Bridesmaids' Jewelry: Ask Or Suggest?

Bridesmaids' jewellery is a fun way to add some sparkle to a wedding. It's ultimately the bride's decision on whether her bridal party should wear any jewellery at all, and if so, whether they should all wear the same pieces. If the bride is happy for her bridesmaids to choose their own accessories, it's a nice way to let their personalities shine through. However, if she wants a more uniform look, it's a good idea to give her crew some guidelines, such as the type of metal or gemstone to wear.

Letting bridesmaids choose their own accessories

While it is ultimately the bride's decision on what accessories the bridal party should wear, letting bridesmaids choose their own accessories is a great way to let their personalities shine through. It is also a good way to ensure that your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident, and can help to take the pressure off their wallets.

If you're worried about your wedding party looking too "cookie-cutter", letting your bridesmaids accessorise themselves is a great way to avoid this. If they're all wearing the same dress, different accents and accessories will add a unique touch to each person's style. You can even give them some parameters to work within, such as staying in the pearl family or wearing metallic accessories.

If you're concerned about your bridesmaids going overboard with accessories, you can suggest minimal accessories, or even no accessories at all. A simple pair of stud earrings, for example, can be a subtle addition to a sleeveless or strapless dress.

You could also give your bridesmaids a theme to work with. For instance, if you'll be wearing a pearl choker, they could wear some simple strands. Or, if you're wearing a sparkly headpiece, they could each wear a similar clip in their hair.

If you have a specific piece of jewellery in mind, you could choose it as a bridesmaid gift. This is a polite way to ensure they wear what you want, and it's something they can wear again and again.

Opting for minimal accessories

Keep it Simple

Suggesting that your bridesmaids wear minimal accessories can ensure that the focus remains on their dresses and overall attire. A simple pair of stud earrings or small hoops can be a subtle and elegant touch, especially if the dress is embellished or iridescent. You can also suggest they wear a delicate necklace, such as a single pendant or multiple thin strands, to accentuate a scoop, sweetheart, or v-neckline without making it look cluttered.

Less is More

Encourage your bridesmaids to remember that when it comes to accessories, less is often more. They don't need to be dripping in jewels, and a single statement piece, such as a bracelet, can beautifully complement their outfit. This approach can also help accommodate their budgets, as too many accessories can become expensive.

Complement the Dress

The style and cut of the dress should be considered when choosing minimal accessories. For example, a strapless gown can be paired with a statement necklace, while a dress with a scoop or v-neckline may be better suited to delicate jewellery. If the dress has spaghetti straps or a one-shoulder design, a necklace may not be necessary, and they can instead opt for larger stud earrings or shoulder-sweeping earrings.

Consider the Colour Scheme

The colour scheme of the wedding can also guide the choice of minimal accessories. For example, cool-toned dresses often pair well with sterling silver accents, while warmer tones may be better suited to rose gold or gold jewellery. If the wedding has pops of colour, the bridesmaids can have fun with their jewellery choices, perhaps incorporating turquoise, emeralds, or sapphires. However, if the wedding is classic black and white, it's best to stick to elegant and simplistic pieces, such as pearls and diamonds.

Personal Touches

While minimal accessories are the goal, your bridesmaids can still incorporate personal touches. For example, they can choose a vintage hair clip instead of a necklace or opt for a bracelet instead of earrings if they don't have their ears pierced. This approach allows them to feel comfortable and confident while still adhering to the minimal accessory theme.

Matching accessories to the bride's

Matching accessories for the brides can be a fun way to unify the wedding party's aesthetic. Here are some ideas to consider:

Let Them Accessorize Themselves

Allow your bridesmaids to choose their own accessories. This approach lets their individuality shine through, especially if they're all wearing the same dress. You can provide parameters, such as suggesting they stick to the pearl family or wear metallic accessories.

Minimal Accessories

Ask your bridesmaids to wear minimal accessories or none at all, except for a simple piece like a pair of stud earrings. This is a good option if the bridesmaid dress is already embellished, as too many accessories could be overkill.

Give Them a Theme

Provide your bridesmaids with a theme that complements your own wedding-day look. For example, if you're wearing a pearl choker, they could wear simple strands of pearls. This approach helps to unify the wedding party's aesthetic.

Gift Them Their Accessories

If you have specific accessories in mind, consider gifting them to your bridesmaids. This is a polite way to ensure they wear what you want, and it's also a thoughtful present.

Host an Accessory Party

Organize a get-together where your bridesmaids can make their own accessories. You can meet at a bead or charm store, and they can create pieces they'll actually want to wear on your wedding day and beyond.

Be Creative

Think beyond traditional accessories like necklaces and earrings. For example, if you're using baby's breath in your ceremony, add sprigs of it to your bridesmaids' hairstyles.

