Weddings are a time of celebration and joy, but if the bride doesn’t feel beautiful, the day may end in stress and heartbreak. While her dress is perhaps going to get the most attention, the bride’s wedding jewelry (Brautschmuck) is also very important. In fact, sometimes it really is the most important thing to her, especially if she’s wearing jewelry that has been in the family for years or has some special meaning. Often, a bride will wear a pearl necklace (Perlenkette) at her wedding, and often, these pearls belonged to her mother, grandmother, or other relative.

Following the wedding, some brides (and grooms, too) decide to change out of their wedding attire and wear something a little more comfortable. This is done for several reasons. First, if there’s a dinner or buffet at the reception, there’s always the chance of getting food on the wedding dress or rented tuxedo. Even if it’s just cake and Champaign or other drink, most brides don’t want to risk getting their gorgeous wedding dress stained. There’s also the comfort aspect. If the bride and groom plan to do a lot of dancing, a long wedding dress will just get in the way. Even if the dress doesn’t have a long train, it can still be awkward dancing in it. However, most brides don’t take off all of their jewelry, and many continue to wear things like their pearls at the reception. This is perfectly acceptable, of course, and is a way for the bride to stay a little dressed up while leaving behind the formal dress.

The location of the reception may also dictate the dress of the bride, groom, and other party members. If it’s outdoors, for example, the multiple layers of the groom’s tuxedo may make him uncomfortable if the weather is warm. The bride, on the other hand, may become a bit chilly if her dress features an open back or is sleeveless. The high heels many brides choose to wear may also be an issue, and many may want to change into more comfortable shoes as soon as the ceremony and the pictures are over. No matter what, of course, it’s the bride’s prerogative to dress as she would like at her reception—it is her special day, after all.