Selecting Jewelry For Your Bridesmaids: A Guide

Choosing the jewellery for your bridesmaids is an important part of wedding planning. It's a chance to thank your bridesmaids for their support and add the finishing touches to their outfits. Whether you opt for matching jewellery or allow your bridesmaids to pick their own accessories, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about your budget and the exact type of jewellery you want to gift. Then, decide on the material and style, keeping in mind the colour scheme and theme of your wedding. You may also want to choose jewellery that complements the neckline and hairstyle of your bridesmaids' dresses. Finally, consider the versatility of the pieces and whether your bridesmaids will be able to wear them again.

Earrings: Choose studs for hair down, or drops for an updo

Earrings are a great way to accessorsection accessorize your bridesmaids and add some sparkle to their ensembles. The right earrings can complement your bridesmaids' hairstyles and enhance their features. If you're wondering whether to choose studs or drop earrings for your bridesmaids, here's a detailed guide to help you decide:

Stud Earrings:

Stud earrings are an excellent choice for bridesmaids with long hair or those planning to wear their hair down. Small and simple stud earrings will add a touch of elegance without taking away from the hairstyle. They are also a good option if you want to pair them with a statement necklace or bold bracelet. Opt for classic choices like pearl or diamond studs, which offer timeless elegance. If you want to add a bit ofsection, consider sparkly crystal studs or studs with intricate details.

Drop Earrings:

Drop earrings, on the other hand, are perfect for bridesmaids who will be wearing an updo or have shorter hair. The movement and length of drop earrings can complement an updo beautifully and draw attention to your bridesmaids' faces. You can choose from various styles, such as elegant pearl drops, sparkling crystal drops, or bold geometric designs. If your bridesmaids' dresses have high necklines, drop earrings can add a stylish touch without overwhelming the outfit.

When selecting earrings for your bridesmaids, it's important to consider their comfort and ensure they are happy with the choice. Additionally, keep in mind the overall style and color palette of the wedding to create a cohesive look. You can also gift your bridesmaids their earrings as a thoughtful token of your appreciation.

Necklaces: Perfect for V-neck or strapless dresses

Necklaces are a perfect accessory for bridesmaids wearing V-neck or strapless dresses. Here are some tips on how to pick the right necklace for these dress styles:

V-Neck Dresses

V-neck dresses are very versatile and can be easily accessorised with a necklace. When choosing a necklace for a V-neck dress, consider the width of the neckline. Match the pendant size to the width of the V—a smaller pendant for a narrow plunge and a larger one for a wider V. Avoid necklaces that are too long, as they will compete with the neckline. A pendant necklace is a great option for a V-neck dress, with the pendant following the lines of the plunging V-neckline. The pendant can be a pearl, diamond, coloured stone, or cross. You can also opt for a choker, especially if you want something simpler. A layered choker and pendant combination can add a lot of detail to your look.

Strapless Dresses

Strapless dresses leave the neck and décolletage area free to accessorise with a statement piece of jewellery. A necklace can transform your outfit from simple to stunning. Bib-style necklaces, which cover a larger portion of the chest, are a dramatic choice. Pendant necklaces offer elegance in their simplicity. Choker necklaces, which sit snugly around the neck, offer a chic and sophisticated look. When choosing a necklace for a strapless dress, consider the event type, dress style, and your personal style. Dramatic dangling earrings can also be a good choice for a strapless dress, as they draw attention to the face and complement the neckline.

Bracelets: Dainty bangles complement high necklines

When it comes to choosing the perfect jewellery for your bridesmaids, there are many factors to consider, from the style of their dresses to your wedding's colour scheme. But if you want a simple rule to follow, dainty bangles and bracelets are a great choice for bridesmaids wearing dresses with high necklines.

Bracelets are a symbol of friendship, making them a thoughtful way for your bridal party to feel connected on your big day. And if you opt for dainty bangles, you won't have to worry about the accessories overpowering the dresses or looking outdated when you look back at your wedding photos in years to come.

Of course, if your bridesmaids are wearing long sleeves, bracelets might go unnoticed by some guests. But if you're set on bracelets, you could opt for a bold beaded bracelet or a simple tennis bracelet, both of which will be sure to shine.

