Text size:

Choosing your jewels

By Alice Suh | Special to amNewYork

September 20, 2006

For most brides-to-be, a wedding gown can help set the tone of the entire wedding. Whether the look is vintage, earthy, regal or classic, adding accessories can usually help achieve the desired effect.

"The bride should have her dress before she focuses on accessories and always bear in mind that it is much better to have that one statement piece rather than going for a lot of pieces that don't gel," says wedding expert Nikki Khan.

Sparkly sets of princess tiaras and matching diamond-esque jewels are still popular among young brides who want a fairytale-style wedding.

Tear drop earrings work well for both strapless and halter dresses. But avoid them if you're planning on wearing a heavy necklace.

Sparkles should be kept to a minimum if you choose to wear matching earrings and a necklace. Khan believes that the accessories should never make a statement that is more powerful than the dress itself.

For brides with an understated look, classic pearls are always a safe bet.

"They are timeless, beautiful and current," said Heidi Cohen, vice president of marketing at AmericanPearl.com. "Pearls are also aristocratic, and the aristocratic look is hot this fall."

A debutante air is easily achieved with Victorian-style choker pearls, which work well with full-sized ball gowns.

Multiple strands or thin strands of delicate pearls pair nicely with a form-fitting, strapless gown to present a clean look.

Keep in mind that not all pearls are alike. Variations in color and texture can alter a bride's appearance.

"More skin shows when a strapless gown is worn, and the pearls must be complementary to the women's skin tone," Cohen said.

Whether it's pearls or gems, wedding experts agree it's best not to mix and match too much.

"Too many accessories or wrong accessories can ruin the look of even the most gorgeous gown," Khan said.