Jewelry Coordination: A Must For Bridesmaids?

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to choosing jewellery for bridesmaids. While the bride may give you a special piece to wear, she will likely leave the rest up to you. If you're a bride, you may want your bridesmaids to wear the same jewellery or mix and match. You could also give them a theme to work with or let them decide on their accessories. The jewellery chosen will depend on the style of the dress, the colour scheme of the wedding, and the style of the wedding.

Earrings: Choose the right style for each person's hairdo

Earrings are a versatile accessory that can complement any hairstyle, but choosing the right style can elevate the entire look. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect earrings for each of your bridesmaids' hairdos:

Updos and Statement Earrings

If your bridesmaids are rocking an elegant updo, a pair of statement earrings can be a stunning choice. Look for earrings with a bit of movement and drama, such as drop earrings or shoulder-sweeping earrings. These styles will frame the face beautifully and add a touch of glamour to the overall look. Keep in mind the neckline of the dress and the other accessories to ensure a balanced and cohesive look.

Subtle Studs for Strapless Gowns

For strapless gowns, a statement necklace can be a stunning focal point. To avoid overwhelming the look, opt for more subtle earrings such as classic studs or small hoops. This will ensure the neckline remains the star of the show while still adding a touch of sparkle to the ensemble. You can also consider leaving the ears bare if your bridesmaids prefer a more minimalist approach.

Delicate Earrings for Feminine Necklines

If the bridesmaid dress features a scoop neckline, such as a sweetheart or v-neck, delicate earrings are the way to go. These necklines have a feminine appeal, and you don't want the earrings to compete with the dress. Think small, dainty pieces that complement the neckline without overwhelming it. This could be a simple pair of pearl studs or small drop earrings that add a touch of sparkle.

Dramatic Drop Earrings for a Bold Look

For a bold and dramatic look, consider pairing an updo hairstyle with dramatic drop earrings. This combination will certainly make a statement and turn heads. However, be mindful of the neckline and choose a style that complements rather than clashes with the dress. This look is perfect for a formal wedding, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Personal Style and Comfort

While you want the earrings to complement the hairdo and dress, it's essential to consider the comfort and personal style of your bridesmaids. Not everyone is used to wearing earrings, so be sure to ask your bridesmaids beforehand. You may need to provide clip-on options for those who don't have their ears pierced. Ultimately, you want your bridesmaids to feel comfortable and confident, so choose a style that aligns with their individual tastes.

Necklaces: Pick a longer chain for high necklines or a simple pendant for lower necklines

When it comes to accessorising bridesmaids' dresses, necklaces can be a stylish addition. The type of necklace you choose should complement the neckline of the dress. For high necklines, a longer chain is a good option, while for lower necklines such as sweetheart or V-necks, a simple pendant is more suitable.

A longer chain necklace can add interest and elegance to a high neckline. This type of necklace can help to elongate the neck and create a stylish silhouette. It can also be a good choice if you want to avoid a cluttered look, as it will hang gracefully without competing with the dress. If you're opting for a longer chain, consider the weight and style of the pendant or charm. A delicate chain with a small charm or pendant can be a subtle and elegant choice, while a bolder, larger pendant can make more of a statement.

For lower necklines, a simple pendant on a shorter chain can be a perfect choice. This can help to accentuate the neckline without overwhelming it. Opt for a delicate chain with a small pendant, such as a single pearl or a dainty diamond. This will add a touch of sparkle without taking away from the dress itself. When choosing a pendant necklace, consider the length of the chain to ensure it sits at a flattering point on the décolletage.

If you're working with a scoop neckline, such as a sweetheart or V-neck, you can also consider multiple thin strands of necklaces to accentuate the cut. This can create a stylish and on-trend layered look. Just be sure to keep the individual necklaces delicate and minimal to avoid a cluttered appearance.

When selecting necklaces for your bridesmaids, it's important to consider the style and cut of the dresses, as well as the overall wedding aesthetic. The necklaces should complement the dresses without detracting from them. You may also want to think about the hair and makeup looks of your bridesmaids, as well as any other accessories they will be wearing.

