How To Choose Jewelry for Your Wedding Party - Cashmere, Wool and Silk directory

Choices in the wedding party's dress and jewelry help to set the tone and mood of a wedding day. Accessories such as jewelry should add dimension to the party's ensemble - not distract from it. While the bride's dress and jewelry selection are high profile on the big day, the bridesmaid's selection is important in the overall look or effect.

Step One

The style or theme of the wedding is going to guide a bride in all of the other decisions that need to be made - from color to flowers to jewelry. The choice of the bride's dress is the best place to begin. Its style, from contemporary to classic, pretty much decides the theme of the wedding, which also helps to determine the style of the bridesmaid's dresses. From there, a bride can make educated decisions about the type of jewelry she wants her bridesmaids to wear. There are a few things to keep in mind. For instance, dresses with a lot of detail should be paired with simple pair of earrings and a jewelry necklace. Dresses that are more simple or classic pair well with dazzling jewelry, such as a pair of chandelier earrings. For a truly cohesive look, keep jewelry in the same color, style and material.

Step Two

The neckline of a dress can also be a guide to choices in jewelry. This is true for both the bride and her bridesmaids. Jewelry necklaces should follow the style of the dress neckline. For example, a halter-style dress calls only for a fabulous pair of earrings. Jewelry necklaces do not work well with this style. A pendant necklace works beautifully with a sweetheart neckline, as long as its length does not extend to the neckline. V-neck dresses pair well with lariat or y-drop jewelry necklaces.

Step Three

Thankfully, there are many jewelry styles from which to choose these days, but that can often leave a bride feeling overwhelmed. Without a clear idea of the look she wants to achieve, a bride can easily make mistakes in her choices. The bride who just can't make up her mind in regards to jewelry should consider the classics. These are styles that never go out of style and work well with most any ensemble.

A pair of diamond or CZ stud earrings is always breathtaking on both the bride and her bridesmaids. For a dramatic effect, choose a chandelier style that goes well especially with a strapless gown. Pearls are another bridal favorite, such as the classic pearl jewelry necklace. Matched with a pair of pearl earrings, pearls create what we often think of as "the bridal look." Today's choices in pearls range from white, cream, pink and black or gray. The black Tahitian pearls are gaining in popularity with brides. Since only a small number of oysters survive to produce a fine Tahitian pearls, it is very unique and does not resemble any other.

Step Four

Color plays a leading role in bridal jewelry. Brides are choosing palettes in bright or subtle tones that complement their wedding colors. Collar necklaces and dangling earrings display baroque or teardrop crystals in blue, green pink, and orange, to name a few. For a more personal approach to wedding jewelry, consider birthstones. Many brides are opting to wear color in her birthstone or that of her groom's. This choice can also be incorporated into the bridal ensemble. Some brides choose the predominant color of her wedding into her jewelry.

Tips

Some brides allow her bridesmaids to choose their own jewelry, suggesting the color and style that will best complement their ensemble.

Jewelry for destination weddings is often culturally influenced, drawing inspiration from island or other exotic locales. Carved gemstones, turquoise and other fanciful stones look brilliant with a breezy sheath wedding dress. Feathers, such as peacock or parrot feathers bring real interest and a global accent to both hair accessories and jewelry.