Bridal Jewelry Inspired by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is clearly a woman who knows that accessories make the outfit. From her bold green gloves and shoes at the Inauguration, to her collection of striking belts, to her gorgeous jewelry, the First Lady has a knack for choosing just the right accent to really make an outfit stand out. When you are getting married and putting together your bridal ensemble, you can use this same concept to pull together a look that is truly extraordinary.

One of Mrs. Obama's favorite types of jewelry is pearls. She has been seen wearing pearls of almost every description, and this is a great place for a bride to begin shopping, as well. You will want to match your pearl bridal jewelry to the style and neckline of your wedding gown. The great thing about pearl bridal jewelry is that it can be traditional, bold, or even cutting edge, as the First Lady has shown.

When considering pearl jewelry for your wedding, start by looking at the neckline of your dress. If it is a v-neck, you can think about wearing a classic strand of pearls, just as Michelle Obama did with her bright cobalt v-neck Proenza Schouler sheath dress. For jewel neck wedding gowns, a longer strand of pearls is a lovely option, as worn by the First Lady on a visit to Howard University.

Pearls can also be used in more bold and modern designs, as seen on Mrs. Obama at the Governor's Dinner. For that black tie affair, she wore a sparkly strapless gown, and accessorized it with an oversized multi-strand crystal and pearl necklace. This is a great choice for a bride who wants her wedding jewelry to really make a statement!

Necklaces are not the only type of jewelry that you can choose to wear for your wedding. If you want to try a more unique sort of adornment, look into a big pearl brooch like the one that Michelle Obama paired with a turtleneck dress to wear to an event at the Kennedy Center. A bride can adapt this idea by pinning a big and spectacular pearl or crystal brooch to the waist of her dress or to the spot where her train bustles to the back of the gown. The effect is pure elegance.