Your wedding day is considered one of the most important days of your life, often marking the culmination of a great deal of hard work and thought. Choosing your bridal jewellery is one thing on a long list of decisions you need to make when planning your wedding, and we understand that with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming.
We don't want this decision to be a difficult one for you, and while we believe that your wedding jewellery should be pieces that you love and that speak to you and your style, we know that a little guidance, some tips, and a dose of inspiration can help with decision-making.
To help ensure the process leading to your special day is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we've put together this guide to support you in choosing your bridal accessories, should you need a helping hand. Read on for some inspiration on what jewellery to wear on your wedding day.
What jewellery do brides wear?
The simple answer is 'whatever jewellery they want!', but of course, that doesn't always mean that it won't require a little thought for your own situation. Brides wear jewellery that fits their personality, while also complementing elements such as their outfit, hair, makeup, skin, and the wedding's overall theme. This can range from large, statement earrings that are loud in their joy, to gemstone pieces that tell colourful stories, to delicate, dainty or pared-back styles.
And with so many traditions, pressures, and ideas about what should or shouldn't be done at weddings, it's not surprising that many have questions when it comes to choosing the perfect jewellery for their personal bridal style. Let's discuss some of the most common uncertainties here.
Can you wear other rings on your wedding day?
Absolutely. If you are a person who loves to adorn their fingers with beautiful rings, then your wedding day look should be no different. You should dress how you feel best represents who you are, and if who you are is someone who doesn't feel like themselves with their favourite ring stack, then ensure they're polished up and ready to go for the big day. If you'd like yours to match your bridal look and complement your wedding stack, then why not choose a couple of special, ethical rings for the wedding?
Is it okay for a bride to wear a necklace?
Yes, it is more than okay for a bride to wear a necklace on her wedding day, so you don't need to forego this particular accessory. Many people will pair their choice of necklaces with their wedding outfit's neckline or their hairstyle, while some will simply choose a necklace that means something special. Others will choose not to wear a necklace altogether, but this has nothing to do with whether or not a bride can wear a necklace – it's all about choice.
Should a bride wear gold or silver?
There's no one answer to this question, so you should wear whatever metal colour you love the most (or both, if you're a lover of mixed metals!). If you'd prefer to wear jewellery in a colour that complements your outfit or makeup, then continue reading to learn how best to style different metal colours with various other elements of your wedding look.
How to choose your bridal jewellery
While you should ultimately wear whatever makes you happy, it can be helpful to think about what jewellery may work with different aspects of your bridal look. If you need a little help deciding, you could consider these when choosing the perfect wedding day jewellery:
Your bridal outfit's neckline
V-neck or plunging neckline: For v-necks and plunging necks, try a pendant necklace that follows the same V shape structure, a simple lariat necklace, or layered chains. Pendants and chains should stay above the neckline no matter what, so that both the outfit and the jewellery are shown off to their best. If you've chosen a delicate necklace, try matching stud or drop earrings.
Boat neckline: Beautiful boat necks are the only style in which necklaces can drop below the hem of the neckline and still look just as lovely. Pair your necklace with matching stud earrings, or lose the necklace and pick large, statement studs, like our 9ct Gold Flower Petal Drop Earrings.
Scoop neckline: For the sensual scoop neck, try short, rounded necklaces, such as a charm necklace, like our 9ct Gold Diamond Drop Necklace, which offers a curved shape on the neck. Pair this with matching stud earrings, or something larger, depending on your hairstyle and taste.
Square neckline: Choose jewellery that doesn't overwhelm the elegance of a square necklace, such as round necklaces, chokers, short pendant necklaces, or layered, delicate chains. In your ears, simple studs can work well to complement your choice of necklace, or opt for no necklace and wear statement earrings instead.
Halter neckline: Your choice of jewellery for a halter neck will depend on how deep the neckline is. If there's space, a pendant necklace that follows the V will suit it well, but if there's not enough room, don't crowd it; opt for statement earrings instead.