Ultimately, the choice of necklace length and style will depend on the specific neckline of the bridesmaids' dresses and the overall vision for the wedding.

Bracelets: A symbol of friendship, but may go unnoticed with long sleeves

Bracelets are a symbol of friendship, making them a lovely way for your bridal party to feel connected on the big day. They will be a sweet and subtle addition to your bridesmaid outfits that won't draw too much attention away from the dresses you spent hours choosing. However, if your bridesmaids are wearing long sleeves, bracelets might go unnoticed by some guests.

If you're set on bracelets, there are ways to ensure they don't go unnoticed. For example, you could opt for a bold beaded bracelet with a personalised pavé initial. Alternatively, a delicate tennis bracelet will add a subtle shine to your bridesmaids' wrists, and they'll be able to wear it again.

If you're worried about bracelets being hidden by long sleeves, there are other accessories to consider. Earrings, for example, will go with pretty much everything. A small and simple pair of studs will perfectly complement an updo, while drop earrings with a little movement are a good choice for those wearing their hair down. If you're set on making a statement, a necklace could be the way to go, especially if your bridesmaids are wearing a strapless gown or a dress with a scoop neckline.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to include bracelets as part of your bridesmaids' outfits is up to you. But it's worth bearing in mind that accessories are an opportunity for your bridesmaids' personalities to shine through, so you may want to leave it up to them to decide whether to wear bracelets or not.

Accessories: Hair accessories, shoes, and other items can be coordinated too

If you want to coordinate your bridesmaids' accessories, you can give them a theme to work with. For example, if you will be wearing a pearl choker, they can wear some simple strands. If you're wearing a sparkly headpiece, your bridesmaids can each wear a similar clip in their hair.

You can also let your bridesmaids' individuality shine by letting them accessorize themselves, especially if they will all be wearing the same dress. You can give them some parameters, such as sticking to the pearl family or wearing metallic accessories.

If you want to coordinate hair accessories, a pearl headband or a headband with sparkles and pearls woven into a wreath can be a gorgeous option. You could also opt for a hair pin or a hair clip, which can be adorned with rhinestones or pearls and come in silver or gold color options.

When it comes to shoes, it's considerate to keep your bridesmaids' budgets in mind. Instead of picking out an expensive pair of shoes for them to buy, you can suggest a lower-priced pair or send them an example so they can choose their own price point.

If you want your bridesmaids to wear the same jewelry, you can choose it as a bridesmaid gift. This is a polite way to have them wear what you want, and they will likely appreciate the gift.

Budget: Accessories can be expensive, so consider giving them as gifts

Accessories can be expensive, so it's worth considering giving them as gifts to your bridesmaids. This is a polite way to ensure your bridesmaids wear the accessories you want, and they will love the thoughtful gift. If you're on a budget, you could opt for a simple pair of stud earrings or a delicate bracelet as a gift, or you could give each bridesmaid a piece of jewellery to wear on your wedding day and ask them to buy their own accessories for the rest of their outfit.

If you're looking for ideas for gifts, you could choose a piece of jewellery that reflects each bridesmaid's individual style rather than the wedding theme. Classic pearls or sparkly pieces are always a good choice and are likely to be worn again and again. If you want to go the extra mile, you could even get the jewellery gift engraved or personalised with their name or initials.

Another option is to give jewellery that doesn't have to be worn on the wedding day. This way, you can choose wilder colours, shapes and styles, and your bridesmaids can wear them for other formal occasions. You could also ask your bridesmaids to wear the same metal (silver, gold or rose gold) on the day for uniformity in photos, without having to buy them all matching jewellery.

If you're set on your bridesmaids wearing specific accessories, it's worth keeping their budgets in mind. If the accessories are on the pricier side, you could give them as a thank-you gift or as part of your bridesmaid proposal. You could also suggest affordable places to shop for accessories, such as David's Bridal for affordable yet glamorous jewellery.

Remember, it's not just about the jewellery. There are other ways to accessorise your bridesmaids, such as hairpieces, shoes and even getting-ready outfits. You could provide these as gifts or suggestions to help your bridesmaids feel special and take the pressure off their wallets.

Frequently asked questions