Wedding season is upon us and now that larger weddings are allowed post-lockdown, you may have a few in the diary that you are preparing for. You might already have your outfits sorted, but what is the jewellery etiquette for a wedding guest? I take a look at some of the key things to keep in mind.
Don’t overshadow the couple
The number one rule for wedding guest jewellery etiquette is that you don’t want to draw attention away from the happy couple! The day is all about them after all. If you wear an extravagant set of jewellery that draws attention away from the bride, this could be seen as insensitive. It’s all about finding a balance.
Find the balance between overstated and understated
Although you don’t want to steal the limelight, you don’t want your jewellery to blend in completely and not be noticeable. If you have one bolder piece, such as a necklace or a pair of earrings, match this with other more subtle pieces to create a balanced overall effect. You want to make sure that your outfit is celebratory without being distracting.
Understand wedding etiquette for different cultures
It’s also important to keep in mind the type of jewellery that might best suit weddings in different cultures. If someone is not religious and is having a humanist celebration, they might be having a more subtle and simple ceremony, which simple and clean pieces would suit.
Alternatively, at modern Indian weddings, for example, accessories and decoration are an important part of the celebration. While again you don’t want to overshadow the bride, you do want to celebrate the couple getting married and show the joy and love you have for them. Bridesmaids might consider wearing a ‘matching’ or complementary version of the bridal necklace.
Prioritise comfort for wearing all day
Weddings are usually full days of fun and celebration, so as well as looking fabulous, you also want to be comfortable so that you can enjoy yourself to the max! If you want to wear statement earrings, make sure they are lightweight, and choose high-quality, carefully made pieces that aren’t going to irritate you in any way.
Related article: How to Wear Statement Earrings
Consider different jewellery for the ceremony and reception
If you are going from day to night, you might consider switching up the look of your jewellery. Jewellery is easy to store safely in a bag or purse and can be a great way to refresh your look. You might consider something more elegant and simple for the ceremony, but pop on a pair of statement earrings when you’re ready to dance the night away.
Embrace the colours of the season
If you are attending a summer wedding, make the most of this beautiful season with bright colours. Alternatively, you might opt for warm tones for the autumn or cooler tones for the winter. Our gemstones collection is perfect for this - with so many stones on offer in both sterling silver and gold-plated silver, I am sure you will find a colour to suit the season, your personality and your wedding outfit!
I hope you have found this blog on jewellery etiquette for wedding guests useful! The most important thing is to show your love and respect for the happy couple through the choices you make.
If you are looking for some wedding jewellery, why not browse our collections for inspiration?