The bridal gown is often the first thing to be decided in the scheme of wedding planning, and very often the question of bridal jewellery remains cloaked in mystery until quite some time later. To help you look your very best on your big day we've compiled some tips to help guide you to decide what type of jewellery might best compliment your dress.

Firstly, let's look at the shape of the dress.

If you are going for a traditional, “princess” style dress then you can add a lot of splendour to your look by adding either a strikingly bold necklace, or how about a set of dazzling earrings? Either option should be combined with a matching bracelet to complete this style. The general rule here is to look for either a really striking jewellery set, or single piece of jewellery with matching bracelet, to top off this look.

If you are going for a modern, contemporary design with elegant long lines, you may choose to go down one of two directions. You might wish to consider opting for more traditional jewellery, which will contrast beautifully and also soften up the overall look and feel. Pearls embody the true essence of a beautiful wedding, and will match both a complex dress as well as a dress with clean lines and subtle detailing. If you'd like to go down a more modern route, you may be surprised to see the ever extending range of pearls that are available in today's marketplace. You can can browse a wide selection of colours, sizes and even shapes. Freshwater pearls, each pearl unique and different from the rest, are growing in popularity, and a modern dress will certainly benefit from considering this option.

To see examples of pearls selections that are available, visit the colour charts section on www.ellaloujewellery.co.uk

The famous neck line.

The strapless wedding dresses are very much on the bridal cat walks currently , and have been during recent seasons. Most types of bridal jewellery will look marvellous rested upon open neckline wedding dresses, so really, here, the world is your oyster. V-neck wedding dresses are complimented beautifully with pendant style necklaces. And how about an angular shape hairpiece? There are many options and styles to choose from, both in tiaras, combs and hair clips. Aim for hair piece and necklace which use the same elements and materials. Round necklines achieve a very elegant look with a slightly more subtle approach. Single stranded, delicate necklaces, and softer styled hair pieces are the way to go here.

Now lets consider the consider the detailing.

Is your wedding dress adorned with any beads or diamonte detailing? It is generally a good idea to let your bridal jewellery choices be inspired by the materials already used in your dress. For example a beaded necklace and tiara will add harmony to a dress which is already decorated with beads.

The bottom line to always bear in mind is that if you wear a complex dress, match it with subtle jewellery, and vice versa.

This post is given to you by Ella Lou Designer Jewellery www.ellaloujewellery.co.uk. Ella Lou Designer Jewellery caters for the bridal- as well as the fashion market with high quality semi-precious jewellery which is inspired by the latest fashion trends from Milan, London and Paris. Ella Lou provide a bespoke design service which enables you to to match your bridal jewellery the colour theme for your wedding, at no extra cost.