What Jewelry Should Bridesmaids Wear?
by Werneri Grundström
·3 minutes
Are you a bridesmaid looking for the perfect jewelry to complement your dress on the big day? Choosing the right accessories is key to pulling your look together and feeling your best as you stand by the bride's side. But with so many options out there, it can be tricky to know where to start.
Quick Tips for Picking Bridesmaid Jewelry
- Consider the neckline of your dress. For strapless or sweetheart necklines, a delicate pendant necklace or choker looks stunning. If your dress has a high neckline, opt for eye-catching earrings instead.
- Keep it cohesive. Chat with the other bridesmaids about your jewelry choices so you can coordinate and create a pulled-together look. The bride may also have a specific vision in mind.
- When in doubt, keep it simple. You don't want your jewelry competing with your dress. Classic pieces like stud earrings, a tennis bracelet, or a simple pendant are always elegant.
Now that you have those key tips in mind, let's dive into some specific jewelry ideas that are perfect for bridesmaids.
Match Metals to the Wedding Colors
One simple guideline is to coordinate your jewelry metal with the wedding's color palette. If the bridesmaids dresses are in the white/ivory/silver family, opt for:
For dresses in warmer tones like champagne, blush, or gold, these metals are ideal:
- Yellow gold
- Rose gold
- Brass
Consider the Dress Neckline
The style and neckline of your bridesmaid dress should influence your jewelry choices, especially the necklace:
- Sweetheart or Strapless - Pair with a choker, shorter necklace, or statement earrings. Avoid long necklaces that compete with the neckline.
- V-neck - Go for a pendant necklace that falls above the "V" of the neckline. Drop earrings also look lovely.
- Halter or One-Shoulder - Skip the necklace and let the interesting neckline shine. Opt for chic earrings instead.
Whatever you choose, keep the overall look balanced. If you select bold earrings, go subtler on the necklace and vice versa.
Coordinate But Don't Match Exactly
While you want the bridesmaids' jewelry to coordinate, it doesn't have to be completely uniform. In fact, allowing each bridesmaid to select her own jewelry in the same color family or style creates visual interest. Some ideas:
- Provide parameters like "gold and pearl jewelry" or "hints of blue to match the bouquets" and let them personalize within that.
- Gift bridesmaids a statement piece like earrings or a bracelet that they can then build around.
- Suggest a cohesive style like Art Deco or minimalist modern and allow them to find pieces that fit that aesthetic.
The key is finding balance between the bridesmaids looking pulled-together but not overly matchy-matchy. Leaving some room for personal expression will help each woman feel her best.
When in Doubt, Keep It Classic
If you're unsure what jewelry works best, remember that simple and timeless always looks elegant. You can't go wrong with basics like:
- Diamond or pearl stud earrings
- Delicate pendant necklace
- Tennis bracelet
Understated pieces will complement the dresses without competing for attention. Plus, classic jewelry can be worn again for many occasions to come.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the bridesmaid jewelry should make the ladies feel beautiful and confident as they support the bride on her special day. By keeping these guidelines in mind and working with the bride's vision, you're sure to shine as you walk down the aisle.
