Center City Wedding Photographer | Choosing Your Wedding Jewelry

My typical workday as a Center City wedding photographer usually starts with photographing jewelry. I always love to see the bride’s choices!

In the months leading up to the big day, you’ll have lots of choices to make. Among them is what wedding jewelry you’ll wear. Will you wear a headpiece or a tiara? A bracelet? An accent ring?

It’s a good idea to start with your dress and use your jewelry to accent it. Here are some tips for choosing wedding jewelry according to your dress’s neckline, color, and style:

Neckline

Sweetheart

Sweetheart or strapless necklines come with similar recommendations for jewelry. A necklace will keep your neck from looking bare. You’re free to choose one that’s elaborate–pendants and chokers are both options. Alternatively, you can skip the necklace and find a great pair of chandelier earrings.

V-Neck

A pendant will accentuate the plunge of your neckline, but a choker will do just as well. Feel free to go as ornate as you’d like, as long as it won’t detract from the detailing on your dress.

One-Shoulder

This or any other kind of statement neckline–Queen Anne, illusion, embellished–should stand on their own. Adding a necklace would be overdoing it. Similarly, avoid chandelier earrings or any other big, dangly accessories. Keep your accessories simple, so the focus can remain on your dress!

Color

White

A true white will clash with most gold jewelry. Choose platinum or silver instead, or go with pearls. They’re a classic choice for a lot of wedding styles, including vintage, romantic, and minimalist.

Diamond- or Off-White

An off-white gown works with any color, and almost every metal! Gold, silver, rose gold, and pearls are all perfect accents. Don’t be afraid to throw in a pop of bright color! Precious stones, like emeralds or sapphires, can really pump up the glamour.

Ivory

An ivory gown has a creamy tint. Some have yellow undertones, which makes gold jewelry the perfect accessory.

Style

Minimalist

You have a lot of freedom with a minimalist gown (like one of these from J.Crew). It can be ornamented with statement jewelry, or accented with more minimalist pieces.

Romantic

A gown with ruffles, lace, or intricate beading speaks volumes. You don’t want to overwhelm your look by adding more intricate pieces! Simple drop earrings or posts are both good choices, as are a single strand of pearls or a drop pendant on a simple chain. A headpiece is a nice choice for a more elaborate accent. I’ve been seeing a lot of pretty leaf-inspired ones, which are great for a fall wedding!

Vintage

Pearls and a vintage dress are a match made in heaven. If your wedding will be 1920s-themed, art deco jewelry will absolutely turn heads!

What is your dress like? What jewelry do you want to wear with it? Contact me and tell me all about your wedding plans!