Hello Claire,
Congratulations! On that big day the sparkles in your eyes are the most important "bling."
So things that help relax you or make you feel beautiful are the best.
For wedding photography, I think style and size are more important than shininess of the pearls. Just for an example, the price of a 6.0-6.5 mm Akoya necklace is more than that of a 7-8 mm AAA freshwater pearl necklace. So for the same amount of money, you can get 7-8 mm freshwater pearls, which are very popular, or even upgrade to 8-9 mm pearls, both of which may look nicer on you. I am not saying the bigger the better. If the pearls are too big, they can really
overwhelm the look and make people notice the pearls first (rather than your beautiful look).
Best thing to do may be wearing a dress/blouse that has similar neckline like the wedding dress and trying on pearl necklaces of different sizes and taking photographs.
The Freshadama that several poster mentioned or other freshwater pearls will last till the wedding of your children, if they are in the plans.....
Just for fun, here
http://www.fashion-era.com/images/We...s/1953cake.jpg is a picture of Jackie and John on their wedding day.
Congratulations again and best wishes,
pernula