Of course, this isn't my first dog and pony show. I have planned out several events, showers, and about 7 other weddings. But it's been years since the last one, and I soon started to remember how much fun this whole process was. Everything from picking out the colors of the wedding, down to the smallest details like the brides maid gifts. And speaking of which, this is where this job began...
I started scouring the internet of up-to-date designer ideas on the perfect bridal set. Of course her interest and appeal had to take precedence over any design idea. Every time she purchased jewelry from me, whether it was for herself, or her friends and family, she would always go for the more simple pieces. Elegant and simple, yet bold enough to make a statement. It wasn't long before we found a series of beautiful baubles that would complete the look for her entire bridal ensemble.
For her, it was fairly easy to find a design that would compliment her form and her dress. She had me to help her with it! But many brides don't have an actual stylist, so they pick jewelry that they "think" may look good. The truth is that there are many factors that you have to take into account to make sure that you have the perfect accessories for the big day! Here is an easy list of tips to follow to make sure that what you pick will look fantastic and put together and still make a statement...
The RULE of the DRESS-
This is going to be probably the biggest day of your life, and your dress has to make an entrance with you. You want to make that you don't upstage the dress with big gaudy jewelry, especially if the dress has a lot of lace, or bead work. There are, however, times that bulky bold jewelry can look good, but we will get to that later. So first, things first... lets look at your style of dress. The most popular dress style today seems to be the sweetheart strapless style. The reason for its popularity is because it is slimming and elongates your neck and your chest and creates a pretty form for the upper body. Because it allows for such a large area of your neck and chest to be framed out, it creates the perfect stage for an array of beautiful jewelry styles that drape or dangle below the neckline into the chest area. These styles include lariat styles that continue the lengthening effect all the way down to the bottom point of the sweetheart. This is probably the most complimentary style of jewelry for this type of dress. With this look, you can also choose complimenting earrings that will flatter your facial frame. For example, if you have a long face, go for stud style bold earrings that will balance out the elongated look. If you have a short, round face, go for chandelier style earrings, or long clusters that will help to elongate your face. But don't go too long, you don't want them blending in with your necklace! Here is a great example of a beautiful put together "sweetheart" look from Martha Stuart Living.
This style of dress is also great for Pendant or Cabochons on a simple chain. It continues along with the elongated look and also creates a single focal point on your chest frame. This will also allow you to showcase a more prominent earring style as well.
Using a draped look of multiple pearl or crystal strands will also create a beautiful compliment to this style of dress. You can use pretty much any style that will drop down below your neckline and end before your bust line.
The draped style or even the Pendant style can also be complimentary to the flat line bust dresses.
Whether it has a slight sleeve or strap, or a full strapless, the abrupt stop that this style of bodice produces begs for a something to break-up the monotony! HERE is where you can go totally BOLD!
You can choose anything from a lariat, to a drape, or even a peter pan collar look to really accentuate the nape of the neck down to the bust. Here are a few examples...
Bracelets have always been very popular for wedding day jewelry. Wearing a classic pearl or crystal collaboration is typically what you see being worn. But more and more brides are going really bold on wrist wear on the day of their wedding! Big flowers and rosettes are very popular this season. Making bold statements with large colorful sea glass chunks or even shells coupled with large faceted crystals dangling down your hand really helps to bring a sense of uniqueness and style to your dress.
If you are going to go big and bold on your arms or writs, make sure that it DOES match your neckline and earrings. You don't want to go way out there with the style. For example, if you are wearing pearls and crystals with white gold or silver up on top, get complimenting bracelets with the same attributes. Remember that your hands and wrists will be just as prominent on your person. You ARE coming in with them bared to the masses while holding your bouquet, and of course when you are giving your hand to the groom for the "giving of the rings" portion of the ceremony and stay right up there during the reciting of the vows! Here are some photos of great wedding bracelet ideas...
A Word About Pearls....
Pearls have to be the most popular style of jewelry to wear on your big day. PLEASE make sure that your pearls match the color of your dress!!! There is nothing more tacking and distracting than wearing a stark white dress with yellow or "antique white" pearls. Now, I do understand that many people have special jewelry that may have been handed down from bride to bride in your family. And of course, these are those antique white, or creamy yellow looking pearls that are probably much better quality that what is being made today. You don't want to choose your dress color based on the color of the pearls, of course. Especially if you want a smooth beautiful wedding white. Don't worry, there is a solution. You can STILL wear your handed down piece, (now pay attention) just as long as the REST OF YOUR JEWELRY HAS THE SAME COLOR PEARL IN IT! Your earrings, and bracelets should match the pearl color perfectly so that it looks seamless. Viola! :-)
OR... you can always get a reputable jeweler to take apart the pearl strand and re-design the piece to include a "white element" into it like diamonds, crystals, silver, or even a few dramatically different white pearls. This way you can still wear those beautiful AND meaningful pearls that your great grandmother wore on her wedding day, but made into something more modern and appropriate for the style of dress you chose to look your best in!
Remember that Trendy Trinkets can create your unique wedding jewelry in any style for your big day! Contact us with questions, or to place an order for fabulous jewelry that won't break the bank, but is sure to make a statement on your wedding day!
www.TrendyTrinkets.net - Time to get trendy!
