Are you a Thanksgiving bride?

iStock_000063072823_Medium

Thinking of planning your wedding around a holiday theme? If you love food, family, and warm, fuzzy feelings, perhaps a Thanksgiving celebration is right for you! Read on to see our top ten reasons you should tie the knot on this late autumn feast day.

iStock_000072009931_Medium

You Are Family Oriented

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring family together, and many people plan to travel, anyway. The long holiday weekend gives relatives an opportunity to catch up and friends more time to have fun! Just be sure to let loved ones know far in advance to reserve your wedding date, because flight costs go up this time of year.

Anniversaries Are Important

Want to reserve time off from work for your anniversary? This might seem a minor consideration, but booking your wedding on a holiday weekend will ensure you get an extra day or two to celebrate and remember your wedding with family—year after year!

iStock_000074431649_Medium

You Love Nature’s Rich Hues

Do you appreciate earth tones and bright accents? A late fall wedding may incorporate jewel tones and vibrant autumnal hues. Brown, burgundy, gold, grey, and orange reflect the season’s natural beauty.

Fall Is Fun

Is there anything better than crunching falling leaves, sipping hot drinks, and watching the rain? If you love the weather during late fall, a Thanksgiving wedding is a natural choice. Consider getting personalized umbrellas or wearing boots for the big day. Have fun with your food, drinks, and décor!

iStock_000053291802_Medium

Turkey, Turkey, Turkey!

Heap on delicious helpings of hot and savory foods! Serve courses your guests will want second and third helpings of, like roast turkey, apple pie, turkey sandwiches, pumpkin ravioli, turkey salad, mashed potatoes—and did we mention turkey? If you venue allows it, hosting a potluck or asking family members to cook is an affordable way to share special recipes and feed your guests!

Rustic Warmth

Lanterns, candles, and warm lighting create beautiful ambiance for a Thanksgiving wedding. If you’re hosting your reception at a lodge or facility with a roaring fire, all the better! Pumpkins, wheat, and leafy decorations add to the cheer of a harvest-themed wedding.

iStock_000044562444_Full

Longer Is Better

Does the romance of a chapel or cathedral veil sweep you off your feet? A long veil will frame your gown and look stunning in photos! Whether you’re going for simple elegance or head-turning beauty, a long veil will fulfill your late autumn wedding vision.

You Like to Wrap Up

Shawls, scarves, and wraps are not only warm and comfortable, but provide unique opportunities to enrich your wedding. You can add a splash of color and incorporate sentimental meaning at the same time! Ask a close friend or family member to knit something special for you and your bridal party (plenty of time in advance, mind you) to create lovely memories for everyone

iStock_000036499960_Medium

Gratitude Is Glorious

Love is a special gift. If you’re thankful in particular for your relationship and want to reaffirm this theme during your wedding, Thanksgiving pairs beautifully with a message of gratitude.

Gold Accessories Are Perfect for Your Gown

We mentioned that colors complementing the vibrance of late autumn and the harvest work well with a Thanksgiving wedding. If you love gold accessories, this time of year is definitely for you! Gold adds warm, subtle shine and coordinates beautifully with champagne gowns, embroidered details, and earth-tone accents.

KK5_0751_A2

Bel Aire Bridal Headpiece Style: 6482

***

Would you plan a Thanksgiving wedding? Tell us about your late autumn or winter ensemble choices!

Style Spotlight: Gold Lace Cathedral Veil

Gold is naturally glamorous. The warm luster and elegant shine of this gorgeous hue is perfect for a wedding in any season. Bold, beautiful brides who step outside the all-white or all-ivory box already know that metallics add an eye-catching splash of decadence to any ensemble. Gold, in particular, conveys a soft and romantic quality that is so dreamy while retaining that feeling of high-class elegance.

This veil is for you.

Style V7287C combines the gorgeous glamour of gold with a breathtaking floral lace design. Dimensional flowers and shimmering beadwork in opulent embroidery make this veil truly unique—just like you! The traditional style of a flowing cathedral veil is the most majestic, romantic design a bride can choose.

You’ll feel absolutely stunning in this extravagant accessory—if such a statement piece can really be called a mere accessory. Be prepared for lots of compliments!

This design coordinates beautifully with gold jewelry and headpieces, as well as dresses with warm florals and/or lace appliqués. Champagne tones look downright incredible with this luxurious veil.

