The decision-making starts as soon as you accept his proposal of marriage (and hopefully a beautiful engagement ring!). When will you be married? Where will the ceremony and reception be held? Who will be invited? What food will you serve your guests? Perhaps one of the most important decisions to be made is the type of wedding you want. In other words, what will be the theme and style of the Big Day? That choice should not only be reflected in the bigger elements, but also down to the tiniest details, such as wedding jewelry.



There's nothing like a wedding that has been thoughtfully created to reflect the style of the bridal couple, especially the bride. To provide a little assistance, following are guidelines to help uncover your inner bridal jewelry style (understanding your jewelry style also makes it easier to plan the theme of a wedding:

Glamorous

Wall flower does not describe the glamorous bride. She loves the spotlight and role of leading lady. Her wedding day gives her the chance to express her dramatic, chic side. Diamond chandelier earrings, right-hand rings, or a glitzy choker jewelry necklace are perfect flourishes for this gal. She's drawn to dresses that transform her into the belle of the ballroom. Her gorgeous strapless gown is accentuated beautifully with a Swarovski crystal beaded charm bracelet as she's whisked across the dance floor in a grand mansion or city penthouse.

Modern

Equally chic but slightly unconventional, the modern bride likes to combine her fashion-forward classy style with a twist. Her minimalist approach is beautifully streamlined. When it comes to jewelry, this bride chooses unique metal finishes, as evidenced by the beautiful, but simple single platinum groom and bridal jewelry sets the couple will exchange. When it comes to bridal jewelry, she's drawn to white-gold and diamond pave earrings and a matching jewelry necklace, perhaps with an Art Deco touch. This modern couple "seals the deal" in a chic ceremony and reception hosted at their favorite art museum.

Bohemian

The bride who scours through resale boutiques for the next great find, or loves to combine cultures with bridal fashion is a true bohemian. Her free spirit dictates her whimsical and earthy style. She's especially drawn to Art Noveau-inspired jewelry necklaces and bridal rings that reflect the shapes of nature. These pieces, fashioned in enameled metals after leaves and flowers, pair beautifully with an Empire-waist trapeze gown of billowy silk-organza. Her guests are treated to a Midsummer Night's Dream celebration in a wooded glen.

Beach Casual

She's the girl-next-door with a twist of tropical paradise. Inspired by the sea, this bride's breezy bridal fashion loves to bare a little skin, accentuated by colorful jewelry. When it comes to her big day, this Grecian goddess dons a casual creation with island appeal. Her jewelry necklace is made of aquamarine gemstones or coral. Around her wrist is a charm bracelet of miniature shells and sand dollars. Friends and family gather on the sand with this lovely bride and her groom as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

Romantic

She still believes in knights in shining armor (her fianc?) and fairytale endings (which begins her wedding day). The romantic bride is inspired by all things feminine and sentimental. Her big day will transform her into the princess she's dreamed of since childhood, accentuated by a sparkly tiara and soft curls around her face. Her ruffled gown of tulle and lace is accessorized beautifully with a cameo locket or jewelry necklace of ribbons and bows and matching earrings. Right before the ceremony, the bride's parents present her with a bead charm bracelet meant to be added to for years to come. The dreamy day is set against the backdrop of an estate or castle, where wedding guests join this regal couple on the journey of a lifetime.

Classic

Images of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly inspire the classic bride. Her sense of style is always timeless and sophisticated. She opts for a polished look that exudes confidence and grace. When it comes to the big day, she indulges her love of A-line and silhouette bridal fashion in her choice of a wedding gown and bridesmaid's gown. Her carefully selected pearl jewelry necklace will beautifully offset her portrait neckline, which is echoed in a pair of simple diamond stud earrings. On her wrist, a slender charm bracelet from her grandmother is luminous against the white elbow-length glove. The classic bride stages her event at a favorite hotel ballroom or a sprawling country club.