Creating A Wedding Necklace: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding necklace is an important accessory for a bride's big day. It can add a lot to a bride's overall look, especially if the wedding gown is very simple and minimalist or has a low or plunging neckline. When choosing a wedding necklace, it is essential to consider the style of the dress, the neckline, and any other accessories that will be worn. The right necklace can complement the wedding gown and enhance the bride's overall ensemble. There are many different types of wedding necklaces to choose from, such as chokers, pendants, lariats, and multi-strand necklaces. The material and colour of the necklace are also important considerations, as well as the length and size of the necklace. Whether you're looking for a simple and delicate necklace or a bold and glamorous statement piece, there are many options available to suit different styles and budgets.

Choosing the right necklace for your wedding dress

Choosing the right necklace to complement your wedding dress is an important part of your bridal look. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect piece:

Dress Neckline and Style

The style and neckline of your wedding dress are key factors when choosing a necklace. If you're wearing a strapless, off-the-shoulder, or boat neckline gown, bolder necklaces like a collar, choker, or multi-strand piece can add a stylish touch. For a plunging or V-neckline, a simple pendant or lariat-style necklace can accentuate your décolletage without overwhelming your look. Sweetheart necklines also pair well with pendant necklaces, echoing the shape of the dress. If your dress has a high neckline or a halter style, consider forgoing a necklace altogether and opting for statement earrings or hair accessories instead.

Simplicity of the Dress

The simplicity or detailing of your wedding dress should also guide your necklace choice. If your gown features intricate details or embellishments, a simple and delicate necklace, such as a diamond tennis necklace or gemstone pendant, can ensure your accessories complement rather than clash with your outfit. On the other hand, a statement necklace can add a touch of glamour to a simple wedding dress.

Metal and Colour Choices

When selecting a metal for your necklace, consider the colour of your gown. White or black dresses often pair well with cooler-toned metals like platinum or silver, while ivory or champagne-hued gowns can be enhanced by gold jewellery. Blush-coloured dresses can be beautifully complemented by rose gold accessories. Additionally, think about any other accessories you plan to wear, such as earrings or hairpieces, and try to maintain a cohesive look by matching metals and embellishments.

Personal Style and Comfort

While trends can provide inspiration, ultimately, your wedding jewellery should reflect your personal style and aesthetics. Opt for pieces that align with your usual taste, ensuring comfort and functionality for your special day. If you rarely wear earrings, your wedding day may not be the best time to experiment with statement earrings. Instead, elevate your everyday style by choosing more formal versions of the jewellery you feel most comfortable in.

Necklace styles: chokers, pendants, lariats, multi-strand, princess, collar, and graduated

When it comes to wedding necklaces, there are many styles to choose from, each offering something unique to complement the wearer's style and personality. Here is a guide to some of the most popular necklace styles:

Chokers

Chokers are short necklaces that sit high on the neck, often making a bold statement. They can be delicate and minimalist or chunky and ornate, depending on the design. Chokers are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them a popular choice for bridal jewellery.

Pendants

Pendant necklaces feature a single charm or pendant that hangs from a chain. Pendants can be simple and understated or bold and eye-catching, depending on their design and the length of the chain. Pendant necklaces are a classic choice for weddings, often featuring a delicate chain and a small, meaningful charm.

Lariats

Lariat necklaces are long strands without a clasp, designed to be wrapped or tied around the neck in various ways. They offer versatility and can be styled in multiple ways, making them a unique choice for bridal jewellery. Lariats can be layered, wrapped, or knotted to create different looks.

Multi-strand

Multi-strand necklaces consist of multiple strands or layers of chains, often featuring pendants or charms. They create a textured and eye-catching look and can be adjusted to different lengths. Multi-strand necklaces are perfect for brides who want to make a statement with their jewellery.

Princess

Princess-style necklaces typically fall just below the jawline, sitting elegantly on the collarbone. They are often delicate and understated, featuring a single strand of pearls or a thin chain with a small pendant. Princess necklaces are a classic and timeless choice for brides who want something simple and elegant.

Collar

Collar necklaces are similar to chokers but sit lower on the neck, resting just above the collarbone. They often have a wider design and lay flat on the skin. Collar necklaces can be bold and statement-making, featuring unique designs and materials. They are perfect for brides who want something more substantial than a choker.

Graduated

Graduated necklaces feature beads, pearls, or other elements that gradually increase or decrease in size towards the centre of the necklace. This style creates a sense of movement and visual interest. Graduated necklaces are often elegant and timeless, making them a popular choice for bridal jewellery.

Matching your necklace to your dress's neckline

When choosing a wedding necklace, it's important to consider the style of your dress, especially the neckline. Here are some tips on matching your necklace to your dress's neckline:

Strapless Necklines

Strapless dresses offer an opportunity to showcase shimmering jewels. Opulent chokers or delicate collar necklaces can be a great choice. If you prefer something simpler, a bold pair of statement earrings can also adorn your décolletage beautifully.

