Everything has to match, wearing a statement piece and buying jewels before the dress are just some of the most common mistakes brides make when picking out their wedding accessories.
Despite having multiple focal points throughout the day, from the dress and colour scheme to the location and menu, many brides underestimate the power of accessories and the dangers of getting it wrong.
London jewellers The Real Effect take a look at the top ten common errors brides make when picking out their jewels...
- Upstaging the dress: No matter what theme or style you go for, remember to never upstage the dress. In years to come the question on people's lips will be "what was your dress like?" not "what was your jewellery like?" so make sure the jewels play a supporting role and don't take centre stage.
- Buying accessories before the dress: Buying the jewellery before the dress is a risky business. For many brides, the dress they end up choosing is often completely different from the one they thought they'd wear, so buying accessories – whether shoes, tiaras or jewellery – before you know the style of your dress could leave you with an overall image that looks incomplete.
- Not considering coloured accessories: Don't rule out coloured accessories. Adding a pop of colour with jewellery is a subtle way to liven up a classic neutral colour scheme. Alternatively, if you have a themed wedding, accessories are the perfect way to continue that theme throughout.
- Forgetting about what suits your skin tone: Different skin tones lend themselves to either gold or silver jewellery and if you're not sure then ask for some advice. The same rule applies if opting for a coloured stone, depending if you have a fair complexion or olive skin for example, find out which colours suit you best and stick to them.
- As if one isn't enough: Pick gold or silver – not both! This may seem obvious, but we have seen this fashion faux pas happen on a number of occasions. Most brides have a colour scheme of choice and opting for gold and silver jewellery on top of that can make things look a little messy.
- Buying trendy accessories: The wedding album will always be pulled out in future. With this in mind, you want to make sure that your choices aren't too trendy or your photos will look dated really quickly. Opt for timeless classics instead and your bridal style will always look fashionable and glamorous.
- Having everything matching: Not everything has to match – the key thing to remember is that this is your day and you need to bring your own flare. Brides often get given jewellery by family members to wear on the day and this should be embraced but finding accessories to match can be difficult particularly if it is an old family heirloom.
- Forgetting that sometimes less is more: Sometimes less is more and it isn't always necessary to have a tiara, veil, necklace, earrings, bracelets and a bag – not to mention the must-have flowers, dress, shoes and ring! Pick the right amount of accessories and don't go overboard. Be sure to try them all on together before the big day and don't be afraid to scale back.
- Getting carried away with the price tag: Buying accessories that break the bank just isn't necessary. Shop around before you make your final decision and you're bound to find something in your price range. There is sometimes little difference between what jewellers call "wedding jewellery" and their other items, apart from the price so don't feel pressured into buying wedding collections; the normal jewellery sets can be just as glamorous.
- Not thinking beyond the wedding day: Let's face it, you are unlikely to wear your wedding dress or shoes after the big day, but why not choose jewellery that will look just as good afterwards? Choosing jewellery that is versatile will ensure that you use it again and make the most of your budget.
