Your attire’s silhouette and style should absolutely play a role in your wedding jewelry. If you have a higher neckline, play with drop earrings to bring cohesion to the look. A longer necklace can look beautiful with a deeper neckline, while bracelets might feel like too much with a longer sleeve. You should also consider the overall mood of your ensemble. “The Row made my daughter’s wedding dress and, as you can imagine, it was a minimalist dream,” shares Garber. “The perfect earrings for the dress were our Pearl On The Hook. They’re single South Sea pearls that, because of the design of our hook, seem to float just below the earlobe. They became her wedding gift from her father and me, and she wears them all the time.”
Need a good formula to balance everything out? “Start with one statement piece, usually an earring or a necklace,” recommends Mary Margaret Beaver of Tiny Gods. “Consider a larger earring if your hair is pulled back or up, and then compliment it with a smaller necklace or perhaps no necklace at all.” To lend a bit of edge to your look, she says, “Don’t be afraid to mix your metals, wear an asymmetrical pair of earrings, or consider a long chain or lariat worn backwards with an open back for modern drama. Have fun with it and let it help you shine on your day and express your own unique, personal style.”
It’s also worth thinking about the time and place of your celebration. “Is it on a beach, in the countryside, or on the top floor of a skyscraper? Accessories are the best way to capture a mood,” says jewelry and accessories designer Lele Sadoughi. While dripping diamonds might feel appropriate at a city affair, they could feel out of place at a laid-back outdoor celebration. Also think holistically about your wedding weekend and curate pieces that can fit for your welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and even day-after brunch. “Today’s bride is not just about dressing for the big day. As a maximal brand, I like to capture the whimsy, decadence, or romanticism of each bride,” shares Sadoughi. Those smaller celebrations can also be an opportunity to have a bit more fun with your jewelry look: “Layering necklaces, particularly for your rehearsal dinner or engagement party, is a fun way to incorporate some sparkle, highlight your gorgeous smiling face, and capture the joy of the event,” says Saltzman.