Planning a Wedding? Everything You Need to Know About Bridal Jewellery

You’ll remember the jewellery you wear on your wedding day forever. Whatever stage of planning you’re at, the right pieces are the finishing touch that brings your bridal look together.

While you never need an excuse to invest in beautiful jewellery, your wedding is a rare opportunity to choose something truly meaningful - a piece you’ll wear for years to come, always tied to the memories of that day.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about bridal jewellery, from the pieces brides typically choose, to how to select designs that complement your dress, and how to invest in jewellery you’ll treasure and wear long after the celebrations are over.

What Jewellery Should Brides Wear?

There are no strict rules when it comes to bridal jewellery. The most important thing is to choose pieces that feel comfortable, personal, and true to you.

Pearls and diamonds remain the most classic choices. I love them for their timeless simplicity and the way they effortlessly complement a bridal gown. Their clean, elegant look enhances rather than distracts, allowing the overall bridal style to feel refined and balanced.

That said, your wedding jewellery can also be an opportunity to express your individuality. Some brides choose coloured gemstones or mixed metals to introduce subtle colour and personality to an otherwise monochromatic look. When chosen thoughtfully, these details can feel both distinctive and timeless.

Ultimately, your jewellery should feel like a natural extension of your style, something you’ve chosen because you love it, not simply because tradition suggests it.

What Earrings Should I Wear on my Wedding Day?

Your bridal earrings will depend on your chosen hairstyle and dress type, with long, dangly options favoured for updos, and studs or hoops chosen for more complex dresses.

• Updos or Slick-Back Styles: This is where your earrings can take centre stage. Think drop earrings, statement studs, or chandelier-style earrings if you dress is relatively simple. 

I’d recommend these elongated designs that draws the eye downward, especially if you’ve got a off-the-shoulder or strapless dress, as there’s more open space around the neckline to balance the look.

Diamonds that drape: 18ct White Gold 2.76ct Double Strand Diamond Cascade Earrings, £6,450 or from £53.75 per month on 0% finance. 

• Hair Down or in Loose Waves: Simpler earrings often work best. Studs, small drops, or slim hoops won’t get lost in your hair and help maintain a polished look without overwhelming your face. 

Your dress neckline also plays a key role. High necklines or heavily embellished bodices pair best with subtle earrings to avoid visual overload.

Staple Studs for Your Wedding and Beyond: FOPE Essentials Flex ‘it 18ct White & Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings, £2,280 or from £19 per month on finance. 

Do Brides Wear Necklaces?

I’ll stress once again the importance of choosing something personal to you. Not every bride needs a necklace, and whether you wear one should be guided primarily by your dress neckline.

• Strapless, sweetheart, or plunging necklines: A necklace can work beautifully against these dresses. Delicate pendants, fine chains, or classic diamond designs tend to look timeless and photograph well. Just make sure you’re enhancing the neckline without competing with it.

A Simple Single Diamond: Platinum 0.50ct Brilliant Cut Lab Grown Diamond Pendant, £915 or from £7.62 per month on finance. 

• V-neck dresses: These work best with necklaces that mirror the shape of the neckline. A subtle drop or tapered design gives you a cohesive, flattering effect. 

Adjust to Perfection: FOPE 18ct White Gold ARIA 1.06ct Pave Diamond Set Slider Lariat Necklace, £11,250 or from £93.75 per month on finance.

• High neckline, halter-necks or complex bodices: Skipping a necklace altogether might be the best choice for this look. Instead, opt for some decadent earrings or a bracelet, so that you don’t overcrowd the look.

Should Brides Wear Bracelets?

Bracelets are often overlooked, but with the right one, I think they can really bring a look together. If you’ve got a short-sleeve or strapless dress, or are wearing your hair up, bracelets add a pop of dazzle and colour. 

Keep it Classic: Tennis bracelets, link bracelets or bangles are simple yet effortless, with subtle diamonds for extra sparkle. 

Elegant, understated, refined: 18ct White Gold 1.16ct Rub Over Set Diamond Chain Link Bracelet, £3,150, or from £26.25 per month. 

Choose a Watch: More unconventional, but watches that have a jewellery-like appearance bring sophistication. Choose from your existing collection or treat yourself to a new one (call it a wedding present to yourself). 

A Mini Cartier for Your Day: Panthère de Cartier Mini Model Quartz, £3,550, or from £29.58 per month on finance. 

Bring the Simplicity of FOPE: FOPE don’t overcomplicate things. With options in white, yellow, and rose gold, they can be the perfect extra element to your look. And, they’re versatile enough to be worn day-in and day-out following your wedding. 

When Comfort and Flexibility is Essential: FOPE Solo 18ct White Gold 0.29ct Diamond Rondel Medium Bracelet, £6,840, or from £57 per month on finance.

 
What Rings Should Brides Wear on their Wedding Day?

Your engagement ring, wedding band (following the ceremony) and any other rings that feel right. 

You may choose to keep things simple with just your wedding-associated rings, or there may be rings that you wear daily, whether they’re heirlooms or just everyday staples, that you may want to wear.

If you did want to add another ring to your setup, something understated like a FOPE Souls ring adds a little something, without detracting from the main rings of the day. 

The Finishing Touch: FOPE Souls 18ct Rose Gold & Red Ruby Medium Ring, £1,660, or from £13.83 per month on finance. 

Jewellery for Your Wedding Day and Beyond 

When choosing your jewellery, look for designs that can transition easily into everyday or occasion work. Earrings that work just as well with a shirt, or a necklace that layers beautifully with your existing collection, will keep your wedding jewellery part of your life long after the day itself.

Visit our Lancaster boutique for a personalised shopping experience or browse our bridal jewellery online.