12 Dreamy — and Unexpected — Ways to Incorporate Pearls Into Your Wedding Day Look

It may seem like pearls are having a real moment right now: glimmering down the Fashion Week runways, stunning audiences in A-lister battle scenes in blockbuster movies and creating jaw-dropping makeup trends on the small-screen. But despite of-the-moment Hollywood frenzy, the precious gems endure as cherished classics — which is why they play such an essential role in the Gala Fall 2020 wedding dress collection.

For the upcoming season, designers Galia Lahav and Sharon Sever took inspiration from the power, freedom, adventure and beauty of the seas, also as embodied by the mythical mermaid dripping in lustrous pearls. Wonders of the earth and treasures of the deep seas and freshwater, the gems are borne by living, breathing underwater beings (psst: here’s a science lesson). Some are perfectly round, others intriguingly irregular, but each pearl is unique and special like you — and how you’ll wear your dream wedding gown.

The full range of pearl accents in the Gala 2020 collection also enhances the breathtaking hand-crafted details: nature-celebrating 3D appliqués, dazzling embellishments that shimmer like the ocean, intricate embroideries, which bring mesmerizing sea life to mind, and alluring mermaid silhouettes, which look just as captivating for a relaxed beach wedding as a grand castle ceremony.

The Gala 2020 collection also celebrates inventiveness, like how Galia Lahav and Sharon Sever created new shimmering fabrics and materials to help you shine and be your best, most authentic and empowered self on your wedding day. So be an adventurer when it comes to styling your bridal look — or looks — like with pearl-encrusted clutches, elaborately embellished heels an edgy ear cuff or royally refined headband.

To start you off on your big adventure, check out these perfect pearl pairings for all the looks in the Gala 2020 collection.

A lace tulle mermaid, with florals and vines cascading down the gown, is that much more beguiling with a gossamer light corset and soft sweetheart neckline. Detachable billowing puff sleeves show off sun-kissed shoulders for an extra romantic feel. So top it all off with a minimalist, but striking headband lined with assorted size pearls to for a modern bohemian wedding day aesthetic.

Shop Lele NY headband here.

A simple white gold Y-pendant helps bring focus to the beautiful overlapped draping and intricate hand-embroidery and a deep-plunge neckline. But the single pearl and diamond details will elegantly enhance, but not overtake from the iridescent beading and handwoven netting and gorgeously draped back.

Shop Tiffany’s pendant here.

Yes, this plunging A-line sheath feels a bit structured, with the sculptural neckline and defined waist cinched by a delicate crystal-embellished bow. But the airy layers of tulle covered in a myriad of silver, bronze and gold paillettes offer whimsical movement and shimmer, like ocean waves at sunset. So opt for a wedding day bag that mirrors the same concept: a gleaming mother-of-pearl geometric box clutch, framed by soft, rounded gems in a delightful assortment of sizes.

Shop the Gaia clutch here.

When you’re wearing a spellbinding mermaid gown made entirely of hand-embroidered French lace — not to mention featuring delicate straps, a deep plunge front and alluringly low-back — do you even need accessories? So stay simple, but impactful with an oversized pearl and diamond ring, and on your right hand, of course.

Shop the Yoko London ring here.

Wear your hair up to show off the beautifully draped tulle halter neckline and lush satin collar on this dream of a mermaid gown. A femme hair clip coordinates with the pretty floral hand-embroidery and exquisite beading, to either keep tendrils at your hairline in place or decorate a loose knot or braid at the back of the head to accent your walk down the aisle.

Shop Simone Rocha hair accessory here.

Shine like the superstar that you are — and lean into the shimmer — with a full-on hand-beaded asymmetrical gown. Opt for a heel that feels just as seductive, like glittering slingbacks with a single pearl nestled in the heel like hidden treasure. The curve of the lurex-paneled sandal fits in theme with the draped back of the gown and the uber-high side slit — just barely held together by a ladder of crystal embellished bows.

Shop Nicholas Kirkwood shoes here.

An easy, flowing A-line dress with a sky-high slit gives you a perfect excuse to show off a pair of statement shoes (along with your beautiful legs). A single strap silhouette complements the gown without competing for attention, while the exquisite crystal-pearl stacked stiletto heel complements the mesmerizing silver sequin-embroidered tulle.

Shop Sophia Webster scandals here.

Just a drop of a delicate triple-pearl pendant enhances — without distracting from — enchanting 3D florals and beaded embellishments floating on gossamer light layers of silk tulle.

Shop the Mizuki necklace here.

Voluminous silk gauze puff sleeves on a detachable top, layered over a billowing mermaid silhouette, complete a gathering-seashells-on-the-beach-at-sunset feel that’s right out of a romance novel. Finish off the look, while stashing your wedding day essentials, in a jewelry-inspired pearl-encrusted clutch. The gold frame detail and wristlet, plus single oversize pearl and coin charms, almost feel like loot from hidden pirate treasure (in a romance novel!)

Shop Rosantica clutch bag here.

An off-the-shoulder, deep plunge and leg-baring column gown covered in dazzling sequin embroidery and opulent glass beads offers peak levels of glamour, as well as fearless allure. So add an unexpected detail to your wedding day accents, too, with an ear cuff that feels a tad punk rock, but undoubtedly lavish with double channel-set pavé diamonds and a single pearl.

Shop Anissa Kermiche earring here.

Layers of airy tulle, a sublime A-line silhouette, and detachable oversized bows fluttering at the shoulders feel oh-so-ladylike. But a deep-V neckline and sultry side-panels of hand-embroidered lace and glass-beaded orchids feel especially bold. So look for a heel that’s also a perfect pairing of complementary vibes: vintage-inspired peep-toe Mary Janes encrusted in a wealth of sizes of luxe pearls.

Shop Jimmy Choo shoes here.

Edge up the traditional ballgown with architectural exposed boning on a plunging corset top, sheer pleated layers on the skirting and abstract all-over embroidery. A graceful bow at the waistline counters with a feminine touch. Take the same approach to your jewelry with edged up classic diamond and pearl studs, but in a devastatingly cool spiky bar-style shape.

Shop Mizuki earrings here.