Can You Wear Pearls To A Wedding: Etiquette For Guests

The short answer to can you wear pearls to a wedding is yes, but there are three considerations when wearing pearl jewelry to a wedding. Pearls can look classy, but you don’t want to look like you’re trying to stand out. 

We will also discuss the dos and don’ts of wearing pearls on your wedding day as the bride. And for more tips, here’s how to pick wedding jewelry

can you wear pearls to a wedding

 

When And How Can You Wear Pearls To A Wedding?

You can wear pearl jewelry to weddings if you consider these three factors. That way, you’ll remain respectful to the bride as the wedding guest. 

 

Opt for dainty pearl jewelry

Pearls can suit weddings as long as you don’t wear something way over the top. Avoid statement pearl jewelry if you don’t want to outshine the bride on her wedding day. 

This means never wearing oversized earrings or a pearl necklace with multiple layers to make you stand out. A single strand of pearls for your earrings or a simple pearl choker is an ideal example of what to wear to a wedding as a guest. 

Another tip is to pick small pearls as dainty jewelry is always preferred for weddings as a guest. You can never go wrong with a pair of stud pearl earrings or a single-pearl necklace if you find a beaded pearl choker too outdated for your style. 

 

Style your pearls as simple as possible

There are different styles of pearl jewelry, so it should be easy to pick something simple for a wedding guest. For example, you can opt for a pearl necklace that is pendant style, where a pearl is hung from a metal chain to add interest to your dress neckline. 

A simple pair of pearl earrings featured from a dainty hook or stud would also create a chic look for a wedding, especially if you have your hair up. Overall, never overdo your pearl jewelry and look like the bride herself. 

You don’t even need only to wear pearls as your jewelry to a wedding. For example, a simple silver necklace with pearl earrings or silver studs with a single-strand pearl necklace would look dainty and classy. 

 

Avoid having a bridal look

The final tip if you want to wear pearls to a wedding is to ensure that you won’t have the same look as the bride. This means not incorporating diamonds, lace, and anything considered bridal, like a white dress. 

Never wear pearls with diamonds as you can look more bridal than a guest. You should always wear a pearl set with dainty pieces or opt for simple silver jewelry with your pearls. 

Furthermore, be mindful of your wedding attire. It’s common knowledge never to wear white to a wedding, especially white dresses with voluminous skirts and details like tulle and lace. 

 

Can A Bridesmaid Wear Pearls To A Wedding?

Bridesmaids can wear pearls to a wedding, but it’s important to know what other jewelry the bridal party will wear. The bride usually wants a cohesive look for her attendants. 

More than the dress, you might have a coordinating style. You might stand out if you’re the only one wearing a pearl necklace while all the other bridesmaids are wearing gold. 

Remember that you’ll stand next to the bride and don’t want to stand out in photos, especially with oversized pearl jewelry. You can always ask the maid of honor or another bridesmaid about the jewelry they’ll wear. 

 

How Many Pearls Can You Wear To A Wedding?

A wedding guest wearing pearls to a wedding usually opts for a dainty set. This creates a chic and cohesive look without the risk of getting overboard with the pearl jewelry. 

However, you don’t need to complete the look. You can just wear a pearl necklace and pearl earrings, then wear something else or omit a bracelet. 

You should also avoid a pearl set that would suit a bride more. And finally, never pair diamonds with pearls for the wedding. 

For the complete etiquette guide, read what jewelry to wear to a wedding as a guest

 

How To Pair Pearls With Your Bridal Look?

Here are some tips for the bride who wants to wear pearls on her wedding day:

  • Consider a layered pearl necklace to add interest, especially if the dress has a revealing neckline
  • Low wedding dresses look good with long pearl necklaces, while chokers flatter a bridal gown with a high neckline
  • If you’re wearing a sleek bridal updo, opt for statement pearl earrings, but if some of the hair strands are down, it will look more flattering to wear smaller pearl earrings
  • Drop earrings flatter most bridal hairstyles for an elegant look
  • Consider diamond jewelry and just wear pearls on your hair like pearl hair pins or a headband with your hair down
  • Take inspiration from the pearl details in your wedding dress
  • Consider pearl details on your bridal shoes

 

Why Pearls Are Popular For Weddings?

Pearls are famous for wedding jewelry as they are timeless and elegant. They also pair nicely with the classic white wedding dress and details like lace and diamonds often worn by the bride. 

 

Conclusion

And that’s it! To recap can you wear pearls to a wedding, the answer is yes as long as it’s simple, dainty, and doesn’t look bridal. 

You should never pair it with bridal details like diamonds, lace, and a white dress. And if you’re a bridal party member, ask the other bridesmaids about what jewelry they’ll wear. 

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