How to Choose a Necklace for a Halter Wedding Dress

Choosing a wedding dress is no easy task: Some brides-to-be know exactly what they want but quickly get confused once the shopping process begins, while others walk into bridal boutiques not having a clue where to start. The truth is: Searching for a wedding dress comes with a few challenges—like determining which silhouette fits you best and deciding whether or not you want sparkles or lace—especially if you're an individual who tends to focus on the details or is a bit indecisive. What's more, if you’ve found yourself attracted to a halterneck gown, your shopping experience might get a little more complicated, as finding the right necklace for this style of dress can be a bit tricky.

In general, halterneck ensembles are typically worn without a necklace. However, if you have a wedding dress that will complement your neckline, like one with a cut-out at the decolletage to allow for this piece of jewelry to shine, there are necklace options to consider that will suit this look. “Necklaces must work with the neckline because they sit against the body together,” Greta Louise Tomé, bridal trends expert and social media personality, further explains. "Visually, they are right next to each other so they must work in unison. When this is done well, it can elevate the entire look for the bride.”

The good news? While finding a necklace for a halter dress can be difficult, it is not impossible. So with the help of Louise Tomé and jewelry designer Grace Lee, we put together a simple guide to help you find a necklace that will not only complement your wedding gown silhouette but will also leave you feeling like the belle of the ball on your big day. Read on for more.

How to Choose a Necklace for a Halter Wedding Dress

We’re sure this is relatively common knowledge, but we suggest holding off on choosing a necklace until you’ve actually purchased your dress. Even if you know you’re going for a halter, it’s vital to see what the dress looks like when worn, in order to assess where the material falls on your body.

Once you know how the dress fits, Lee explains that you can then choose a necklace based on how open or closed the neckline looks when worn. For example, if your ensemble has a high-neck halter silhouette, the jeweler shares that brides should opt for a necklace that is simple and "does not distract from the halter neckline of the dress.” On the contrary, if your gown only wraps around the nape of your neck and completely shows off your decolletage, you can consider more elaborate necklace styles since your jewelry will be visible for all to see.

As far as what details to look out for in a halter dress necklace, “If your dress has lots of embellishments, pair jewelry in similar stone colors and materials," shares Louise Tomé. "If there are silver gemstones and pearls, look for a necklace that incorporates one or both of these things for a cohesive look." She further adds, "If the dress has elaborate detail, the jewelry should be a subtle compliment. However, a simple, silk dress with a halter neckline gives you plenty of room to play with jewelry that makes a statement.”

The Best Necklaces to Consider for Halter Dresses

Now that you understand the fundamentals of choosing a necklace for your halter dress, we put together a roundup of the top styles to consider for this specific silhouette.

Statement Necklaces

If you’re wearing a halterneck dress with an opening in the front, a statement necklace can bring your bridal look together. “Statement necklaces work with halter necklines because they can create the perfect backdrop for a dramatic piece of jewelry to shine,” says Louise Tomé. "Think of your necklace as a customization to the dress.” However, if your dress doesn't have an opening in the front, Lee advises against wearing this style of jewelry, stating that “A statement on the front would compete with the halter neckline.”

Y-Necklaces

For those with modern aesthetics, consider taking a look at Y-necklaces. “The Y-necklace dangles in the same direction as the low cut, each one highlighting the other,” Louise Tomé shares. Meaning, this style of jewelry can perfectly complement a halter neckline in an elegant and tasteful way. Lee agrees, and also adds that “A Y-necklace could potentially fall in the opening of the halter and accentuate the line of the halter.” A win-win situation!

Pendant Necklaces

Love the idea of adding a touch of glamour to your wedding look? Then consider investing in a pendant necklace. They make for a perfect embellishment without distracting the eye and create a similar aesthetic to Y-necklaces. “A simple pendant could strategically fit in the space of the halter neckline without distracting from the fabric or shape of the halter neckline," Lee shares. Additionally, a pendant necklace can work with a variety of halter neckline depths, shares Louise Tomé. “This necklace is a great compliment to halter neckline dresses of all levels of embellishment because they don’t distract the eye too much away from the dress. Pendants are just an extra little sparkle to tie the whole look together," she adds.

Back Necklaces

Back necklaces and halterneck wedding dresses go hand in hand. “A back necklace is a great way to highlight an open back, especially for brides who want to incorporate unique details into their style,” says Louise Tomé. “A back necklace looks beautiful when it graces the midpoint of the back, bringing the eye towards the slimmest part of the waistline.” She also suggests wearing your hair up if you opt for a back necklace so that your hair won't get tangled in the jewelry throughout the night.

Additional Jewelry Options for Halter Dresses

As mentioned, halterneck dresses can be, and are often, worn without a necklace. So if you've found yourself unable to find a piece that suits your wedding gown, here are two additional jewelry options to consider if you plan to style your bridal look sans necklace.

Earrings

Earrings are always a lovely choice, and most brides don't think about walking down the aisle without sporting this style of jewelry on their big day. For those who plan to wear an intricately embellished halter dress, Louise Tomé recommends a simple pair of earrings, like diamond studs. On the other hand, if you want something a bit more elevated, you can’t go wrong with a drop earring, like Sofia Richie Grainge’s choice on her wedding day.

Bracelets

“Bracelets can be more ornate as they are further away from the neckline,” Lee shares, and we couldn’t agree more. While we wouldn’t suggest going for too chunky of an option, something like a tennis bracelet or even a herringbone bracelet can look quite beautiful and sparkly paired with a halterneck dress. “A thick silver cuff is perfect for a halter neckline dress that is modern in style,” adds Louise Tomé. “Even two stacked cuff bracelets are gorgeous and fun for a reception look. For a classic bride, a tennis bracelet is always a nice touch.”

That said, your wedding is your day, so choose what works best for you and leave the rest behind. No matter what necklace or supplementary piece of jewelry you choose to wear, what's most important is that you feel comfortable and confident with your final choice.