When it comes time to choose wedding jewellery, remember that it’s not just about matching metals – it’s about finding those final touches that make your entire look feel complete. Your earrings and the way they catch the light during your vows will be a moment that your guests remember. Grandma’s necklace around your neck will be the ‘Something Old’ that touches your heart. And the delicate bracelet around your wrist will sparkle like magic next to your bouquet. On the biggest day of your life, you want your jewellery to pop or, at the very least, enhance what’s already beautiful. Here are a few tips on how to choose wedding jewellery that will make you absolutely shine.
Start with your dress
The dress may set the tone but the jewellery you choose brings the mood into focus. They should work together in harmony – one leading, the other enhancing – rather than trying to outshine each other. If your gown is loaded with texture, like lace, beading or voluminous sleeves, your jewellery can play a quieter role. Delicate studs, a thin bracelet or a fine chain can add just enough glow without pulling attention away from the details.
But if you’re wearing a minimalist wedding dress, that’s your chance to have a little fun. A bold necklace, stacked bangles or dramatic earrings can add dimension and totally shift the energy of your look.
It’s all about the interplay of rhythm, texture and how fabrics, shapes and sparkle interact. The secret is to try your dress and jewellery together, ideally in the same lighting you’ll have on your wedding day. You might find that a dainty gold necklace simply fades against the richness of ivory satin, or it might clash unexpectedly with your dress’s neckline. Testing everything together lets you see firsthand what truly complements your look.
Match your metals
If you’ve been going back and forth between gold and silver, you don’t have to choose just one. A layered look with varying tones can add depth and a more lived-in kind of elegance, especially if your overall bridal style leans modern or fashion-forward. Use your wedding dress as a guide to help narrow down which metal you wear.
Ivory and cream fabrics usually warm up beautifully with yellow gold, while soft blush or champagne-toned gowns glow next to rose gold. And platinum and silver tend to shine brightest against bright white or cooler-toned dresses like a soft blue, especially those with beading or sparkle.
Even with those cues in mind, how you feel wearing the jewellery matters more than what technically matches. So, when you choose wedding jewellery, go with the one that makes you feel stunning, not just the one that fits the colour palette on paper.
Consider the neckline – it’s kinda a big deal
Necklines have their own personality and the jewellery you choose should bring that out – not compete with it. A strapless wedding gown gives you space to go bold with a necklace, but it can look just as striking with bare skin, statement earrings and an elegant updo.
For higher necklines or dresses with intricate detailing around the collar, a necklace can feel like too much. In these cases, earrings or even a vintage-inspired bridal hairpiece can create balance without overcrowding the look.
If you’re ever unsure, trust the mirror. A glance that leaves your eyes darting around, unsure where to land, usually means something needs to be simplified.
Consider your wedding hair and makeup
Your wedding hairstyle plays a bigger role than you might expect when it comes time to choose wedding jewellery. Soft waves create a more romantic frame around the face, which can sometimes hide delicate drop earrings or small studs – especially in photos. A bridal updo, on the other hand, opens up the space around your face and neck, giving bolder earrings or ornate studs room to shine. Even a sleek ponytail can shift the overall vibe, making space for something structured and modern.
And let’s talk about your wedding makeup because it can matter too. A glowy, natural look pairs beautifully with subtle pieces that catch the light without stealing focus, while a bold lip or graphic eyeliner can hold its own alongside more dramatic accessories.
When you choose wedding jewellery that works with both your wedding hairstyle and makeup, everything feels more cohesive – like the entire look was built to move together, not just styled in pieces.
Think about your hands – they’re in every photo
It’s easy to focus on your neckline and earrings but your hands deserve just as much attention – they’ll be in almost every photo. From holding your bouquet to exchanging rings to those celebratory champagne toasts, your hands will be centre stage throughout the day. So when you choose wedding jewellery, don’t forget to think about your wrists and fingers too.
Since your engagement and wedding rings will already be the centre of attention, you may want to avoid anything that competes with them on the same hand. A bracelet on your left wrist can sometimes draw focus in close-up shots – especially during the wedding ceremony. Wearing it on your right hand or wrist keeps things balanced and lets your rings have their moment, while still adding that extra bit of shimmer.
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