Bridesmaids

New Releases: Cathedral Veils from Our Spring 2017 Collection

Want to look incredible on your big day? Try on a cathedral veil!

Cathedral veils are trending big this year, and it’s no surprise that these stunning styles were a huge hit at the bridal markets. Complementing many designer gowns, these lovely styles enrich your wedding day ensemble with unforgettable beauty.

Take a peek at some of our newest designs and find the perfect look for you.

Flowers for a Romantic

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Lace is effortlessly romantic. Style a swoonworthy ensemble with a gorgeous Alençon lace veil. Swirling lace flowers bloom along the edge of this cathedral veil beneath a slender rolled edge. The perfect combination of simple and stunning, this design evokes heartfelt beauty.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

Sealed with a Kiss

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Style a classic, beautiful bridal look. This lovely 2-tier cathedral veil features a foldover elbow length blusher that may be worn forward for the walk down the aisle and back for the reception. A folded ribbon edge adds a finished look to this graceful design, which complements any gown with ease.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

Like a Celebrity

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When more is better, bring on the lace! This romantic cathedral veil combines a rolled edge and gorgeous Venise lace in an utterly stunning design. Intricate floral embroidery creates a feeling of dramatic luxury. Tie it in with your gown by adding a Venise lace comb or floral belt.

You might like My Bridal Style: Trendy

Soft Beauty

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True beauty whispers directly to your heart. A cut edge cathedral veil features a foldover fingertip length blusher that drifts over your silhouette with ethereal elegance. This match-everything design is made from our soft, luxurious faux silk tulle and beautifully accents any gown.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

Old World Elegance

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Inspired by Old World designs, this scalloped cathedral veil evokes romantic charm. Silver floral embroidery channels nature’s beauty with delicate grace. This versatile design may be paired with a delicate boho-chic hair vine, a romantic floral headpiece, or a regal tiara for a complete ensemble.

You might like My Bridal Style: Destination

Bohemian with a Twist

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Trendy and modern yet blissfully simple, this 2-tier foldover cathedral veil enhances your look with breezy beauty. A cascading double row of narrow horsehair adds subtle shape and style. Personalize this design by adding your own accessories, and create a completely unique bridal outfit.

You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

Sparkle for the Camera

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Because a little sparkle just isn’t enough. Go all in for your big day and shine with a dramatic, rhinestone-scattered cathedral veil. This starry, glittering design is as boldly beautiful as the bride who wears it. Add glamorous drop earrings and a bridal belt to finish off your look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Glamorous

Old-Fashioned Charm

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Some styles never go out of fashion. This lovely, vintage-inspired design features swirling beaded scrolls along a cut edge. Graceful, glittering rhinestone and pearl accents create an elegant pattern sure to turn heads. Pair it with a beaded belt and pearl jewelry to complete the look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage

Pretty as a Princess

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When romance is in the air, rise to the occasion with a gorgeous lace veil. Shimmering with sequins and tiny rhinestone accents, this gilded lace design features a gently scalloped edge with elaborate embroidery. This exquisite design is lavish, opulent, and perfect for any formal affair.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

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Check out our Cathedral Veils page for even more incredible designs! Find a retailer near you to try them on with your gown, and create a personalized ensemble for your big day.

10 Really Good Reasons to Have a Christmas Wedding

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Every year, we see gorgeous photos of winter weddings.

Pearly blues and whites, deep reds and greens, and/or bold jewel tones deck any venue with festive style. Soft neutrals and shimmering metallics add enchanting flair. To top it off, snowy landscapes create a backdrop for magnificent photos.

All in all, with the sparkly lights and warm fuzzy feelings, winter weddings evoke a magical ambiance. Today, we’re highlighting this “off-peak” season with a celebration of Christmas weddings!

Here are ten really good reasons why you should consider skipping June nuptials and booking in December, instead.

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Twinkling Lights

Strung lights, lit up trees, glowing candles, festive porches, and hanging lanterns all feel right at home during this season. This means dramatic photo ops for your engagement and/or wedding photos that evoke pure romance! Get pics smooching in front of the Christmas tree, cuddling by a hearth with a roaring fire, or skating beneath glittering lights for extra-special memories.