Sweetheart Necklines

The gentle curves of a sweetheart neckline call for a dainty pendant necklace that dances above the neckline, echoing the romantic essence of the dress.

Illusion Necklines

With an illusion neckline, it's best to skip the necklace and opt for earrings that capture the light, such as sparkling drop earrings, to create a spellbinding effect.

High Necklines

High necklines exude regal elegance and command attention. Let your jewellery take a supporting role with statement earrings and sophisticated bracelets. If you do choose a necklace, go for a longer one that hangs below the collarbone to elongate your silhouette.

V-Necklines

V-necklines call for jewellery that mirrors its elegant geometry. A pendant necklace that follows the line of the neckline is a perfect choice, drawing the eye downward subtly. Alternatively, you can opt for drop earrings that cascade gently, echoing the romanticism of this timeless silhouette.

Halter Necklines

Halter necklines demand jewellery that complements their sleek contours. If your neckline permits, a pendant necklace can add a touch of understated glamour. Bold stud earrings are another option, illuminating your face with timeless elegance.

Asymmetrical or One-Shoulder Necklines

Asymmetrical necklines require jewellery that mirrors their bold individuality. Keep it simple with post or drop earrings that accentuate the striking angle of this silhouette.

Off-the-Shoulder Necklines

Off-the-shoulder necklines invite a symphony of jewels. Frame your neckline with a glamorous choker or let long, dangling earrings evoke a sense of whimsical romance.

Bardot, Bateau, and Boat Necklines

These timelessly sophisticated necklines call for jewellery that complements their classic elegance. Delicate pendant necklaces paired with coordinated studs add a touch of refined charm.

Scoop Necklines

Scoop necklines offer a versatile canvas for playful adornment. You can choose to wear a necklace or leave your neck bare, allowing drop earrings to shine. Coordinated necklace and earring sets can also add a touch of elegance to your bridal look.

Matching your necklace to your dress's style

When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding necklace, there are a few things to consider to ensure it complements your dress style. Firstly, the neckline of your dress will play a significant role in the type of necklace you choose. For example, if you have a strapless dress, a statement necklace such as a collar, choker, or multi-strand piece can add a bold touch. On the other hand, a simple pendant works best with a plunging V-neck to keep the focus on the neckline. Similarly, a boat neck or off-the-shoulder dress pairs well with a choker, while a high neckline may be better without a necklace, instead, opt for statement earrings.

The level of detail on your dress is another factor to consider when choosing a necklace. If your dress has a lot of detail or embellishments, a simple and dainty necklace will ensure your accessories don't overwhelm the outfit. In this case, a gemstone pendant or diamond tennis necklace can add a subtle touch of sparkle. Conversely, if your dress is more minimal or non-embellished, you have more freedom to choose a necklace that reflects your personal style and complements the neckline.

The metal and colour of your necklace are also important considerations. Opt for a metal that complements the colour of your dress. For instance, if your dress is white or black, cool-toned metals like platinum or silver are a better match, while ivory or champagne-hued gowns pair well with gold. Additionally, consider your skin undertone when choosing a metal—silver suits pink or rosy-red undertones, and gold complements apricot or olive undertones. If your dress has embellishments, match your necklace to them. For instance, pair a pearl necklace with a gown that has pearl details, or choose a diamond accessory if your dress features crystals.

Lastly, don't be afraid to incorporate unique details into your wedding necklace. One trend that is currently popular is pearl jewellery, offering a nice change from traditional diamonds. Unique shapes, such as flowers and hearts, add a playful touch to your ensemble, while coloured gemstones can bring a subtle pop of colour to your look.

Current wedding necklace trends

There are several current and upcoming trends in wedding necklaces to look out for.

Firstly, chokers are back in style for 2024, particularly pearl chokers, which can add an elegant touch to a bare neck and pair well with strapless gowns. Chokers with floral patterns or unique finishes can also add a bold, sophisticated flair to your wedding look.

Secondly, chain link necklaces are having their moment, with both sleek and chunky styles being popular. These necklaces can be worn alone or layered with other pieces.

Layering necklaces is another popular trend, with delicate pendant necklaces and longer chains being worn together for a bohemian look, especially with low-cut or off-the-shoulder wedding dresses.

Personalised jewellery is also a great way to add a sentimental touch to your wedding day. You could wear a necklace with your initials, a meaningful engraving, or even your birthstone.

If you're looking for something a little more colourful, vibrant accessories with bold beads, vivid gemstones, or eye-catching enamel are also on-trend.

Finally, don't forget the classics, such as diamond tennis necklaces, which never go out of style and can be passed down as heirlooms.

Frequently asked questions