Take a cue from nature when you accessorize your summer wedding dress with simple jewelry - perfect for a sunset summer ceremony.
Wedding dresses display the purest, most natural colors of the earth - whites and creams. These colors ideally complement the sand and sea, as well as create an opportunity to view your accessories as an exhibit of art. So, when accessorizing your wedding dress, go with the earthy, natural flow of summer.
Before deciding on which accessory to wear with your wedding dress, there are some important factors to consider.
True Colors
The traditional choice of most brides is either pearl or diamond accessories (or imitation pearls and rhinestones, depending on your budget!). Both are natural beauties and classic chioces. But before deciding what accessories to wear, take into consideration the color of your dress.
A Girl's Best Friend
If your wedding dress is pure white, diamonds are the perfect complement. Diamond jewelry (or costume rhinestone jewelry) can be found in both simple and more artistic forms. A neck adorned with a strand of diamonds is timeless beauty. A vining floral diamond cuff placed on the upper arm shows your style and originality.
Gift From The Sea
If you have chosen a cream dress, pearls or accessories with splashes of color in them look best. The sea itself designed the faultless accessory for showing off the colors of nature, the pearl. The pearl is a timeless declaration of grace, elegance and femininity. Pearls are a great item for "something old or borrowed", and can often be handed down from a grandparent or other family member. In addition, pearls are cultivated in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.If you are generally conservative and traditional, a simple pearl necklace accents your ensemble.
On the other hand, if you want to make more of a statement, pearls and other jewelry can be found in a variety of larger, more dramatic pieces. For example, a large pearl set in the center of a gold rim with a double strand pearl necklace. Adding small splashes of color in your accessories can create an original look. A six-strand pearl bracelet that alternates cream pearl strands with green pearl strands is dramatic on the arm. An Indian designed gold and ruby necklace can represent your heritage and/or looks stunning as the only jewelry piece. If you choose to add splashes of color, keep in mind your bridesmaids' dresses. They should be the same color, or in the same color family of the accessories you choose, so you compliment each other.
The Design of Your Dress
Understand the design of the dress when choosing your jewelry. Any addition to a plain, straight dress should be considered an accessory. A full skirt, a puffed sleeve, a bow, or beading on the material - each add a fabric "accessory" to your dress.
Think of accessorizing as a point system not to exceed five. Start with a plain dress and add one point for each accessory. If the dimensions of your dress take all the points, a simple pair of earrings is sufficient. On the other hand, if the dress is a straight satin sheathe, there is more room to play with jewelry. Simple and elegant is always best, but you can experiment with larger or more dramatic pieces, according to your personal style.
The Style and Cut
The next step is to visualize the style and cut of the dress. The best way to do this is to draw the outline of the dress on paper. This way, you can see where the "bare spots" appear between your body and the dress. Jewelry is most flatteringly displayed in these bare spots.
For a beach wedding during the sultry summer months, I recommend a simple, feminine dress in white or cream, complimented by pearls. Stick fresh flowers in your hair, or add a simple, airy veil. A four strand South Sea pearl necklace dripping with green and blue pearls would be stunning with a simple neckline. A multi-strand baby pearl cuff bracelet could stand alone with a sleeveless dress. A pair of pearl-drop earrings and a plain strand of pearls around the neck is easy elegance. Add a gold seashell to a row of pearls around the neck to enhance a beach theme.
Today, it is important for your wedding day jewelry to represent who you are. You may want to include accessories that represent your family from past generations, your culture, or your religious heritage. There is room for originality and creativity. In every decision made for your special day, you are sharing with friends and family part of who you are. So, too, your jewelry should represent part of what makes you unique.
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