How to Choose Bridal Costume Jewelry

Bridal costume jewelry comes in a variety of styles, from classic to modern. With the advent of new techniques for creating fashion jewelry, resorting to costume jewelry no longer has to mean wearing tacky pieces that can be spotted as fakes from miles away. Modern fashion jewelry is gorgeous, elegant, and looks like the real thing. Here's what to consider when choosing bridal costume jewelry for your wedding party:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look for quality. You should choose pieces that include a base metal – usually brass or sterling silver – with layers of real gold bonded to the outer surface. Stay away from painted nickel; this looks fake and gaudy.

2. Consider going with a timeless look so that you and your bridesmaids can continue to wear bridal costume jewelry long after the wedding. There's no point in buying something that will be worn once and then permanently tossed in a jewelry box.

3. Make sure you choose bridal costume jewelry that accents your dress. If your dress is pure white, platinum, silver, or white gold may be a better choice. Ivory gowns are complemented well by pearls and gold.

4. Consider the shape of the neckline when choosing bridal costume jewelry necklaces. Chandelier or drop pendants complement v-necklines nicely, while multi-strand necklaces accent scoop necklines. A square or straight neckline, as in a sleeveless gown, is accented wonderfully by a choker. Pearls are a classic choice for the straight sleeveless gown.

5. Chandelier style earrings can be worn to dramatic flair with upswept hair. If hair will be worn loose, any style of earring will work, but the eyes won't be drawn as dramatically to the earrings.

6. Consider using bridal costume hair jewelry. There are beautiful filigree and floral designs to complement cascading curls and upswept hair.