How to Pick Bridal Party Jewelry

Picking bridal party jewelry may seem like a minor task when planning your wedding day, but it is a detail that needs attention. Whether you are a bride selecting bridal party jewelry as a gift to your bridesmaids, or you are a maid of honor taking over the task for a frazzled bride, here are some guidelines to make the job easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Photos of the bridesmaid dress(es)
• Swatch of bridesmaid dress fabric

1. Take photographs of your bridesmaids dress(es) for reference when shopping for jewelry. You can clip a photo from a catalog, or take a photo of a member of the bridal party wearing the dress. If more than one style of dress is selected for the bridal party, bring a photo of each style.
2. Get a swatch of dress fabric, if possible. It is helpful to have a real color sample when shopping for jewelry. If the dresses are in more than one color, get a swatch of each color.
3. Select the color tone of the jewelry (gold, silver, etc.) based on the color of the bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and other wedding décor.
4. Consider the style of the dress to determine what kind of jewelry would best compliment the cut and style. For example, a dress with an elaborate neckline is best complimented with a simple chain or no necklace at all. On the other hand, a more elaborate necklace looks great with a simple, straight neckline. Bare arms can be complimented with a bracelet.
5. Embrace individuality. All members of the bridal party do not necessarily have to wear the same exact jewelry. If the bridesmaids are wearing different style dresses, find jewelry that best compliments each dress but still has the same general look and color tone.
6. Determine how the bridesmaids will wear their hair before selecting earrings. A style of earring may look great when hair is down and loose, but look too dramatic when paired with an up do.

Tips & Warnings

• Bridesmaid jewelry is a traditional gift from the bride. This does not mean that it has to be given as a gift from the bride. If you would rather give another gift to your bridal party, do so and let the bridesmaids coordinate their jewelry.
• If you expect your bridal party to purchase and wear jewelry you have selected in your wedding, be careful to select jewelry that all your bridesmaids can afford. Selecting expensive jewelry can sometimes upset your bridal party and cause unnecessary tension before your big day.