How to Choose Wedding Guest Jewelry & Accessories for Any Outfit

Choosing the perfect wedding guest accessories can be overwhelming. With so many options out there and so many wedding guest "rules" when it comes to your attire, it can be hard to know where to start. Lucky for you, we've broken down everything you need to know when selecting accessories for wedding guest outfits. From where to shop to knowing what accessories to wear for different dress codes, consider this your ultimate guide to accessorizing your wedding guest look. Plus, we've compiled 25 editor-approved picks for wedding guest accessories you can shop right now.

In this article: What You Need | How to Choose | Jewelry | Hair Accessories | FAQ

What Wedding Guest Accessories Do I Need to Complete My Outfit?

When curating your wedding guest look, accessories are an important finishing touch that can elevate any outfit. Whether it's a chic wedding guest purse or stylish wedding guest shoes, selecting the right accessories to go with your outfit is crucial for creating a stylish look. To help you get started, we spoke with Kenzie Welch, fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant, for her expert advice on choosing the perfect accessories for a wedding guest. You may recognize her from her viral TikTok styling videos, where her more than a million followers look to her for sage wisdom to help curate the wardrobes of their dreams.

"Statement accessories are always a nice touch to an elevated occasion," Welch says. "I recommend beaded or sleek clutches instead of handbags, statement or sparkle jewelry and, of course, personal touches like brooches, unique ties or textured fabrics."

How to Choose Wedding Guest Accessories

Choosing the perfect wedding guest accessories comes down to a combination of the event and your own personal style. If you're unsure what to wear to a wedding, jazz up your trusty black dress with some new accessories to give it a new life—the possibilities are endless!

Outfit Color & Style

One of the first things to pay attention to when shopping for wedding guest accessories is the color and style of your wedding guest dress. You can opt for complimentary or monochromatic colors for your accessories for a simpler look or go bold with a striking contrasting hue—think back to your color wheel days in art class. The color of your accessories can totally transform your look. Creating a Pinterest board for inspiration can be a helpful place to get started saving colors and styles that speak to you. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with either gold or silver accessories that tie into your jewelry.

Season

The season of the wedding is an important factor in choosing the right accessories. For example, a simple LBD can be worn year-round and styled differently depending on the season. A summer wedding outfit is going to look very different from winter wedding attire.

"Depending on the dress code and season of the wedding, I like to tell clients to pay attention to the small details such as color or texture," Welch explains. "For example, if the wedding is in the summer season, then raffia clutches or pastel hues are great for styling. And if the wedding is in the fall or winter season, then suede or leather textures are perfect for accessorizing your outfit. Same goes for shoes—in the spring and summer months, you want to stick to open-toe shoes, and then in the fall or winter, you can opt for an open toe, but a closed-toe heel is appropriate."

Dress Code

Accessories can help to dress a look up or down, depending on the formality or dress code. High heels and elegant jewelry are perfect for a black-tie or formal wedding, but may be a bit overly formal for a more casual wedding. Pay attention to the dress code and don't be afraid to reach out to the couple or another guest if you're unsure what is appropriate. "Wearing casual accessories to a formal event is a big no," Welch tells us. "Avoid sneakers, hats and leave the Apple Watch at home!"

Wedding Guest Accessories Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common wedding guest mistakes you should avoid when choosing your accessories. "Wearing white or bridal-style accessories is a big one," Welch tells us. "I recommend avoiding styles with pearls or white lace and instead, stick to colorful or neutral styles."

"Over-accessorizing is another mistake I've seen guests make. Let the couple have their moment and keep your accessories to a minimum, especially if you are going to wear a statement handbag or jewelry."

Wedding Guest Jewelry Ideas

While it can be easy to skip over, choosing the correct wedding guest jewelry to complete your look can create a world of difference. Even the simplest of styles can help to elevate your look beyond what you might wear every day. From maximal and bold to chic and understated, there are countless stylish jewelry options out there to suit every guest's wedding day style—even the option to rent jewelry.

"I recommend simple sparkle jewelry, colorful statement styles, and/or minimal gold or silver jewelry," Welch says. "Jewelry is a great way to add personality to your look, just make sure it follows a formal or casual dress code."

