Matching dresses amongst the bridal party is a long held tradition in western wedding day custom, and recently some brides are taking things even further with matching jewelry for the bridal party (or at least the bridesmaids). Obviously, this can turn into a very expensive idea if the bride chooses matching diamond bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, but diamonds aren’t the only answer for classic elegant wedding jewelry. Here are some tips on saving money while getting the perfectly matched look you want:
*Downplay the theme on bridesmaids. If the bride owns or wants to invest in expensive heirloom jewelry now is the time to wear it, but don’t try for the same level of elegance (or expense) on the bridal party. Look for alternate gemstones for bridesmaids, and don’t try to cover every jewelry option for the bridesmaids (tiara, necklace, earrings, broach, bracelet and rings).
*Choose fewer bridesmaids. It can go against your post-engagement generosity, but try to limit the bridal party to 2 to 6 members. Don’t let your mother talk you into asking the cousin you’ve only met twice.
*Ask about allergies. If one of your bridesmaids is very allergic to cheap silver, you don’t want to find out as their arm is breaking out into hives during the ceremony.
*Use jewelry as thank you gifts and kill two expenses with one purchase. If you bedeck your bridesmaids with small tiaras they probably won’t be able to wear them again, but the earrings you ask them to wear would also make great night-on-the-town jewelry in the future.
*Don’t choose earrings or rings as the only piece to showcase. Both earrings and rings are easily hidden, and nearly impossible to see in photograph. There is little point to pouring money into earrings which only you and your bridesmaids will realize match. Instead, choose necklaces, brooches and possibly tiaras (for a fairy tale wedding) as the major purchase in matching jewelry.
*Think small for necklaces and tiaras. Illusion necklaces made of clear twine and glass beads can be surprisingly elegant for as little as 5$. Small ropes of pearls or crystals give a dainty impression, and the smaller size will save you significant money over larger versions of the same necklace. For a twist on the traditional pearl necklace, place 4 pearls between two small glass crimps on a chain or clear beading wire. Try for tiaras in a high quality plastic with only one loop of crystal at the front.
*Think big for broaches and earrings. To get the most for your money, avoid diamond solitaire pins or studs. Instead, experiment with 14k gold hoops, chandelier earrings, and long hanging drops. For broaches, try for a larger, elaborate design in quality costume jewelry—using fake stones and simple metal in a gorgeous pattern doesn’t look cheap when you do it right and think big. Avoid single color circles, and instead opt for multi-color patterns of stones or an image from your wedding theme, such as a jeweled calla lily.
*Be sensible about asking your bridesmaids to buy their own jewelry; unless you’re absolutely sure they can afford it easily, don’t do it at all. When they committed to buying a dress, and possibly shoes to match it, they probably didn’t expect to buy new jewelry as well. Asking a friend to buy a tiara or broach they will never wear again can easily strain most relationships.
With these tips, and some bargain shopping, matching jewelry can actually be bought for about the price of an elaborate bouquet and corsage. Don’t give up on that dream image of your bridal party in matching jewelry, just use common sense and get what you want cheaply.
