By Cori Russell
OK ladies, here's music to your ears (and neck, and wrist)... now that you've got your wedding dress, it's time to accessorize it! There's no doubt about it, the right baubles perfect your wedding ensemble. Here's what you need to know to accessorize like a pro.
Bridal Jewelry Style Tips
Keep it Simple
Before the fun begins, please heed this advice. When it comes to your bridal jewelry, less really is more. Simple jewelry makes a timeless fashion statement; overdo it and you risk a phone call from Diddy asking for his bling back.
Formality Rules
Along with all other accessories, the bride's jewelry, should reflect the formality of the wedding celebration. A small, informal wedding calls for simple jewelry, while a large, formal wedding calls for more elaborate pieces.
Complement the Gown
Wedding dress style also plays a major roll in jewelry selection. As a general rule - the more detailing on the gown, the simpler the jewelry, while a dress calls for added embellishment.
Let Your Neckline Lead the Way
Your dress neckline will guide you towards what pieces and styles you'll wear. Many gowns are strapless or have low necklines, which is a perfect style to showcase a great necklace. If your gown has a high neckline, you may want to forego the necklace and concentrate on finding the perfect earrings.
Make It You
Above all, wedding day duds should reflect your personal style. So stick to studs if you've never worn chandeliers, and if you've never left the house without your favorite strand of pearls - around your neck is where they should be when you say "I do."
Pick your Metals:
The shade of your wedding dress will guide you to which metals work best:
If your dress is white - choose platinum or silver jewelry, as yellow gold may clash with stark white.
If your dress is off-white - either golds or silvers/platinums will work.
If your dress is ivory - the slightly yellowish undertones call for gold jewelry.
Pick Your Gems:
Pearls - A Classic Choice
The tradition of pearl bridal jewelry
Diamonds - The BFF of Jewelry
Diamonds didn't get their "girl's best friend" status for nothing. They're always good to add a touch of sparkle to your wedding dress. The good news for your wallet is that faux varieties work just as well.
Add Some Color
Of course, colored stones/gems present a great way to incorporate some color into your wedding day look, so don't shy away from blues, pinks, yellows - you name it.
Pick your Pieces
Necklaces:
The Choker: The classic choker features one to three strands worn close around the neck. This length works well with a jewel or bateau neckline, as it may get lost if too much skin is showing.
The Collar: This Victorian style consists of three or more strands fitting securely around the middle neck. This length is a great accent to a low or strapless neckline.
The Princess: This length falls about 16 inches to the hollow of the neck and often supports a pendant. This style works with almost any but a high neckline.
The Matinee: This style hits the top of the bust and looks great with a bateau, jewel, or a lower neckline with sheer fabric covering the décolletage area.
The Opera: The opera necklace is a long single strand falling below the bust. It creates a dramatic look when paired with a very high neckline.
Earrings:
Keep your earrings simple if your necklace is especially large or grand. You also may not want to wear earrings at all if you're wearing a tiara - as the two may compete. On the other hand - if you're going sans necklace, consider highlighting your look with elaborate earrings. Remember, the key to accessorizing is balance.
Deck your Wrist?
Although not as common as necklaces and earrings, brides can wear a bracelet with sleeveless, short-sleeve, and three-quarter sleeve gowns. However, a watch is best left at home on your wedding day unless it's a family heirloom or antique.
**Some great online jewelry sites you can check out to plan your bridal jewelry.
Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. http://www.elegala.com/ is a complete weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to walk brides and grooms through every step of the planning process.
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