Adding Bridesmaid Jewelry as the finishing touch to bridesmaid outfits can be tricky. If you’re the bride, you want to stay true to your vision while also making sure your crew is happy. Similarly, if you’re a member of the wedding party charged with picking out your own bridesmaid jewelry, you’ve got the added pressure of pleasing your soonlywed bestie. But don’t worry, we’re here to make shopping for day-of accessories that much easier. We’ve answered all the biggest FAQs below, including what type of jewelry to choose, where to buy it, and who should pay.
What jewelry should bridesmaids wear?
Ultimately, it’s up to the bride to decide exactly which accessories the bridal party should wear. Jewelry can be a nice finishing touch to bridesmaid outfits, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not a necessity. Your crew certainly doesn’t have to wear jewelry, whether that’s because it doesn’t match your vision or they’d just prefer not to. However, if you do want your bridesmaids to add some shiny accessories to their ensembles, there’s a lot to think about.
Do you want them all to wear the same jewelry, or can they mix and match? Can they wear something they already own or are there specific accessories you’ve got your eye on? Before diving into these important questions, you’ll need to decide which types of jewelry you want your squad to wear.
To help you get started, we’ve listed the pros and cons of each right here.
- Bridesmaid earrings: When it comes to bridesmaid attire, earrings will go with pretty much everything. It all comes down to choosing the right style. Opt for chandelier or statement drop earrings for a glamorous look, or stick with classic studs or huggies for something less dramatic. One thing to keep in mind: Not everyone is used to wearing earrings. Make sure your bridesmaids are comfortable with the idea before adding anything to your shopping list. You might need to look into some clip-on options for anyone who doesn’t have their ears pierced.
- Bridesmaid necklaces: We’re big fans of finishing off a look with a stylish necklace, but it’s not always easy. Necklaces can be harder to style, so you really have to take each outfit’s neckline into account before deciding on anything. Generally, if your bridesmaids will be wearing a high neckline, go with a longer chain. If their attire is a little on the busy side (think: patterned or ruffled), keep things low-key with a simple pendant. When it comes to lower necklines such as sweethearts or V-necks, you can afford to be a little more flashy.
- Bridesmaid bracelets: Bracelets are a symbol of friendship, making them a lovely way for your bridal party to feel connected on the big day. They’ll be a sweet and subtle addition to your bridesmaid outfits that won’t draw too much attention from the dresses you spent hours picking out. That said, they might also go unnoticed by some guests, especially if your bridesmaids are wearing long sleeves.
Should the Bridesmaid Jewelry be the same as the bridesmaids?
Traditionally, the bride wears different jewelry from the bridesmaids. That way, it’s easier to pick out accessories that go with the wedding dress, jumpsuit, or whatever. Bridesmaid jewelry is usually less bridal and instead matches the wedding party’s attire, for example, emerald earrings worn with dark green dresses. However, pearl jewelry has been rising in popularity recently and is a fitting option for both the bride and her entourage.
Another thing to consider is having a separate maid of honor jewelry, especially if the MOH is wearing something different from the other bridesmaids. At the end of the day, it’s about picking what looks best with each attendant’s outfit. That means that everyone in your wedding party can accessorize differently if that’s the look you’re going for.
Allowing bridesmaids to wear their preferred pieces is a nice gesture that’ll let each person show some of their unique personalities.
Written by: Naoimh O’Hara (Wedding Wire)