A bride can be many things…a peacemaker, negotiator, accountant, Martha Stewart protégé, food critic, event planner and even a stylist… for most brides, dressing their bridesmaids is the only time they’ll have final say on what someone else wears. From top to toe and everything in between, their look is in the bride’s hands, including their jewellery – the all important finishing touch! Creating a look that’s appropriate, affordable, beautiful and in keeping with the theme is an arduous task made even more complex by the age old fear that the bridesmaids will upstage the bride! So here are our tips for the bride-come-stylist when choosing jewels for her maids and herself…
Jewellery is a key element in styling your bridesmaids, allow them to sparkle with their jewels and treat the dress as a blank canvas on which to build upon. Remember it’s much easier to play, style and experiment with jewellery than it is with dresses.
Stay in budget with a professional jeweller like Bill Hicks Jewellery Design. You can select pieces from his ready made collection or take advantage of his bespoke design service. Whether your budget is $100 or $1000 Bill Hicks Jewellery Design has individually designed and highly fashionable pieces for every discerning bride. Their recently launched online shop allows you to shop according to budget and browse pieces in Silver, 9ct or 18ct , diamonds and pearls or coloured gemstones…so you can adjust according to budget!
Use the bride’s dress to gauge jewellery style. A simple wedding dress will call for simple bridesmaid jewellery while a more elaborate wedding dress means you can bling them up accordingly.
Pay attention to the bridesmaid dress style recommends Alicia Stickel of Bill Hicks Jewellery Design. She suggests a pendant or long drop earrings for plunging or low bodice gowns, short or long drop earrings and a matching simple pearl or gemstone bracelet for off the shoulder or higher necklines and she stresses to keep it simple for intricate bodices or busy dresses.
Use coloured gems, diamonds and pearls to coordinate with the wedding colour scheme. Consider the bridesmaids as part of the overall wedding look, they will complement the bride and the entire colour scheme. Add subtle colour with coloured gemstones in a necklace, bracelet or earrings.
Choose jewellery according to wedding theme. If it’s a vintage affair, classic white wedding or a sleek and modern celebration then your jewellery should reflect that. Bill Hicks Jewellery Design creates jewellery across themes so it’s easy to choose from a collection that embodies the era.
Opposites attract and bigger is better. Distinguish bridesmaids from the bride with opposing jewels or a smaller version of whatever statement piece the bride is wearing.
Double their jewellery as a thank you gift. Make the bridesmaids jewellery your thank you gift, what better way to thank your Maid of Honour and bridesmaids and even your little flower girl than with a beautiful piece of jewellery they will cherish for years to come. It’s budget savvy too!
We asked Alicia of Bill Hicks Jewellery design to put together some harmonious bride/bridesmaid jewellery combinations plus a few other pieces perfect for sparkling up bridesmaids! To celebrate the launch of their new online shop Bill Hicks Jewellery are offering Modern Wedding Brides 10% off if they LIKE Bill Hicks Jewellery on Facebook – this includes bridal, bridesmaid jewellery and wedding rings! Offer valid till 31/12/13.
All Jewellery pieces above by Bill Hicks Jewellery Design. Check out their online shop to view more or drop in to their studio at Suite 1005, 10th Floor – Trust Building, 155 King Street Sydney.
Do you have a favourite? We’re loving the Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Earrings (third from top), ideal for a blue themed wedding!
In early 2014 Bill Hicks Jewellery Design will be unveiling an exclusive range of Wedding Day themed collections for brides and their bridesmaids, flower girls for every budget – all brides can enquire now for a sneak preview of the collections and purchase pre 2014 !
MW x