The one thing brides always forget to buy? Wedding earrings

When it comes to crafting your perfect bridal ensemble, every detail counts. While the dress, shoes, veil, and ring are often the main focus, don't overlook those vital finishing touches like your earrings.

Just as on any other day, the right pair of bridal earrings holds the power to define or detract from your wedding day look. They can transform a classic style into something with an unexpected edge, or introduce a necessary splash of colour to an otherwise monochromatic outfit. Therefore, let this piece of jewellery be an essential part of your planning, not an afterthought. Consider your desired overall style and let your chosen earrings complement that vision.

Your neckline dictates how much "visual space" your jewellery has to occupy. Below, a short cheat-sheet for what earrings to consider depending on your neckline:

• Strapless or sweetheart: These open necklines provide a blank canvas. Opt for dramatic chandelier earrings or medium-length drop earrings to fill the space.

• High neck or halter: Avoid long earrings that might snag on the fabric. Instead, choose shimmering studs or small, high-quality cluster earrings.

• V-neck: This linear cut pairs beautifully with teardrop earrings or linear threaders that mimic the downward flow of the dress.

Selecting a silhouette that contrasts with your face shape creates a balanced, harmonious look.

• Round face: Look for long, linear, or angular drops to help elongate the face. Avoid large circular hoops or studs.

• Oval face: Most styles work here, but triangular shapes or simple studs highlight the cheekbones best.

• Heart-shaped face: Choose earrings that are wider at the bottom than the top, such as teardrop or pear-shaped designs, to balance a narrower chin.

• Square face: Soften the jawline with rounded shapes, curved hoops, or circular pearls.

As always, personal style and preference comes before anything else. Sometimes sartorial rules are meant to be broken.

Your hair acts as the "background" for your jewellery, so it should be taken into consideration when choosing earrings for your wedding.

• Updos and sleek buns: Since your ears are fully exposed, statement pearls or elaborate chandeliers can shine without interruption.

• Half-up, half-down: Look for bold studs or sparkling climbers that won't get tangled in loose tendrils.

• Loose waves: If your hair is down, choose pieces with a high "sparkle factor" or larger sizes so they don't disappear into your locks.

The two variables that matter most are length and detail. Since the veil is usually chosen first, let it lead.

• Blusher or shoulder-length veil: Short veils sit close to the face, so avoid anything too elaborate. A delicate stud or small drop keeps the focus where it belongs.

• Elbow or fingertip-length veil: The most versatile length. If the veil is plain, this is your opportunity for a statement earring. If it is embellished, keep the earring simple.

• Chapel or cathedral veil: The drama is already built in. Let the veil be the moment and opt for understated earrings, ideally something that catches light without competing for attention.

As for detail: an intricately embroidered or lace-edged veil generally calls for a simpler earring regardless of length. A plain veil at any length gives you more freedom to go bold.

Selecting the right metal for your jewellery is similar to choosing the perfect foundation or lipstick: it all comes down to your skin's undertone and your engagement ring.

• Cool undertones: (Blue/purple veins) Silver, White Gold, and Platinum create a luminous effect.

• Warm Undertones: (Green/olive veins) Yellow Gold harmonises with the skin's natural glow.

• Neutral Undertones: You have the flexibility to wear both, though we recommend matching the metal of your engagement ring for a cohesive look.

That said, these are starting points. For photographs that will last a lifetime, it is worth trying both against your skin in good light before deciding.

Hypoallergenic options: To avoid irritation on your big day, opt for nickel-free metals. Platinum and 18K Gold are the safest bets for sensitive skin. Avoid "costume" jewellery that may contain base metals like brass or nickel, which can cause redness or itching.

Related: “It is my Olympics”: Inside bride-to-be Desiré Inglander's dress rehearsal

Pearl earrings have dominated the bridal space for decades, and the current wave of interest feels less like nostalgia and more like a genuine reassessment of what makes something elegant. And in the realm of bridal trends (yes, that most certainly is a thing), these babies are back and better than ever meaning that the options have expanded considerably.

A simple pearl stud comes across as clean and unfussy at a civil ceremony; a long baroque drop pearl provides drama to a formal reception without the severity of diamonds. Freshwater pearls offer a softer, more organic look than their cultured counterparts, which tends to photograph beautifully. If you are choosing between styles, consider your neckline first: a strapless or sweetheart gown has the space to carry a longer drop, while a high neck or halter calls for something smaller and closer to the ear.

We are particularly enthralled by the Julie Sandlau pendant earrings, combining pearls and sparkling stones in a deliciously delicate way.

Related: How to style pearls for every day the Vogue Scandinavia way

Drop and chandelier earrings do two things well: they add movement and intrigue, catching light in a way that reads well in photographs even at a distance. For brides who want "something blue" worked into the look, a small gemstone drop (look for aquamarine, blue topaz, sapphire) is a more considered option than a blue accessory elsewhere.

Here, the scale matters more than most people realise. A longer chandelier requires a relatively simple neckline and an updo or swept-back style to land properly. When worn with loose waves and a heavily embellished dress, the same earring can tip from dramatic into cluttered.

For those who believe in an 'all-out' approach to their wedding day glamour, nothing makes a more perfect impact than choosing a pair of truly statement earrings, perhaps adorned with dazzling crystals.

You can opt for maximum drama with oversized pieces, like celestial-inspired constellations from Swarovski, or choose a sweet yet impactful look with delicate dripping bow designs from Simone Rocha. Making a bold statement with your jewellery does not have to mean sacrificing elegance or taste, which is of the utmost consideration on your wedding day.

Some brides prefer simplicity, and for their earrings, this often means a stud. You can incorporate a subtle splash of colour, perhaps that hint of blue, or a delicate sparkle with crystals. The options are endless with this style.

And for those without pierced ears, you can still have elegantly adorned lobes on your wedding day. Brands like Oscar de la Renta and Emma Holland provide a selection of clip-ons, but we especially love the heart lockets from Poporcelain. Tuck a photo of your partner or an absent loved one inside to keep them close throughout your special day.

Should my earrings match my engagement ring? They don't have to be identical, but they should be harmonious. If your ring is platinum, choosing silver or white gold earrings creates a cohesive "cool tone" look. However, mixing metals is a growing trend for modern, eclectic brides.

When should I buy my wedding earrings? Ideally, you should purchase your jewellery after your first dress fitting but before your hair and makeup trial. This allows you to bring the earrings to your trial to see exactly how they interact with your chosen hairstyle.

Are clip-on earrings comfortable for 12+ hours? Higher-end brands like Oscar de la Renta design clip-ons with tension-relieving pads. If you don't have pierced ears, look for "paddle-back" styles for maximum comfort throughout the night.