WEDDING

How to Choose a Stunning Bridal Choker Necklace

Best bridal choker necklace styles

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While statement jewelry, pendants, strands and almost all types of necklaces have an important place in wedding ensembles, chokers are an interesting and unique style choice that can give you a stunning and chic look without making you feel over-styled. The best part about them is that there’s a wide variety available on the market, with something for everyone.

In this article, we’ve got all the information you need to know about choker necklaces and how to choose the right one for your wedding day. We’ve also included 10 of our favorite choker designs for you to choose from.

What are Choker Necklaces?

A choker necklace fits closely around the neck, sitting just on the collarbone or above it at around 14 to 16 inches in length. They’re typically worn for casual evenings out, giving a fun, youthful vibe to the wearer.

While pearl chokers are among the most popular types, choker necklaces for brides come in a range of materials, including diamonds, gemstones, rhinestones, lace, fabric, leather and more.

The history of chokers date back many centuries, when they were worn by the women as protection for their necks. Throughout history, the choker necklace went in and out of style, until it regained popularity and became the hottest jewelry item in 2016 and 2017.

Today, choker necklaces continue to be extremely popular in the fashion world, worn by millions around the world including celebrities and royalty. They’ve also become an important part of the bridal jewelry roster with new designs and styles being produced every day.

How to Choose a Bridal Choker Necklace

Bride wearing pearl strand choker

Three strand pearl choker by Oshiny. See it here.

If you’d like to wear a choker necklace on your wedding day, here are some tips on how to choose one for you.

Think about the width and length of your neck.

When choosing a choker necklace for your wedding ensemble, it’s important to take the length and width of your neck into consideration. If you’re one of those people with a long and slender neck, you’re in luck. Any type of choker necklace would most likely suit you, even ones with a lot of embellishments and stones.

If you’ve got a short or wide neck, you might want to go for a simple, thin choker instead of a collar-style one, since thick chokers can make your neck look a lot wider or shorter than it actually is. In this case, go for the thinnest option. 

Think about the shape of your face.

The right choker can accentuate your best facial features.  If you’ve got a round face, it’s best to avoid wearing chokers altogether since they don’t add length.

People with oval-shaped faces have more options since they can wear chokers of all styles, shapes and lengths.

If your face is long and thin, a choker necklace will make it look softer and wider. Chokers can look very flattering on those with heart-shaped faces since they balance out the chin.

Try on your choker before purchasing.

Before you go ahead and buy your choker necklace, make it fits well. Some necklaces are adjustable so there won’t be any issues with this. Don’t forget, the best position for the choker is just above or on your collarbone.

Follow the neckline of your wedding gown.

Choker necklaces go well with some necklines but not with all. Chokers look best with the following necklines:

  • Crewnecks
  • Strapless gowns
  • Off-shoulder necklines
  • V-necks
  • Scoop necks – if you’re wearing a choker necklace with a scoop-necked wedding gown, make sure to add a pair of matching studs to balance out the overall look.

That being said, it doesn’t mean that you can’t wear a choker with other necklines. It all depends on the type of choker you’re going for. Chokers with front drops look better with sweetheart necklines than simple round ones and heavily decorated, Indian-style chokers look great with plunging necklines or v-necks.

However, while it can be tempting to go for the most elaborate and beautiful designs that catch your eye, it’s important to remember that your choker necklace shouldn’t detract from your gown’s aesthetic.

Bridal Choker Necklace Designs

A bridal choker necklace is an excellent addition to most  bride’s jewelry trousseau. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite chokers, from minimalist to maximalist styles.

Dainty Crystal Choker

Cubic zirconia necklace

Dainty Stimulated Diamond Choker by Much V Jewellery. See it here.

This choker is perfect if you’re going for a minimalist look on your special day. Made with cubic zirconia stones which reflect light and shine just like diamonds, this piece, although simple in appearance, can make you feel like royalty. It’s easy to handle since it can be adjusted without any trouble. The best thing about it is that you can wear it even after your wedding and add some extra sparkle to your every day outfits.

Fabric  Bridal Choker

Lace bridal choker

Lace bridal choker by White Studio Bridal. See it here.

One of the most popular types of chokers for brides, fabric chokers are light, comfortable to wear, classy and chic. They’re also inexpensive, with most coming at around $20. If you have some spare fabric from your dress, you can always ask your dress designer to make you a matching fabric choker.