Classic Greenery

A rustic winter wedding is homey, charming, and so magical. Incorporate berries and greenery in the form of a bridal wreath, chair covers, table runners, centerpieces, or an arch! Winter florals tend to be more expensive, so adding in branches, candles, lanterns, and other non-flower elements gives your wedding refreshingly modern texture.

Seasonal Elements

Snow-decked invitations, frosted pine cones, and glittering faux snowflakes mirror the beauty of this chilly season. You can make your celebration rustic with golden reindeer or more glamorous with glittering ornaments. If there’s not going to be snow, you can still decorate your venue with metallics or plaids that create a wintery ambiance.

Sweet Savings

We all know the most coveted months to get married are during the summer and late fall—so if you schedule your wedding during the off-season, you’ll get cheaper rates. On the venue. The photographer. The honeymoon. Everything! Your guests can score some holiday deals on your gifts, too.

Decadent Snacks

Hot chocolate. Enough said. But if you really need more motivation, how about gingerbread, peppermint coffee, roasted vegetable soup, pot pies, cheesy potatoes, cranberries, and apple pie. Need we go on? The post-harvest season is full of delicious foods and warming drinks that will keep your guests satisfied.

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Cuddle Weather

How many engagement photos have you seen with couples hugging in the snow or snuggled beneath a huge blanket? The chilly weather naturally draws us closer to each other, and perhaps that’s why this season is big on heartwarming romance. Play off this theme in your wedding with candles, soft lighting, and cozy blankets for guests to keep warm.

Spectacular Sparkle

If the only sparkly part of your ensemble is your engagement ring, that is absolutely fine. A rustic winter wedding is unassuming and romantic. If you do want a glamorous wedding, however, this is the best season to shine! Transform your venue into a glittering, wintery wonderland with sequin table cloths or table runners, gilded candles, and strung lights.

Pure Glamour

This is the perfect opportunity to dress up like a real princess. Create an effortlessly glamorous outfit with drop earrings, a stunning hair adornment, and a shimmering belt. Long cathedral veils with rhinestone accents, intricate beadwork, or luxurious lace will beautifully enhance your outfit. ‘Tis the season for sparkle, so feel free to style your bridesmaids in sequins!

Small Footprint

Give favors that can be used again and again! Guests can make their own ornaments with gingerbread or craft supplies. Another way to green up your wedding is by giving away mini trees, poinsettias, or bulbs/seeds to plant. You can gift reusable mugs or tasty build-your-own hot chocolate kits. Encourage guests to meet up again at a volunteer event, or ask for donations to charity on your registry.

Religious Meaning

Your family was probably already planning to gather for the holidays, and your local church or wedding venue will be beautifully decorated. But the best reason of all to host a Christmas-themed wedding is to honor the spirit of the holiday. Express the love and joy of this season by promoting goodwill, tolerance, and respect towards others—including those with different beliefs from your own—and start your marriage off right!

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Happy Holidays!
XOXO, Bel Aire Bridal

5 Silly Wedding Superstitions Explained

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Ever wonder why it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, or why bridesmaids used to dress alike?

Superstitions have long influenced the ritual of getting married. Practices vary from culture to culture—sometimes even between regions! The tradition of burying the bourbon is common in the South, for example, and few brides in the Northeast would forget their something blue.

In the spirit of this spooky month of October, here are a few silly, fun superstitions that still play a part in the process of getting engaged and married. Enjoy!

#1: Setting a Date

Choosing a day to get married has always been important. The month of May was thought to be unlucky in both pagan and Christian traditions. Want the stars to align? Some cultures believe in selecting a date based on your astrological signs! Many people will avoid getting married on days such as Friday the 13^th, and very few will tie the knot on non-official American holidays such as Superbowl Sunday or Black Friday. Numerology plays a part, too—dates like 10/10/10 and 12/13/14 were highly coveted!

