A Place For Pearls On Your Wedding Day

By Vennette Lailani Seprado

Pearls are timeless. They’re understated and elegant. They spruce up a minimalist ensemble and add a touch of luxury to a formal or semi-formal attire. These days,  pearl jewelry and accessories are experiencing a revival sparking renewed interest and pushing more modern brides as well as brides-to-be to consider incorporating them into their bridal trousseau or decor. Whatever your bridal style – classic, boho, vintage, romantic or rustic country, they can work with any look.

There are so many different pearl accessories, decorations and designs available that possibilities for pretty and tasteful embellishments are endless. WE’ve narrowed down choices for you to consider:

It starts with a YES!

Pearls can get a bad rep for being old-fashioned. They’re not the most obvious choice for an engagement ring but as of late, however, pearl engagement rings have become modernized in a way that makes them incredibly cool and chicer than ever.

In one article, a representative for Pinterest even mentioned a spike in pearl engagement ring searches. Simple styles with an artistic flair such as Mizuki’s 14- karat gold, diamond and pearl ring look good as a stand-alone piece or stacked with a plain or diamond encrusted wedding band.

If you’re feeling bolder, mix it with another bridal jewelry trend of incorporating colored stones just like Assael’s rose gold ring with a Tahitian pearl center flanked by two morganite stones on both sides.

More than an accent.

Seed pearls and pearl beads have adorned and accented countless bridal gowns. They’ve served as embellishments to add texture to laces, appliques and other luxurious fabrics. If you’re a pearl aficionado, you may want to go bolder by making these tiny little lustrous gems the focal point of your whole bridal look. 

Australian-based label, Leah Da Gloria offers two looks for two very different brides. If you’re leaning towards something grand, then go for a fully beaded pearl ballgown that’s sure to turn heads. If you still want to highlight the gems while keeping things more modern and fresh, then opt for scattered pearl embellishments as seen on their ‘Lenox’ gown with sheer tulle sleeves.

Other alternatives to wearing pearls on your big day is to have a veil embroidered with pearls or for versatility, a pearl embellished capelet underneath a plain white gown.

Bridal shoes are a great way to express creativity. If you want to keep everything pearly white, wear the prettiest pair of pleated tulle ballerina sandals with delicate ankle straps and luminous pearl beads by Bella Belle Shoes.

On theme and on trend

Take the pearl trend to the next level by making it your bridal reception theme. This may be tricky if you go overboard but the key is to just add subtle touches so as not to appear gimmicky. After all, you’re going for elegant and glam, not underwater mermaid soiree.

Pearl napkin rings lend elegance and a little something special to a reception tablescape. A great idea for a DIY project is to create unique place cards using gold oyster shells and pearls to show off your style and decorate your table.

Your piece de resistance at the reception, the wedding cake could also be decorated with patterns made from intricately arranged edible pearl beads just like the one by Sugarlips Cakes.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

Whether it’s an heirloom piece handed down or a new acquisition, hit all the bridal marks with two stones by wearing your pearls with sapphires or any blue stones.

Wear a delicate necklace in white gold with a cultured pearl and natural sapphire pendant or go for a pair of timeless pearl studs accented by a halo of tiny blue sapphires.

Bejeweled Groom

Grooms can also get into the pearl action by donning accessories using pearls while maintaining masculine aesthetics. A great way to incorporate pearls into a groom’s wardrobe is by using cufflinks. Another traditional jewelry grooms can wear on their big day is to use tie pins.