Style V7287C is made for a formal wedding. If you like the gold lace but want a design that’s not quite so over-the-top, check out style V7277 (the fingertip length version) or a soft gold Chantilly lace veil like V7270. You’ll love the grace and charm of these fabulous gold styles.

Are you wearing a gold lace gown? Tell us which designer you chose!

(Psst. We have more cathedral veils and romantic styles for you, too. If you want more bridal style inspiration, follow us on Instagram!)

5 Amazing Looks for Beach Brides

Are you planning a destination wedding, getting married in a tropical setting, or saying “I do” on sandy shores? Check out our favorite styling ideas for unconventional and classic brides alike! Express your personal bridal style with these amazing accessories.

BOHO BRIDAL STYLE

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6558 & V7198)

Better together: a bridal headpiece over a foldover veil looks stunning. Choose a headpiece that reflects your personality—bling or beads or metallic details—and pair it up with just about any circle cut veil. This elegant combo complements the incredible beauty of the ocean with a bit of your own boho-chic charm.

HEADPIECE ONLY

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6522)

So you don’t want to wear a veil. No problem! A pretty headpiece will definitely say “bride” and make you feel absolutely gorgeous. If you’re the carefree type, check out a soft flower comb or delicately bejeweled halo. For the more formal future Mrs., a beaded headband or pearl hair vine offers a swanky touch of elegance.

THE ULTRA-LONG VEIL

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7263C)

Nothing makes our hearts flutter more than a gorgeous cathedral veil. Get in the spirit of beauty and romance wearing a long, dramatic design! Whether you choose a light cut edge or lace details, this style is sure to look lovely blowing back in the breeze.

VEIL & HEADPIECE

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6369 & V8734)

Combine a pretty veil and the headpiece of your choice for a flawless, put-together bridal ensemble. You can wear the veil for your bridal portraits and ceremony, and then party all night wearing an eye-catching headpiece! This picture-perfect pairing personalizes a traditional look.

FOLDOVER VEIL

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7164)

There’s something so dreamy about a bride wearing a sheer tulle veil over her face. A classic blusher is usually worn by a bride as she is walking down the aisle, and it is lifted before the kiss. You can achieve the same fairy-tale beauty with a circle cut veil or a two-tier design.

Where are you getting married, and which look is your favorite?

How To Wear a Veil—At The Beach!

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal)

All brides wear veils, right?

Well, no, they don’t. But because veils are so pretty and unmistakably bridal, let’s assume you’re open to wearing one. And let’s also say that you’re getting married at the beach!

So how do you pick the right veil for your unique venue and personal style? Keep scrolling to see our tips about how to find the perfect style and make it work for you.

FUN & MODERN CUT

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7253)

Veils come in more varieties than frozen yogurt! One of our favorites is a pretty, pearl-dotted, cascading foldover veil that flows to fingertip length (V7253 pictured). The pearls add a nice touch to an otherwise simple but shapely illusion, creating an absolutely dreamy look. You can wear one tier forward or both back, your choice!

PRETTY LACE DETAILS

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7251)

Are you a romantic? Most beach wedding dresses feature soft, ethereal layers. If your gown includes lace details, wearing a veil that also features lace is a gorgeous way to tie your whole style together (V7251 pictured). Add some pearl jewelry and your partner will fall in love all over again.

COASTAL PRINCESS

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal)

Most people associate princess brides with churches and ballrooms. But you can also achieve a totally regal look by simply bringing a formal veil to the beach. The plus side is that you’ll get some amazing photos, and styles like V7034CX and V8734 will leave no doubt that you’re a bride! Plenty of girls wear white dresses to the beach, but your eye-catching veil will make you feel like this is YOUR day.

FABULOUS FRENCH NET

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – Style 6225)

Fish for compliments wearing a gorgeous French net veil! This sweet, simple, chic style is perfect for the beach and will ensnare your love with bridal charm. You can wear the net over your face or back over your hair as a mini-veil (6225 pictured). Vintage designs are trending, so this style looks completely fresh and modern with the right dress.

Which look is your favorite? Will you wear a veil at your beach wedding?

