For most brides, choosing jewelry for the bridesmaids may seem a pretty straightforward and simple enough endeavor. But, as with every other detail of the wedding, it is important to think through a few things prior to choosing pieces for their ensemble. While the bridesmaids' jewelry is not as high profile as the bride's, it is part of the overall effect a bride is looking to achieve on her special day.

Jewelry Should Complement
A bride has given much thought to the theme of her wedding. That theme is carried visually through the flowers, colors and clothing of the wedding party. Jewelry exists to enhance that theme for a pulled together look. However, when choosing jewelry, as with the bridesmaid's dresses, not every color or style complements every girl. Some ladies look dazzling in a pair of dangly earrings. Others have a stunning neckline that demands to be adorned. Brides may choose a special necklace for one bridesmaid and a pair of earrings for another. Just make sure the jewelry is all in the same color, style and material. This creates the cohesiveness a bride typically desires.

A bride might also offer for her girls the option to choose their own jewelry, suggesting the type and color of jewelry she would like to see them wear. That gives each bridesmaid a bit of freedom in choosing jewelry she feels most beautiful in, while still bringing an overall cohesiveness to the wedding party.

Neckline Notes
One of the more important elements to choosing bridesmaid's jewelry is selecting pieces that coordinate with the neckline and style of the bridesmaids' dresses. A bride wants to avoid choosing a pendant necklace that hits where a plunging neckline begins, or donning the maids in a choker-style necklace worn with halter-style dress. Necklaces chosen to follow the style of the dresses' necklines will always look spectacular. For instance, v-neck dresses look beautiful with a y-drop, lariat, or back-dangle. Scoop or sweetheart necklines are complemented by almost any style of necklace, as long as it does not extend to touch the fabric of the dress. For a halter-style dress, it is usually a good idea to forgo necklaces completely.

Bridal Baubles
When choosing earrings, the same considerations should come into play regarding the neckline and style of the dress. Lower necklines are suited well with drop earrings. Studs, on the other hand, look better with high necklines. Here again, a bride might choose to mix things up a bit, choosing several different types of earring styles for her girls to wear. It is nice for the jewelry to coordinate with each bridesmaid's style and personality.

Bracelets also complement most dress styles. Charm bracelets are a delightful and endearing choice for a bride who would like to give a gift with deep sentimental value. Charm bracelets can be created with stones that match the colors of the wedding, while individual charms chosen by the bride herself may represent memories she has shared with individual girlfriends. For instance, a suitcase charm in gold or sterling silver might represent the travel adventures a bride and her bridesmaid enjoyed together. A flower charm, such as a rose or tulip could symbolize a favored blossom. And a "friend" charm expresses a bride's love and appreciation for her bridesmaid's support during this special occasion. The possibilities are endless - and unique.

For those brides with the budget, diamonds also represent a special gift of jewelry for the bridesmaids. Giving diamonds achieves two goals: Expressing appreciation for her bridesmaids and choosing jewelry for her bridesmaids to wear at the wedding. Diamond stud earrings are always a timeless choice.

Cohesive Color
The colors a bride selects for her bridesmaids jewelry depend on the overall color scheme of the event, as well as the color of the bridesmaid dresses. A bride may choose color that match the dresses for a monochromatic effect, or choose colors that complement the dresses, bringing out accents of color.

Gracious Gifts
Brides who choose to give wedding jewelry as a gift can present the pieces in pretty velvet-lined boxes tied with a satin bow. A bride who has chosen the bridesmaid's jewelry wisely gives a gift her ladies will be able to wear for years afterward.