When it comes to planning a wedding, the bridal jewellery is often the final touch that completes the bride’s overall look. While the dress may take centre stage, the right jewellery elevates the ensemble, adding elegance, personality, and a sense of timeless beauty. Whether you're drawn to classic pearls, dazzling diamonds, or something more modern and unique, bridal jewellery plays an essential role in tying together your bridal aesthetic.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key elements of bridal jewellery and how to choose the perfect pieces for your wedding day.
Statement Earrings: Bold Elegance
Statement earrings have become a huge trend in bridal fashion, offering brides an opportunity to make a bold impression. From sparkling chandelier earrings to delicate drops adorned with pearls or crystals, statement earrings can add a touch of glamour without overwhelming your look.
When choosing statement earrings, consider the neckline of your dress. For example, strapless or off-the-shoulder gowns pair beautifully with larger, more dramatic earrings. If your dress has intricate detailing around the neckline, opt for simpler earrings to keep the focus on your gown.
Best for: Brides who love bold accessories or those wearing minimalist dresses that need a touch of glam.
The Timeless Necklace: Classic and Elegant
A necklace can be a beautiful focal point or a subtle accessory, depending on your personal style and the neckline of your dress. For gowns with a sweetheart or plunging neckline, a necklace adds a perfect touch of sophistication. Pearls are a classic choice, exuding a sense of timeless beauty, while diamond pendants offer understated sparkle.
If you're wearing a high-neck or heavily embellished dress, you may want to skip the necklace altogether and focus on earrings or a bracelet instead.
Best for: Traditional brides, or those wearing gowns with simple, elegant necklines that need an extra element of charm.
Bridal Bracelets: Subtle Sophistication
Bridal bracelets are an elegant addition that adds sparkle to your wrist without stealing focus from your gown. Whether you opt for a delicate tennis bracelet encrusted with diamonds, a chic bangle, or a vintage-inspired cuff, your bracelet should complement your other jewellery without overwhelming your look.
If your dress has long sleeves, a bracelet may not be necessary, but for sleeveless or short-sleeved gowns, it can add a graceful touch.
Best for: Brides with strapless or sleeveless gowns, or those looking for an additional layer of subtle elegance.
Rings: Beyond the Engagement and Wedding Band
While your engagement ring and wedding band will take centre stage, some brides opt to wear additional rings to enhance their overall look. Stackable rings with delicate diamonds or gemstones can add personality and sparkle without overshadowing your main rings.
Consider rings that match the tone of your other jewellery — whether that’s silver, gold, or rose gold—and ensure that they don’t clash with your engagement ring.
Best for: Brides who love jewellery and want to add an extra layer of detail to their bridal look.
Hair Jewellery: Crowns, Combs, and Tiaras
For brides who want to feel like royalty on their big day, hair jewellery such as tiaras, crowns, and decorative combs can add a regal touch. Whether you’re going for a boho-chic look with a floral comb or a classic bridal style with a sparkling tiara, hair accessories can be a stunning way to frame your face and accentuate your hairstyle.
In recent seasons, pearl-encrusted hairpins, gold-leaf combs, and vintage-inspired hairbands have become popular, giving brides a wide range of options to choose from.
Best for: Brides who want to add a statement piece to their hair or those who want an alternative to a veil.
Matching Metals: Creating a Cohesive Look
One of the key decisions you’ll make when selecting your bridal jewellery is choosing the metal that complements your dress, skin tone, and overall aesthetic. Silver, platinum, and white gold tend to work well with cool-toned dresses, such as bright white or icy shades. Gold and rose gold, on the other hand, are perfect for warm-toned dresses like champagne or ivory.
While mixing metals can create a trendy, eclectic look, sticking to one metal type for all your jewellery often creates a more cohesive and elegant appearance.
Best for: Brides who want a harmonious, polished look that ties together all of their jewellery and dress details.
Sentimental Jewellery: A Touch of Meaning
Incorporating sentimental jewellery into your wedding day look can add emotional depth to your accessories. This could be a family heirloom, like your grandmother’s necklace, or a piece of jewellery gifted to you by a loved one. Adding a personal, meaningful piece not only complements your look but also brings extra sentiment and significance to your day.
Consider how these pieces can be layered with your bridal jewellery. For example, a vintage brooch could be pinned to your bouquet or veil for a unique touch, or a delicate locket could be layered with other necklaces.
Best for: Brides who want to honour family traditions or add a personal touch to their ensemble.
Consider the Dress First
When choosing your bridal jewellery, always start with your dress. The style, neckline, and fabric of your gown should guide your jewellery choices. A heavily embellished gown calls for simpler jewellery, while a minimalist dress offers the chance to go bold with your accessories. Your jewellery should enhance the overall look, not compete with it.
If you’re unsure, try on your dress with different pieces of jewellery to see how they work together. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but remember that balance is key.
Final Thoughts
Bridal jewellery is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings your entire wedding day look together. Whether you’re drawn to classic pearls, bold statement pieces, or sentimental heirlooms, your jewellery should reflect your personal style and complement your dress perfectly.
As you plan your big day, take the time to carefully select jewellery that enhances your bridal vision. With the right pieces, you’ll not only feel beautiful but also confident as you walk down the aisle, sparkling from head to toe.
Be sure to check out our other articles on wedding accessories for more helpful tips!