Style for the Aisle by Keren_Alderson

Enjoyed shopping for your wedding dress? You're in for a real treat now – a free (so to speak!) pass to go jewellery shopping. Remember the number one rule though: don't overdo it. You might be tempted to go mad with your bling, but ultimately your jewellery, like your dress, should enhance your beauty rather than being the star of the show.

Getting the jewellery right:

One of the trickiest elements to get right is what necklace to wear, or even whether to wear a necklace. If you're not really into necklaces, or are wearing a gown with a neckline not suitable for pairing with a necklace, consider some great chandelier earrings instead. As a general rule, if you're going with big earrings, opt for a finer necklace or no necklace at all.

If you opt for a necklace, getting it to work with your gown neckline is key. So I've put together a few pointers of what works with what:

The most versatile: Strapless, off-the-shoulder and scoop

If you're lucky enough to be enjoying the softer lines of a strapless, off-the-shoulder or scoop neckline, you'll have the greatest freedom of choice for what jewellery you choose, whether it be a choker, princess, pendant, lariat or even a long necklace, depending on how much detailing you have on your gown.

Fairly versatile: The V-neck

V-neck gowns look great with necklaces that echo the neckline, so you could opt for something like a pendant or a lariat (a one stranded necklace held together by a knot or another element – a little like those cowboy string ties, only MUCH classier).

Slightly trickier: Bateau, Jewel and Square

While extremely classic (and amongst my favourite necklines), bateau, jewel and square necklines look best paired with necklaces worn close to the throat - either a choker or a princess style, or alternatively a long strand that falls below the bust or even down to the waist. Bateau works with a simpler, more classic necklace – one or two strands of pearls, for example. With its strong angles, a square neckline is already a statement in its own right, so a soft curving necklace helps soften the lines.

Trickier again: The Halter neck

A halter neck will generally look best with no necklace at all (try opting for a statement pair of earrings instead), but if your halter neck is lower or wide cut, try a pendant or lariat necklace.

Go with other accessories: Asymmetric, or high collared

If you've gone with an asymmetric gown, the angle of the neckline makes necklaces a non-starter – they'll battle with each other and look strange. And a high collared wedding gown already has enough going on at the neckline without adding another element. Concentrate instead on other accessories to complete your look.

And on a final note...

Highly fashionable at the moment, if you've got a gown that shows a bit of back and has an appropriate neckline, consider going for a beautiful 'back' necklace – it will give your guests some eye candy during your ceremony.
Picture copyright Alan Hannah Accessories