you may feel honored to fulfill the “something borrowed” category for your wedding day. Jewelry that has been in your family for generations also has a special feel. Imagine wearing the same strand of pearls that your mother and her mother before her wore to their weddings (just make sure that they have recently been re-strung). Plus, vintage jewelry is hot right now and can lend an added dimension to your bridal look.
Fake It. If you don’t have access to the real stuff, look for some fabulous fakes. These days it’s hard to distinguish costume jewelry from authentic gems. Many bridal salons and department stores offer an array of faux pearl earrings and necklaces. Faux diamonds are wonderful as well, and many of the pieces available combine the costume pearl and diamonds together for a sparkly and classic look.
Pearl Primer. Pearls are a bride’s best friend, too. The lustrous white color is a beautiful complement to a white or off-white wedding gown. Choose the strand length that best enhances your gown’s neckline:
- Pearl collar: 12-13 inches, is usually made up of three or more strands and hugs the middle of the neck. It looks best with plunging or v-necks, boat necks, or off-the-shoulder gowns, and looks fab if you choose to wear your hair up.
- Choker: 14-16 inches, it's called the most classic and versatile necklace a woman can own. It goes with just about any gown neckline.
- Princess length: 17-19 inches and goes well with high and very low necklines. Brides should probably not go much longer than princess length to complement their gowns, although an opera length strand, 28-34 inches, can be doubled to make a lovely two-strand choker. A good size pearl runs from 5.5 mm to 7 mm.
Earrings. Although mere trifles, earrings really do complete a look. Do a trial earring run by trying on various earrings to see which look best with your gown’s neckline and the hairstyle you plan to wear on the big day. Drop pearls and pearls with some diamond sparkle are elegant wedding selections. You can also go for something more dramatic, such as hanging crystal earrings, but make sure they don’t overwhelm your dress (or are so trendy you'll look back and cringe in twenty years). If your gown is heavily beaded and sparkly itself, you may want to wear subtle or diminutive earrings.
Colorful. Jewelry is a great way to add color to your wedding-day ensemble, if you dare. Sapphires, emeralds, and semi-precious stones can add just a bit of pop to your necklace and earring choices, not to mention your overall look. Colored pearls are trendy at the moment, with the hues ranging from gray to golden to pastel pink. Be sure to keep colored jewelry choices subtle, though.
Dare To Be Bare. One way to go is to keep it simple. As for necklaces, you might decide to skip them altogether in order to show off your dress’s stunning neckline. It also allows you to show off your neck, you might not be able to show off in 30 years. You can also completely forego bracelets, especially if you’re going to wear gloves.
Time Flies. Another piece of jewelry that you can leave home when you walk down the aisle: your watch. Time does indeed fly when you’re having fun, so you won’t need a watch on your wedding day. You want to be caught up in the moment, not checking on the hour. A watch can induce stress, especially if you’re trying to hit certain time targets for the cocktail hour, the first dance, etc. In addition, a clunky watch is not delicate enough for your wedding day look.
Bridesmaids. Give your bridesmaids some direction when it comes to jewelry. You can tell them all to wear pearls or no necklaces at all. You can let them show a little creativity and individuality by choosing their own earrings, or you can give earrings, necklaces or both as your attendant gifts, and ask them to wear them on teh big day. Although it looks great if all of your bridesmaids wear the same jewelry; it’s also fine if you allow them to make their own choices as long as they are keeping with the tone of your wedding.
Hair Jewelry. Another place for wedding day jewelry is in your hair. If you do plan to wear a tiara, which is super-hot right now as a headpiece selection, adding a necklace to your look may be sparkle overkill. Little bejeweled clips or pins strewn throughout your hair can add dazzle. If you opt for hair jewelry, tone down the rest of your jewelry selections.
Keep It Simple. Let your gown, not your accessories, stand out. Whether you go for classic jewelry or something a little funkier, make sure that your whole ensemble works together. Do some trial runs with your gown and hairstyle to see which jewels really complement them. Remember: proportion is the key. Jewelry is an important accent on your wedding day, but the best choices don’t take center stage.
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