Where to Buy Wedding Guest Jewelry

• gorjana: Launched from an apartment in Laguna Beach, California, gorjana carries both everyday essentials and occasion-ready jewelry styles. Their beachy, laid-back aesthetic makes their jewelry easy to style in many different ways. In addition to fashion jewelry, they carry a collection of fine jewelry for those special life moments.
• Kendra Scott: Austin-based Kendra Scott has everything you need for your jewelry wardrobe. From everyday staples to fashion-forward statement styles, Kendra Scott truly makes something for everyone. Their Yellow Rose line is a nod to the brand's Texas roots and features stylish pieces inspired by western style. They also carry fine jewelry options for special occasions.
• Olive & Piper: Olive & Piper is a small woman-founded brand based in Vancouver, Canada. Their thoughtfully designed jewelry is meant to be timeless—mixing vintage and romantic design elements for a fresh take on classics.
• Ana Luisa: Starting at $39, Ana Luisa jewelry is both stylish and affordable. Their jewelry is rigorously tested to maintain the utmost quality so that your pieces will last for years to come. Sustainability is a big focus for the brand, which is why they use responsible, innovative and recycled materials when possible. Their solid gold collection is a great option if you're looking to invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
• Anthropologie: It's no secret that Anthropologie is one of our favorite places to shop for wedding guest dresses, but did you know they have an incredible jewelry selection as well? They carry a broad range of styles, including their own private label brands in addition to brands such as Hart, Baublebar and Ettika, among others.
• Rent the Runway: Rent the Runway is known for amazing designer rental clothing, but did you know they also carry accessories? From gorgeous designer bags to luxe jewelry, Rent the Runway has everything you need to complete your wedding guest look. You can pay a one-time rental fee for accessories or choose them in your monthly subscription picks. Choose from coveted brands like Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Cult Gaia and more.

Dainty Gold Necklace

Photo: gorjana

This delicate gold chain is the perfect finishing touch for your wedding guest look. The romantic heart motifs add just a touch of whimsy. A versatile pick, you can dress it up or down with a myriad of different dresses depending on the dress code.

For a Beach Wedding

Photo: Kendra Scott

Lean into the seaside vibes with this palm leaf-inspired cuff for your next beach wedding. Pair it with the matching necklace and a floral printed maxi dress for a fierce wedding guest look.

Colorful Statement Earrings

Photo: Ana Luisa

While "something blue" is typically reserved for the bride, we think these statement earrings are perfect for a wedding guest. The vintage-inspired marble print pairs well with both shades of blue and other complementary pastels.

Floral Statement Earrings

Photo: Anthropologie

Florals are always a good idea—especially when it comes to these stunning statement earrings from Anthropologie. These bold earrings pair best with a simple dress and a chic updo. They come in 15 equally gorgeous colors that will pair with any color wedding guest dress.

For a Western-Chic Wedding

Photo: Kendra Scott

If you're headed to a western-themed wedding, we suggest you lean into the theme with these luxe earrings from Kendra Scott's Yellow Rose collection. They come in vintage shades of gold and silver for a perfect runway meets rodeo look.

For a Pop of Color

Photo: Hart

We love adding a pop of color to a wedding guest outfit with a fun beaded necklace. This one from Hart is made of striking green chryso-chalcedony for a vibrant addition to your look. Plus, the clasp doubles as a charm clip if you want to add a charm (or a few) to your necklace.

Gorgeous Gemstone Earrings

Photo: Lizzie Fortunato

Dreamy amazonite lends a rich blue hue to these gemstone earrings from Lizzie Fortunato. They look just as good with a simple mini dress as they do with a glamorous gown.

Gold Everyday Ring

Photo: Ana Luisa

Consider this sparkly gold ring your new everyday staple. It's both hypoallergenic and water-resistant, meaning it will hold up well beyond the wedding celebrations.

Sculptural Statement Necklace

Photo: Anthropologie

Opt for this sculptural statement necklace to dress up a simple wedding guest dress. It comes in gold and silver to pair with any jewelry already in your arsenal.

Shimmery Hoops

Photo: gorjana

You can't go wrong with a simple shimmery huggie earring. This pair from gorjana is specifically designed to go with any outfit and any occasion—they look just as good at the office as they do on the dance floor.

Luxe Lariat

Photo: ASOS

An elegant lariat necklace pairs exceptionally well with a plunging V-neck wedding guest dress. This one features ethereal leaf-shaped details in an antique-looking, worn gold.

Simple Sparkle Earrings

Photo: Olive & Piper

These simple earrings are actually two pairs in one. Simply remove the hanging stone that sits behind the earlobe to wear them as studs. They're the perfect piece to take you through wedding season and beyond.

Classic Tennis Necklace

Photo: Anthropologie

A classic tennis necklace is a must-have for your jewelry box. This one is made with brilliant diamond-like stones that catch the light at any angle. Wear it on its own or layer it up with your favorite necklace stack.

Wedding Guest Hair Accessories Ideas

Hair accessories for wedding guests are a great way to add a unique spin on your style. Take a simple wedding guest hairstyle and make it your own with the addition of stylish hair accessories. "Simple hair clips or pins, ribbon ties or scarves and minimal headbands are always a great option," Welch shares.

