Accessorizing the Bridesmaid Dress

Photo from Ruffled Bridal Blog

Congratulations!

You're a bridesmaid in a wedding, the bride picked out a dress (or maybe let you pick your own?), and isn't buying you cheap, matching baubles to wear on her big day.  Hooray, but now you're tasked with selecting jewelry to wear with your bridesmaid dress.  How do you choose?  Follow our five tips for picking out the perfect jewelry to match your dress.

1.  Do what the bride says.  While you may have escaped getting a monogrammed necklace with your maiden name on it, you still do have to play by the rules.  If the bride asked you to only wear stud earrings or abstain from wearing a chunky necklace, you should comply.  It's not worth risking your friendship for an accessory.

2.  Pick something tasteful.  While you may be known for your collection of Lego jewelry or never seen without a skull and cross bones, it may not be the best choice on someones wedding day.  Think about what you liked on your wedding day or what you someday would want your bridesmaids to wear - if your favorite piece doesn't fit into that picture, skip it.

3.  When in doubt, match colors.  If you're unsure what color to wear, keep it simple and match the dress color.  Pink dress, wear colors in that family: magenta, rose pink, red, etc.  You can never go wrong with a simple chain necklace or earrings and colored gems - like the 14k gold filled necklace below, which dangles a Bordeaux coin pearl.

4.  Stick to two accessories.  While sometimes more IS more, at a wedding where you're not in the spotlight, it's best to stick to jewelry in moderation.  Pick a bracelet and earrings or necklace and earrings, not all three unless they're really subtle.  Let the bride have her moment.

5.  Wear what you love.  Don't forget weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions.  Wear jewelry you love and feel comfortable in as you'll be immortalized in photos for years to come.  Try on any new jewelry and wear it around the house for a while to make sure it feels comfortable and you're happy with your choice.

What jewelry are you wearing to your summer 2012 weddings?

~Kirsten