Help Me Style My Bridesmaids!

Rachelariana

I'm in need of some suggested jewelry and shoe help. Accessorizing is, unfortunately, not my forte...

The wedding is in late October. Ceremony will be outdoors at 4 p.m. and the reception will be on the same property but in a barn. The town we're having our wedding in (Nashville, IN) is very well known for it's small town charm and natural beauty. We're very much playing on those aspects in our decor and keeping that relatively simple but elegant -- "rustic charm" is kind of our theme. We are using fall colors and, as such, the girls flowers will be a mix of red, orange and yellow. 

The bridesmaids dresses are cocktail length, chiffon dresses (seen here) but in a medium brown (pictured here).What would you suggest for shoes and jewelry? I'm not against the cowboy boot option, but would like other suggestions also. Would any of the colors in the bouquets look okay? I'm planning on wearing red heels and I'm having issues visualizing that with my bridesmaids dresses, also. Jewelry suggestions would also be appreciated! 

Thanks ladies!

missnc77

You could do a darker gold/antique gold shoe to match your yellow tones. Not bright bling gold, but subtle. Only problem is you'll be outside, and it will probably be chilly. Finding something like a closed toe antique gold wedge that doesn't look too casual is a tall order. I'm interested in what others suggest. Have you talked to your bridesmaids? What do they think?

doeydo

Brown is a neutral so you can use almost any colour for the accessories.  Personally, if I was walking around outside and in a barn, I would not want a heel of any kind and I would want a close toed shoe.  If I were you, I would just tell them a colour, such as gold or skin-toned, and let them choose their own shoes.  They would also feel free to use their own jewelry (I would not specify anything regarding jewelry). 

[Deleted User]

I would let your girls pick out a shoe of their choice in a metallic color. You can't go wrong with silver, gold or cooper. By letting them pick out their own shoes, they will be able to find something they are comfortable in and with being a metallic color, they should be able to wear it again. It will be an easy way to let their individual personalities show through some since they are all wearing the same dress. In regards to jewelry, you can do pearls, you can go bling, you can do color too. It all depends on the look you want to go for.  Ask your BM for their thoughts on jewelry. Also for ideas check out Charming Charlie's online. They have an awesome selection on costume stuff for great prices.

Dignity100

I would probably just go with a nude shoe (most girls will already have a pair and will be able to wear it again).  The next option I would say would be 'metallic' - I know myself, I prefer silver over gold so if I got gold shoes/jewelry the likelihood of me wearing it again would be slim.

Here - to give you an idea

emmaaa

I think a nude color heel would be beautiful with that brown. Just tell them you would like a nude shoe and they can pick the style. some may do flats, heels, open-toed, or close-toed. As far as jewelry, I would just let them pick their accessories but I personally would do gold. 

NYCMercedes

Rachelariana said:

I'm in need of some suggested jewelry and shoe help. Accessorizing is, unfortunately, not my forte...

The wedding is in late October. Ceremony will be outdoors at 4 p.m. and the reception will be on the same property but in a barn. The town we're having our wedding in (Nashville, IN) is very well known for it's small town charm and natural beauty. We're very much playing on those aspects in our decor and keeping that relatively simple but elegant -- "rustic charm" is kind of our theme. We are using fall colors and, as such, the girls flowers will be a mix of red, orange and yellow. 

The bridesmaids dresses are cocktail length, chiffon dresses (seen here) but in a medium brown (pictured here).What would you suggest for shoes and jewelry? I'm not against the cowboy boot option, but would like other suggestions also. Would any of the colors in the bouquets look okay? I'm planning on wearing red heels and I'm having issues visualizing that with my bridesmaids dresses, also. Jewelry suggestions would also be appreciated! 

Thanks ladies!

Why can't they just wear whatever shoes and jewelry they choose?

ElcaB

Nude shoes are your best bet. 

If you plan on purchasing the jewelry yourself, I'd suggest a simple strand of pearls and pearl earrings. 

Rachelariana

Thank you for the helpful suggestions ladies! I like the idea of a nude shoe! I had considered that but was having trouble picturing it your comment was particularly helpful @dignity100 ! I will also probably do the gold jewelry.

NYCMercedes said:

Why can't they just wear whatever shoes and jewelry they choose?

I tried this with the dresses. We went to DB's, I gave them the color, preferred fabric (chiffon) and skirt length and asked them to pick a style that they liked. No one was really eager to pick out their own, they all just kept telling me that it was "my day" and that they'd wear whatever I wanted them to. I'm asking for suggestions so that I can give them a direction. I'm hoping they'll be a little more comfortable picking out their own shoes and I was thinking about including the necklaces as a part of their gift. Either way, a general color scheme is usually helpful.

emmaaa

Rachelariana said:

Thank you for the helpful suggestions ladies! I like the idea of a nude shoe! I had considered that but was having trouble picturing it your comment was particularly helpful @dignity100 ! I will also probably do the gold jewelry.

NYCMercedes said:

Why can't they just wear whatever shoes and jewelry they choose?

I tried this with the dresses. We went to DB's, I gave them the color, preferred fabric (chiffon) and skirt length and asked them to pick a style that they liked. No one was really eager to pick out their own, they all just kept telling me that it was "my day" and that they'd wear whatever I wanted them to. I'm asking for suggestions so that I can give them a direction. I'm hoping they'll be a little more comfortable picking out their own shoes and I was thinking about including the necklaces as a part of their gift. Either way, a general color scheme is usually helpful.

