OK ladies, here's music to your ears (and neck, and wrist)... now that
you've got your wedding dress, it's time to accessorize it! There's no
doubt about it, the right baubles perfect your wedding ensemble.
Here's what you need to know to accessorize like a pro.
Bridal Jewelry Style Tips:
Keep it Simple
Before the fun begins, please heed this advice. When it comes to your
bridal jewelry, less really is more. Simple jewelry makes a timeless
fashion statement; overdo it and you risk a phone call from Diddy
asking for his bling back.
Formality Rules
Along with all other accessories, the bride's jewelry should reflect
the formality of the wedding celebration. A small, informal wedding
calls for simple jewelry, while a large, formal wedding calls for more
elaborate pieces.
Complement the Gown
Wedding dress style also plays a major roll in jewelry selection. As a
general rule - the more detailing on the gown, the simpler the jewelry,
while a simple dress calls for added embellishment.
Let Your Neckline Lead the Way
Your dress neckline will guide you towards what pieces and styles
you'll wear. Many gowns are strapless or have low necklines, which is
a perfect style to showcase a great necklace. If your gown has a high
neckline, you may want to forego the necklace and concentrate on
finding the perfect earrings.
Make It You
Above all, wedding day duds should reflect your personal style. So
stick to studs if you've never worn chandeliers, and if you've never
left the house without your favorite strand of pearls - around your
neck is where they should be when you say "I do."
Pick your Metals:
The shade of your wedding dress will guide you to which metals work best:
If your dress is white - choose platinum or silver jewelry, as yellow gold may clash with stark white.
If your dress is off-white - either golds or silvers/platinums will work.
If your dress is ivory - the slightly yellowish undertones call for gold jewelry.
Pick Your Gems:
Pearls - A Classic Choice
The tradition of pearl bridal jewelry stems back to the ancient Greeks,
who believed pearls promoted marital harmony. And of course, style
icon Jackie O donned a strand the day she became Mrs. Kennedy, further
cementing pearls as the refined gem of choice for brides everywhere.
Diamonds - The BFF of Jewelry
Diamonds didn't get their "girl's best friend" status for nothing. They're always good to add a touch of sparkle to your wedding dress. The good news for your wallet is that faux varieties work just as well.
Add Some Color
Of course, colored stones/gems present a great way to incorporate some
color into your wedding day look, so don't shy away from blues, pinks,
yellows - you name it.
Pick your Pieces:
Necklaces
The Choker: The classic choker features one to three
strands worn close around the neck. This length works well with a
jewel or bateau neckline, as it may get lost if too much skin is
showing.
The Collar: This Victorian style consists of
three or more strands fitting securely around the middle neck. This
length is a great accent to a low or strapless neckline.
The
Princess: This length falls about 16 inches to the hollow of the neck
and often supports a pendant. This style works with almost any but a
high neckline.
The Matinee: This style hits the top of
the bust and looks great with a bateau, jewel, or a lower neckline with
sheer fabric covering the decolletage area.
The Opera:
The opera necklace is a long single strand falling below the bust. It
creates a dramatic look when paired with a very high neckline.
Earrings
Keep your earrings simple if your necklace is especially large or
grand. You also may not want to wear earrings at all if you're wearing
a tiara - as the two may compete. On the other hand - if you're going
sans necklace, consider highlighting your look with elaborate
earrings. Remember, the key to accessorizing is balance.
Deck your Wrist?
Although not as common as necklaces and earrings, brides can wear a
bracelet with sleeveless, short-sleeve, and three-quarter sleeve gowns.
However, a watch is best left at home on your wedding day unless it's a
family heirloom or antique.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!