Anna Bellagio: Sophisticated and Affordable Bridal Jewelry

How Much is Too Much?

It's your big day so you want to look extra special, but you don't want to be overdone. We hear this all of the time from brides and we understand it's a fine line you're walking. That's why we developed a step-by-step method to help you determine how much is "just right".

Balance is Key

It doesn't matter whether you're going for daring-diva, or classic and clean, on your wedding day the key is always balance. A pearl and crystal tiara may be perfect when paired with a matching necklace, but can become a bit much when you add a pair of dangle earrings and a bracelet to the mix

As a general rule, your mix of accessories should reflect the formality of the celebration. A small, informal wedding calls for a simple ensemble, while a large, formal wedding can be the perfect stage for more elaborately paired pieces.

Our Method

Our method for helping brides determine how much is "just right" is rooted in tried and true fashion-fact but it's also somewhat subjective. We think that's the way it should be since you are the only one who can determine your unique style.

Step One

First, make a list of all of the accessories you plan to wear and hold on your wedding day during the time when most of your pictures will be taken. These items may include:

wedding gown, headpiece, hair pins or clips, veil, earrings, necklace, bracelet, watch, ring(s), gloves, handbag, your bouquet...

Step Two

Now, next to each piece jot down a number 1 through 5. This is what we call the "glam factor". You might assign a 1 to a pair pearl stud earrings because they're so simple and small in scale, while that gorgeous 3-inch high rhinestone tiara you have your eye on would fetch a 5 both for it's size and sparkle. You get the idea.

If you haven't chosen the specific item yet, base your number on what you think you might like to wear. For example, if you haven't yet picked out your earrings but you've been thinking about those pearl studs, give yourself a 1 for earrings.

Step Three

Finally, add up the numbers and check out your glam factor

Glam Factor

0-6 Rest assured, your glam factor is not even approaching the danger zone. If you are striving for a very simple, clean look then you are doing a fine job of assembling your assessories and you're going to look great.

7-15 Your glam factor is moderate. You should feel comfortable that you're striking that magic balance between the number of pieces you're wearing, the scale of each of them and the amount of glitz.

15-24 Your glam factor is moderate to high. If you are attempting to create a "wow" look on your wedding day without going overboard you're doing it. If you were going for a more subtle look it's time to think about toning down or leaving one of your pieces in the dressing room.

25 + Whoa girl, there's a good chance that your glam is just too much. Ask yourself if you can go without one or two pieces that you had planned to wear. If you can't part with any, consider scaling down the size or the sparkle factor on a couple of pieces.

Bottom Line: Confidence

When all is said and done, no one really cares if you scored 1 or 100 on your glam factor. If you love the look you're creating for yourself, stop obsessing about it being "too much" or "not enough" and go with it. When you are confident, you are beautiful.