#2: First Look

The superstition that it was bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the wedding arose from purely superficial reasons: in arranged marriages, parents worried that he might break off the engagement if she wasn’t attractive enough. Nowadays, this is just a fun tradition that allows the bride and her party to dress up together, while the groom and his buddies get ready on their own. The “first look” is a sweet moment that some couples choose to photograph ahead of the ceremony.

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Is it true that if you’re always a bridesmaid, you won’t become a bride? Is there a limit on how many times you can be in a friend’s wedding before dooming your love life? Actually (as with the tradition of buying a diamond engagement ring), this saying was appropriated from a clever advertisement for mouthwash. That’s right. Mouthwash. So relax and have fun at your friends’ weddings. Your love story will unfold at its own pace, in its own time.

#4: Losing the Engagement Ring

Some women joke about “accidentally” losing the engagement ring if they don’t like it. While this might be tempting if he selects something truly abominable, the theory is that if you lose your wedding ring, your marriage will fail. Unfortunately, we can’t survey divorced couples to check if either one of them lost their ring during the engagement… Maybe buy a ring holder, just in case.

#5: Choosing a Dress

Did you know that your wedding gown comes with its own superstitions? In the past, women usually selected their best frock for the big day. The rhyme went that if you wore black, you’d wish yourself back (as in, you’d regret it). Wearing red, you’d wish yourself dead! If you wore blue, your love would be true; if you married in brown, you’d live in town. Nowadays, most brides choose a shade of white, but it’s completely acceptable to flaunt any color or design your heart desires, including ombré, floral, watercolor, or metallic.

Are you superstitious? Let us know what traditions you’ll incorporate on the big day!

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http://www.match.com/magazine/article/13027/Eight-Love-Superstitions-And-Their-Origins/

https://www.7thsensepsychics.com/blog/love-relationship-superstitions

http://www.kimleatherdale.com/intimacy/a-nod-to-the-13th-seven-relationship-superstitions/

Top 10: Our Most-Loved Alençon Lace Veils

C’est l’amour.

Imagine sun-kissed cherry blossom trees, gently shedding petals in a fresh breeze. The rushing river Seine and dramatic silhouette of La Tour Eiffel. A glittering ring; a moment of breathless anticipation.

Romance is soft tulle ball gowns, heartfelt vows, and lavish veils trailing dreamy Alençon lace.

Originally crafted in France, exquisite Alençon lace has graced centuries of weddings. Structured scallops and regal flowers create an aesthetic of sublime beauty. In fact, many of our most popular veils feature this romantic trim, as it matches so well with designer gowns.

Check out our top 10 Alençon lace veils, and fall in love with the perfect treasure for your wedding day!

Graceful as a Princess

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Enrich your wedding day look with eye-catching beauty. This style features a generous trim of soft, scalloped lace drifting to fingertip length beneath a simple rolled edge. This lavish design features wide flowers to pair beautifully with romantic gowns and princess-style accessories.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Glamorous

Roses All Over

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Can’t get enough romance? Style your wedding day outfit with a luxurious design featuring pretty lace trim and stunning rose appliqués. This beautiful veil features tiny rhinestones and is made for lovebirds. Style it with a floral comb or glittering headpiece to complete a kiss-worthy look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Vintage

Love Letter Romance

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Beautiful as a love letter, this gorgeous silver edge veil creates a feminine yet glamorous accent. Scattered Alençon lace appliqués, a gracefully scalloped edge, and glittering rhinestones complement any lace gown with pure romance. Lavish your wedding day ensemble with this luxurious accessory.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Glamorous

All Pretty Curves

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One of our most popular veils, this breathtaking design features scalloped lace beneath a simple cut edge. Beautifully crafted, unbeaded lace graces the curve of a flattering fingertip length veil with flawless style. Complement just about any romantic gown with this simply lovely style.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Destination

Eternal Love Story

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Choose a veil almost as amazing as your love story. Intricately beaded Alençon lace drafts in romantic scallops to fingertip length beneath a simple rolled edge. Our number one veil, this lovely style is available in multiple colors—even blush and champagne—and can to customized to different lengths. This dreamy design complements a classically romantic wedding look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Destination

