Jewellery Etiquette for Wedding Guests: What’s Too Much or Too Little?

Attending a loved one’s wedding is always such an exciting time and we all want to look good, don’t we? But as a wedding guest, we must ensure we never outshine the bride. This is why we need to strike a balance by choosing the perfect jewellery for a wedding guest.

If you have a wedding coming up and you are confused about what to wear, we have got you covered! This page will discuss what to choose, how to choose, the appropriate jewellery and some fashion etiquette you should follow. We also have some insightful tips and tricks for you!

What Jewellery to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest

 A guest’s jewellery for a wedding depends a lot on the ceremony itself. How so? Let’s take a look.

Dress Code 

The wedding party will let you know about the dress code, which is your primary guide for your jewellery. Black tie events require beautiful, elegant pieces.

You can wear diamond studs, sleek tennis bracelets or subtle pendants. What you should not wear would be chunky or over-casual pieces.

For semi-formal weddings, you can keep things classy while still having fun with your look. Think elegant drop earrings or a delicate necklace paired with a stylish cocktail dress.

Casual weddings are more laid-back, like a beach or garden ceremony. Your jewellery should be light like simple hoops, minimal bracelets or anklets, for the right touch or style.

Looking for effortless style with gold jewellery? Discover the top 16 gold jewellery designs for every occasion and elevate your look with ease

Time of Day

If the wedding is taking place during the day, softer and lighter pieces may look better on you. It could be pearls, silver jewellery, or even small gemstones that look fresh in natural sunlight.

For an evening/night wedding, you need jewellery that shines on its own. Here’s where gold accessories are an absolute rockstar. They will complement the evening atmosphere without being flashy.

Venue

For garden weddings, you can bring your floral-inspired pieces or even get some earthy gemstones. They are subtle yet elegant.

Beach weddings require something minimal and breezy. Go for simple jewellery like a delicate chain or hoops for your ears. Try to avoid metal-heavy accessories.

Lastly, if the wedding is indoors, all the classic pieces like a gold pendant necklace or diamond studs are options open for you!

Also read: How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring: A Guide to Making the Right Choice

Choose Jewellery as a Wedding Guest Based on Your Outfit

Now that you know what goes with each type of wedding party, your jewellery has to match your fit. Otherwise, it’s all in vain.

Let’s look at the colour of the dress. Red, orange, earth browns; Gold shines the best with warm tones. On the other side, if you are wearing blue, grey, or pastel shades; as in cooler tones, you can go for silver and diamonds. Even white gold!

If you want to embrace the wedding’s romantic vibe, go for rose gold with soft hue dresses like blush pink or light peach. Use gemstones for some colour, one that either complements or contrasts your fit in a flattering way.

Pearls, on the other hand, are a sophisticated choice for those who want to keep things classy in the most subtle way possible.

Curious about gold jewellery? Discover essential tips on pricing, care, types, and the best buys in our Complete Gold Jewellery Handbook 

Can You Wear Gold Accessories to a Wedding?

Gold’s versatility lies in its different shades, so you can wear them with a range of dresses and different colours. That’s why it’s perfect as jewellery for a wedding guest.

If your outfit is in warm tones like red, orange, or yellow, gold is your absolute best friend! While silver can go well with cooler tones, you can also opt for white gold in that case.

To avoid overdoing it, choose one or two beautiful gold pieces that highlight your look. Don’t layer too many pieces, as too much gold can quickly become overwhelming.

The best jewellery types for wedding guests depend on your outfit, wedding type, and preference!

How Much Jewellery to Wear on a Wedding Day as a Guest

When to stop with the jewellery? Too little makes you look dull. Too much is definitely not an option.

If you have one or two statement pieces, make sure the rest is as minimal as possible. For example, rocking those chandelier earrings? Skip the necklace or avoid something chunky to prevent going overboard. Sometimes, skipping an accessory is the key to a polished attire.

If you are mixing different types of jewellery, they should pair well together. Don’t clutter your look by wearing everything at once.

Read More: Bridal Jewellery Guide: What UK Brides Need to Know

Jewellery Etiquette as a Wedding Guest

Being invited to someone’s wedding is an honour. It’s important to be respectful to the bride and groom. Here are some etiquettes to keep in mind.

Avoid flashy or distracting pieces.

Remember that weddings are not the time to steal the spotlight. Don’t pull out the flashiest accessories. Oversized or excessively sparkly items draw the attention away from the couple.

Respect cultural or religious traditions.

If you are attending a wedding that follows specific customs, make sure that your jewellery aligns with their traditions. For example, if you are attending an Indian or Hindu wedding, the bride is likely to wear red. Make sure you avoid that colour.

Choose classic designs over trendy pieces.

Classic, timeless designs can enhance your look without overshadowing the bride.

Jewellery Mistakes to Avoid as a Wedding Guest

Avoid wearing loud or attention-grabbing pieces.

Nothing too bold or anything that makes noise like jingling bangles. They can come across as rude.

Don’t choose mismatched accessories.

While it’s great to experiment, stick to a theme. Mixing metals is fine but make sure your styles aren’t overly-clashing.

Dodge over-accessorising.

It should be a mix of statement pieces and delicate chains. Too many bold pieces take away the elegance of your outfit.

Looking for the perfect gold jewellery piece? Whether you’re after trendy designs or timeless elegance, discover the best styles for every woman in our guide

Conclusion

Choose pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. Go for a look that helps you feel pretty without dominating anyone else. If you are looking for jewellery for a wedding guest in stunning shades of gold to wear to a wedding, Argent & Asher is the perfect place to find pieces that are not just beautiful but also high quality. Take a look at our collection today!