Wedding jewelry brings the bling to your special day, whether you choose an elegant, casual or outdoor theme. When you finally find the perfect wedding dress, shoes and bridal headpiece, it is time to add sparkling jewelry to complete your look.

The essential wedding jewelry for every couple is wedding rings. There are countless types of wedding bands to choose from. Often the couple purchases matching wedding rings as a set but it isn’t a requirement. Sometimes the bride prefers a glittering ring while the groom may have simpler taste. Either way, both of you should not wear other rings besides the engagement ring to spotlight the wedding rings during the ceremony.

Wedding rings can be gold, gold-plated, sterling silver, platinum, white gold or titanium. Men who work with their hands often get a titanium wedding ring to withstand the daily pressure as softer metals can bend and wear. Brides select their wedding ring based on their personal jewelry preferences as well as the size and shape of their fingers. If you have a small hand, a dainty ring is delightful but it may get lost on larger fingers. For larger hands, you can choose an oversized ring with plenty of bling because it won’t overwhelm your finger. You can get the inside of your wedding rings engraved with your initials or special sentiments. Once you select your wedding rings, make sure you have a themed ring pillow to use during the ceremony.

The groom usually wears little wedding jewelry besides the traditional wedding ring. Other items he may want are attractive tie clasps, cuff links and perhaps a pocket watch for a formal tuxedo with a top hat.

Eye-catching wedding jewelry for the bride is an essential element because you are the center of attention throughout most of the day. Your dress, shoes, hairstyle, nails, headpiece and jewelry should work well together with no element overshadowing another. A traditional rule of thumb is for a bride to wear “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue”. Your wedding jewelry can encompass something old and something borrowed by borrowing a treasured family piece from your mother or grandmother. It may even be blue if you decide to wear a blue cameo necklace or earrings with diamonds and sapphires.

In some cultures, wedding jewelry is part of the dowry the bride receives from her family. In Eastern cultures, the bride may receive necklaces, bangles, earrings, toe rings and nose rings from their family.

Wedding jewelry can be expensive or budget-conscious, based on your individual finances and desires. Some brides prefer to wear costume wedding jewelry so they don’t have to worry about losing it on their big day while others are willing to spend thousands of dollars on personalized, engraved wedding jewelry. Either way, many guests have been duped by a necklace or tiara with rhinestones instead of diamonds since often the bride is seen from a slight distance.

Because the bride traditionally wears a white, ivory or cream-colored wedding dress, pearls frequently appear in wedding jewelry. Simulated pearls, freshwater pearls and cultured pearls are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and shades to match your wedding gown. Mix pearls with diamonds or rhinestones for a glamorous look on your wedding day. A pearl strand necklace is always a classic touch. Dangling pearl earrings add drama while posts are more conservative. Add red or blue stones for a bold dash of color or that touch of blue you need for your wedding day.

A tiara is a dramatic way to top off your wedding jewelry choices. Loop tiaras resemble crowns for the perfect Cinderella princess bride. Designed tiaras match the theme of your wedding with butterflies or flowers. Rhinestones and pearls add a bit of bling to finish off your bridal outfit.

You may decide to give wedding jewelry to each other as gifts. A special set of cuff links or a precious pair of earrings are lasting keepsakes of your wedding day. When you wear them in the future, you will remember the love you share.

Wedding jewelry is a unique, personalized way to express yourselves on your once-in-a-lifetime day. If you want to bring on the bling, you’re the stars of the day and it’s the best time to do it!