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10 top tips for choosing bridesmaid jewellery 9851 views

Your bridesmaids play a huge part in making your day really special. That’s why it’s worth spending time on choosing the right jewellery for them, says Rebecca Doyle of ChezBec.com.

1. Don’t rush in

Don’t even think about your bridesmaids’ jewellery until you have chosen their dresses - you don't want to spend money on accessories that clash.

2. Budget

Set a budget for your bridesmaids’ jewellery but allow a 10% leeway over this just in case you see the perfect pieces which are a little over budget.

3. Specific needs

Find out early on if all your bridesmaids have pierced ears and if any of them have allergies to a particular metal. Some girls can only wear silver or gold, and you don’t want to risk rashes on your special day.

4. Who chooses?

Decide early on whether to involve your bridesmaids in the process of selecting their jewellery. If you are on a very tight budget you could even ask them to choose and pay for their own, but this may lead to problems if your bridesmaids all have very different tastes. If you do go for this option, give your bridesmaids an idea of the kind of thing you would like them to wear, eg ‘plain silver’ or ‘ivory pearls’.

5. Take your time

Choosing bridesmaids’ jewellery is often left to the last minute. This can leave you with very little choice, and will also add to your stress. I would recommend you leave yourself at least a couple of weeks to search; finding the right sparkles to finish your bridesmaids’ look to perfection can often take a lot longer than expected.

6. Colour

Don’t think you have to choose jewellery that matches the exact shade of your bridesmaids’ dresses. This is often impossible anyway given the vast array of dress colours available. For a contemporary look, why not pick a contrasting colour? For example, if the dresses are hot pink or dusky pink, green jewellery will look stunning, while pale blue accessories will look sensational with chocolate brown dresses.

7. Double up

Jewellery is a traditional gift from the bride and groom to the bridesmaids. Why not give your bridesmaids their jewellery as a thank-you gift on the morning of the wedding? It will allow for some special moments with your bridesmaids and means you don't have to buy separate thank-you gifts. If you decide to do this but still want to give them something during the speeches, I would recommend buying or making each of your bridesmaids a card and writing a special individual message in each one. You can decorate the envelopes with a pretty ribbon or a paper flower to match your wedding theme and make them look extra special.

8. Everyone is different

Remember that your bridesmaids are individuals - one particular necklace might not suit them all and they might not all have pierced ears. If they are all wearing the same dress, it’s a lovely touch to give them each a different piece of jewellery. You could stick to the same theme eg pearls but give one a pair of statement pearl-drop earrings and another an elaborate pearl hair grip. Your bridesmaids might appreciate not being treated like a pack!

9. Remember your flower girls!

If you are having little flower girls you don’t want them to feel left out when your grown-up bridesmaids are being given their jewellery. There are lots of beautiful wedding accessories on the market for little ones. Fairy wings and wands are always popular, or why not give them a beautiful hair band or hair grip? Make sure that these are made especially with little girls in mind or you could find that they slip right out of their hair.