The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Bridal Earrings

Your dress is already in the making and you’re already shopping for the perfect heels for the Big Day. And while your frock will certainly be the highlight, the bridal jewelry you pick can make – or (let’s hope not) break – the entire look. Bridal bling is an essential part of the entire wedding ensemble, and, fact is, nothing can add that perfect touch of twinkling dazzle like the perfect pair of bridal earrings.

But, considering the plethora of designs, gemstones, finishes and types of earrings available on the market, picking just the right pair might be a tad challenging. What styles work with which wedding hairstyle? What designs work with each face shape? Which types of closures are the most secure? If you’re slightly overwhelmed, not to worry – as we’re breaking down everything you need to know on choosing the perfect pair of bridal earrings.

The 9 Most Popular Types of Bridal Earrings

9. Shoulder Duster Earrings

FUN FACT: During the Victorian era, piercing your ears was considered vulgar, which led to the invention of the clip on earrings, with chandelier clip-ons becoming a symbol of Victorian fashion.

How to Match Your Wedding Hairstyle with Your Bridal Earrings

Creating your wedding look from head to toe is no easy task. Your dress calls for a certain hairstyle – and, in the same way, your hairstyle calls for a certain type of bridal bling – or vice versa, as you can pick your own order of priorities. Whatever you choose in terms of hair, make sure it’s very ‘you’. If you’re a big proponent of buns and ponytails in your everyday life, then an updo it is – just pick an elevated version of your most flattering hairstyle. Similarly, if you love to have your hair down, there’s no reason to take the opposite route for your wedding. 

Next, we’re talking about the perfect wedding earrings for each hairdo, and the main 5 categories of hairstyles suitable for the Big Day.

1. Classic Updos (Buns, Chignon and Ponytails)

Classic updos can include anything from the sleekest top bun to mid or lower updos and chignons, as well as polished ponytails (both high and low). These classic wedding hairdos pair well with, you guessed, the classics. Think diamonds. Think pearls. 

Basically, both sophisticated gemstones and earring designs are a favorite here. In terms of the best types of bridal earrings, choose timeless styles like the classic studs, teardrop earrings or dainty dangle earrings. Classic studs like pearl studs make a bun appear infinitely more elegant than more modern styles. 

Extra Tip: If your classic hairstyle is inspired by a certain era (hello, 60s style high ponytail!), then feel free to pair your retro do with a modern version of bridal earrings inspired by the same decade. 

2. Boho Updos (Messy Buns, Braided Updos, Ponytails)

If you’re settled on taking the messier route with strong bohemian vibes, extra tendrils and the optional braids – then modern earring pieces are your best bet. A bohemian updo calls for a larger earring, be it a hoop, chandelier or a dangly vine. Unique gemstones other than diamonds work well with the boho vibe, giving your look a more effortless appeal. 

Extra Tip: Go long and statementy, but make sure your oversize earrings don’t interfere with and potentially damage your delicate wedding dress. This is especially important if you’re wearing illusion necklines, high neck or boat neck dresses with lace. 

3. Hair Down

You decided to let your hair loose for the special occasion. Next: have your pick from sleek and straight, loose waves or structured curls. Great, now onto the bling!

For a timeless, elegant look, go for the classics. A larger statement stud, a classic drop and dangle or a huggie earring work here to attain that sleek, put-together, uncluttered look. The bonus: these styles are very comfortable and secure. However, if you opt for these daintier earring styles, make sure your earrings shimmer and shine from every angle. You don’t want your ear bling to get lost under your hair, so opt for maximum luster and sparkle. 

For a boho aesthetic, pick out more ornate pieces, with one condition: make sure the earrings you select won’t get tangled. The more rigid your curls are, the more chances there are to get your hair tangled in your ear bling, so always test out different pairs with your do before making a decision. 

Extra Tip: To avoid having your earrings lost in your locks, embrace shimmer, yes – but also color. Opt for a contrasting earring color to the one of your hair. For example, if your hair is icy blonde, you can forgo the classic white earrings and opt for a colored gemstone (your something blue, perhaps?). 

4. Half-Up Hairstyles

Half-up hairdos give you the best of both worlds. You’ve got cascading locks unravelling on your shoulders, yet without the hassle of a ‘can-get-messy-fast’ down hairdo. You’ve got structure, but also freedom. If this is your hairdo of choice, you’re in luck, as lots of earring styles work well. The top choice: dangle earrings that shimmer just behind your tendrils (if any). 

Extra Tip: If your hairstyle features a little more volume and height on top, longer earrings (or larger overall) work best. If the hair volume is minimal, opt for daintier dangly designs instead.

