Our Favorite NFL Love Stories & Couples Wondering What Jewelry to Wear with Your Wedding Dress? We’ve Got the Answer. So you’ve picked out your wedding outfit, your wedding shoes, and your hair and makeup. But there are a few more accessories you’ll also want to consider: your wedding jewelry. In our books, you never need a reason to treat yourself to a new necklace, bracelet, or even a pair of earrings (after all, you are a bride). But in case you’re looking for a little justification, consider this: The jewelry you wear on your wedding day will hold a special place in your heart for years to come. Each time you put on the pieces, you’ll be transported back to your special day. Not to mention, you might also decide to pass your wedding jewels down to a loved one when it’s their turn to say ‘I do’. But how do you choose your wedding jewelry when the options are seemingly endless? We’re breaking that down here. Keep reading for expert advice on how to add a bit more bling to your big day. Meet Our Experts Lorraine Brantner is a gemologist and sales manager at James Allen. Olivia Landau is the Founder and CEO of The Clear Cut. In this article… Wedding Dress Jewelry FAQs Wedding Dress Jewelry FAQs One of the most effective ways to narrow down your wedding jewelry options is to consider your outfit. If you’re wondering what jewelry to wear with your wedding dress or outfit, look at the design of the clothing. “You may want to play up the romance of a lace [garment] with vintage-inspired jewelry featuring filigree and milgrain,” says Lorraine Brantner, gemologist and sales manager at James Allen. “An outfit with clean lines and structure could be nicely complemented by diamond hoops or an airy, ethereal outfit by a whimsical necklace.” Of course, you’ll also want to take your personal style into account as well. “Don’t purchase something just because it looks good with your outfit if you truly don’t think you would wear that piece any other day,” Brantner says. “You can never go wrong with classic diamond or gemstone stud earrings or subtle dangles—and those are pieces you may be more likely to wear often after your special day.” And, of course, don’t forget to consider comfort. You’ll be wearing these items all day—through pictures, dancing, hugging, and more. “Make sure whatever you choose is comfortable and functional for your celebration,” Brantner says. When it comes to style, we’re all for breaking the so-called “rules.” But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still tried-and-true tips to help you look your best, including for your wedding day jewelry. So, if you need a little extra guidance when it comes to accessorizing your gown, read on below. Should I wear jewelry with my wedding dress? The short answer: It depends. If you’re a minimalist bride who prefers a more streamlined style, you might decide to skip the accessories and let your dress do all the talking, and that’s acceptable. On the other hand, if you’re a bride who believes you can never have too much bling, wedding jewelry is a must. What jewelry is appropriate for my wedding day? Your wedding wardrobe should be a reflection of your unique personal style and your accessories are certainly no exception. Any kind of jewelry is acceptable, as long as it feels authentic to you, and that includes anything from a beloved piece of family jewelry that holds sentimental value to something shiny and new that you bought specifically for the occasion. Does my wedding jewelry have to match my ring? Your wedding jewelry doesn’t have to match your ring if that’s not your vibe. In fact, mixing metals is predicted to be one of the biggest jewelry trends of 2024. However, if you do prefer a more coordinated look, the color of your engagement ring can certainly help guide your search for the perfect wedding jewelry. Should I wear silver or gold jewelry with my wedding dress? Can’t decide between silver and gold jewelry? Let the color of your gown guide your choice. If your gown is white or black, lean into cooler tones by opting for platinum or silver accessories. Alternately, if your gown is ivory or champagne-colored, gold jewelry can help enhance its warm tones. If your gown is blush, try rose gold; the pink cast in the metal will coordinate with the soft pink of the dress. If you’re still stumped, you can always turn to seasonal color analysis to help narrow your search. According to experts, silver jewelry best compliments those with pink or rosy-red undertones in their skin, while gold jewelry works best for those with apricot or olive undertones. How can I choose jewelry to match