If you’ve got a wedding coming up this year, it’s likely you’ve already dealt with the major aspects of the day; the venue, the dress, and the guest list, for example. What you may not have considered yet are the little details – the small touches which really bring everything together. Wedding jewellery is one of these smaller details, but many underestimate the time it takes to find the perfect combination.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the various things you need to keep in mind when choosing your wedding jewellery, whether you’re the bride, the groom or a member of the wedding party. The possibilities are endless, and our advice is designed to cover a wide range of wedding styles, from big white church weddings to more alternative ceremonies. Read on for HandT – Shop Online’s expert wedding jewellery tips:

Brides

As the bride, all eyes will naturally be drawn to you on your wedding day, and while this is an exciting prospect for some, for others it can instil a slight sense of panic! Looking their very best is something that the majority of brides want on their big day, and this encompasses so much more than just the dress. The right wedding jewellery can bring out positive aspects of a wedding dress or hairstyle, as well as tying the whole ensemble together to complete the bride’s chosen look.

Wedding ring

Your wedding ring (and engagement ring, if you have one) should be the only ring you wear on the day, traditionally speaking. If you want to wear rings on other fingers, using the right hand will ensure the focus is not drawn away from the wedding ring on your left hand.

Necklace

Choosing a necklace based on the neckline of your dress and your hairstyle is a great way to ensure everything looks ‘right’ all together and that the right features are being accented. Necklaces can be a great way to add colour and tie the bride in with the overall colour scheme. Of course, a necklace does not have to be worn at all, and in the case of strapless and sweetheart necklines, it is often best to go without and focus on earrings instead.

Earrings

As a general rule, brides who have left their hair down tend to opt for studs or small drop earrings, whereas those with an up-do tend to go for larger, more dramatic styles. If you already have a pair of earrings you know you want to wear for the ceremony, wear them when you are planning your hair-do so they don’t get lost.

Bracelet

Some brides choose to wear bracelets or bangles as part of their wedding outfit, and with the right style they can add a special something to the overall look. Bulky styles may be best on the right arm so as not to drown out the wedding ring, or perhaps an upper-arm bangle is more your style?

Alternative Wedding Jewellery

If you’re getting married in a short dress or barefoot, toe rings and anklets can make gorgeous wedding accessories and don’t take the attention away from the wedding ring. Indeed, there are a huge range of jewellery pieces that you could wear. Rather than focusing on what ‘should’ be worn, consider your own style instead.

It’s important to remember that there is no wrong answer when it comes to choosing the jewellery to wear on your wedding. Whether you’re opting for your Grandma’s pearls (something borrowed), you’ve gone for something bright and unusual, or you’re wearing no jewellery at all – that’s fine! As long as YOU are happy with how you look, that is all that matters.

Grooms

While all eyes tend to be focussed on the bride during the big day, as the groom you will also have your fair share of observers. The suit and shoes you wear on your wedding day may not be anything like your usual clothing style, so many husbands-to-be to add accessories which bring out their individual personalities.

Wedding Ring

As with the bride, the wedding ring is usually the only ring worn during the wedding. If you like to wear rings or have a meaningful one you rarely take off, consider moving it to your right hand (if it isn’t already) for the ceremony.

Watch

A luxury watch can be the perfect way to let your personality shine through during the wedding. It’s a good idea to have the watch on when you try on your wedding outfit, to ensure it matches well. Many couples like to ensure they complement each other on the day, so if your bride or fellow groom will be wearing mainly gold jewellery, then choosing a gold-toned watch would be best.

Cufflinks

If you’re planning to wear a shirt which requires cufflinks, this can also be a brilliant way to add a bit of personality to your outfit. Keep in mind that your watch and cufflinks will be very close together, so matching the colours is important. Cufflinks can be personalised, monogrammed and can even be a bit tongue-in-cheek if you like – just remember that any close up photographs of your hands is likely to include them!

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

As a bridesmaid or a groomsman, you may be gifted a piece of jewellery or cufflinks by the bride and groom as a thank you on the day. Newlyweds have begun thanking their wedding party by gifting each of them a keepsake they can wear on the day – this usually takes the form of cufflinks, necklaces, earrings or bracelets.

You may have already discussed with the bride or groom what you will be wearing on the day, and wedding jewellery should be chosen to complement the colour and cut of the garment chosen. The cut of a suit or dress can obviously dictate the type or style of jewellery that can be worn. If the bride or groom has not covered wedding jewellery with you yet, ask them what they would prefer – are they happy for the wedding party to accessorise based on what they feel is best, or would the special couple prefer everyone to wear the same pieces?

Where possible, keep everyone involved in the conversation to prevent issues arising further down the line, when it may be too late to do anything about it. For instance, a bridesmaid or groomsman may have an allergy to certain metals, or they may not have their ears pierced – it’s these small details that can be invaluable to whoever is planning the wedding, so keep communicating to ensure smooth sailing.