Bridal Jewelry, how to Choose and Match it with the Wedding Dress
Bridal jewelry is one of the most important accessories for the wedding day. For this reason, wedding jewelry must be chosen carefully, so that it adapts perfectly to the style of the dress and the bride.
Bridal Jewelry, the Etiquette Rules to Avoid Mistakes
If jewelry is the right complement for every outfit, this also applies to the wedding dress. In this case, however, particular attention must be paid to the choice of jewelry, which, like all other accessories, must highlight the dress and especially the bride, without becoming the protagonists.
Wedding etiquette establishes two fundamental rules for bridal jewelry:
- no to excess
- yes to balance.
This means first of all choosing simple jewelry, which gives a touch of luminosity with discretion and elegance: therefore avoid necklaces or earrings that, however beautiful and precious, might be too flashy and distract attention from the dress. Discretion also means few pieces of jewelry: necklace-earrings-bracelet parures are definitely not recommended, as they would be excessive. Better to opt, instead, for a maximum of two pieces of jewelry, to be chosen carefully.
Secondly, it is essential to maintain balance between the chosen jewelry: if chandelier earrings are worn, for example, it would be better to avoid the necklace.
The Colors of Gold and Precious Stones for Bridal Jewelry
Tradition chooses white gold and platinum as the ideal metals for wedding jewelry, because they recall the classic white color of the wedding dress. However, this is not such a rigid rule, also because, over time, other shades have spread for the bridal dress, which, although close to white, allow combinations with the different colors of gold.
White gold, platinum and also silver are perfect for giving light to the optical white of the classic wedding dress, paired with diamonds or also pearls, always keeping in mind the characteristics of the fabric and any decorations such as lace or pearls.
Yellow gold pairs well, instead, with wedding dresses in warmer shades of white, such as cream, ivory, champagne, while rose gold, finally, is ideal for dresses that choose pinkish tones, such as peach. With these colors pearls are always an appropriate choice.
The etiquette of bridal jewelry, instead, advises against colored precious stones, because they would represent too evident a contrast compared to the white or delicate color of the dress.
These suggestions become less stringent if the bride decides to choose an informal dress, perhaps colored: in this case the jewelry can also be matched to the color and style of the dress, which might indeed be highlighted by a necklace or bracelet with a less traditional design.
How to Match Jewelry with the Bridal Dress and Hairstyle
Rings
According to etiquette, the only ring suitable for the wedding day is the wedding band. The only exception is for the engagement ring, which can be worn, but after the ceremony and on the right hand.
Necklaces
For dresses with V-neck, sweetheart or off-shoulder necklines, the ideal is a solitaire necklace or a pearl choker, which illuminate in a discreet and refined way. For strapless and high-neck dresses, instead, it is better to avoid necklaces and focus on earrings.
Earrings
The choice depends mainly on the hairstyle: with hair up, small stud earrings with diamonds or pearls are recommended; with a softer updo or with medium-length hair, chandelier earrings are suitable. The bride who wears long loose hair can also wear more important earrings, but avoiding adding a necklace in this case.
Bracelets
If among the bridal jewelry you want to choose a bracelet, it is essential that it be a minimal, thin and luminous model, so that it does not risk appearing excessive compared to the dress: a tennis bracelet, for example, can be the right choice. This applies to dresses with short sleeves or sleeveless, while with long sleeves bracelets should be avoided.