5. Sideswept Hairstyles

A side hairstyle is all about that statement earring. Whether you opt for a sideswept braid, a side pony or a side bun, your earring will be in the spotlight. So make it big. Make it chic. And make it count. Basically, you are right to pick an earring style that gets all the attention. Go all out on ornate styles (since your hair won’t be in the way), flowers, gem clusters, geometric designs, flirty movement and even shoulder dusters (if your neckline allows it). 

Extra Tip: For an extra edgy look, opt for a statement ear cuff – or a pair of mismatched earrings, with the larger ones on the side without locks. 

FUN FACT: According to Indian tradition, the bride must wear at least 16 different jewelry pieces on her wedding day, including a bandhi, earrings, necklaces, toe rings, anklets, rings and bangles. The bangles must be worn in an uneven number to protect the wearer from bad luck.

The Right Bridal Earrings for Each Face Shape

Your wedding day is the ultimate special occasion, which calls for extra attention to detail. Basically, from your dress to your bling, you want everything to look perfect. And if you’re having trouble deciding on the right bridal earrings for the much-anticipated occasion, you might want to take your face shape into consideration before making a final decision. While the below tips and recommendations are certainly not an exact science – but rather general guidelines – fact is, certain styles look more flattering than others on different face shapes. 

Quick disclaimer: if you’re fancying those oversize pearl hoops or dreaming of glimmering in mesmerizing shoulder dusters, go with whatever calls your name rather than sticking to the rules. After all, your instincts and your tastes come first. 

Round Face Shape

Oval Face Shape

Square Face Shape

Heart Face Shape

Pairing earrings and face shapes is a game of juxtapositions. To achieve a flawlessly balanced look, the general rule of thumb is this: soften angles and definition with round and soft curved styles – and, vice versa, add styles with angles, length and edges to elongate and define softer features.

FUN FACT: During the Middle Ages, women wore hairstyles that covered the ears, which resulted in earrings losing their popularity. Earrings – and especially pearl earrings – came back in fashion in the 16th century.

Wedding Earrings: Necklines, Necklaces and Styling Tips

Creating a cohesive look without any clashing and without over-accessorizing (or under-accessorizing) means making sure that each piece (the dress, the necklace, the earrings) gets to shine in its own way. Of course, while also looking mesmerizing together. What should you opt for? Drop earrings that move as you move? Chunky statement earrings? Or something on the minimalistic side?

Opt for Statement Bridal Earrings if:

• You’re going low-cut: In general, with a lower cut, you can opt for dangle or drop earrings with a longer drop. 
• You’re going backless: For a dress with long sleeves and an open back, long earrings are a great choice. And don’t forget to take lots of over-the-shoulder pics. 
• You’ve opted for a halter dress: Halter necklines call for just earrings, no necklace. You can go either way, but definitely do try out statement earrings like geometric dangles, drop styles and ornate designs. 
• If your wedding is on the casual or boho side: Embrace any modern and unique earring types, as well as bold gemstones and finishes. 

Opt for Classic Bridal Earrings if:

• Your necklace is the main bling: If you’re going for a statement neckpiece, opt for smaller earrings. In the same way, if you’re going for large statement bridal earrings, forgo the necklace altogether. Alternatively, opt for a more discreet piece. Discreet can mean not only daintier, but also more minimalistic in design if paired with highly ornate earrings. 
• You’re covered up: If you’re wearing long sleeves and no opening at the back or front, then the extra fabric calls for smaller, elegant earrings.
• You’re going for an elegant, timeless look: Classic wedding dress necklines pair well with classic earring types. If your dress has a boat neckline or an off-the-shoulder design, go for classic studs, teardrop earrings or dainty dangles. Same goes for gemstones. Classic wedding dresses (princess, A-line) and elegant necklines pair best with sophisticated pearls and diamonds instead of trendier designs. 
• If your dress is highly ornate: If you’re wearing a dress that features lots of details (lace, embellishments and appliques) around the neckline, then statement earrings might clash with the design of the dress. Opt for simpler, sleeker styles in order to avoid looking over-accessorized. 

Skip the Necklace if:

• You’ve opted for a halter dress: If you are wearing this neckline, skip the necklace. Halter necklines and neckpieces do not pair well. Their perfect match: a sleek or messy updo and statement ear bling. 
• You are wearing a high neck wedding dress: Forgo the necklace altogether and just opt for earrings. Optional: pair them up with a stunning hair jewelry piece. 