Gold Metal Choker

Gold metal choker

Gold metal choker by Sela Sage. See it here.

Modern, unique, minimalist and affordable to boot, this metal choker has a unique yet simple aesthetic. It’s the perfect trendy casual necklace to wear after the wedding too, and will perfectly match gold wedding bands.

Antique Ruby Bridal Choker Necklace

Antique choker for bride

Ruby Choker Necklace by Indian Kundan Jewelry. See it on Etsy.

This gorgeous antique piece that consists of a stunning ruby in the front center surrounded by German Silver. The rest of the necklace is made of plated gold and it comes with a matching of earrings, both featuring genuine rubies. This unique art deco style necklace is perfect for any bride who wants something offbeat.

Swarovski Rose Gold Bridal Choker

Layered choker

Rose gold Swarovski Bridal Choker Necklace. Check price here.

This rose gold layered choker necklace features Swarovski crystals that sparkle just like real diamonds. It’s available in three finishes: rose gold, yellow gold or rhodium that you can choose from to match your wedding dress. Unique and elegant, this set comes in three different pieces with a choker at the top and two necklaces below it, one longer than the other. It gives the wearer a royal vibe and adds a classy touch to your bridal attire.

Gothic Bridal Choker Necklace

Gothic choker

Victorian Style Gothic Bridal Choker by Glam Duches. See it on Etsy.

For brides with a Gothic aesthetic, this choker is sure to turn heards. This piece is a vintage-inspired Victorial style choker with an elaborate front drop. The necklace is adjustable for the perfect length and is embellished with gorgeous crystals. It’s the perfect accessory to complete your Gothic ensemble and make you stand out on your special day.

Bridal Backdrop Choker Necklace

Choker front
Pearl Bridal Choker Necklace

Bridal Backdrop Necklace by Only Handmade Jewelry. See it here.

Made from Swarovski pearls, crystals and sparkling rhinestones, this unique backdrop choker necklace is an excellent choice for a bride with a backless dress. It’s a little longer than the average choker, but can be adjusted to sit higher up on the neck. It makes the back of the dress look just as beautiful as the front by giving it a very elegant look and filling up the empty space.

Tribal Beaded Choker Necklace

Rustic choker

Tribal Ethnic Bridal Choker Necklace by My Total HandMade. See it here.

If you’re planning a rustic or tribal wedding, this black and white tribal choker necklace will be an excellent addition to your bridal trosseau. This necklace is made of black or white rope with antique brass-colored glass beads and brass tubes. It’s a beautiful and unique piece of statement jewelry that’s perfect to express your style and personality.

Layered Pearl Bridal Choker Necklace

Pearl strands

Multi-strand White Glass Pearl Choker Necklace by Oshiny. See it on Etsy.

There’s nothing quite like a pearl choker. Classy, stylish and chic, strands of pearls sitting at the base of the neck is the epitome of elegance and femininity. At least, we like to think so! It sets off the neck beautifully, drawing the eye from the neckline to your face.

Made of white glass pearls, this layered bridal choker necklace consists of six strands of white glass pearl beads all held together with a lobster claw clasp. The design is just right for a modern wedding, giving the bride an elegant and classy look. It goes well with almost any dress neckline, but looks best with strapless or crew necks.

Pearl Choker Necklace

Pearl Bridal Choker Necklace

Pearl Bridal Choker Necklace by Selena Gajsa. See it here.

This single strand necklace is a great choice for the minimalist bride. It sits high on the neck with a length of 33 cm.  Although the design of this choker is simple, the gorgeous luster of the pearls and the sparkle of the crystals interact to create a stylish overall look, giving a less-is-more aesthetic.

Victorian Choker Necklace

Victorian Bridal Choker Necklace

Victorian Bridal Choker Necklace with Filigree Drop by SPD Jewelry. See it here.

For the bride who loves all things vintage, this adjustable choker necklace could be just the thing. It features refurbished faux pearls arranged in square panes with filigree drops.  Although it’s wide, this design isn’t chunky, so you get to wear a statement necklace but can keep it light and delicate.  

Wrapping

Bridal choker necklaces come in all shapes, colors and sizes which means you’ll be spoiled for choice. Whether you’re going for something delicate and minimalist or something bold and daring, there’s a design to suit your style. Good luck and enjoy shopping for your special bridal choker necklace.