If you're worried about bracelets clashing with long sleeves, you could always opt for necklaces instead. A dainty pendant necklace is an elegant and timeless choice, especially if you want to personalise the necklaces with your bridesmaids' birthstones.

Ultimately, it's up to the bride to decide which accessories the bridal party should wear. But whether you choose dainty bangles, bold bracelets, or something else entirely, the most important thing is to pick something that aligns with your vision for your special day.

Gift it: Jewellery is a thoughtful gift for your bridesmaids

Jewellery is a thoughtful gift for your bridesmaids and a lovely way to thank them for being by your side on your big day. It's also a great way to ensure your wedding party's accessories look cohesive.

If you're thinking about gifting your bridal party a piece of jewellery, it's important to find something that complements your wedding style and suits your bridesmaids' preferences. Here are some things to consider:

Budget

It's a good idea to determine your total budget for bridesmaid jewellery before you start shopping. The amount you spend will depend on the number of bridesmaids you have, and vice versa. So, decide on a firm but flexible budget to help you find the perfect pieces.

Wedding Theme

If your wedding has a particular colour scheme, theme, or aesthetic, you may want to choose jewellery that complements it. For example, if you're planning a contemporary garden wedding, you might opt for light-coloured stones and delicate, white gold pieces. On the other hand, a vintage twilight reception might call for bolder, sparkling, classic designs.

Material and Style

You can have fun choosing a material that carries significance for you and your bridesmaids. Consider gemstones, precious metals, and their meanings. For instance, emeralds are said to possess the properties of love and abundance, making them a thoughtful choice for close friends.

When selecting the type of jewellery, think about what might complement the shape and aesthetic of your bridesmaids' outfits. For instance, a necklace could pair well with a plunging neckline, while bracelets might be less visible with long sleeves. You could also opt for a grown-up version of friendship bracelets if that has a special meaning for your group.

Versatility

While you want the jewellery to work for your wedding, it's also important to choose pieces that your bridesmaids will be able to wear comfortably in a variety of settings for a long time. Simple, timeless pieces like delicate studs or dainty bracelets are often the most versatile.

Personalisation

You can make the gift even more special by personalising it. For example, you could opt for pendants that incorporate their birthstones or have their initials engraved. This adds a thoughtful touch and makes the jewellery feel even more meaningful.

Gift Sets

You can find beautiful jewellery sets that include earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or a combination of pieces. These sets can be a wonderful way to show your appreciation and ensure a cohesive look for your bridal party. You can even find sets that allow for personalisation, like engraving or choosing specific stones or metals.

Remember, jewellery is an excellent way to thank your bridesmaids and create a unified look for your wedding party. By considering their preferences and your wedding style, you can choose pieces that they'll cherish long after your special day.

Match metals: Gold for pink, silver for yellow or blue

Matching the jewellery metal to the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses is a good rule of thumb when selecting jewellery for your bridal party. Gold jewellery, for example, complements pink dresses, while silver or white gold jewellery pairs well with yellow or blue dresses.

Gold jewellery, including both yellow and rose gold, is an excellent choice for adding warmth and opulence to an outfit. It is particularly well-suited for pink dresses, with the warm tones of the metal enhancing the colour of the fabric. Rose gold jewellery, in particular, is the ideal complement to pink, especially when coupled with pastel or blush pink gemstones like rose quartz, morganite, angel skin coral, or pink opal. The subtle undertones of rose and peach in these gemstones will be accentuated when paired with a pink dress.

On the other hand, silver or white gold jewellery provides a stunning contrast to yellow or blue dresses. The cool tones of these metals complement the brightness of yellow and the serenity of blue. Additionally, blue gemstone jewellery, such as sapphire and turquoise, can further enhance the beauty of a yellow dress by providing a captivating contrast.

When selecting jewellery for your bridesmaids, it is essential to consider the hairstyle and neckline of their dresses. For instance, dangling earrings complement an updo, while studs are ideal for looks where the hair will be worn down. Similarly, certain necklines, such as one-shoulder, halter, and illusion styles, are typically paired with earrings or bracelets instead of necklaces. Conversely, strapless, sweetheart, and V-neck dresses create a lovely focal point for a necklace, whether it's a statement piece or a simple design.

Frequently asked questions