After all the stress of hunting out that perfect wedding dress, finding the right jewellery to match that dress can be a somewhat daunting prospect for a bride-to-be. Often, brides will go for pieces they aren’t really sure about, but will settle on anyway because they don’t want to go through the stress of shopping again!

One of the big issues with wedding jewellery is budget, especially as jewellery is usually only considered after the major hole in the budget a dress inevitably creates. However, with the right planning, tailoring your purchases around your budget doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality and style. There are numerous ways to get your jewellery: new, second hand, borrowing or even crafting your own.

New

Some of the prices associated with buying new jewellery can be a bit scary for the bride on a budget. Budget-conscious shoppers shouldn’t be afraid to shop new however – just make sure you know exactly what you want and consider lasting value.

Buying new definitely offers the greatest range of choice for new brides.

There are literally thousands of designers out there with gorgeous ranges, including Filippa Scott and her luxury line of vintage jewellery. Buying new from a bridal shop takes away some of the uncertainty and extra effort involved in rooting out second hand jewellery, even if it is more expensive!

The best advice for a bride looking to buy on a budget is to consider the lasting value of any pieces you buy. It’s all well and good loving a certain necklace, but if you’re only going to wear it once then that represents poor value. Choosing a piece that can be worn even after the big day, on the other hand, represents a smart purchase!

Second hand

Buying second hand is an excellent avenue to take for the bride on a budget, as there are some real gems to be had for only a fraction of the retail price. Often, women will wear their jewellery once and then try and make a quick resale meaning that most second hand pieces are in almost mint condition.

Do be aware, however, that second hand buying can limit your choices severely. Consider what sort of jewellery you want to opt for first and try and root out a similar piece second hand – if you can’t find it, then you may have to take the plunge and buy new.

Borrowing

Borrowing, whilst undoubtedly the riskiest option with regards to product range, is the most budget-friendly choice for frugal brides, as family and friends who’ve got married will often lend you their jewellery for free!

Borrowing also brings an added poignancy to your wedding with the sentimental value of family jewellery that may later become a family heirloom to hand down to your own children.

The three choices above are not the only options for women looking to save money on their wedding. Take a look in your own jewellery box, for example. If there’s a particular piece that you love bought by your partner then consider wearing this – the sentimental value and poignancy makes this a very romantic option.

Finally, if you’re really creative and brave, why not create your own jewellery? Materials can be sourced for relatively cheap online and crafting has the potential to create some gorgeous, unique pieces. Of course, this is only recommended for advanced crafters with plenty of confidence and a clear vision of what they want from their jewellery!

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Queens & Bowl, specialists in wedding jewellery from designers such as Filippa Scott

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Queens & Bowl (http://www.queensandbowl.com), specialists in wedding jewellery from designers such as Filippa Scott

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Queens & Bowl, specialists in wedding jewellery from designers such as Filippa Scott

Category: Marriage
Keywords: wedding jewellery