my jeweled wedding dress? In order to avoid clashing, we recommend matching your accessories to the jewels on your wedding dress. If your wedding dress features subtle pearl embellishments, adding a pair of dainty pearl earrings is the perfect way to top it off. If your dress features shimmering sequins or crystal embellishments, a diamond tennis necklace and bracelet can add even more shine. What jewelry should I wear with my lace wedding dress? The pattern of your lace wedding dress can help you determine what kind of jewelry will be the best fit. Vintage-inspired floral lace gowns look best with classic pieces of jewelry, like pearl necklaces or diamond studs. Meanwhile, laser-cut lace gowns offer a bohemian vibe that pairs perfectly with oxidized silver and turquoise stones. Do brides wear a watch on their wedding day? Since the day-of wedding coordinator is in charge of keeping track of the time, it’s not common for brides to wear a watch on their wedding day. And after all, you’ll be having too much fun to even care about what time it is. That being said, if you do have a special watch that you want to incorporate into your wedding wardrobe, we say go for it! There are no rules when it comes to your big day. What Jewelry to Wear with a Wedding Dress By Neckline What Jewelry to Wear with a Wedding Dress By Neckline It can be tempting to load up on jewelry for your big day, but Olivia Landau, founder and CEO of The Clear Cut, says it’s best to stick to one statement piece. “For example, if you have statement earrings, maybe skip the necklace and do a bracelet. If you do a statement necklace, maybe go for studs instead of bigger earrings,” she says.” You don’t want your jewelry pieces to compete with each other or with your [outfit], so focus on choosing pieces that are complementary.” When in doubt, look to your gown’s neckline to help guide your decision. Here’s our favorite jewelry to wear with every kind of wedding dress neckline: Jewelry for a Strapless Wedding Dress With your décolletage as the focal point, you’ll want your standout pieces there when sporting a strapless wedding gown. We recommend opting for a statement-making necklace, whether it be a tennis necklace, a strand of pearls, or a colorful gemstone pendant. Don’t hesitate to add a smaller bracelet, bangle, or cocktail ring to balance everything out. Jewelry for a V-Neck Wedding Dress This style is made for décolletage decoration. For an effortless look, choose a necklace that mimics the shape of your neckline, such as a lariat or pendant. Pair the necklace with earrings, which could be small or dangling—whichever looks best with your hairstyle. Jewelry for an Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress An off-the-shoulder neckline is a focal point in itself, so you might not want to go overboard by adding a bold necklace on top of that. We recommend keeping things simple when sporting this type of necklace. A dainty chain or classic tennis bracelet is sure to do just the trick. Jewelry for a High-Neck Wedding Dress A high neckline on a wedding dress takes necklaces out of the running, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still add a bit of bling. If you’re wearing your hair up, a pair of statement-making earrings is a must. We’re loving stacked pearl styles for 2024. Jewelry for a Halter Wedding Dress Halter necklines wrap around the neck, eliminating the need for any jewelry there. Instead, focus your accessorizing on your hair by decorating it with pins, combs, or vines. These can be sleek, bejeweled, or floral, depending on the effect you want. Going for a retro vibe? Try a gorgeous embellished birdcage veil. Jewelry for a One-Shoulder Wedding Dress Similar to high-neck wedding dresses, one-shoulder gowns make it difficult to wear necklaces, since much, if not all, of the piece would be covered. Instead, we recommend choosing a pair of statement earrings, and a bracelet on the arm that’s bare to help balance out your look. Jewelry for a Square Neckline Wedding Dress A square neckline wedding dress is the ideal way to highlight your collarbones. Draw further attention to your features by choosing an eye-catching necklace to match. A pearl choker or gemstone pendant are a few of our favorite options. Pro tip: Try layering both if they’re delicate pieces. Jewelry for a Sweetheart Wedding Dress To create height and direct all eyes to your smile, consider wearing a choker or shorter necklace. This style is making a comeback and looks timeless with a sweetheart neckline. Another option: Skip the necklace and wear statement chandelier earrings instead.