Check out our extensive guide on choosing the perfect neckpieces and necklace lengths for your wedding dress HERE!

Choose Whatever You Like if: 

• You’re wearing a sweetheart or strapless neckline: These types of necklines allow for various combinations of necklaces and earrings. Try out different styles in order to find the perfect combo. 

FUN FACT: The Apollo Blue diamond earring is the most expensive earring in the world. The blue piece sold for $42,087,302 in 2017, paired with the Artemis Pink diamond earring, which was sold for $15,338,176.

Bridal Earrings: Dos and Don’ts

There’s lots to consider when on the hunt for the perfect pair of wedding earrings. From the gemstones to the overall aesthetic and from the metals to the perfect shades, every detail matters. Below, we’re looking at what to do and what not to do when shopping for the perfect ear bling. 

The DOs

• Do embrace colored wedding earrings: And that includes alternative colored metals like rose gold. The only rule: consider the season before picking the right shade. Opt for black and dark jewel tones for winter weddings. Pick gemstones in pastel shades for spring and early summer weddings and warm shades for late summer and fall. 
• Do tick the ‘Something Borrowed’ box with your choice of bridal earrings: If you have the right heirloom piece in mind, that is. Same goes for your special ‘Something Blue’. 
• Do choose your earrings based on your body type: Not just according to your face shape! The general rule goes like this: petite ladies (under 5’3’’) look positively ravishing with daintier styles (studs, smaller dangle styles and smaller chandeliers). Plus-size ladies look best with oversize styles, such as statement chandeliers and larger dangle styles – as well as larger pearl earrings and similar studs. 
• Do take extra care when choosing your wedding jewelry pieces if wearing sensitive wedding dresses: Illusion necklines, delicate lace and other sensitive fabrics or appliques qualify here. 
• Do opt for pearl jewelry in alternative shades: While the classic choice for brides is white, pearls come in a wide range of colors, ranging from soft pink and peach to golden, silver and peacock shades. For a glam look, opt for Golden Pearls. If you’re all for a magical winter wedding, go for dark and iridescent Tahitian Black Pearls. For a timelessly chic look with extra feminine notes, choose Pink Pearls or Peach Pearls. 

The DON’Ts

• Avoid mixing metals: If your wedding is formal avoid mixing metals, like rose gold with yellow gold, but go for it if your wedding is more on the casual / boho side. Or, alternatively, if your necklace (or earrings) of choice already mixes metals in its design. 
• Don’t forget comfort: No matter what you choose, you should feel comfortable and at ease on your wedding day. 
• Don’t mind the trends too much: Instead, let your personality and your own style shine (literally so). After all, you want to love your look when looking back at the photos on your 30^th anniversary. 
• Don’t overshadow your veil: If your veil is a work of art – featuring handmade details, lace and embellishments – or, if your headpiece is a true shining star, let them be in the spotlight by opting for discreet earring styles. 
• No need to match your bridal earrings with your engagement ring: Feel free to opt for different gemstones, while just keeping the metal finish the same. Basically, if your ring features rubies, there is no need to pick ruby-adorned earrings. 
• Don’t lose an earring: But just in case you do, make sure to carry an extra pair of earrings with you on the day. That way, you can hit the dance floor with confidence!
• Don’t forget to pay close attention to the earring closures: Basically, you want only the safest types on your wedding day. The best options include screw backs, hoop wire closures, push-backs (only for light styles), latch back, hinged and lever back closures. What to avoid: wire hook closures, which do not have anything holding them in place at the back of the ear. Also avoid chain threaders (no closure system) unless they are extra-long and sturdy (more secure). Find everything you need to know about earring types and closures HERE!

FUN FACT: During the Middle Ages, women wore hairstyles that covered the ears, which resulted in earrings losing their popularity. Earrings – and especially pearl earrings – came back in fashion in the 16th century.

Bridal Earrings FAQs

Final Thoughts

Drop earrings, classic studs or statement earrings – bridal ear bling is an important part of the wedding day attire. The right jewelry truly completes your bridal look – all while giving you that extra touch of glow and sparkle. And the earrings in particular are crucial in the overall aesthetic, since they frame your face and they are meant to complement the design of your spectacular bridal gown. Even more, they are the only jewelry piece which will most likely appear in all your wedding photos – no pressure.

But not to worry – from the best designs and styles to the right pair for each neckline, you’ve got everything you need in order to successfully shop for the perfect pair of bridal earrings. Which type of earrings will you be opting for? Classic studs, ornate chandelier pieces or modern drop & dangle designs? Lustrous pearls? Silver, white or rose gold? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!