Your wedding day is one of the most iconic and memorable days of your life. All eyes will be on you as the beautiful bride, and details like your necklace can elevate your bridal look. The right wedding necklace acts as the perfect finishing touch that pulls your whole bridal ensemble together seamlessly.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best necklace to complement your wedding dress, venue, and personal style for your big day.
A Wedding Necklace for the Bride: Why It Matters
Choosing wedding jewelry like your necklace may seem like a small detail, but it makes a major impact. The necklace you choose, from a string of pearls to a designer wedding necklace, helps create your bridal identity and style story. It frames your face and dresses up your neckline as you walk down the aisle and dance at your reception. Many brides say their necklace is one of their favorite bridal accessories.
Beyond aesthetics, your necklace holds symbolic meaning. It represents a gift from your partner, connects you to family heirlooms, or honors wedding traditions. Your necklace tells a story — make sure it's one you love.
Popular Styles
When browsing the myriad options for necklaces to wear with a wedding dress, it helps to know the most popular bridal styles. This guide will highlight the top necklaces chosen by brides:
Choker Necklaces
This close-fitting circular style sits high on the neck, right below the chin. Often made of gems, pearls, or ribbon, chokers are dramatic and elegant. They suit a high wedding dress neckline beautifully.
Princess Necklaces
As the name indicates, this regal longer strand hits around the collarbone for a royal look. Princess necklaces work with many wedding gown necklines and could be the very best necklace for a sweetheart neckline.
Bib Necklaces
These broad, ornamental statement necklaces lay flat against your chest in modern, geometric shapes. Bibs pair best with a simple strapless wedding gown or V-necklines.
Pendant Necklaces
Featuring a single charm, crystal, or drop pearl, dainty pendants are timeless. This versatile length complements both high and open necklines.
Collar Necklaces
Resting just below the collarbone, these short necklaces are equally suited for crew and scoop necks. Lacy bridal collars offer vintage romance.
Tassel Necklaces
Cascading rows of metallic fringe make a dramatic, Gatsby-esque statement. Pair tassels with deep V's and off-the-shoulder looks.
Lariat Necklaces
An open-ended crossover style with two long chains and pendants. Lariats work with a variety of necklines.
Charm Necklaces
A single delicate chain festooned with gems, pearls, or charms. This layered look flatters both high and open bridal necklines.
Tips for Matching Your Necklace and Wedding Dress
When selecting your dream necklace, it’s crucial to choose a style that complements your wedding dress. Here are tips for finding the best match:
Consider your dress neckline.
High necks pair well with chokers or pendants. Scoop and V-necks can accommodate longer princess or lariat necklaces. A strapless dress or off-the-shoulder gown would shine with bibs or collars.
Match metals and materials.
If your wedding dress has metallic accents, choose a necklace in a coordinating metal, like silver or platinum. Pearl-embellished gowns work with pearl necklaces.
Note the detailing.
Avoid necklaces that compete with embellished gown elements like beading, pleats, or lace patterns. Opt for a simpler necklace to let your detailed wedding dress shine.
Get the right length.
The necklace should symmetrically frame your neckline — not hang too high or low. Have your dress when necklace shopping.
Consider your venue.
Dramatic ballroom weddings suit bold necklaces like bibs or tassels. Intimate venues are better matched with delicate pendants or lariats.
Choose your neckline first.
The style of your dress should guide your necklace choice, not the other way around. Rethink necklaces that don't complement your perfect gown.
Try your dress and necklace on together.
Meet with your jeweler while wearing your dress (or a similar silhouette) to see total look pairings. Photos can also help you assess your bridal jewelry combinations.
Mix and match metals.
While matching is traditional, mixing metals like silver and gold can create an interesting contrast. Just keep it simple — two metals maximum.
Your Metal Guide
The metal chosen for your necklace impacts its overall look and feel. Here's an overview of popular necklace metal options for brides:
- Silver: This classic metal suits vintage to modern styles. Opt for sterling silver for shine that won't tarnish. Perfect for crystal and pearl necklaces.
- Rose Gold: A warm pinkish tone flatters all skin. Rose gold reads feminine and romantic and is ideal for pendants and charm necklaces.
- Yellow Gold: Traditional and timeless, gold suits bold styles like bibs and vintage replicas. It's great for gemstone and diamond necklaces.
- Platinum: The most precious metal that holds diamonds securely. Platinum works well with solitaire pendants or simple chains.
- Mixed Metals: Combining metals like white and yellow gold can add a modern edge. Limit yourself to two for a clean blended look.
Get Inspired: Necklace Ideas
Once you have an idea of your dream wedding necklace style, check out these gorgeous options inspired by real bride choices:
- Pearl choker necklace with ribbon tie closure, for vintage appeal.
- Diamond solitaire pendant suspended from a thin platinum chain, for elegance.
- Amethyst and crystal bib necklace that makes a colorful statement.
- Rose gold disc charm necklace with whimsical leaf and flower charms.
- Bohemian crystal lariat necklace with raw gemstone pendants.
- Dainty floral pendant necklace that can hold your wedding flowers.
- Elegant emerald and diamond collar necklace fit for royalty.
- Gold geometric bib necklace for a modern minimalist style.
- Pearl princess necklace with pearl drops for a touch of glam.
- Vintage-inspired crystal statement necklace with filigree detail.
Shopping for Your Bridal Jewelry
You're ready to start shopping once you have a necklace style and metal in mind. Here are tips for choosing the perfect wedding piece:
- Check local bridal shops for classic designs and try-ons. Share swatches of your wedding colors.
- Work with a trusted jeweler to design a custom necklace just for you.
- Search Etsy and jewelry sites for unique handmade necklaces.
- Consider an heirloom piece from your family or future in-laws.
- Look for jewelry sales around Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Christmas.
- Ask if your jeweler offers necklace/earring sets so pieces coordinate.
- Inspect stones and settings closely. Ask about durability, certifications, and maintenance.
- Get properly sized. Necklaces should have some wiggle room to accommodate wedding hairstyles.
- Read online reviews. Independent sites like Yelp can help identify reputable jewelers.
- Set your budget beforehand. Wedding necklace costs range widely from $50 to $50,000. Decide if having a designer wedding necklace is a priority.
- Ask about insurance, cleaning services, and return policies before purchasing.
- Take photos of necklaces you try on (ask permission first). Review the images later to make the best decision.
- Trust your instincts! Your necklace should give you that special bridal "feeling” the moment you see it.
Preserve Your Necklace
Once you’ve chosen the perfect necklace for your wedding day, follow these tips to keep it looking its best:
- Store it safely in a fabric-lined jewelry box, away from other pieces that could scratch it.
- Clean it regularly with a soft cloth and warm water or professional cleaner.
- Consider adding jeweler's insurance in case of loss or theft.
- Have it professionally inspected each year for any loose stones or damage.
- Keep it in the jeweler's packaging if you plan on re-selling someday.
You want your necklace to last well beyond your big day — into a lifetime of anniversary celebrations.
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