Tradition with a Twist

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Are you hosting a traditional wedding? Style a jaw-dropping ensemble with a beautiful lace mantilla. Beaded floral lace drifting in romantic scallops flows from your head to waltz length in this utterly heart-fluttering design. Pair it with a floral or lace gown for a gorgeously graceful look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Classic

Queen of Veils

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Remember how V7034 is our most popular veil? This beloved design is the matching cathedral style. Graceful Alençon lace extends down the sides and around the curve of this elaborate veil for an utterly romantic statement of class and beauty. Create a dramatic ensemble worthy of your big day.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Trendy

Old World, New Love

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Grace yourself from head to toe in gorgeous, scalloped Alençon lace. Cascading to cathedral length, this stunning design frames your gown with generous, intricately beaded lace. Both traditional and classy, this mantilla creates a lovely look that will make your heart skip a beat.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Vintage

Red Carpet Romance

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Fulfill your ultimate wedding fantasies with this gorgeous lace veil. Scattered appliqués blooming along the bottom of this stunning cathedral create a red-carpet worthy design. A soft, foldover blusher adds chic style and romance for an utterly dreamy look. Add glittering jewelry or a sparkling belt to complete a memorable ensemble.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Trendy

Soul Friend

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Are you marrying your best friend? Keep the focus on your wedding with a simple yet radiant bridal veil. This lovely cathedral features a rolled edge and scalloped Alençon lace just along the bottom curve. Pair it with a floral belt or pearl jewelry for a classically beautiful outfit.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Classic

Want to see more? Check out our cathedral veils and lace veils pages, or head over to My Bridal Style and explore your accessories options.

Style My Bridesmaids

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Choosing a wedding day theme is like picking ice cream on a hot day—they all look incredible!

Your wedding aesthetic reflects who you are, both as individuals and as a couple. Maybe you both love vintage styles; or perhaps he is rugged and you’re glamorous (enter the glamping wedding).

When you choose your bridesmaids’ outfits, keep in mind that this is so much more than an opportunity to play dress-up with your girlfriends! Their gown designs and accessories should not only make them feel comfortable (and pretty), but reflect your overall mood.

Gift your bridesmaids with accessories that will honor your friendship, say thank-you for all their support, and tie together your wedding theme with incredible beauty.

If You’re a Glam Girl

If you’re a glamorous bride, your designer dress is stunning. It may be sleek and shimmering with sequins; it might be a gorgeous mermaid dress or a princess-inspired ball gown. Your jewelry will be formal. Amazing shoes are a must, and your veil is drop-dead gorgeous.

To tie together your glamorous theme, lay on the sparkle! For example, a shimmering opal rhinestone headband like 6603 for you goes beautifully with a smaller comb like 6617 for your friends.

Other sparkly options for your maids: 6543, 1978, and 1710

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Glamorous page.

If You’re Vintage-tastic

If you’re a vintage bride, you’re probably rocking a red lip or a birdcage veil. Long lace sleeves, a high neckline, or a cute tea-length number set the stage for a charming ceremony! Your reception style incorporates more sparkle, complete with a beaded jazz-era gown and shimmering accessories.

Complement your vintage-inspired accessories with similar styles for your bridesmaids, just on a smaller scale. For example, our Art Deco headpiece 6400 dovetails nicely with glittering comb 6405.

Other vintage options for your maids: 6607, 6390, and 1721

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Vintage page.

If You’re Oh-So-Boho

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Laid-back yet chic, a bohemian style is perfect for summer! Breezy gowns and unique accessories are the hallmarks of free-spirited boho beauty. You’ve chosen comfortable outfits for your wedding weekend bash. You enjoy color, and your accessories include anything and everything that feels right to you.

Style your bridesmaids with halos or flower clips that mimic the style you’ve chosen for yourself. For the perfect blend of pretty, match a flexible headpiece style like 6542 with a wired comb like 6544.

Other bohemian options for your maids: 6505, 6629, and 1723

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Destination and My Bridal Style: Bohemian pages.

