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Wedding Accessories: How to Pick Jewelry to Match Your Bridal Gown

If you thought finding your wedding dress was fun, you're in for a real treat -- it's time to accessorize. Just remember the first rule in wedding jewelry: Don't overdo it!

Show Your True Colors
Knowing what type of metal will work with your wedding dress's shade of white is a good way to begin choosing your wedding jewelry.

White Gown: Gold embellishments may clash with this bright white hue. Try sticking to pearl and platinum.

Diamond-white Gown: This barely off-white color works with gold and silver.

Ivory Gown: This candlelight shade is a soft, light white, and some versions even have yellow undertones. Adorn yourself with gold jewelry to highlight the creamy tint of the fabric.

All About the Decolletage
Pairing your neckline style with the proper adornment can add character to your wedding gown, or even highlight a unique feature.

Sweetheart or Strapless Bridal Gown: For something a little different, skip the necklace, and focus on some great chandelier earrings instead. If you're going for a flirty, fresh look, include two or three small fresh or silk flowers in your hair to add a soft, organic feel. Is vintage elegance more your style? Pay homage to the past with a great Art Deco-style bracelet or some roaring '20s-inspired feather barrettes.

V-neck Bridal Gown: Whether you opt for a pendant or choker, this style begs for décolletage decoration. A thin chain with a simple pendant is an elegant way to accessorize, while pearls exude classic charm. If you're going for the dare-to-be-decadent look, a crystal choker with matching earrings could be the perfect combo.

Halter or Reverse Halter Bridal Gown: Whether you wear your hair in a sleek bun or loose ponytail, dressing up your tresses is a great way to accessorize a halter gown. Headbands are a great way to add panache to your wedding updo. But if headbands aren't quite your style, try adding some sparkle to your hair with intricate crystal hairpins.

Foolproof Wedding Accessories
If deciding on your jewels is proving more difficult than finding the gown, there's one jewelry duo that's timeless: Pair diamond drop-earrings with a sophisticated necklace, such as a strand of pearls or a diamond pendant choker.

Let's Get Personal
The most important thing about picking the perfect trinkets for your wedding gown is that they are a reflection of you. If you're comfortable in all your accessories, your wedding day ensemble is guaranteed to dazzle.

-- Heather Levine