4 Ways to Style Your Destination Beach Wedding

Bel-Aire-Bridal-Jen-Fuj-Photo-Malibu-Beach-Destination-Wedding-Shoot-6571-1

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6571)

Are you planning a destination wedding, or saying “I do” amidst a breathtaking backdrop of ocean, sand, and sky? We can’t help but admire all you dreamy, free-spirted beach brides—and we’ve got some killer styling suggestions for you!

TUMBLING WAVES & SUBTLE BLING

Bel-Aire-Bridal-Jen-Fuj-Photo-Malibu-Beach-Destination-Wedding-Shoot-6505

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6505)

This style is so carefree and easy to achieve: style loose waves and use a gentle spray or mousse to keep those breezy locks looking great all day. Top off this simple yet stunning hairstyle with a glittering halo like 6500, 6502, or 6505. The result: absolute boho-chic beauty.

HAIR-TAMING HEADBAND

Bel-Aire-Bridal-Jen-Fuj-Photo-Malibu-Beach-Destination-Wedding-Shoot-6531

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6531)

If you’ve ever been to a beach (we’re guessing you have—and maybe even were proposed to at one), you know that there’s no such thing as a calm day. Keep the wind from messing up your ‘do with a gorgeous bridal headband. From pearl-packed glittering metallic designs (6531) to sparkling rhinestone tie headbands (6562), these styles are sure to keep you looking lovely all day. The bonus: add a veil and get some amazing shots of it blowing in that refreshing coastal breeze.

DELICATE FLORALS

Bel-Aire-Bridal-Jen-Fuj-Photo-Malibu-Beach-Destination-Wedding-Shoot-6569

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6569)

If you’re a classy bride and want a hairstyle with serious staying power, curl up your tresses in a loose chignon and tuck in a pretty flower clip. Delicate metallic flowers, soft organza petals, and glittering details like rhinestones and pearls tie your love of the sea into an elegant bridal style. (6569 and 6535)

THE WHOLE PACKAGE

Bel-Aire-Bridal-Jen-Fuj-Photo-Malibu-Beach-Destination-Wedding-Shoot-6570-1

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6570)

You want it all: glamour, romance, beauty. Mix and match styles that speak to your heart! Pick a dramatic bridal headpiece with a gorgeous, eye-catching design (6570) to wear at the ceremony and reception. Pair a traditional cathedral veil with a blusher for some seriously amazing photos (yes, you can wear this at the beach). Whether you go for trendy lace appliqués or a simple edge, a long veil adds instant drama.

Bel-Aire-Bridal-Jen-Fuj-Photo-Malibu-Beach-Destination-Wedding-Shoot-V7263

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7263C)

How will you style your beach wedding?

Product Spotlight: Cathedral Veil V7176C

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

Elegantly embroidered and beaded scalloped edge veil

A cathedral veil is traditional for many religious weddings; however, it is also one of the most stunningly romantic accessories a bride can choose for her big day! Gorgeous and graceful, cathedrals add dramatic wedding-day allure; there’s no other occasion in life that calls for such a long veil. Modern veils range from ethereal, cut-edge styles that float like wisps of cloud to luxuriously embellished statement pieces. Pearls, rhinestones, embroidery, lace, and crystals decorate many types of veils—but turn the most heads on an eye-catching cathedral.

Our features lavish silver embroidered flowers with a delicate, scalloped beaded edge. Silver bugle beads, tiny rhinestones, and miniature pearls infuse this design with uncommonly detailed beauty.

Style Me
Elegant brides seeking an extravagant yet feminine look will love the sweeping beauty of V7176C. Gracefully balancing modern design with old-fashioned motifs, this elaborate style embellishes a plain gown or frames an already-stunning dress with decadence to match.
V7176C suggests a tone of luxury. Coordinated with sumptuous accessories, it completes a theme of regal elegance. When enhancing a simpler look, however, this veil takes the spotlight. Classically bridal, the floral design complements plain or embroidered gowns and understated jewelry.

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

Match Me
This cathedral veil is best paired with a gown featuring a long train. We love this piece coordinated with a sparkling rhinestone or beaded belt like BT010 or a floral belt such as BT040.

While this veil may be worn alone as a statement, a touch of sparkle gorgeously complements your whole look. We recommend pinning a small accent underneath in your hairstyle, or wearing a headpiece after you remove the veil for your reception! Cathedral veils are most appropriate for your walk down the aisle and photos, though you may bustle them for the after-party.

