|
The Modern Guide to Selecting Jewelry for Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids accessorize! Lay those fashion fears to rest
with this simple guide to selecting jewelry for bridesmaid dresses. It doesn’t
matter if you’re a bridesmaid trying to accessorize your dress or if you are a
bride selecting gifts for your bridesmaids, this guide is packed with
information.
Jewelry as Gifts
It is acceptable for the bride to give jewelry to the
bridesmaids as a thank you gift and also to wear during the event. This is a method
of making sure that there are no fashion mishaps and that the theme of the
wedding is carried through to the accessories. Keeping this in mind, there are
a few things that the bride must consider when gift giving:
•
Take into consideration each individual bridesmaid’s tastes and
preferences.
•
Acknowledge and be aware of any allergies.
•
Obtain appropriate sizes of jewelry.
•
Check to see which individuals have pierced ears, if giving earrings.
When gift giving, the bride does not have to give every
bridesmaid identical pieces of jewelry. The theme of wedding can be carried
through to the jewelry by giving similar but different pieces. It is perfectly fine
for the each bridesmaid to wear different accessories. In fact the more you
personalize and give each bridesmaid a similar but different look, the happier
they will be.
Necklaces and Necklines
The most successful accessories take into consideration the
type of ceremony and the style of the dress. Lately, there has been a trend of
bare necks; that is not wearing any necklaces and favoring the focal point on
the earrings. This can be considered with any dress and is always an option!
The rule of thumb for not wearing any necklaces is when the bodice, collar, or
neckline of the dress is ornately embellished. In these circumstances the
necklace detracts from the design of the dress. An embellishment includes the
use of lace, sequins, crystals, beads, pearls etc.
Consider the bare neck look when the dress has the following
necklines and is lavishly embellished:
When should a necklace be considered? When the necklace
enhances the neckline, accents the dress and provides an easy focal point. Consider
a necklace that is intricate in design with the following necklines:
Necklaces that have a “v” shape enhance the vertical points
in the sweetheart necklines. Consider drop necklaces, “v” designs or pendants
with the following dress necklines:
Hawaiian Lei’s
Hawaiian themed weddings are becoming more and more popular.
Traditionally, the Hawaiian wedding does not have bridesmaids; however,
contemporary brides are including their maidens. This is one circumstance that
the type of ceremony dictates the necklace and the dress as well. The necklaces
traditionally worn in these tropical weddings are leis. They are made up of white
or red natural flowers. These flowers may include ginger (which is the most
delicate), orchids, tuber roses or even carnations. This necklace is typically
40 inches long (a closed circle) and is worn half flowing down the front of the
bodice and the other half the lei flowing down the back. Hawaiian tradition
also dictates that a mother-to-be should wear an “open lei” (not a closed lei)
for good luck.
Earrings
The style of the earrings is dictated by the shape of your
face and your hairstyle. The rule of thumb is to wear larger sized earrings if
no necklace is to be worn. This will uplift the focal point to your
bridesmaids’ face. Select larger dangle earrings for hairstyles that have the
romantic wispy look. If the bridesmaids’ hair is to be styled in an “up dos”
with hair accessories or even fresh flowers interwoven, then the focal point is
the hair style not the earrings. Select simple earrings that will not distract
from the hair accessories. When earrings are concerned, there are many personal
preferences. In this day and age many bridesmaids will have their ears pierced
more than once. When multiple earrings are worn, stick to simple color
coordinated studs that work well with the color of the dress. The question if
multiple earrings should be worn is one of etiquette. If the bridesmaids are in
question etiquette dictates that they should ask the bride. At the other end of
the pierced ear spectrum is that some individuals do not have pierced ears.
Clip on earrings is one solution; however, there are a number of people who are
uncomfortable with these non-pierced earrings.
Bracelets
Sleeve lengths, the diameter of the bouquet and apparel
accessories are factors that need to be considered when opting to wear
bracelets.. If a bracelet is worn, the fit should be just right. Not too tight,
proper blood circulation is important and not too loose either. Bracelets
should not get caught in the bouquets. If long smooth tight fitting gloves are
to be worn, you may want to consider adding a glitzy bracelet over the glove.
This dramatic elegant sparkle is best for evening ceremonies and when the dress
and glove is in a vivid or deep color which provides a high contrast. This
particular look is best achieved with a smaller diameter simple floral bouquet
which allows both the glove and the bracelet to capture the attention. When not
to wear a bracelet? Typically winter weddings do not dictate the use of
bracelets. Skip wearing bracelets when other accessories are being used (like
hand muffs and short gloves). Omit wearing the bracelets if the bouquets are
arranged in a large diameter or made up of a complex mix of flora. The primary
focus in these cases is the bouquets, not the wrists. Large bouquets command
the focal point during the ceremony, and bracelets will not be seen.
Ankles, Feet and Arms
Themed weddings typically make use of some rather
not-so-traditional accessories and they bring about some fun with a touch of
elegance. So why not add some focal points to the forgotten but seen areas of
the ankles, feet and arms! Anklets are a great way to add a touch of sparkle or
a glint of gold. Wear an anklet if the hemline of the dress is above the ankles
or the slit reveals the ankle. Anklets can be either a simple chain or beads
(including pearls) for casual or daytime weddings. Evening weddings typically
dictate more sparkle. If the theme of the event is tropical or Hawaiian
consider wearing foot jewelry. Most Hawaiian weddings are performed barefoot,
so take the opportunity to accessorize! The foot jewelry for the bridesmaids
incorporates red beads or gemstones to accent the traditional red bridal color.
To accent the darker red hues of the Hawaiian print dresses, look for garnets in
your foot jewelry. You may choose to accentuate only one foot or both feet,
whatever your preferences. Materials range from faux pearls to real gemstones.
Another type of wedding that gives the opportunity of wearing different kind of
jewelry is the Grecian theme. Arm bands are becoming increasing popular along
with this type of event. They are often selected as the choice accessory for
Grecian inspired gowns. The major drawback to wearing armbands during wedding
ceremonies is one of comfort. The bold metal designs offer a dramatic look and
often a little heavier than you expect. When selecting armbands always try them
on and don’t be afraid to test them out for a few minutes more. Comfort is the
number one factor when deciding to purchase this accessory. Themed weddings or
not armbands give off a modern elegance with a young sophisticated style.
For the Flower Girl
Overall there is a diminished use of the tiara in today’s
weddings; however, it still has its place. Think of the tiara as jewelry. This
accent provides more flexibility for the miniature bride by achieving a slim
elegant sparkle up top without having the complications of the veil. The tiara
does not obscure the face of the miniature bride and it’s more durable than the
delicate veil headpiece. Most often the bride will select a small necklace or
charm for the flower girl to wear for the special day. To make the gift even
more special there is an option of engraving the charm either with the flower
girl’s initials, name or a small note of appreciation. Some people opt to
engrave the date of the wedding. If the flower girl is the “miniature bride”
then the necklace should accentuate the dress, a small pearl pendant or a
simple strand of imitation pearls is a prime choice.
Author: R. Eason
|