Where to Buy Wedding Guest Hair Accessories

• Anthropologie: An addition to jewelry, Anthropologie has a wide range of wedding-ready hair accessories to dress up your look. From whimsical floral clips to sculptural pony cuffs, they have everything you need to perfect your wedding guest hairstyle.
• Avigail Adam: Archaeologist turned jewelry designer Avigail Adam specializes in whimsical and unique hair accessories and jewelry that add magic to the everyday. We're especially fond of her gorgeous selection of hair clips and crowns that take inspiration from the beauty of nature.
• Free People: Free People has an incredible selection of hair accessories to go along with their wedding guest dresses. Perfect for the boho wedding guest, their hair accessories pair particularly well with beach, garden or vineyard weddings.
• Etsy: Etsy is your one-stop shop for unique hair accessories. Discover small businesses and shop one-of-a-kind hair accessories to complete your wedding guest hairstyle.
• Jennifer Behr: Crafted by hand in New York City, Jennifer Behr is a pioneer in the luxury hair accessories space. Their pieces combine "romanticism and ethereal appeal" to create stunning, artistic hair accessories that elevate any look. They're splurge-worthy styles that you'll wear for years to come.

Floral Hairpin

Photo: Anthropologie

We're swooning over this whimsical orchid hairpin from Anthropologie that's perfect for a summer or spring wedding. It comes in four beautiful colors to go with different wedding guest dresses.

Hair Crown Helper

Photo: Avigail Adam

This genius goddess crown makes it easy to create an intricate updo at home. Simply place it on your head and wrap strands of hair around the band to craft your perfect updo.

Pretty Ponytail Cuff

Photo: Free People

A sleek ponytail cuff is an easy way to get a salon-worthy hairstyle at home. Whether you wear just one or layer up on a trendy bubble ponytail, this style is sure to turn heads.

Celestial Hairpins

Photo: Beccis Bridal Designs

Create a sparkly constellation in your mane with these celestial hairpins. We especially love these for dressing up your black-tie wedding guest look.

For Some Sparkle

Photo: Jennifer Behr

This chic hairpin is adorned with a vintage-inspired crystal. You can use it for a full updo or a half-up style.

For a Nostalgic Look

Photo: Urban Outfitters

Take a trip to the past with these nineties-inspired butterfly hair clips. While they may be reminiscent of proms and school dances, these silver clips can be tastefully incorporated into an updo for a 2025 wedding guest look.

For a Garden Wedding

Photo: Free People

Pair your garden party wedding guest look with this metallic floral hair clip adorned with a pearl. The metallic finish perfectly pairs with any jewelry you choose to wear.

For a Beach Wedding

Photo: Emi Jay

This pearlescent floral claw clip is perfect for sweeping up your hair at an oceanfront wedding. Wear it to a beach wedding or tuck it away in your purse to have on standby if you need to pull your hair up after breaking a sweat on the dance floor.

Delicate Bee Hairpin

Photo: Avigail Adam

This whimsical hairpin is a sweet addition to any wedding guest hairstyle. It's strong enough to pull all of your hair into an updo or can be used to dress up a half-up style.

Twist-In Floral Hair Accents

Photo: Best People Ca

These pearly flowers twist into any hairstyle. Add them to a braid, bun or ponytail for a glamorous upgrade to your look.

Floral Barette

Photo: Emi Jay

This floral barrette is perfect for a casual wedding guest look. We especially love it for a half-up style.

Magnetic Hair Gems

Photo: Jennifer Behr

These magnetic hair gems give the illusion of crystals "magically dripping from the hair." They can be styled in endless ways for any different hairstyle. Be prepared for compliments all night long!

Wedding Guest Accessories FAQ

Have more questions about wearing accessories for your wedding guest outfit? From how to style a black dress to whether it's bad luck to wear pearls, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Can wedding guests wear hair accessories?

The short answer: yes! While we'd recommend you steer clear of anything too bridal (think pearls, white and satin), we absolutely support guests who want to rock a stylish hair accessory to complete their look.

How to accessorize a black dress for a wedding?

A black dress is the perfect blank canvas to have fun with your accessories. We're particularly fond of a metallic monochrome moment with your accessories, but a colorful pair of earrings or statement heels also works. The styling possibilities are endless, so you can totally transform your favorite black dress for years to come.

Can you wear gold or silver jewelry to a wedding?

Yes—in fact, we recommend sticking to either gold or silver if you're not sure where to start with your accessories. You can also opt for a bold mixed metal look if you're looking to switch things up.

Can you wear pearls to a wedding?

A commonly asked question is whether pearls are bad luck at a wedding. While there have been some negative connotations and superstitions with pearls throughout history, we're here to bust that myth. Rest assured, if you feel confident and beautiful in pearls, they are perfectly appropriate for a wedding. With that being said, use your judgement and try not to choose anything too bridal, as when choosing your wedding accessories for guests.