Bridesmaids' Accessories: What Do They Need?

Accessories are essential to finishing off the bridesmaids' look at a wedding. While some bridesmaids might prefer to choose their own accessories, it's customary for the bride to gift her bridesmaids their accessories as a thank-you for all their help and support. This also ensures that the bridesmaids' accessories complement the bride's accessories and don't detract from her look.

Bridesmaids' accessories can include jewellery, shoes, hair accessories, and bouquets. Jewellery can range from earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, to full jewellery sets.

Earrings

When choosing earrings, it's important to consider the formality and theme of your wedding. For a boho or rustic wedding, simple and understated earrings are best. A pair of dainty, gold, drop earrings or some small, sparkly studs will add a subtle touch of glamour. If you're getting married on the beach or in a barn, a simple pair of delicate drop earrings might be all you need.

For a more lavish and glamorous black-tie affair, you can opt for diamonds, crystals, or rhinestones that shimmer and shine. If you want to make a statement, go for bold earrings with a hint of sparkle and shine, such as the Bamboo Double Hoop Earrings, which are made of brass and dipped in 18-karat gold, featuring a bold shape, rich texture, and shimmering crystals.

For a traditional, formal wedding, stick with classic jewellery such as diamond stud earrings or freshwater pearl earrings. The Crystal Madeline Stud Earrings, for example, glisten and shine in a modern yet timeless way and are perfect for wearing with hair up or down.

If your bridesmaids' dresses have a high neckline or are halter-style, you may want to skip the necklace and instead opt for a pair of statement earrings. Chandelier earrings are a great choice for one-shoulder necklines, while stud earrings pair well with strapless and sweetheart necklines.

Necklaces

When it comes to accessorising bridesmaids, necklaces are a great way to add a finishing touch to the overall look. Here are some ideas and considerations for bridesmaid necklaces:

Types of Necklaces

When choosing a necklace for your bridesmaids, there are various styles to consider. Delicate, simple designs are often recommended, especially if the bride wants to shine and not be outshone. Some specific types of necklaces to consider include:

• Pendant necklaces: These can be personalised and make great gifts for your bridesmaids.
• Solitaire pendant necklaces: A classic and elegant choice.
• Chokers: A popular choice, especially with strapless dresses.
• Statement necklaces: Ideal for a glam, modern wedding.
• Layered necklaces: For a more casual, boho look.

Dress Considerations

The style of the bridesmaid dresses should also be taken into account when choosing necklaces. For example, strapless and sweetheart necklines pair well with stud earrings and chunky necklaces. V-neck dresses also complement necklaces, especially delicate and dainty ones. On the other hand, one-shoulder necklines and sheer/illusion necklines often look better without a necklace, instead focusing on eye-catching earrings or a bracelet.

Matching vs. Mismatched Necklaces

Whether you want your bridesmaids' necklaces to match or not is a matter of personal preference. Matching jewellery can be a nice touch, especially if your bridesmaids are wearing mismatched dresses. However, if you don't want every detail to be identical, you could encourage your bridesmaids to choose necklaces that reflect their personal style, within certain parameters, such as colour or metal type.

Gifting Necklaces

Jewellery, including necklaces, is a popular choice for bridesmaid gifts. It can be a thoughtful way to say "thank you" to your bridesmaids and ensure they have something to wear on the big day. If you're gifting necklaces, consider something classic and timeless that your bridesmaids can wear again, such as a freshwater pearl necklace.

Bracelets

There are a few things to consider when choosing bracelets for your bridesmaids. Firstly, you could opt for a simple, minimalist design, such as a delicate chain with an adjustable tie closure, or a bangle with a side clasp. These styles often feature an extension chain, so you don't need to worry about sizing. You could also choose a personalised bracelet with your bridesmaids' initials or a heartfelt message. If you want to add a bit of sparkle, consider a bracelet with gemstones or crystals. Freshwater pearl bracelets are also a popular choice for weddings and can be found in a range of colours and styles, from beaded to twisted link chain designs.

If you want your bridesmaids to stand out, opt for a statement bracelet such as a chunky gold cuff or a colourful beaded design. You could also match the bridesmaids' bracelets to your own accessories, creating a cohesive look for the bridal party.

When choosing a bracelet, consider the style of the bridesmaids' dresses. For example, if the dresses are strapless, a simple bracelet with a short, low-flash stone or a delicate bangle can complement the outfit without overwhelming it. If you've chosen a detailed, embellished dress, a minimalist bracelet may be the best option to avoid a cluttered look.

• Freshwater Pearl Beaded Bracelet: A delicate, lightweight, and adjustable option.
• Heart of Gold Bracelet: A stylish gift with a cute "I Heart You" card.
• Rare Like a Pearl Bracelet: A double-strand glass pearl bracelet with a personalised rhinestone toggle.
• Time To Tie The Knot Bracelet: A cute and classy knotted bracelet available in rose gold, gold, and silver.
• Crystal Gem Bracelet: A complementary plated gold or silver bracelet with an extender.
• Bit Of Love Bridesmaid Bracelet: A heart-adorned bracelet available in several colours to suit all styles.
• Pearl Bridesmaid Bracelet: A modern take on a classic, featuring inlaid pearls in a gold or silver-plated adjustable design.
• Bridesmaid Bangle: A personalised, stylish, and sentimental accessory.

Remember, you can let your bridesmaids choose their own accessories, giving them the opportunity to express their individuality and accommodate their budgets.

Shoes

When it comes to choosing shoes for your bridesmaids, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to give your bridesmaids some freedom to choose shoes that fit their personal style and budget, especially if they are paying for them. This will also ensure that they are comfortable on the day. You can provide guidelines to ensure the shoes complement the overall look, such as requesting a specific colour or style. For example, you could suggest nude colours, slingbacks, or a certain heel height.

If you want a more uniform look, you could choose one shoe for everyone to purchase, and some companies offer shoe dyeing services to ensure the shoes match the dresses exactly. Alternatively, you could suggest a lower-priced pair of shoes or give them an example, such as patent nude sandals, so they can choose their own price point.

Hair accessories

When it comes to hair accessories for bridesmaids, there are many options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:

If you want your bridesmaids to have a uniform look, you can choose one hair accessory for everyone to wear. On the other hand, if you want to let their individuality shine through, you can give them a theme or colour scheme and let them choose their own hair accessories.

• Pearl headband: A pearl headband with sparkles woven into a wreath is a gorgeous option. It comes in various colours like pink, black, and white, so you can match it with your wedding colour scheme.
• Hair pins: Versatile hair pins can be ordered as single pins or a vine, depending on the number of flowers you desire. They come in stunning gold, silver, and rose gold colours, adding a subtle touch of glamour to any hairstyle.
• Hair clips: For a fun and playful touch, gift your bridesmaids hair clips with words like "babe," "bride," and "squad" adorned with rhinestones or pearls and silver or gold colour options.
• Hair wreaths: Fresh hair wreaths made of flowers or greenery can be a beautiful option for a natural, rustic look. However, keep in mind that you'll likely need to cover the cost of these accessories if you ask your bridesmaids to wear them.

Remember, the most important thing is to ensure that the hair accessories complement the overall style and theme of your wedding while also making your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident.

Frequently asked questions