Pair Wedding Jewelry to the Dress

You're engaged, you've picked out a wedding dress and now it's time to select bridal jewelry for the big day. Dressing up the wedding dress is the finishing touch to any special-day statement. The right wedding jewelry can create wedding wonders.

Use this guide to select the best bridal jewelry, including necklaces that complement specific necklines, earrings that work well with bridal hairstyles and wedding accessories you may have not even considered.

The Dress

Start by surveying your dress, taking an inventory of your gown's standout features and then choosing jewelry around them. For example, consider the wedding dress color, neckline and style. You'll also want to factor in your wedding day 'do, as hairstyles will influence what style of earrings work best.

Strapless

A strapless or sweetheart wedding dress neckline invites almost any style of necklace, from a simple birthstone pendant to a multi-strand statement necklace. Want to add a splash of drama to a strapless or off-the-shoulder gown? Pair it with a breathtaking shoulder necklace.

These timeless necklines work with any necklace length, from a choker to one that drapes below the neckline.

V-Neck

Wider necklines, such as boatneck, wide "V" and square, pair well with statement necklaces.

A V-neck dress begs for a choker or pendant, or consider layering both in a beautiful combination. Think a crystal choker, thin chain with simple pendant, classic pearls or a locket.

Halter

Shoulder-baring halter or reverse halter necklines offer brides the opportunity to focus on dressing up their tresses. Pearl-encrusted headbands, forehead bands, crystal hairpins and embellished hairpieces are a perfect match.

Ornate

If the dress has an ornate or highly embellished neckline, you may want to consider a pair of drop earrings instead of a necklace. If the dress has thicker straps, a high neck or a narrow V-neck, then a glamorous pair of statement earrings may be just the answer.Up-dos are perfect for statement earrings. If you're wearing a necklace, make sure to select earrings that won't overpower your look. If your hair is down, play up your neckline with a statement necklace and complement them with delicate stud earrings. If you aren't wearing a necklace, accent your appearance with a pair of longer or chandelier-style earrings.

Dress Color

The color of the dress is a factor as well. For stark white dresses or gowns with silver beading, choose jewelry with cooler tones and silver-colored metals. For warm ivory or cream-colored wedding dresses, go for bridal jewelry with warmer tones and gold-colored metals. Blush gowns coordinate well with rose gold and champagne-colored wedding dresses are beautifully topped off with burnished silver for an antique-inspired look.

View hundreds of FREE wedding jewelry design ideas for bridal fashion inspiration.