If You’re a Whimsical Romantic

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You love flowers, so of course you’re getting married in a garden! Your dress and veil feature soft tulle or beautifully elaborate lace; your sparkling, feminine accessories are nothing short of stunning. Your bridesmaids are probably dressed in soft pastels or floral prints.

Complement your own floral headpiece with a smaller-scale version for your maids. For example, if you’re wearing a lovely flower comb like 6600, match it with pins 1720.

Other romantic options for your maids: 6680, 1718, and 6699

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Romantic page.

If You’re Keeping It Classy

Your look is timeless and simple, which is what makes it so perfect. Your natural beauty takes center stage, and you don’t need a lot of accessories or trims. The gown and veil you’ve chosen are elegant and minimalistic. Your wedding is focused on celebrating your marriage, and nothing more.

Accessorize your bridesmaids with classic pearls that they can wear again after the wedding! Our rhinestone and pearl bridal headband 6640 pairs beautifully with pins 1722.

Other classic options for your maids: 1710, 6540, and 6483

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Classic page.

If You’re All About Trends

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If you’re a trendy bride, your look is totally modern. You want your wedding to be of-the-moment, with all the latest bits of pretty that runway fashions and independent designers can deliver! From celeb-inspired veils to stunning new accessories, your style is all about keeping it fresh.

Boho-luxe and princess-style gowns are in right now; delicate, sparkling accessories pair best with these romantic styles. Complement a flexible opal rhinestone hair vine like 6628 with matching pins 1717.

Other trendy options for your maids: 6690, 6564, and 6467

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Trendy page.

These are just a few pairing suggestions. You can also let each person choose her own headpiece, or mix and match different styles! If you want to include your bridesmaids in the decision, find a Bel Aire Bridal Trunk Show at your nearest authorized bridal salon and play with all our prettiest headpieces in person. Have fun!

Top 8 Beauty Tips for Brides

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With the 2016 wedding season kicking off, many brides are faced with the question: how should I style myself for the big day?

For the past few years, the trend has been to go as you are. Natural is a safe bet, so your groom won’t be left wondering exactly who that is walking down the aisle. However…

On the flip side, if you don’t glam up for the big day, when will you? Your wedding is the perfect time to pull out all the stops and really WOW him.

Say hello to our top 8 tips for styling a jaw-dropping look on the big day, while still feeling like YOU.

Beautiful Nails

It’s easy to remember getting a manicure after you’ve just been engaged, because everyone keeps asking to see the ring. Be sure you have pretty nails for the wedding, too! They’ll show up in everything from couple’s photos to bouquet pictures to shots of you holding hands. Choose a neutral tone that will look beautifully bridal with your gown, or go for a romantic shade such as light pink. Add a sparkly or clear overcoat of polish to help keep your nails from getting nicked or smeared.

All About The Eyes

Don’t you want to lock eyes across the room? Give him (or her) chills by creating a dramatic eye. You can play off your color scheme with a pop of color, if that’s your thing, or accentuate your irises with a rich metallic. For daytime weddings, we suggest keeping it neutral with nudes and sheer colors—take it to a bolder place with deeper hues and sparkling layers for the evening reception.

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Fresh, Kissable Lips

Every bride should look absolutely kissable on the big day—and not just because you seal the deal with your lips! Sport a lovely smile from the ceremony to the reception with a dewy (but not sticky) lip gloss. Prep by staying hydrated and lightly exfoliating your lips before applying lip gloss, a liner, and a light color. For a youthful or daytime look, stick to pinks, corals, and neutrals—for the evening, pull out a bolder hue.

That Effortless Glow

You’re all heard the word applied to everything from gowns to skin to an abstract idea of beauty: effortless. This look is anything but easy, but with a few tricks, you’ll have it nailed! Start with as clear skin as possible (wash your face, apply toner, and moisturize as usual in the weeks leading up to the wedding). Apply a matte makeup or concealer and practice smoothing your tone. A light powder will cover uneven spots—then use a pearly highlighter or a dusting of blush for that lovely glow. The key here is to keep it light. Only use what you need and bring oil-blotting wipes to refresh your look.