Strapless neckline: Strapless necklines are incredibly versatile. Choose a choker, a collar necklace, a pendant necklace like our 9ct Gold Pearl Necklace, or layered necklaces to highlight your décolletage, or leave it bare to emphasise the focal feature. By going necklace-free with a strapless outfit, you open up the opportunity to stand out with your choice of earrings and bracelet.
Sweetheart neckline: One of the most popular wedding dress necklines, this feminine shape suits simple, curved pieces best. A short necklace with a rounded pendant complements the neckline's flow and draws the eye to the heart of it. You have the chance here to match your earrings to your necklace, either through studs or drop earrings.
Off-the-shoulder neckline: This stunning shape draws attention to the shoulders, and you don't want to pull that focus away. Wear a simple choker or no necklace at all, and try simple stud earrings.
Illusion neckline: We believe that an illusion neckline needs no dressing up, so don't add a necklace to this style. Instead, opt for some statement or drop earrings and a beautiful bracelet.
High neckline: Again, this is another neckline that needs no accessorising. Opt for statement earrings and a bracelet when wearing bridal outfits that sit high on the neck.
Asymmetrical neckline: There's no need for a necklace with this neckline, but if you'd like to accessorise it, choose something rounded, like a simple chain or a charm necklace that stays consistent in shape across your collarbones. Pair with a delicate bracelet, such as our 9ct Gold Diamond Chain Bracelet, or choose statement earrings instead of a necklace.
Your bridal hairstyle
Updo: With hair off your neck, shoulders, and sometimes your ears, you have the chance to accessorise boldly. Choose standout earrings that draw attention, or go simple and pair with a matching necklace. For a true statement, pick a set that sparkles with gemstones or diamonds.
Half up, half down: Your earrings with this hairstyle should be simple, as they're likely to be obscured by your hair. Simple studs or short drop earrings work best. We'd advise against a bold necklace with this hairstyle as it may look crowded, depending on the length of the hair you've left down.
Down: Studs are the earrings of choice when your hair is down, as you won't see them often. Keep your necklace simple to avoid crowding your décolletage, and instead accessorise your wrist.
Your bridal makeup
What tone of makeup are you going for with your wedding day look? If you'll be painted in stunning cool tones, then silver or white gold will complement the colours perfectly. If your makeup palette is warmer, then gold jewellery will work beautifully with your chosen shade.
Your skin's undertones
Did you know that your skin's natural undertones can work better with certain colours? This includes the metals in your jewellery. Cool undertones often find that white gold, platinum, and silver jewellery work well, while those with warm undertones may feel their best in gold and rose gold jewellery. For neutral undertones, take your pick of metals!
To find your undertone, you can try the following:
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The vein test: Check your wrist and forearm. If your veins are blueish or purplish, you likely have cool undertones. If they're greenish, you likely have warm undertones. If they're blue-green or you seem to have both, then you likely have neutral undertones.
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The white/cream fabric test: Hold white fabric by your face or wear a white t-shirt. If you suit it, you likely have cool undertones. If you swap it for cream or off-white and look better in that, you likely have warm undertones. If you suit both, you likely have neutral undertones.
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The sun test: How does your skin cope with sun exposure? If you burn and don't tan much, you likely have cool undertones. If you tan easily and don't really burn, you likely have warm undertones. If you burn initially, then develop a tan, you likely have neutral undertones.
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Ask a professional: Makeup artists, colour analysts, and beauty counter staff will be able to help you identify your undertones quickly.
Choose wedding jewellery that speaks to you
No matter what, select bridal jewellery that feels special to you – and never be afraid to throw out advice (including everything we've said here!) in favour of whatever combinations bring you joy. Whether you love the way it looks or you give it sentimental value, your wedding jewellery is your own and will look beautiful on your big day.
If you're looking for the perfect bridal accessories, take a look through our carefully curated selection of wedding jewellery. We've chosen pieces that suit various necklines, hairstyles, and colour palettes to help with your decision. From pearls to diamonds, from charm bracelets to hoop earrings, we have it all just waiting to be discovered. Our jewellery is ethically made by hand, here in our UK studio, making each piece special and unique to you.
