How to Choose Jewelry for Your Bridesmaids

Give your bridesmaids a keepsake of beads, baubles or jewels

By Jonathan Croswell

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Once the bridesmaid dresses have been picked out, start thinking about the gifts you will give your bridesmaids for being in your wedding. Many brides choose to give the bridal party jewelry they can wear on the day of the wedding. This is an important part of wedding preparation that will show your appreciation to your bridal party and give them a keepsake to remember the day.

• What You Need to Know
• Bring a photo of the bridesmaid dresses with you when you go shopping and choose a few key standout pieces that will enhance -- not overpower -- the dress.

Step 1:

Consider the theme of the wedding when choosing jewelry. If you're having a beach wedding, buy a charm bracelet with crustacean charms. For a more formal wedding, you might look for pearl earrings.

Step 2:

Pick jewelry that will complement the bridesmaids' dresses well. Necklaces should not dangle past the top of the dress fabric. Short earrings are best for high dress necklines, and bracelets are excellent choices for bare wrists.

Step 3:

Choose something that will complement the looks of all your bridesmaids. For this reason, conservative selections such as stud earrings or simple necklaces are preferred over dangling earrings and colorful bracelets. Those items are also likely to photograph better.

Step 4:

Traditionally, brides gives bridesmaids identical gifts, but you can take one gift idea and tweak it for each bridesmaid's personality. For example, if you're giving silver necklaces, each necklace can have a different pendant suited to that bridesmaid. Just make sure that any cost differences among the necklaces are negligible.

Step 5:

Some brides opt to give the maid or matron of honor a slightly more expensive gift because she often takes on more responsibility during a wedding. If you decide to do this, you may want to add an additional item in keeping with the theme of your other gifts. So, if you give your bridesmaids necklaces, consider giving your maid or matron of honor a matching bracelet too.

• Tips & Warnings
• Keep in mind that busy jewelry might not photograph well, especially if you have many bridesmaids all wearing the same ornate piece.
• Your gift shouldn't be only appropriate for the wedding. Select something that your friends would be thrilled to wear on other occasions as well.
• Bridesmaids gifts are typically given at the rehearsal dinner or a bridesmaids' luncheon or brunch. It's better to find a quiet moment when it's only you and the bridal party.