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Thick Wedding Lashes

Even if you’re planning on neutral wedding makeup, bold lashes are a must. Your eyes will stand out in the photos, and you’ll love how gorgeous and Hollywood this look makes you feel. Try on some fake lashes, or if you prefer to go natural, choose an eco-friendly (not tested on animals) mascara that will leave your lashes black, thick, and slightly curled.

Hot Hair Styles

Top looks this season include loose buns, all kinds of braids, and messy updos. If you’re going hair up, consider a chic (easy maintenance) bun. This style will hold all day. For a more rustic or youthful look, braided updos are making a comeback.

For a romantic style, a twisted chignon with loose tendrils looks especially pretty with a sparkly headpiece. Want to wear your hair down? Use a curling iron and a reliable mousse or spray to achieve celeb-worthy, beachy waves.

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Drama In The Back

Everyone will be watching your walk down the aisle. This is why so many designers have created gowns with back details such as sheer laces, buttons, flowers, or back jewelry.

Make sure you look amazing with a headpiece and/or veil to give the back of your head some style. Tuck a sparkly comb or some pins into any updo—for down hairstyles, consider a bridal halo or headband. Cathedral veils are totally in, so make sure you try on a long veil to complement your gown.

Trend: Flower Accents

The Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 bridal runways showcased tons of flowers. The gorgeous sheer floral laces, ethereal layers, and dimensional flowers on this year’s bridal gowns are just begging to pair with luxurious lace veils and flower hair accessories.

Incorporate modern beauty into your look with floral earrings or jewelry. You can tuck fresh flowers into your hair, or better yet, tie on a pretty flower wreath made with soft organza and sparkling with tiny rhinestones. It’s your day to shine!

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Sources:

https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-beauty-trends

http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/bridal-fashion-week-beauty-spring-2017-160429/page1

http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/wedding-makeup-looks-150908?cid=module_last_slide_position1

5 Reasons You Should Have a Spring Wedding

Trying to set a date? Say “I do” to a gorgeous spring wedding! We are absolutely in love with the romantic stylings available to spring brides. Here are our five favorite reasons for kicking off your marriage between March and May!

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Pretty Flowers Everywhere

We’re talking flower petals in the aisle, flower curtains adorning the walls, tall vases of flowers, flowers hanging from the ceiling, flowers overflowing from your bouquet. Spring is naturally the best season to use fresh blooms in your décor. You can choose seasonal varieties to keep costs down (as much as possible) and indulge in a sensationally romantic ambiance.

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Precious Flower Girls

There’s nothing cuter than a little flower girl in her princess-style dress, sporting a halo of tiny flowers in her hair! (Unless, of course, you tie a floral wreath around your dog and parade him/her down the aisle as the ring-bearer.) Flowers as adornments go back centuries, and this lovely little touch adds fairy-tale charm to your theme.

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Beautiful Bridesmaids

Can this year’s floral gowns be any more romantic? We’re swooning over the incredible floral bridesmaids’ dresses popping up in spring weddings. You can mix and match pretty pastels and flower patterns for a coordinated yet stylish look that will be unique to your wedding.

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Romantic Color Schemes

Soft pastels paint a picture of subtle elegance and feminine beauty. Serenity, blush, champagne, peach, nude, lavender, and sage are perfect for spring weddings. Add a pop of bold color such as marsala or navy for a striking effect, or go for a romantic watercolor look with mostly neutrals.

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Amazing Bridal Florals

Spring is the time to indulge in flower accessories. Options abound for a stunningly romantic look: style your hair with a pretty floral halo, soft petal comb, golden metallic bloom, or sparkly rhinestone design. Consider pairing a veil embroidered with floral designs or edged with lace for a head-over-heels gorgeous ensemble.

Are you planning a spring wedding? Let us know your styling ideas!

10 Signs She’s the One

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Some people just know when they’ve found The One. For the rest of us, however, it’s not always so clear. How can you be absolutely sure that your relationship will continue to grow?

