It is often said that the accessories and jewelry you select complete your outfit and add subtle sophistication to your ensemble. Even some fashion conscious people will select their jewelry and accessories before they pick their outfits for the day – accessories are that important! But before you select your wedding jewelry and accessories, you should consider not only the type of wedding gown you will be wearing, but also your hairstyle, veil and formality of your wedding.

Necklace Length vs Wedding Gown

If the neckline of your wedding dress rests high on the chest (jewel, bateau, and portrait) but still reveals your neck, a choker necklace works best with these designs. A simple choker can go with virtually any wedding gown from casual to fancy evening wear and just about any neckline imaginable. A choker necklace may be made of one to three strands and is worn close to the neck. If too much skin is showing, choker necklaces may disappear, as a plunging neckline will steal the attention.

A Victorian inspired collar necklace (shorter than the choker) is made of three or more strands, which fit securely around the middle of the neck. This style works lovely with plunging V-necks, off the shoulder designs and strapless necklines.

The princess necklace works very well with almost every dress style (except high necklines). Princess necklaces are normally sixteen inches in length (but can vary from 17 to 19 inches) and fall below the hollow of the neck. They work beautifully when paired with a charming pendant.

A matinee necklace is longer than the princess, and hits the top of the bust. This necklace also works well with jewel and boat necklines, or a gown with a lower neckline. It would be best to try this type of necklace on with your dress because you do not want the bottom of the necklace to touch the top of the neckline of your gown. This is a good choice for casual affairs.

Opera or lariat necklaces are the queens of all necklaces and are perfect for high collar necklines. Dripping with elegance and sensuously sexy, these necklaces are refined and can be worn in a multitude of ways. However, these are often not a good choice for wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

Earrings

If you are considering wearing your hair up, a simple elegant dangle may work well. However, if you are wearing a tiara or elaborate hair accessories, wear small studs; a larger earring will detract from your headpiece. Additionally if you are wearing a veil, small earrings are almost certainly mandatory. Imagine having your veil moved back, only for it to be caught in your earrings!

Other things to consider when selecting your wedding jewelry:

• Button earrings will accentuate a round, full face.
• Dangle earrings will widen a narrow face.
• Square earrings will add depth to a long face.
• If you are wearing a necklace, complement your earrings to your necklace.
• Keep your earrings simple if your necklace is elaborate.
• Bracelets can be worn with sleeveless, short sleeve and three-quarter sleeve gowns. If you are planning on also wearing gloves, wearing a bracelet may be uncomfortable.
• A watch can be worn if it is a family heirloom, but usually, watches are not appropriate for brides or bridesmaids.


Types of Bridal Jewelry

For centuries, brides have worn pearls as symbols of purity and beauty. In ancient Rome, pearls were important symbols o wealth and social standing. In ancient Greece, pearls were associated with love, marriage and beauty.

Today’s modern brides often select pearl, diamond, faux diamond, and crystal or gemstone jewelry. Whatever you select, make sure your jewelry does not overpower but compliments your gown. White wedding dresses work best with silver tone settings, ivory dresses work best with gold tone settings. Of course, though this is your wedding day, and rules are meant to be broken. Whatever jewelry you select – make sure it is what makes you feel the most special on your day.

Little Things carries a beautiful line of inexpensive wedding jewlery, wedding tiaras and wedding veils to complete your bridal look.

Article Copyright 2007, Erica Tevis, Little Things Wedding Favors

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