Planning a wedding means managing countless little details, and one such detail is that of bridal party jewelry, including jewelry for the mother of the bride. Whether you’re a bride planning on gifting your bridal party matching pieces of jewelry to wear on the big day or a future bridal party member trying to determine how to accessorize, here are our top tips on choosing the best bridal party jewelry:
Consider Dress Code & Colors
Before you start shopping for bridal party jewelry, take a moment to consider the event’s dress code as well as the color and style of your bridal party’s dresses.
Dress Code & Wedding Theme
In general, bridal party jewelry and mother-of-the-bride jewelry should be subtle, simple and work cohesively with the wearer’s dress or outfit. A casual or “dressy-casual” wedding will typically call for less jewelry than a semi-formal, formal or black-tie event.
But remember: Even at the most formal wedding, bridal party members and the mother of the bride would do well to err on the side of understated elegance, so as not to pull focus from the bride! Steer clear of ornate or chunky costume jewelry and pieces with large gemstones. Opt instead for petite pieces like diamond, pearl or gemstone stud earrings, with or without a matching pendant necklace. Formal and black-tie wedding parties could consider adding a similarly matching or complementary bracelet.
Likewise, try to match jewelry choices with the wedding’s theme, if applicable. Delicate pearls and crystal or diamond jewelry are perfect for vintage-inspired weddings, for example. A more bohemian celebration might incorporate jewelry with more natural, earthy elements like floral or feather themes, while the bridal party at a sleek, modern event will likely prefer minimalist pieces.
Bridal Party Dress Color & Style
When it comes to color, it’s best practice to choose one of two possible approaches: Either match your jewelry to your bridesmaids’ dresses or mother-of-the-bride dress as closely as possible (think rubies for red dresses, sapphires for navy blue, etc.,) or choose another color from the couple’s wedding day palette to serve as inspiration for your accessories.
For example, imagine a wedding color palette that includes burgundy, gold and fun pops of pink, with the bridesmaids donning burgundy dresses. You could go classic with simple gold pieces as recommended in Method One, or you could opt for pink pearls or pink topaz jewelry as a complementary choice a la Method Two.
Don’t forget to also consider the style of dresses worn by your bridal party and mother of the bride. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing strapless dresses, consider an elegant statement necklace or drop earrings to add a touch of sophistication. For high-neck or halter-style dresses, opt for smaller earrings or bracelets to avoid overwhelming the look.
Care About Hair
Another important factor to consider is how the jewelry will work with your mother-of-the-bride or bridesmaids' hairstyles.
If your bridesmaids are wearing their hair down, opting for statement earrings or hair accessories can be a great way to accentuate their hairstyle and create a touch of glamor. Dramatic drop earrings may not be the best choice for bridal party members wearing their hair down, however, as they could get tangled in long locks. Instead, go for studs, petite hoops, or shorter drop earrings that are less likely to become a hair-pulling hazard.
If your group will be wearing an updo or a technically intricate hairstyle, consider more delicate pieces that will complement their ‘do rather than compete with it. Longer drop earrings are a great choice here, especially if the design skews towards simple. Balancing your jewelry choices with your bridal party’s hairstyles will help to create a cohesive — and comfortable — look.
Make It Personal
As you consider what jewelry will best suit your bridal party and mother of the bride, you may think about finding a way to give your final selection a personal touch.
For example, if you are a bride wanting to gift your mother a piece of jewelry on your big day, a necklace or pair of earrings sporting your birthstone would make a lovely choice. For bridesmaids and other bridal party members, a simple pendant necklace engraved with their first initial would make a classic, sentimental statement.
If you’d really like to wow your bridal party and mother of the bride, you could even consider designing a totally custom piece of jewelry just for them! J.F. Kruse offers 100% in-house custom jewelry design, and our experienced team of designers and jewelers would love to help you make something utterly unique for the most important women in your life.
Don’t Break the Bank
Finally, if you’ll be requesting that your bridal party members purchase their own jewelry for your wedding day, it's crucial to be mindful of their budgets. Being a bridal party member already involves significant financial commitments; adding expensive jewelry to the list may put an additional burden on your bridesmaids. Be considerate of everyone’s financial situation by choosing jewelry that is affordable, accessible and elegant. J.F. Kruse has plenty of beautiful and budget-friendly options available in our vast selection that will add the perfect sparkle to your bridal party's attire!
Picking out the jewelry your bridal party will wear on your wedding day is an exciting task, and an opportunity to make your attendants feel beautiful and special. By considering the formality of the event and its theme, bridal party dress colors and styles, hairstyles, and budget — plus that all-important personal touch — you’ll set yourself up for success in choosing jewelry that will make your group shine alongside you on your special day. Remember: The ultimate goal is for your bridesmaids to feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful as they support and celebrate your journey to wedded bliss!
Need more help finding the right jewelry for your bridal party or mother of the bride? We can help! Visit J.F. Kruse in-store during our regular business hours, or give us a call at (320)-253-4755 to set up a consultation with our jewelry experts. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your wedding day!