Being invited to attend someone’s wedding is truly special. It means that the couple cares a lot about you, and you are so close to their heart they want to share one of the most memorable moments of their lives with you.
A wedding day should be about the marrying couple, and everything should be in accordance with their wishes. This is why many couples decide to send a dress code with the invite, or at least to inform the guest about preferred colors to wear.
However, not many think about the jewelry. Whether you get the instructions for attire to follow or not, you will manage because the rules for it are usually pretty familiar. It seems, though, that this is not the case with jewelry etiquette. In the following lines, find some instructions on how to choose diamonds and pearls and shine to the fullest on the next wedding you attend.
Table of Contents
Start with the color
Whether you are kindly asked to wear clothes in a certain color, or you have chosen the one that makes your eyes pop or skin glow, this could be the great base to help you choose your jewelry.
But we do not mean you should choose jewelry in the same color. A contrast could look great: if you are going to wear a green dress, why not wear a gemstone beads necklace or bracelet which is amber or red? This should make both accessories look their best.
This can also be your secret weapon if you are not too pleased because you are asked to wear a color you do not like. You can do a little something for your taste by choosing a pair of earrings of a color that you do like. Just make sure these colors match.
Bigger is not always better
First of all, you really should avoid big pieces of jewelry as well as big hats, big purses, and generally, anything that will attract too much attention. The people who should get all the attention are the ones who are getting married on that day. So, the only attention you will get if you choose oversized earrings with big chunky diamonds is negative.
But, a statement piece of jewelry is okay. Especially if your dress is a simple, elegant one. Just make sure it is just one piece: if you are going with a dominant necklace, you will not need earrings at all. Also, make sure it is not too big.
If you are unsure how to find a balance, check with your friends, family members, and maybe even professionals. Ask your favorite local jeweler how much is too much. They will help you choose a perfect size statement piece, especially if they were the ones who sold it to you.
The location and the season can help
The place where the wedding is held and the time of the year can help you a lot with the choice of clothes. The same goes for jewelry.
A colorful dress will be perfect for a beach wedding, and you should combine it with simple but elegant jewelry. But if it is a winter wonderland wedding, jewelry designed with straight, defined lines and even more formal pieces will be ideal.
Diamonds and pearls
Many wedding etiquette guides suggest that diamonds should be reserved for the bride. The guests can wear their diamond rings if those are their engagement rings; otherwise, diamonds should be avoided, they say.
We, however, think that diamonds are okay as long as you follow the rule mentioned above about the size of your accessories. As long as diamonds are not too big or flashy, they can be perfect on your earrings or any other piece of jewelry.
Similarly, many guides on etiquette mention pearls, but they actually recommend them as the safest choice. We would agree with this since they are simple, elegant, beautiful, and easy to match the outfit with. So if all else fails, go for the pearls.
In a nutshell
To make the best possible choice of jewelry you are going to wear at someone’s wedding, you should start with what you know. Get inspiration from the clothes you will wear, their color, and the wedding venue. Add a bit of your character to it all, and you will get the perfect combination.