As a bride, all eyes are on you and therefore it is important to ensure that your guests are looking at you for the right reasons, not because you have committed a bridal fashion faux pas. 
Bridal jewelery can make or break a bride's ensemble. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure your wedding jewelery helps add the perfect finishing touch to your bridal attire.
1. Matching Jewelery to dress: It is important to purchase bridal jewelery once you have your dress. Just because you adore a particular necklace does not mean that it will work with your chosen dress. Your jewelery should compliment your overall look and not compete for attention. Whilst you may be more of a 'big statement piece' type of jewelery girl, more often than not more subtle designs work well for brides.
2. Matching detail: If your dress includes pearl detailing, then pearl accessories will work best. It is best to work on a theme to ensure that your whole ensemble works in harmony rather than clashes and competes for attention. Work with the detailing on your dress, shoes and veil, choosing jewelery that uses elements of it. Choosing a feature from your dress and carrying it through your accessories helps add cohesion to your overall look.
3. Consider your features and hairstyle: It is important to consider your natural features and how you will wear your hair when selecting jewelery, especially hair accessories and earrings. Big chandelier earrings might be lost if you are wearing your hair down, likewise a dainty headband might be too understated if you are having a big up do. You might love a choker, but have you got the neck to carry it off? Be honest about your features and show them off to their best with well chosen accessories.
4. Match necklace to neckline: When selecting a necklace, consider your dress' neckline. A sweetheart neckline works well with 'y' shaped or pendant necklaces. Rounded necklines are more suited to round necklaces. Watch the length of necklace and that it doesn't fall too low or too high.
5. Try pieces on: Try jewelery on, ideally with your dress. In order to truly see how jewelery will work with your gown, it is essential to try it on with your dress. If this really is not possible, try wearing a white or cream top with a similar neckline as this will at least give you an idea of how necklaces fit with your neckline and how pieces look against bridal white. If you are buying online, try some similar styles of necklaces on first so you have an idea of how it will look and check out online shops' returns policy just in case.
6. Less is more: If in doubt, remember less is most definitely more! It is not essential to wear a necklace, bracelet, earrings and tiara. Consider wearing just a few pieces. Perhaps a pair of simple stud earrings would work better than big drop earrings. A cluster of hairpins nestled in an up do might be more suited to your look and style rather than a tiara. Do not feel like you have to have the complete set. Remember your jewelery should compliment your overall look, not be the focus.
Whilst the emphasis is on selecting the right dress, choosing the right bridal jewelery is critical to showing your dress off to its full potential. Allow plenty of time to look for jewelery and, if you are choosing handcrafted, consider how long an artist might need to complete your order. If you are struggling to find exactly what you are looking for, it is worth considering commissioning a bespoke piece. Many jewelery designers offer a bespoke design service at no extra charge, giving you the opportunity to assist in designing jewelery that is right for you. Viv Smith