Bottom line: you can’t see the future. A few pretty good indicators, however, can point you in the right direction—whether that’s running for the hills or taking the plunge!

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She laughs at your jokes.

Let’s begin with the obvious. Connecting with humor and sharing jokes will help you get over life’s difficult hurdles together. Plus it’s just nice to have someone who gets you.

She listens intensely to what you say.

When you’re going to spend the rest of your life together, your conversations had better be interesting! She connects with you on an intellectual level and you’ve shared many meaningful discussions.

She shares your important values.

You’ve discussed your faith, whether or not you want children, and where you see yourself in ten years. You agree with and/or respect her beliefs, and envision a blissfully happy future together.

She respects your personal time/space.

You two get along great, but also understand that you don’t have to do everything together. When you hang out with the guys, relax alone in front of a video game, or work out at the gym, she’s cool with it.

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You adore spending time with her.

On the flip side, she is seriously so fun and amazing that you can’t imagine not wanting to hang out with her. In fact, it would be a lot easier if you two just lived together, so you wouldn’t have to commute and deal with roommates.

She loves what you love.

Sharing common hobbies or interests is definitely a plus. If you appreciate the same movies or are into the same sports, you’ll always have something fun to do together.

You like her hair.

And the way her perfume smells. And the way she giggles. You are totally into the small details about how she acts and styles herself every day. You find her incredibly attractive and the two of you enjoy a passionate romantic connection.

You wouldn’t care if she went bald.

Seriously. If she had to shave off those lovely locks or stopped wearing high heels, you wouldn’t care (at least, not much). First and foremost, you are in love with her personality.

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She cares about you.

About your problems, about your career, about your fleeting daily struggles. She finds ways to cheer you up and goes out of her way to be nice. She is a bright and positive influence in your life.

You like her friends/family.

You’ll see each other’s friends and family quite a bit, so it’s a good sign if you get along! Each of you will turn to your support networks for advice and encouragement when times get tough.

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Now go through this list and flip the scenarios. Do you laugh at her jokes? Do you listen intensely to her philosophical musings? Does she enjoy spending time with your friends?

If your relationship isn’t a two-way street, change things up. On the other hand, if you can’t imagine feeling happier, it might be time to go ring shopping.

How did you know he/she was the One? Share your story!

15 Memorable Bachelorette Party Ideas

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Celebrate kissing the single life goodbye! Check out these fun, memorable bachelorette party activities for the bride who wants something unique. This list caters to every personality and budget, so she can have a killer time without breaking the bank.

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DAY ACTIVITIES

Who says a bachelorette bash needs to wait for the sun to go down? Kick off your party during the day!

Concert or Sports Event

For your gal pal who likes to get out and do things, going to see her favorite band or sports team is super fun. Score extra points if you bring her a little veil to wear for the event, or get her on the big screen!

Water Park

If you’re going to a summer wedding and the weather is hot, head to your local lake or river for relaxation and fun! Check out your local water slide park, go river rafting, or visit the beach! Tip: wear cute matching sunglasses.

Take a Class

Cater to what your bride likes. Is she a foodie? Arrange a cooking class or cocktail-mixing class! Does she love art? Sign up for a painting class paired with wine. If she’s into crafts, try a ceramics or jewelry-making class. For a touch of the exotic, a pole dancing or belly dancing class is a fun way to get moving.

Themed Running Race

Sweating for the wedding? Stay fit and fabulous with a themed race (like a Mud Run, Color Run, Rock n’ Roll Run, Chocolate Run, or so many others). Check out local races and find one that supports a great charity. She’ll totally burn off those pre-wedding jitters.

Paintball & Mini-Golf

A series of fun activities is the perfect way to chillax, for guys or girls. Spend the day doing paint ball, bowling, batting cages, go-karts, mini-golf, Frisbee golf, archery, sailing—whatever floats her boat.

Local Festival

If the wedding falls close to the date of a seasonal fair or festival, why not go as a group? Oktoberfest, Strawberry Festivals, Craft Fairs, Music Festivals—treat your bride to whatever she desires!

