Wedding season is almost here and it’s time to make sure your wedding outfits are styled to perfection. To help you pick out the perfect jewelry for your wedding guest attire, the expert stylists at JustDesi have put together this wedding guest jewelry guide. We’ll be going over general tips on what you should and shouldn’t wear to a wedding, and also highlighting some of our favourite wedding-ready jewelry picks.
Subtlety is Key
When it comes to wedding guest jewelry, there’s one question we get asked more than any other: what etiquette rules should I follow? Generally speaking, the only universal jewelry etiquette rule for wedding guests is to avoid wearing the type of statement-making jewelry that would call attention away from the happy couple or overshadow the bride. This doesn’t mean that you can’t wear something beautiful, just that you don't want to make sure you don’t go overboard.
How do you dress up while also making sure you don’t go overboard with your jewelry?
It’s all about balance.
If you want to wear a bolder piece of jewelry, like an eye-catching pair of drop earrings, keep the rest of your jewelry minimal and understated. If all of your jewelry is delicate, you can usually wear a bit more jewelry and still avoid looking overdone.
Embrace Color
Dressing up for a wedding offers a prime opportunity to experiment with color in both your clothing and jewelry. Have fun with your look by donning the tones of the season with vibrant fabrics and gemstone jewelry. Choose pastels for spring weddings, brights for summer weddings, and rich jewel tones for fall and winter weddings.
Note that if you want to wear a colorful monochrome look to your next wedding, it’s best to avoid wearing any of the colors you see on the wedding invitation. If you wear one of the couple’s wedding colors from head to toe on their wedding day, you may accidentally match the bridesmaids and mother of the bride.
Perfect Pearls
Pearl jewelry is always a lovely choice for wedding guests thanks to its inherent elegance. A freshwater pearl necklace or a lustrous pair of pearl earrings will help you round out your ensemble, without looking flashy or overdone.
Delicate Diamonds
Some people say that you shouldn’t wear diamonds or clear-colored gemstones to a wedding, since the bride will probably be wearing diamonds. However, unless you’re going to a very traditional wedding, we would say that subtle diamond jewelry is still appropriate.
The key to wearing diamond jewelry as a wedding guest is to make sure you don’t wear something so extravagant that it steals the limelight. A delicate diamond pendant necklace or a chic pair of diamond studs is an excellent choice for a wedding guest. If you want to be extra careful to avoid matching the bride, skip bridal jewelry staples like diamond tennis bracelets, diamond statement earrings, and diamond statement necklaces.
Whether you want to wear understated diamond jewelry or play it safe by avoiding it altogether, know that you can still wear your diamond engagement ring and wedding band. No couple would expect you to leave your wedding rings at home just because you’re attending their wedding. If your wedding rings are particularly large or eye-catching, remember to keep the rest of your jewelry minimal to ensure your jewelry look is elegant and balanced.
Complement Your Neckline & Hairstyle
For the most stylish wedding guest look, wear wedding jewelry that complements your hairstyle and neckline. Stud earrings are usually best if you’re wearing your hair down, while dangle or drop earrings look lovely with updos. Standard length pendant necklaces are a safe choice for most necklines since they look lovely with v-necks, sweetheart necklines, scoop necks, and strapless necklines. Chokers are an excellent choice for crewnecks, boat necks, and off-the-shoulder necklines, while longer necklaces are an elegant complement to high necklaces and collared necklines.
If you want more in-depth tips on how to pair necklaces with different necklines, check out our guide to necklace lengths.
Beware of Noise
Last but not least, our jewelry experts caution you against wearing any excessively noisy jewelry. Jewelry that constantly makes noise could distract the wedding party and other guests, especially during the reception. Stacked bracelets tend to be the main offender when it comes to jewelry noise, so consider going with a single bangle or delicate chain bracelet for the big day.
Find Your Perfect Wedding Guest Jewelry at JustDesi
Ready to find a beautiful new piece of jewelry to wear to your next event? Check out our Feeling Sophisticated collection, which features gorgeous, chic jewelry that’s just right for a wedding guest.
If you’d like to receive personalized styling advice, send us a message or visit our Beverly Hills showroom and speak to one of our jewelry experts. We’re always standing by to help you choose the perfect accessories for your look.