Bridal Jewelry

My jewelry arrived this week. I was astounded at how well it matches the beadwork and embroidery designs on my Oleg Cassini gown. Shopping online for the jewelery was fun. There are of course some amazing bridal jewelry designers out there. Many of them were definitely not in my price range. However, I was extremely taken with Anna Bellagio.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when selecting jewelry for your wedding.
Silver goes with Silver. Gold goes with Gold. If there are any accents on the dress in silver or gold stay with jewelry in that metal tone.  Similarly, while pearls are elegant they are not the right choice with a dress embellished with crystals and rhinestones. However, a dress with no adornment at all can be paired with either pearls or "sparkles" in the form of diamonds, crystals or rhinestones.

Hairstyle:
If you plan on wearing an updo, go with earrings that hang. With your hair up and out of the way, the effect of their movement and swing will be noticeable. Stud earrings are best used for long hair styles. Pearl or diamond stud earrings classically elegant and never out of style. Larger earrings are more dramatic, so thing about where you want to draw people eyes. Are you trying to bring attention upward, frame the face, create movement or gently accent without taking attention away from the face and hair?

Dress style:
The neck line of the dress has a lot of impact on the choice of necklace. An off one shoulder dress with an assymetrical line is best left without a necklace. This style of neckline has its own movement and drama and a necklace will clash. V, or halter style necklines need a drop necklace. High necklines often don't need a necklace at all, but can be paired with a very simple choker.  Strapless dresses and scoop necklines can go with either a drop necklace or a choker. But, keep in mind the body proportion of the bride. If you have a  long neck or a lot of length from the nape of the neck down to the neckline of the dress, you can wear a necklace that hangs into a "v" easily. For shorter or more petite brides who may lack a lot of length through this part of their body or have a short neck, a necklace that is either a choker or at least fits close up to the neck with minimal drop will enhance her length and elegance.

Additional Jewelry: 
Should you wear a bracelet? This is largely based on preference. Are you someone who wears then frequently? Do you have one that is "something old, something borrowed, or something blue?" Either way, be sure to put the bracelet on the right arm. You don't want anything to detract from the wedding ring that will be on your left ring finger by the end of the ceremony!

Quick tips ...  
If you think it looks like too much jewelry, it probably is. Take one thing off.

Take into consideration how your jewelry will match with hair pieces as well.

Where what you will feel good in. Large dangle earrings may be the rage, but if that isn't your style, don't go with it. You don't want to feel self conscious about big chunky jewelry or extravagant dangles as you are walking down the aisle.

Its your wedding, wear what you want. So, you've always dreamed of being Cinderella, wearing a tiara, big chandalier earrings and an ornate necklace? Then, do it. Have fun and feel like the princess you've always dreamed of being.

Keep your bridesmaids jewelry simple.