How to Select Bridesmaid Wedding Jewelry

You've pictured your wedding day in your head for years, and though you are the focus of the big day, your bridesmaids have an important part to play as well. Since they provide the backdrop for your dazzling ensemble, their wedding jewelry should be chosen with the same care as you chose yours. These details may not have been quite as vivid in your mind as the dress for each bridesmaid, but choosing just the right pieces can be the finishing touch that makes it all come together.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Shop with your wedding colors in mind, and consider choosing bridesmaid jewelry in your contrasting, secondary color. If your bridesmaids are wearing alternating colors, then alternate their jewelry as well. Remember, if you have an unusual color palette for your wedding, Swarovsky crystal comes in dozens of colors that you can't find in a natural gem.

2. Choose a necklace, bracelet or hair piece that is just a little bit more special than the others for your maid or matron of honor. It doesn't have to be a difference that stands out enough to distract while the girls are walking down the aisle, but just a subtle change, like an extra strand of pearls on a necklace or little hanging crystals from a hair comb, will go a long way to symbolize her special role.

3. Keep the metals consistent. Even if you choose to have each bridesmaid in a unique piece, they should all at least be in either silver or gold to create a consistent impression.

4. Bring a picture of your bridesmaid dresses with you as you shop. In all the excitement it can be easy to forget tiny details on the dress, so either snap a picture when she tries on the dress, or cut out the photo from a catalog to help refresh your memory as you select the jewelry.

5. Select jewelry that will enhance the beauty of your bridesmaid, not just keep your vision of the day. If your bridesmaid has cool-toned skin, for example, she may not look her best in yellow gold. Redheads will likely look washed out or ruddy in rubies, and blondes may not be able to pull off citrine or golden sapphires. Use your best judgment to keep your bridesmaids as radiant as they should be on your special day.

6. Choose the length and style of necklaces based on the neckline of the bridesmaid dresses. Chokers and collarbone-length necklaces are the perfect mate to plunging necklines, while dresses with high collars should be paired with longer pieces. Strapless gowns look sweet with pieces that fall mid-chest, or bold and sexy with high chokers.

7. Have someone try on the jewelry before making any final decisions. What may look spectacular in the case may be just too much once it's actually on a person, so don't take any chances.

Tips & Warnings

• Swing by the dress shop and pick up a swatch of fabric from the bridesmaid dresses to help you select just the right color for the jewelry. Don't trust your memory since differences in colors can be quite subtle.