Bridesmaid Accessories? Matching Necklaces?

DGPoohBear

Someone told me it tradition to buy the girls matching jewelry, is this the case?  And if so is it just jewelry or does it include hair accesories and shoes?  Do you do this as their gift or in addition to? I am very confused, pleae help!!

opalsky007

No, it's not tradition--there's really no need for them to match. Just let them pick out accessories from what they already own or want to buy. If for some reason you want them to have matching jewelry, you should buy it.

jagore08

I have never heard of it being tradition.  Whenever I've been a BM and got jewelry, it was only worn for the wedding and it the trash right after.  If you don't care about them wearing matching jewelry, shoes, etc. then forget it and save some money.  No one will notice that their jewelry and shoes aren't matching, besides they're not clones so let them show their personalities and wear their own accessories.

Also, if you require them to wear it for your wedding, it's not a gift.  If you want to get them gifts they'll like, shop for them individually like it's their birthdays.  Take out the BM from the equation and shop for a friend.

mandykhan

You can get really nice classy jewelry on etsy for your BMs. The sets I got were sterling silver and swarovski pearls. They're really elegant looking, so my girls can definitely wear them again. The seller gave me a great group rate too. You should check her out: www.somethingjeweled.etsy.com.

nhelene

I was thinking about buying my bridesmaids matching jewelry, but I ran it by them and none of them seemed too excited about it.  In the end I decided to let them do their own thing.

If you do decide to have them in matching jewelry buy it yourself.  And don't go overboard on it as it may probably never be worn again, no matter how cute you think it is.

kelly&wayne

I don't think it's a tradition, but some choose to have their BM's in matching accessories.  I found some beautiful crystal drop earrings from Lia Sophia that I bought my girls.  We're getting married outside so I'm also buying them pashminas in case it's a chilly October day, but I am hoping (finances allowing) to get them each individual gifts as well.

DGPoohBear

Thanks, it is a New Year's Eve Wedding so I think I would like the matching look - and can get them a seperate gift as well:

The necklace I am thinkin of are

http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Sterling-Silver-Marcasite-Faceted-Black-Onyx-Beads-Necklace/1993614/product.html

http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Sterling-Silver-FW-Pearl-with-Peridot-Necklace/2876237/product.html


http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Charming-Life-Silver-Onyx-and-Pearl-Necklace-5.5-8.5-mm/3930584/product.html

and these?

http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Sterling-Silver-Marcasite-Teardrop-Earring/2560566/product.html

The dresses are black strapless from David's Bridal:
http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=3001799&currentIdx=12&subCategory=-49998976%257c3001465%257c3001609%257c3001799&catentryId=6096963&sort=

Does anyone have thoughs?

mbcdefg

You don't have to get them matching jewelry. Some brides choose to do this, which is fine, but this should not be their gift for being in your wedding. It's part of their "uniform" for the day. If something is specifically for your wedding, and/or you are requiring them to wear it, it's not a gift for them.

Matching shoes are completely unnecessary. Every woman has different feet, and there's a very good chance that some girls might find your choice of shoes to be uncomfortable. The guests aren't going to notice or care about their shoes anyway, especially since you've chosen floor-length dresses. Let them wear their own black shoes.

If you insist on matching shoes, then you need to pay for them, and that also does not count as a gift to them. Gifts should be personal, hand-picked items, not a bunch of identical items and not a bunch of things that you are asking them to wear for the wedding but then "letting" them keep afterward.

I'm personally not a fan of those earrings. I would do something more subtle and neutral, if you insist on giving them matching earrings. I liked the pearl and peridot necklace, with the onyx and pearl in second. I didn't like the blacl pearls/beads.

I had my BMs in black cocktail dresses, and they chose their own jewelry. MOH was in a faux pearl necklace and bracelet, and BM was in a diamond eternity circle pendant and some kind of small silver earrings (I never noticed exactly what they were). MOH wore peep-toe black pumps and BM wore T-strap heels with a closed toe. I barely noticed these things myself, and we got zero comments from guests because I'm sure they didn't notice or give a crap.

mandykhan

whoa mbcdefg!!! she said that she WANTS the matching look!!! omg why do you insist on forcing your views on everyone else here!! She posted asking for opinions on which set to choose! Just because you're obviously not the jewelry 'type' of girl, maybe her BMs ARE! Lots of women wear nice jewelry on a daily basis! That's great that your BMs were all different. You're right, it's not a big deal if everyone is not all matchy matchy...it's every bride's choice! This bride WANTS a matching look. Furthermore, OP doesn't need a lecture about this.

OP, I love the pearl peridot necklace!! It's beautiful and very wear-able after the wedding. That would be something I would wear for work, dinner, etc... Great choice! 

DGPoohBear

Thanks! I think with the formality of the New Year's Eve wedding (black tie optional) I really prefer the matching look.  I am leaning toward the pearl as well and they can pick thier own silver shoes, or hopefully they already have them!