Ah, the coveted role of the Mother of the Bride! 

It's an exciting, touching, and sometimes nerve-wracking position. 

A liminal space where you must fuse modern style sensibilities with everlasting classicism, balancing your desire to shine with the need to let the bride be the luminary of the day.

Although it may seem challenging to strike the right chord, worry not, as with a little guidance, you'll find that pulling together the perfect look is not just attainable but downright enjoyable.

So let's delve into the minutiae of jewelry selection, covering every base from the nuances of modern and timeless designs to the unwritten rules of wedding accessorizing.

All aimed to make you not just look but feel like the elegant masterpiece you are without overshadowing the star of the show, the bride herself.

The Balance Between Modern and Timeless

Melding Contemporary Jewelry Styles

Modern design meets timeless glamor in a dance of decades. 

A classic pearl necklace might sit elegantly against a contemporary gown, as a modern geometric bracelet can harmonize with a traditional lace outfit. 

This is the dance floor of style; make sure you waltz on both sides.

Quality Materials

When it comes to quality, take no shortcuts. Gold whispers timeless elegance, sterling silver screams contemporary chic, and gold fill offers a delicious middle ground. 

These aren't just materials; they're the brushstrokes of your visual masterpiece.

Complementing the Face and Neckline

Selecting The Perfect Earrings

Earrings are more than mere adornments; they frame your face, providing a roadmap for visual engagement. 

For a round face, choose dangling or teardrop earrings. 

Soften those lines with hoops or rounded designs if your face is more angular.

Necklaces

Think of necklaces as your visual welcome mat. The length, the design, the material—each plays a role. 

A plunging neckline may welcome a lariat necklace, while a boat neck might sing with a shorter chain.

If your outfit sports a square neck, perhaps go for a necklace with a more angular shape to it. Art deco pieces are your go-to for geometric shapes!

A beautiful “V” shaped neck may look utterly spellbinding with a thin chain and showstopping pendant. Simple yet sophisticated!

Bracelets

Now let’s not go forgetting those beautiful wrists - let them join the party!

For a longer sleeve, less is more. You don’t want to clutter up your arm and stackable bracelets may feel a little claustrophobic throughout a long day. Instead, go for a delicate, simple piece perhaps with a few gems or diamonds to catch people’s eye.

On the other hand (see what we did there?), if you have shorter sleeves then stack away. Go for a couple of different looks combined or maybe a few layers of pearls!

A general rule for all of these outfit choices, you don’t need to over do it. Fancier occasions compel us to dress to the nines but go with what fits your personality. 

Color Coordination

Harmonizing With the Wedding's Color Theme

Colors are the spices in the stew of style. 

Ruby, sapphire, emerald—these gemstones can offer just a dash of the wedding theme color, making your ensemble a part of the larger visual feast without gobbling up attention.

Distinguishing Oneself From the Bridesmaids

You are not merely another face in the crowd; you are the maternal figurehead. 

Your colors can coordinate with the bridesmaids, but a shade darker or lighter to delineate your unique role.

The Do's and Don'ts of Accessorizing

Celebrating the Essence of Youth

Youth is a feeling, a zest for life that transcends the calendar. 

Choose jewelry pieces that add a sprinkle of youthful exuberance without careening into teenybopper territory.

The Fine Art of Matching

Your accessories should sing harmoniously with the wedding theme, but never belch out the same tune as the bridal party. 

Think complimentary, not copycat.

A less-is-more approach often pays dividends when it comes to colors and accessories. 

Choose understated tones and let your jewelry's design and quality speak for itself.

The Don'ts of Accessorizing: Pitfalls and How to Elegantly Evade Them

The Risk of Excess

Jewelry should add to your overall poise, not hijack it. 

Aim for sophistication and avoid the temptation to opt for over-the-top or budget pieces that dilute elegance.

The Trap of Nostalgia

Memory Lane is a beautiful place to visit, but today's celebration is about creating new memories. 

Lean towards mature elegance rather than retro adolescence.

Ensure your color choices neither clash nor camouflage perfectly with the bridal party. 

You’re aiming for a harmonious melody, not a chaotic cacophony or an indistinct hum.

The Power of Subtlety

Less Is More

In a setting where the bride should be the center of attention, your role is to accentuate her glow, not distract from it. 

The subtler your pieces, the louder this message will ring.

Practical Tips for Comfort

The Significance of Comfort in Jewelry Selection

An all-day affair like a wedding demands comfort as much as it does style. 

Avoid pieces that pinch, poke, or weigh you down.

Venue and Activities

If the wedding is outdoors, those long, chandelier earrings may be left at home. 

But if you’re in the glitz and glam of New York City, let them have their moment - trendier pieces are a must here!

A country club wedding may call for classic statement necklaces and earrings that look like they came matched with your outfit. Every item will look sensationally curated!

For those rustic barn or back garden matrimonies, perhaps opt for something casual or matching to the weather. Summertime? Bright and bold! Winter? Ice and sparkle!

Consider the venue and the activities planned when you make your choices.

If you’re wanting to pull off the big looks on a smaller budget, lab grown diamonds will give you the genuine diamond effect without the price tag. These gems are the real deal!

The Final Touches

Shrugs, Purses, Handkerchiefs

Every element, from a silk shrug to a velvet purse, plays a role in your overarching look. 

Consider them the secondary characters that contribute to the tale of the day.

A Final Word on Your Timeless Elegance

You stand as the Mother of the Bride—a role that exudes its own unique style, dignity, and elegance. 

You’re not just complimenting the bride; you’re complimenting a moment, an event, a family legacy in the making. 

Choose pieces that celebrate you while letting her be the show's star.

And so, as you write this chapter in the annals of family history, make your mark indelible, not by how loudly you shine, but by how harmoniously you help compose this beautiful, timeless symphony. 

Make your elegance the whispered legend of the day, told and retold for generations.

With Ben Garlick by your side, we’ll help you elevate your elegance on a day etched in memory!

Visit our showroom or speak with our wedding experts online today.

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.