Wedding jewelry extends beyond the rings exchanged at the altar. Brides, grooms, and marriers of all genders can enhance their wedding-day appearance with heirlooms and stunning new gems. While many stick to classics like diamonds, pearls, gold, and silver, it’s exciting to embrace bold shapes and unique stones. However, when paired with a striking gown or tux, it’s crucial to achieve the right balance with accessories.
Less is More
“I’m usually a big believer in more is more,” says Brooke Garber, owner of Sidney Garber. “But for a wedding, I reverse that. Less is more, less is better, less is what you want.” Consider your outfit holistically. Think about the impact you want your jewels to make and how they fit into your overall wedding look. “Jewelry is an accessory,” says designer Susie Saltzman. “It should make a statement, but what it is worn with should be taken into consideration.”
Matching Jewelry to Your Attire
Your attire’s silhouette and style are crucial in choosing wedding jewelry. For a higher neckline, drop earrings add cohesion. A longer necklace suits a deeper neckline, while bracelets might be too much with long sleeves. Consider the overall mood of your ensemble. “The Row made my daughter’s wedding dress, a minimalist dream,” shares Garber. “The perfect earrings were our Pearl On The Hook—single South Sea pearls that seem to float below the earlobe.”
Balancing Your Jewelry
Mary Margaret Beaver of Tiny Gods suggests starting with one statement piece, like an earring or necklace. “Consider a larger earring if your hair is up, and pair it with a smaller necklace or no necklace at all.” She also encourages mixing metals, wearing asymmetrical earrings, or a long chain worn backwards for a modern look. “Let your jewelry express your unique, personal style.”
Consider the Setting
“Is your wedding on a beach, in the countryside, or in a city skyscraper?” asks designer Lele Sadoughi. Accessories capture the event’s mood. Diamonds might suit a city affair but feel out of place at a casual outdoor celebration. Curate pieces for your wedding weekend, including the welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and brunch. “Today’s bride is about dressing for the entire wedding experience,” shares Sadoughi.
Pearls and Diamonds
Pearls are a natural fit with white or ivory gowns. “I love pearls, especially on brides,” says Garber. “Pearls are classic, luminous, and add brightness to the face.” For a modern twist, Garber suggests threading a pearl necklace through your hair or pinning a pearl brooch. For diamonds, lab-grown options offer larger carat weights at a lower price point, says Pam Catlett of Brilliant Earth.
Emotional Impact
Wedding jewelry can hold significant emotional value. The phrase “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” often guides choices. “Jewelry worn on your special day becomes associated with the memory of that day,” says Saltzman. Incorporating heirloom pieces or meaningful symbols adds sentimental value. Custom pieces, such as those with fabric cuttings from a family gown, can create meaningful heirlooms, suggests Emily Satloff of Larkspur & Hawk.
By thoughtfully selecting and balancing your wedding jewelry, you can enhance your look, express your personal style, and create lasting memories.
