What jewellery should brides wear? Bridal jewellery explained

Choosing your bridal jewellery is all part of the fun of planning your wedding, but where to start? Read our inspirational guide to find jewellery that will complement your wedding style and make you feel extra special on your big day.

Where to start with your bridal jewellery?

Many factors can influence your choice of bridal jewellery, from personal style to cultural heritage or wedding theme. 

As one of the most important aspects of the wedding look and style, what the bride is wearing is an obvious starting point. 

Once you’ve chosen your dress and your bridesmaids’ outfits, you will know what look and style you want and can turn your attention to accessories!

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Traditional bridal jewellery: Pearls, diamonds, and family heirlooms

If you’ve chosen a traditional wedding dress then you may want traditional accessories too. Diamonds and pearls are the more traditional wedding bedfellows. A pair of pearl drop earrings or diamond studs, for instance. 

A traditional set of pearls around the neck, or a diamond / crystal tennis necklace. Even within this category there is room for your individual style to shine through. Modern incarnations of the pearl necklace, for instance, follow tradition without being old-fashioned. 

Modern trends: Unique and contemporary bridal jewellery

If you prefer a more modern look and have chosen a contemporary wedding dress design, you may want contemporary or non-traditional bridal jewellery to match.

Simple, sleek designs made from sculpted metal or single stones are a good place to start. For those who want a unique look, coloured gemstones and statement pieces can bring drama to your wedding style.

Cultural influences: jewellery traditions from different cultures

On a day that brings families together in celebration and union, you may wish to honour your combined cultural heritage. To include symbols or motifs that are meaningful to you or your partner. Or incorporate colours that have particular associations with love or luck. 

Thanks to the rise of charm jewellery there are many charm motifs to choose from, from hearts to stars or coins. Look at jewellery with gemstones, crystals, coloured glass or enamel to bring the colours you want to your look.

Matching jewellery with wedding dress styles: Neckline and fabric considerations

As with any outfit, the neckline will play a part in deciding the appropriate jewellery. Choker length necklaces look stunning with off-the shoulder and sweetheart necklines. Drawing attention to, and elongating, the neck. For traditional brides, this is where the string of pearls or tennis necklace come into their own. Perhaps with matching pearl drops, or diamond studs. 

For more modern brides wearing low necklines, a simple or embellished gold or silver chain can also look beautiful.

Meanwhile, for those wearing a v-shaped neckline a pendant necklace is the ideal companion. They’re also ideal for adding motifs and charms of your choice. Wear modern v-neck dresses with stylish long drop earrings. Or more traditional dresses with long, vintage inspired creations.

Whatever the style of your dress you will need to be mindful of any delicate fabrics like lace or silk which damage easily. Keep jewellery well away from these to avoid catches and pulls. This is particularly important if you’re wearing a vintage wedding dress, which may be even more delicate.

Sentimental pieces: Incorporating meaningful or personalised jewellery

Weddings tend to bring out our sentimental side. Sometimes we want to include people we love who can’t be there, or celebrate family ties and shared memories. Personalised jewellery is excellent for this purpose. Wear the initials of your loved ones, or lockets with pictures of those who can’t be there.

Personalised jewellery can also be a lovely way to remember your special day, or thank those who helped to make it happen. Pieces engraved with your wedding date for instance. Or birthstone jewellery for each participant.

Bridal jewellery for different wedding themes: Beach, vintage, bohemian, etc.

If you have a theme for your big day this can help make your jewellery choices too. Vintage inspired jewellery, for instance, or a particular colour theme. These can be easily emulated through your jewellery.

Think modern pearl pieces, paua shell or shell themed jewellery, for beach weddings. Or 1940s style pendants and over-the-top decorative earrings for vintage style.

Wedding hair decorations: clips, combs and tiaras

As with all your other bridal jewellery choices, you can find hair decorations to suit any style or theme.

If you’re wearing a traditional veil you may need a tiara to match. But for those who like a more vintage or bohemian hairstyle, there are decorative clips and combs to add the finishing touches to your look.