If you are reading this blog, you have likely just received a beautiful invitation to a wedding that you are excited to attend, and you are debating how to accessorize, as a guest, for the big day! Rest assured: You are in the right place! As wedding venue owners and as jewelry television co-hosts, we have seen numerous weddings, and we understand the importance of details in wedding style—whether you are planning your wedding or attending one!
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Wedding Guest Jewelry: A Guide For Friends And Family
By The Salyers
Published: 08/30/2024
Modified: 09/03/2024
Discover the perfect wedding guest jewelry to elevate your style! Explore curated accessories that complement your outfit for the big day.
What is jewelry etiquette for weddings?
First, there is some misinformation and outdated wedding myths out there when it comes to wedding attire, wedding accessories and wedding jewelry for guests that we need to clear up before we go any further: Despite what you may have heard from some well-intended people, most brides and grooms are not secretly hoping that their wedding guests will all show up looking plain and unattractive so that they (the couple) can shine.
In fact, quite the opposite is true: Most couples hope that their wedding guests will show up looking splendid to celebrate their love. Putting extra thought and effort into what you wear and how you adorn yourself as a wedding guest will show the beloved couple that you take their cherished wedding—one of the most important days of their lives—seriously, and that it is special to be a part of it!
As a wedding guest, why is it important to pick out beautiful jewelry to match your outfit on the big day? Because it is just that—a BIG DAY—for everyone—for the betrothed couple, yes, but also for every single guest who was lucky enough to be invited to the wedding! The couple and their families are likely paying a wonderful photographer a small fortune to capture photos of everyone in attendance....and so they want everyone to look great as they mingle and dance (and the photographer clicks) the evening away! Everyone will look back on these photos in the years—and generations—to come!
The first thing you should do in picking out what to wear and how to accessorize for the wedding, is find out how formal the couple wants the wedding to be and what the theme and/or color scheme is. Check the wedding invitation to see if a dress code is listed. It may say a certain formality or vibe is requested – such as black tie, semi-formal, cocktail, festive, tropical, or come as you are. The wedding invitation may say the theme or at least give hints as to the vibe the couple is going for. Look up the venue to get a sense of it, and ask the bride, groom, or member of the wedding party what the wedding colors are to ensure you avoid clashing with them as a wedding guest!
Can I wear statement earrings or statement pieces to a wedding?
As a general rule, you want to look beautiful, but not flashy or over the top. What counts as “flashy or over the top” will depend on the formality, venue, theme, and vibe of the wedding. A good guide to go by, no matter what, is do not wear multiple statement pieces as you risk looking like you are trying to overshadow the bride.
Can I wear pearls?
How about other white jewelry and accessories? Yes, to pearls! We always say, when in doubt, wear pearls! It has been said that pearls are always appropriate, and we could not agree more. Because of this, even if the bride herself wears white or ivory pearls, do not worry! You still can wear lovely pearl jewelry as a wedding guest as well. If the wedding photos are filled with the bride, the bridesmaids, and the wedding guests all wearing classy pearls, it will look nothing but an elegant affair!
With this said, pearls (necklaces, bracelets, and earrings) are the exception when it comes to wearing white jewelry as a wedding guest. Steer clear of any other white jewelry that looks too bridal. For example, it would be inappropriate for a wedding guest to wear a white choker necklace resembling lace. Moreover, a wedding guest should never wear white accessories in her hair as it risks mimicking a veil and looking too bridal.
Dos and Don’ts for Wedding Guest Jewelry
If you have been invited to a wedding and are feeling unsure of what jewelry to wear, fear not! We have come up with a list of what to do and what not to do regarding wedding guest jewelry!
Do choose jewelry that makes you look and FEEL elegant and as though you put in effort for the treasured day. This is possible with any budget!
Do match the formality and theme of the big day.
Do match/compliment the gemstone color with the chosen outfit.
Do ensure the jewelry you select is visible – both with the neckline you will wear and with your hairstyle (depending on whether you wear your hair up or down etc.)
Do wear jewelry that specifically embodies something meaningful or symbolic with the wedding theme!
Do choose jewelry that is well-made with secure closures.
Don’t overshadow the bride’s jewelry. (Example: Don’t overdo it with multiple large statement pieces.
Don’t wear jewelry that does not match the chosen theme, formality, or vibe of the wedding.
Don’t accessorize with jewelry that looks too bridal (Do not, for example, wear white headbands, flowers, or headpieces as it risks mimicking a white veil and looking too bridal.)
Don’t wear uncomfortable jewelry...it is too long of a day with the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception...you want to immensely enjoy yourself, and not be in any discomfort.
Don’t clash with the wedding party’s colors.
With these tips in mind, we hope you can find the perfect jewelry to wear as a wedding guest. Love is in the air with weddings. You might be attending the wedding with friends and loved ones you don’t get to see often....Or you may attend the wedding with your spouse....Or hey, you may find your yet-to-meet forever love there! So, you want to look fab! Here are some fantastic options below for inspiration.
Wedding Guest Jewelry Options:
Heart-Shaped Jewelry (such as Necklaces and Earrings):
Wearing heart-shaped jewelry at a wedding is always a thoughtful, fitting touch as it emphasizes why you are there: to celebrate the couple’s LOVE! Check out this gorgeous turquoise heart necklace from JTV, which matches well with most colors:
SWE3740 - Southwest Style by JTV Turquoise Rhodium Over Sterling Silver Beaded Heart Necklace.
You may also consider these elegant heart-shaped earrings: BJB148 Bella Luce 4.65 CTW White Diamond Simulant Rhodium Over Silver Heart Earrings.
Although as explained above, there is nothing wrong with wearing white or ivory pearls as a wedding guest. If you love pearls like we do, but simply prefer to wear a different color than white, we suggest pink pearls like this one from JTV (and you can wear them to the office every day after the wedding also):
How to style wedding guest earrings.
Wedding guest earrings are among the most important accessories for a special occasion and should be chosen carefully for a wedding. Earrings draw people’s eyes to one’s face and will therefore help give you that interpersonal connection, and confident eye contact as you mingle with other guests.
If the wedding you will attend has a tropical vibe, or if your outfit has beautiful green or yellow in it, consider these gorgeous, playful hoops, which will make you look and feel confident and vibrant:
11PXGA - 14 K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver Green and Yellow Tie Dye Acrylic Hoops.
Men’s Ring - Wedding Guest Jewelry
Guys: Men wearing pinky rings is hot right now.! Especially if you are wearing a black tux or black suit to a wedding, consider this edgy yet classic black spinel ring:
Conclusion
We hope we helped inspire you to find the perfect pieces of jewelry to wear for the upcoming big day! Your loved one getting married is lucky to have you in their lives, and vice versa! If you are a first-time buyer of JTV, please use our sparkle ambassador discount code on any JTV item that you choose to save money on your purchase: V4LQTK13H5
The Salyers
The Salyers specialize in wedding jewelry and style, aiming to help guests choose accessories that enhance their look without overshadowing the couple.