Amusement Park

Is your bride a thrill seeker or simply young at heart? Disneyland, Harry Potter World, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Six Flags come to mind, but you can find a theme park that is close to where you live, too. Just be sure her veil doesn’t fall off on one of the roller coasters!

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EVENING ACTIVITIES

Party on with fun night-time activities perfect for the bride who wants to keep it PG-13.

Slumber Party

The whole point of a bachelorette party is hanging out with the girls, isn’t it? Get together for a middle-school style slumber party and make it fun! Do your nails, braid your hair, and watch a movie marathon full of chick-flicks.

Dressy Dinner Out

Treat your bride to an upscale night out! Get dolled up and take her to a nice dinner, finishing off the night at a local hotspot such as a comedy club, karaoke bar, or theatre. Forget feather boas and bars—tonight is about enjoying life’s finer things.

Poker/Game Night

If your bride doesn’t like the idea of going out, you can still get everyone together for a game night. Bring cards, chips, video games and/or board games, and serve lots of snacks! You can have a scavenger hunt or play trivia games about the bride and groom.

Meet up with Guys

Decided that you’re not going to a strip club? That doesn’t mean you can’t hang out with hot guys! Meet up with the groom and groomsmen, and do something everyone will love (see above activity options).

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WEEKEND GETAWAYS

For an epic bachelorette experience, take time off before the wedding and make a weekend of it.

Cool Cruise

If you have more funds to spend and want a true vacation, going on an exotic cruise is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The massages, fine cuisine, and amazing views will be worth it.

Wine Country Tour

For your wine and food connoisseur, a weekend in wine country is a fabulous way to get away. Perfect for stressed-out brides, you can wine, dine and prep for the wedding with classic panache.

Spa Weekend

For the super-stressed bride, there’s nothing better than a spa weekend. Get together for the ultimate pampering package and enjoy makeovers, manicures, pedicures, and massages. This is a great way to work in a last-minute beauty treatment before the wedding!

Head to the Mountains

If your bride is outdoorsy and urban activities are not her cup of tea, no problem! Head into the mountains and get some fresh air. Go camping or backpacking, and be sure to bring s’mores, games, and ghost stories galore!

What would you LOVE to do for your BP? Share your ideas!

Green Wedding Inspiration

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Going green for your wedding? There’s nothing like this fresh, nature-inspired hue to invigorate your whole look. Check out our lovely Pinterest boards for some styling ideas and ways to add a tasteful splash of color into your big day!

Beautiful Bridesmaids

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Photo Credit: BHLDN

The easiest way to tie in your chosen color is with your bridesmaids’ attire. Beautiful pairings include blush or lavender with sage green (spring-summer), burgundy or gold with emerald green (fall-winter), and navy or white with mint green (summer).

Fabulous Floral Accessories

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Spring pastels, fabulous floral prints, and gorgeous flower accessories go great with green. You can deck yourself or your maids with laurel wreaths, botanical headpieces, or floral combs for a pretty touch of romance. After all, weddings are all about love!

Fairy-Tale Flowers

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If you’re getting married in a garden or woodland setting, use your natural surroundings and play off the vibrant colors around you. For a summer wedding, lavender flowers add lovely fragrance to your décor, while bold burgundy peonies look great in the summer or fall. Peach roses tie in beautifully with an autumn backdrop, while romantic red roses add a festive element to winter celebrations.

Eco-Friendly Greens

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Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

As always, the eco-friendly bouquet with succulents enhances your wedding theme with fresh greenery. You can offer potted plants as wedding favors or use them as centerpieces and save on cut flowers. Leafy garlands and aisle runners bring the outdoors inside and make your wedding feel naturally fresh.

Lucky In Love

Get lucky! Check back for our Irish Wedding Traditions post later this month for some seriously steal-worthy ideas that will look totally gorgeous. Hint: handfasting, four leaf clovers, and Claddagh symbols definitely up the romance factor of your wedding.

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Are you going green for your wedding? Tell us how!

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