Wedding Guest Jewelry Etiquette
You've received the privilege of a wedding invite and you're excited for the big party, but now comes the tricky part ... how do you earn a stellar wedding guest reputation? Every wedding is different and etiquette-based decisions can be challenging to navigate. Use these wedding guest jewelry etiquette rules, and DOs and DON'Ts of wedding guest etiquette, to be your best wedding-guest self.
It's commonly known that thou shall not wear white to a wedding, but beyond that it can be challenging to know what to wear and how to accessorize as a wedding guest. The overall goal is to look your best, feel confident and enjoy the celebration, all without upstaging the bride.
Here are some rules to follow when considering what wedding-guest jewelry to design, sell and wear to ensure return customers and future wedding invites.
1. Size Does Matter
Pay attention to the size of jewelry pieces when designing wedding guest jewelry or selecting your own wedding guest accessories. Statement jewelry is fine, just keep in mind wedding guest jewelry shouldn't steal the limelight of the bride. Pair jewelry with attire that has complementary simple patterns or solid colors to make the outfit pop. Think color, texture and a bit of shimmer.
Stud and delicate dangle earrings, small pendant necklaces, single bracelet statements and sentimental brooches make great jewelry choices for bridesmaids, Mother-of-the-Bride, Mother-of-the-Groom and wedding guests. Subtle cuff links, tie clips and tie tac statements are perfect for groomsmen, Father-of-the Bride, Father-of-the-Groom and wedding guests.
Hats, hair accessories and purses should also be looked at for size, using the rules of thumb that smaller is better and less is more.
2. It's Not About You
The key is to look your best and dress up for the big celebration, without taking any attention away from the wedding couple, most importantly the bride. It's a good idea to follow the wedding dress code recommendations, whether it is a beach wedding or a formal church wedding and read the couple's wedding website for any additional information.
Avoid large hats, purses, oversized jewelry and bracelets that clink together. Wedding guest jewelry should be seen, not heard. A good guide is the bigger the jewelry statement, the simpler the dress or outfit should be. When in doubt, simply ask other friends and family to ensure you will be event appropriate.
3. Color is King
Wedding guests should avoid wearing diamond or clear-colored gemstone jewelry in honor of the bride on her special day (wedding or engagement rings are fine). Instead, go for colorful jewelry that complements the wedding colors and feels joyous and fun. Design with colorful gemstone beads, Crystal Passions® crystals and Czech glass beads for beautiful pieces.
4. Don't Overdo It
This isn't the day to try out a brand-new style or stack on every bracelet you own. Think conservative, glamorous and sophisticated. Focus on one jewelry element. For example, if you are wearing a pair of statement earrings then don't overdo it with a necklace as well. Simple is best.
5. Consider Seasonality and Location
It is always a good idea to consider the location and season of the wedding when choosing jewelry to wear to the big event. For example, you may want to opt for more natural-looking pieces, such as wood beads or shell beads for a beach wedding, and cultured freshwater pearls and more formal-looking jewelry for a church wedding. If the weather is warm, you won't want large pieces of jewelry weighing you down.
And lastly, you can never go wrong with pearls! Design with Crystal Passions pearls and cultured freshwater pearls for classic, timeless wedding-guest jewelry that is spot-on style- and etiquette-wise.
More Dos and Don'ts
Now that you have a good idea of what type of jewelry to design or select for the big event, here are some common DO's and DON'Ts of wedding etiquette to ensure you are putting your best wedding-guest foot forward:
- DO RSVP on time--return it in the mail as soon as possible.
- DON'T bring your own plus-one. Unless it says ''and guest'' on the invitation, only you should be attending.
- DO buy a gift early and shop from the couple's registry to ensure it is something they would like. Shipping large gifts versus bringing them to the ceremony is always appreciated. If you do gift an item not on their registry, it is always nice to include a gift receipt.
- DON'T assume kids are welcome.
- DO read the wedding website.
- DO use common sense when choosing footwear for an outside event.
- DO be on time to the wedding ceremony.
- DON'T forget to turn off your cell phone and DON'T use it as an accessory.
- DO follow the dress code for event-appropriate attire.
- DO drink responsibly, sign the guestbook and remember to take your favor.
- DON'T give a toast or speech unless you've been invited to do so.
DO ENJOY yourself! Congratulate the family and the happy couple and mingle with other guests.
Happy Wedding Guesting!
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