Pearls: The Forgotten Wedding Accessory

Weddings are traditional events so it makes sense to include items that are also traditional. A simple wedding accessory that can really make the difference to your wedding garment is a string of pearls. In the past, pearls were a popular wedding accessory with brides from every walk of life. In our trendy modern society, pearls have sometimes been cast aside in favor of more offbeat jewelry choices, but pearls are back in favor...in spades!

So, if you're interested in a timeless wedding accessory that isn't at all gaudy, a string of pearls should be your first choice. Luckily, pearls go with virtually any wedding dress. Even if you're planning a beach wedding, you can wear pearls. They simply make the occasion a little more formal.

Dressing up your wedding gown with pearls doesn't have to mean paying through the nose. Cultured pearls are the most expensive and can cost $100 or more. But the cost is based on the material that holds the pearls, so pearls strung with 10k gold will cost less than those strung with 24k gold. On the other hand, you can expect to pay as little as $25 for a string of nice imitation pearls.

Once you choose pearls as a wedding accessory, only one step remains--choosing a style. While pearls do come in several colors (white, cream, pink, golden, black), only white pearls will complement a traditional white wedding dress. The styles that are available in pearls are similar to any other necklace: collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope. Of these styles, the princess and choker are better choices as a wedding accessory. A choker is appropriate for any style of wedding dress that exposes your neck area. The princess style is the most popular. A string of princess pearls is 17-19 inches long and makes an excellent wedding accessory. It looks terrific with a strapless wedding gown or one that features lace trimming.

Your choice of wedding accessory doesn't have to end with a pearl necklace. If you are interested in a classic look, a good idea is to wear your hair up and have a comb or other wedding accessory added for accent. When you wear pearls, you can accent your hairstyle with tiny pearls or a pearl studded comb. And don't forget your ears. This wedding accessory is a must with an updo and when you purchase a set of pearls, it will almost always include matching pearl earrings.

While pearls are traditional, they are also the most beautiful and elegant of wedding accessories. The luster of real pearls will enhance your skin and add a luxurious accent to your wedding gown. Next to diamonds, pearls are definitely a woman's best friend!