My Perfect Wedding
Formal, feminine brides will be drawn to V7176C, while brides styling more casual looks will find less-embellished designs more attractive. This elaborate veil best complements an elegant theme.

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

Love This Look
Love this design and want to see similar accessories?

Check out the Cathedral Veils section on our website for more heart-fluttering styles!

Brief History of The Wedding Veil

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal – Style 6251)

Wondering whether or not you should wear a veil for your wedding day? As it stands now, the veil is a fashion statement. Whether or not you’d like to wear one is entirely personal preference.

However, people often believe the bridal veil symbolizes something—because throughout the ages, various cultures have attached religious or social meanings to it. We’ll cover the most well-known connotations of wedding veils—from protection against evil to a display of extravagance!

Protection Against Evil

In Ancient Greece and Rome, the veil was originally flame-colored to scare off evil spirits. Many works of literature cite the veil as a source of protection—and since veils, hats and scarves have historically been used in defense against sun, wind, exposure, or even mosquitoes, this isn’t too much of a stretch.

Many wedding traditions have developed out of efforts to protect the bride. A few (such as the bride standing to the groom’s left, so his sword hand is free) were aimed at shielding her from being kidnapped by other suitors. Most practices, however, protected the bride against evil spirits that might be lurking under the floorboards or waiting to attack during the wedding. Even today, Middle Eastern brides still paint themselves with henna to avoid the Evil Eye.

Continue reading Brief History of The Wedding Veil

Reasons to Love a Cathedral Veil

Want to know if a cathedral length veil is a good option (or even an option) for your wedding? Check out our list and weigh the pros and cons of this particular style, find out why so many brides are choosing it, and decide if it’s right for you.

Tradition

Back in the day, a wedding veil symbolized purity and protection. This stylish fashion has been worn by brides since Roman times and has been customized in every era. From long lace masterpieces to short little blushers, the veil is a crucial part of the bride’s ensemble. A cathedral veil has a time-honored history and gets its name from—you guessed it—the length that brides wear for religious weddings in cathedrals. Modern brides are wearing this look indoors and outside.

On Trend

Cathedral veils have recently stolen the spotlight as featured in celebrity weddings. High-profile brides in 2014 popularized this gorgeous length with extravagant, romantic, and elegant ensembles that accentuated each woman’s beauty with a unique—and very long—veil.You can take this fashion and make it your own by selecting a cathedral veil that complements your gown and expresses your personality.

Enhance Your Gown

If you’re wearing a short dress for your ceremony, don’t wear a cathedral veil. Shorter veils such as French net, shoulder, and elbow designs are best for gowns that hit at the ankle or knee. Cathedral veils beautifully complement any formal ensemble: mermaid dresses, fit and flare silhouettes, ball gowns, and even sheath dresses.

You can choose a wide veil for added drama; multiple layers for soft romance; a narrow veil for a sleek appearance; a flat mantilla for traditional beauty; or a foldover for simple elegance.

Reception Change

Are you dancing the night away in a short dress? A romantic, long veil is designed to enhance your walk down the aisle; you can either bustle your cathedral or switch it out for a pretty headpiece or shorter veil for your reception. This gives you the perfect excuse to select something fun and different for the after party!

Romance

A cathedral veil transforms your wedding look with magical romance. From your walk to the altar to portrait photos, the dramatic beauty of a long veil will enhance your wedding in ways that only you will ever know. Some couples do a first look—others take fun photos with friends, style gorgeous still-life shots, or take private boudoir photos. Many women don’t feel like a bride until they put on their veil. Imagine a veil so beautiful and dramatic that you can’t stop staring until it is literally tucked into your hair. Romantic? We think so.

YOMO

You only live once, right? You only marry once, too!
Seize the moment. This is your only opportunity to wear a veil. Why not select a dramatic, ethereal, and utterly fantastic cathedral design? Every day is precious—and your wedding day should be blissfully unforgettable. Choose a style that makes you look and feel amazing.

***
In love with cathedral veils? Check out our Cathedral Veils page for some ideas about how to enhance your look for the big day. Still not convinced? Every bride should select the style she loves the most—check out our other veil lengths and designs for more options. Beaded Veils | Classic Veils | 
French Net & Face Veils | 
Embroidered Veils

Tell us what you think! What type of veil will you wear for your wedding and why?