All of this sounds good except the bolded. Something that they are required to wear for your wedding is not a gift. If you want them to have matching jewelry or jewelry of your choice then you need to purchase it for them and it not be a part of their gift.

RebeccaFlower

Every time I see matching shoes and necklaces, I always think the bride must have been crazy to deal with and that it looks 80s in the matchy matchy way.

Rachelariana

RebeccaFlower said:

Every time I see matching shoes and necklaces, I always think the bride must have been crazy to deal with and that it looks 80s in the matchy matchy way.

eg72 said:

All of this sounds good except the bolded. Something that they are required to wear for your wedding is not a gift. If you want them to have matching jewelry or jewelry of your choice then you need to purchase it for them and it not be a part of their gift.

I never said they'd be matching. My plan is to pick out jewelry align with each bridesmaids individual tastes (because they all vary greatly) but all with something in common (i.e. gold or a similar colored jewel, etc.). I am also handcrafting little clutches to serve as the "wrapping" and including a thank you note and a more personal gift (that has yet to be determined) but I don't see why I can't include it all in the same packaging. As it is, I've been in three of my bridesmaids' wedding and my gift from them was the wedding day jewelry, so I really doubt it would be a big deal either way.

RebeccaFlower

Rachelariana said:

RebeccaFlower said:

Every time I see matching shoes and necklaces, I always think the bride must have been crazy to deal with and that it looks 80s in the matchy matchy way.

eg72 said:

All of this sounds good except the bolded. Something that they are required to wear for your wedding is not a gift. If you want them to have matching jewelry or jewelry of your choice then you need to purchase it for them and it not be a part of their gift.

I never said they'd be matching. My plan is to pick out jewelry align with each bridesmaids individual tastes (because they all vary greatly) but all with something in common (i.e. gold or a similar colored jewel, etc.). I am also handcrafting little clutches to serve as the "wrapping" and including a thank you note and a more personal gift (that has yet to be determined) but I don't see why I can't include it all in the same packaging. As it is, I've been in three of my bridesmaids' wedding and my gift from them was the wedding day jewelry, so I really doubt it would be a big deal either way.

Do you actually wear it? Why not get them something individual that they really like that won't just sit in a jewelry box? Jewelry you want them to wear in the wedding really isn't a gift. 

JennFroMur

Congratulations!! Honestly, I think tan/nude wedges would be great for your bridal party. They would be versatile and comfortable in the outdoor ceremony and reception. I sell jewelry through an online boutique with many options for brides, bridesmaids, gifts, etc. (any occasion)! I think the Convertible Turquoise Necklace would be a fun option with all the colors, it would be a lovely accent and the girls could wear it again --- it also comes in pearl, if you prefer a traditional look. The necklace can actually be divided into 2 necklaces and a bracelet, or worn multiple ways as just 1 necklace and there are adorable stud earrings you can purchase to match! Sterling silver, the Casablanca and Le Luna collections were just released in early May and would be lovely too. You can contact me for more ideas or questions too. There are so many gorgeous items and varieties (if you would like a few different options) --- please check it out: www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/jennifermurphy

Best wishes to you happy shopping!

Jenn

emmaaa

RebeccaFlower said:

Rachelariana said:

RebeccaFlower said:

Every time I see matching shoes and necklaces, I always think the bride must have been crazy to deal with and that it looks 80s in the matchy matchy way.

eg72 said:

All of this sounds good except the bolded. Something that they are required to wear for your wedding is not a gift. If you want them to have matching jewelry or jewelry of your choice then you need to purchase it for them and it not be a part of their gift.

I never said they'd be matching. My plan is to pick out jewelry align with each bridesmaids individual tastes (because they all vary greatly) but all with something in common (i.e. gold or a similar colored jewel, etc.). I am also handcrafting little clutches to serve as the "wrapping" and including a thank you note and a more personal gift (that has yet to be determined) but I don't see why I can't include it all in the same packaging. As it is, I've been in three of my bridesmaids' wedding and my gift from them was the wedding day jewelry, so I really doubt it would be a big deal either way.

Do you actually wear it? Why not get them something individual that they really like that won't just sit in a jewelry box? Jewelry you want them to wear in the wedding really isn't a gift. 

This. There is no problem with you wanting to buy them jewelry to wear for your wedding but just don't include it as part of the gift. I would give it separately and say, "He BM, this is some jewelry I got for you to wear for the wedding! Who knows, maybe you can wear it again?" Then give them the handmade clutch with the thank you note and other gift on a separate occasion. 

Even though your BM's gave you wedding day jewelry for you gift does not mean it was the proper thing to do. 

Rachelariana

emmaaa said:

RebeccaFlower said:

Do you actually wear it? Why not get them something individual that they really like that won't just sit in a jewelry box? Jewelry you want them to wear in the wedding really isn't a gift. 

This. There is no problem with you wanting to buy them jewelry to wear for your wedding but just don't include it as part of the gift. I would give it separately and say, "He BM, this is some jewelry I got for you to wear for the wedding! Who knows, maybe you can wear it again?" Then give them the handmade clutch with the thank you note and other gift on a separate occasion. 

Even though your BM's gave you wedding day jewelry for you gift does not mean it was the proper thing to do. 

I do wear some of it. They are are mostly classic pieces, such as a pearl bracelet and a beautiful silver locket. Regardless, while I appreciate your input and will certainly take it into consideration, my bridesmaid gift choices and how I decide to package them is beside the point. Thank you all for your suggestions with accessory color scheme. It's been a great help!