The Chicest Wedding Guest Jewelry for Every Type of Ceremony

Shop stellar Symbols of Authority ideas for every dress code.

Choosing a wedding guest outfit can be equal parts thrilling and mildly chaotic. The dress code is specific (sometimes aggressively so), the venue is a wildcard and the weather loves to surprise us. The easiest shortcut? Start with the jewelry. The right earrings or necklace can turn a simple slip dress into a full look, make tailoring feel elevated and help your most “safe” outfit read intentional—without buying an entirely new wardrobe.

Below, we’re sharing the Symbols of Authority wedding guest jewelry edit, broken down by dress code and setting. Think sculptural earrings, collar necklaces, modern pearls and statement pieces with heritage at their core.

If you’re shopping for a wedding soon, the SOA Wedding Guest Edit is a great place to start.

Black-tie Wedding Guest Jewelry

Black-tie is your cue to go polished and high-impact. You don’t need to overcomplicate the outfit—let the jewelry do the heavy lifting.

Go-to pieces (SOA):

Arese SOA Drop Earrings: elegant movement, camera-ready and instantly “evening.”
Oloyede Gele Pendant Necklace: a sculptural pendant that looks incredible with a clean neckline.
Arierhi x SOA Double Collar Necklace: for when the dress is minimal and the mood is major.

Styling tip: If your gown has detail (sequins, embellishment, dramatic sleeves), pick one hero jewel—either statement earrings or a collar necklace—then keep the rest quiet.

Formal Wedding Guest Jewelry

Formal is black-tie’s slightly more relaxed cousin—still elevated, just with a bit more room to play.

Go-to pieces (SOA):

Dejare Bar Earrings: sleek, architectural and perfect for formal tailoring or satin dresses.
Zena Triple Idia Mask Collar Necklace: a statement neckline piece that reads modern, powerful and intentional.

Styling tip: Formal dress codes love clean lines. Match that energy with sculptural shapes rather than overly fussy layers.

Cocktail Wedding Guest Jewelry

Cocktail attire is where we can have fun—think colour, shine and statement shapes—while still looking polished.

Go-to pieces (SOA):

Omolola Leopard Necklace: a collarbone-skimming hero piece that makes a slip dress or crisp shirt feel styled instantly. The silver version is also a scene stealer.
Funke x SOA Statement Ring: the easiest way to add “party energy” without changing your outfit.
Bonoselulu Triple Hoop Leopard Drop Earrings : a celebration earring if you want drama without a necklace.

Styling tip: If your dress is bold (colour, texture, statement sleeves), go for one standout jewel. If the dress is simple, stack it up—earrings + ring, or earrings + collar necklace.

Semi-formal wedding guest jewelry

Semi-formal is the “styled but not stiff” category—great for experimenting with proportions.

Go-to pieces (SOA):

KO x Idia Silhouette Bar Earrings (or other silhouette bar styles): clean, modern and flattering with everything from midis to jumpsuits.
Adeteju Gele Pendant Necklace: an easy upgrade over knits, slip dresses, or simple tailoring.

Styling tip: Semi-formal is perfect for necklace layering. Start with one pendant and add a second piece if your neckline is open and clean.

Casual Wedding Guest Jewelry

Casual doesn’t mean forgettable. It’s the perfect excuse to wear pieces you’ll reach for long after the wedding.

Go-to pieces (SOA):

Adunni x Idia Bar Earrings: minimal, polished and ideal if you’re wearing a patterned dress or strong print.
Kolapo ‘Gele’ Mini Hoop Earrings: the everyday hoop that still looks special.

Styling tip: Casual looks best with one move. Sleek hoops + great hair, or studs + a statement necklace.

Beach or Destination Wedding Guest Jewelry

Destination weddings call for jewelry that feels light, luminous and effortless, pieces that look beautiful in natural light and won’t fight breezy fabrics.

Go-to pieces (SOA):

Olajumoke ‘Gele’ Chain & Pearl Drop Earrings: modern pearl energy that suits linen, silk and soft colour palettes.
Ajibola x SOA Silhouette Bar Earrings: sculptural, elegant and perfect with a simple dress and sandals.

Styling tip: Keep it airy—one statement piece is often more chic than a heavy full stack.

Outdoor, Garden, or Countryside Wedding Guest Jewelry

For a field, forest, winery, or barn venue, we want jewelry that feels modern and refined—nothing too literal, just subtly organic and sculptural.

Go-to pieces (SOA):

Dejare Bar Earrings: clean and contemporary against romantic dresses or tailoring.
Olubukola Gele Chain Bracelet (or similar chain bracelets): adds polish to rolled sleeves and bare wrists.

Styling tip: If you’re wearing florals or ruffles, choose jewelry with structure (bars, collars, sculptural drops) to balance the softness.

Quick Wedding Guest Jewelry Rules We Always Follow

Match your jewelry to the neckline. High neck? Focus on earrings. Plunging neckline? Try a pendant.
Pick a hero. One statement necklace or statement earrings is usually enough.
Think beyond one night. The best wedding guest jewelry is wearable again (work, dinner, holidays).

FAQs

What jewelry is best for wedding guests?
Pieces that feel polished, photograph well and suit the dress code—statement earrings for high necklines, a collar or pendant for open necklines and a ring or bracelet for finishing touches.

Can wedding guests wear statement jewelry?
Yes—especially for cocktail, formal and black-tie weddings. The key is balance: if the outfit is bold, choose one statement piece; if the outfit is simple, lean into a stronger jewelry moment.

What’s the easiest way to elevate a simple wedding guest dress?
Add sculptural earrings (like a bar or drop) or a collar necklace—instant impact, minimal effort.