This is an article for all the brides and grooms out there who are just realising that there is one thing missing from their ‘To Do’ wedding day checklist. You’ve sorted the venue, the music and bar, the guest list and the outfit… well almost.
What jewellery to wear on your wedding day is in many cases an eleventh-hour decision, with people often rummaging through their jewellery box, scrambling to find a simple necklace or pair of earrings to throw on.
Well, have no fear, below is a set of tips that will help you find the right pieces to enhance your look on your special day.
Forget what’s trendy
First things first, trends come and go, but your style is unique. Don’t get swayed by all the new styles you see lighting up your Instagram feed especially if they don’t resonate with you. These photos will last a lifetime, so make sure you are choosing pieces that you feel beautiful in or perhaps have meaning to you, and not just ones that are trendsetting at the moment.
Match the jewels to the outfit
Choose your jewels based on your outfit. If you have chosen a minimalist look like a tailored white suit or simple slip dress, a great way to add character and elevate the ensemble is with big and bold jewels. Style your lapel with a selection of clips and brooches to create a focal point, opt for statement cuff links, or a large tie pin. For dresses, use clips to add some bling to the straps or layer necklaces along the collar. Deck them out to your heart’s content.
If your ensemble is more runway, then you might want to go the discreet route with your jewellery. A simple pair of Bucherer Fine Jewellery diamond earrings will do the trick, or a soft tennis necklace depending on the neckline of your outfit. The idea is to make your jewellery a part of your look and not just a shiny afterthought.
Consider your hairstyle
It’s also important to consider how you are going to wear your hair on the big day. If you are going for an updo then big earrings that draw attention to the nape of your neck are an excellent choice. Sensual rivière and teardrop style earrings from Italian brands like Pomellato are great options. However, if you’re going for long-flowing locks, you might go for a necklace and matching bracelet or cuff, as earrings won’t show.
Going Discrete is OK too!
With all the social media accounts we follow today showing the most luxurious weddings from around the world, it’s completely normal that you might feel pressure to wear extremely extravagant jewels or worse, too many pieces. Well, we are here to help you avoid that trap. The point of wearing jewellery on your wedding day is to enhance your look, to add some sparkle and glamour. It is extremely important to match your jewellery accordingly and not overpower or underwhelm your outfit.
If something discreet is more to your style, look to classic brands with delicate and elegant pieces that are full of sparkle. Some of the big maison’s have fine jewellery collections for just such an occasion, for example, the Tiffany & Co. T collection or Chopard’s Happy Diamonds.
Find something old or borrowed
You may not realise it yet, but your perfect wedding day jewel might just be sitting in your family’s safe or a dusty old jewellery box at this very moment! Wearing a piece of jewellery from a beloved one who is no longer with us is a fabulous way of honouring their spirit whilst also bringing old-world glamour and charm to your wedding day outfit.
Your grandmother’s brooch can be sewn into your hair for an unexpected shimmer beneath your veil, a diamond tennis bracelet passed down from generation to generation can also provide that perfect diamond twinkle, or a pair of vintage pearl earrings perhaps will add that classic note you are looking for.
And if there is a piece you have that you don’t love the look of, as is so often the case, go and speak to a bespoke jewellery like Hattie Rickard or Bear Brooksbank who have experience in redesigning family heirlooms into a piece that suits your taste all whilst keeping the energy of the original piece alive.
Don’t be afraid of colour
The classic wedding gems are diamonds and pearls, but there is no written rule that you can’t incorporate a pop of colour into your special day. Something blue perhaps? There are so many beautiful blue gemstones out there! Sapphire, tanzanite, aquamarine and topaz are all stunning blue gems that you can wear. Look to designers like Fernando Jorge, Nadine Aysoy, Suzanne Kalan and other independent designers for your perfect blue jewel.
Yes, you can wear rings
Can you wear rings on your wedding day other than your engagement and wedding ring? Absolutely. Who said you can’t? Especially if rings are an important part of your jewellery aesthetic and sense of style. As long as that wedding ring finger is kept clear, you can stack and play around with as many rings as you would like. For a modern look play with gold colours.
Multi-link rings featuring the three gold tones (yellow, rose and white) from brands like Spinelli Kilcollin or the Cartier Trinity ring are terrific choices. For a softer look, try pearls. Sophie Bille Brahe has lovely modern and romantic options. Finally, if you want a sleek uniform ring stack, try rings from Chanel’s Coco Crush collection, which also come in every shade of gold.
Switch things up
Many brides and grooms change outfits before the more physically active part of the evening gets started. Jumping around in a floor-length gown or a tightly fitted suit isn’t that easy, with many choosing to switch into a little short number or a T-shirt and chinos. Why not do the same with your jewellery?
Be statement during the ceremony with larger pieces whilst you are standing still and then switch to a lighter suite for the dinner and dancing. This not only allows you to feel unencumbered but also lets you wow your guests and partner with an entirely new jewellery look.
Be daring
If you do decide to switch up your jewellery look after the ceremony, wearing an unexpected piece of jewellery for your big entrance is a great way to impress your guests and give yourself an extra boost of confidence. Think Kim Kardashian’s diamond Messika anklet, Britney Spears’ white choker with yellow gold detail, or Nicola Peltz’s floral elbow-length lace gloves with rings underneath.
Don’t sweat over your jewels
Last but not least, there are so many things you need to worry about when it comes to your big day, jewellery should not be on your list of last-minute worries. It’s the final detail to complete your perfect outfit and should bring you nothing but excitement and happiness, so think ahead and choose what’s best for you. We can guarantee that no matter your venue, time of year/day and look, there is a perfect jewellery ensemble out there for you.
Like this? Here’s five top tips to choosing everyday jewellery