Remember, it's important to be considerate of your bridesmaids' budgets, especially since they're likely already spending a lot on their dresses, travel, and other wedding-related expenses.

Gifting accessories to bridesmaids

Gifting accessories to your bridesmaids is a thoughtful way to thank your bridal party and make them feel special. Here are some ideas and tips to consider when choosing accessories as bridesmaid gifts:

Gift Ideas

• Jewelry: Birthstone jewelry, birth date pendants, personalized bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and jewelry sets are all great options. You can also choose jewelry that complements your own accessories, such as simple strands of pearls if you're wearing a pearl choker or a sparkly hair clip if you're wearing a sparkly headpiece.
• Practical items: Consider items that your bridesmaids can use long after the wedding, such as compact mirrors, jewelry trays, tumblers, or travel kits.
• Customized gifts: Personalized items like embroidered pajamas, monogrammed tote bags, or custom-illustrated cards add a unique touch and show that you put thought into the gift.
• Relaxation and self-care: Gifts like eye masks, wellness journals, or spa gift cards are perfect for helping your bridesmaids unwind and relax after the wedding festivities.
• Experience gifts: Instead of a physical gift, you can opt for an online class or experience that your bridesmaids can enjoy, such as a wine tasting or a watercolor painting class.
• Destination-themed gifts: If you're having a destination wedding, consider gifts like personalized canvas beach bags, custom beach towels, or travel jewelry cases.
• Beauty products: Gift your bridesmaids their favorite beauty staples or introduce them to new ones, such as a versatile beauty balm, long-lasting nail polish, or a luxurious hand cream.

Tips for Gifting Accessories

• Consider their budget: If you're asking your bridesmaids to wear specific accessories, it's polite to gift them or keep their budget in mind, especially if it's on the pricey side.
• Choose timeless pieces: Opt for accessories that are understated, elegant, and timeless. This ensures that your bridesmaids can wear the pieces again and will make the accessories feel more thoughtful and intentional.
• Match their personalities: Gifting accessories that align with your bridesmaids' unique personalities and styles is a wonderful way to make them feel special.
• Practicality over glamour: While accessories can enhance an outfit, they are not a necessity. Consider the comfort of your bridesmaids and whether they would prefer to forego accessories, especially if the bridesmaid dress is already embellished.
• Mix and match: You don't have to buy everyone the same thing. Mix and match accessories or choose different gifts based on their likes and personalities.
• Incorporate your wedding theme: Choose accessories that highlight your taste and the wedding theme. For example, if you have a beach wedding, consider gifting beach-themed accessories or relaxation-focused gifts.

Remember, the key is to make your bridesmaids feel appreciated and celebrated for their role in your special day.

Hosting an accessory-making party

It is common for brides to want their bridesmaids to wear certain jewellery to complete their look. However, it is not a necessity. If you are a bride who wants your bridesmaids to wear specific jewellery, there are a few ways to go about it. Firstly, you could let your bridesmaids decide on their accessories, giving them some guidelines to follow, such as the type of metal or colour. This allows their personalities to shine through and gives them the option to personalise according to their unique style, especially if they are all wearing the same dress.

Another option is to ask your bridesmaids to wear minimal or no accessories, especially if the dress is embellished, in which case a sparkly necklace might be overkill. You could also give them a theme to work with, so that their accessories complement your look. For example, if you will be wearing a pearl choker, they could wear simple strands.

If you have a specific piece of jewellery in mind, you could choose it as a bridesmaid gift. This is a polite way to ensure they wear what you want, and it is also something they can wear again after the wedding.

Alternatively, you could host an accessory-making party. This is a fun way to ensure your bridesmaids' accessories are personalised and something they will want to wear on your wedding day and beyond. Here are some tips for hosting an accessory-making party:

• Invite your bridesmaids and give them a couple of weeks' notice so they can prepare.
• Stock up on supplies. Beads, charms, strings, chains, and any other materials they might need to make their accessories.
• Provide snacks and drinks for your guests. Some ideas include devilled eggs, an easy cheese spread, macaroons, and cocktails or wine.
• Clear off surfaces such as dining and side tables, and use bins and trunks to create display spaces for the accessories.
• Set up a mirror and a place for your bridesmaids to sit and create their accessories.
• If you want to give them guidance, you can suggest a colour scheme or theme, such as pearls or metallics.
• Make it a fun and relaxed event, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Remember, when it comes to bridesmaid jewellery, it's important to keep your crew's budget and preferences in mind. If you're asking them to buy specific items, consider choosing something they can enjoy wearing again, and try to accommodate their unique personalities and styles.

Frequently asked questions