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 Belts for Frosty Weddings

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Winter weddings are gorgeous. Not only do you get pristine snowy scenery, but anything that sparkles seems even more brilliant.

We love bridal belts because they tie your other accessories together so well. They also “dress up” your gown with some extra shimmer. That’s not to mention that they’re super figure-flattering, too!

These stylish accents are so perfect for glamorous winter weddings. Our pretty bridal belts feature glittering rhinestones, intricate beading, and budding flowers. Transform your gown with a romantic, eye-catching accent and make your outfit uniquely beautiful—just like you!

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Sparkling Silver Filigree & Tulle

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A soft tulle sash blends into the background of your gown, while the stunning silver filigree design twists and twirls with gorgeous sparkle. This lovely tie belt can come with ivory, white, diamond white, blush, champagne, or latte tulle. Pair it with drop earrings or a shimmering veil for a glamorous look.

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Vintage-Inspired Sparkle & Beadwork

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Retro and utterly fabulous, this sparkly little number features a vintage-inspired design of silver beading and shimmering rhinestones. Pair this captivating piece with Art Deco earrings or a faux fur wrap to accentuate your theme. Style your look with a bold red lip and some sass, while you’re at it!

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Sparkling Opal & Clear Rhinestones

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There’s nothing like pure sparkle to complement a dreamy bridal look. Tie off a noteworthy ensemble with a pretty belt featuring clear or opal rhinestones in a shimmering line. This simply gorgeous design matches a variety of other rhinestone accessories and easily ties on ribbons.

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Organza Peonies & Alençon Lace

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Thinks flowers are just for spring and summer weddings? Not so fast! This lovely peony tie sash features sparkling rhinestone accents and beaded lace for a classic accent that looks romantic in any weather. Tie it into your ensemble with a lace veil or floral accents in a neutral color scheme.

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Silver Beading & Rhinestone Embellishments

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Styling a fairy-tale ensemble? Exquisitely regal, this rhinestone-embellished tie sash lays on the sparkle; detailed, silver beadwork creates an opulent accent fit for a princess. Pair this with the rhinestone accessories of your choice for an unforgettable outfit.

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Want to see more? Browse our Belts page to check out a variety of designs. Be sure to pick out Jewelry to finish off your look!

Fabulous Winter Style Trends for 2017 Weddings

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The countdown is on! As we head into the last weeks of this year, we’re taking a look of some of the most fabulous winter trends from 2016.

If you’re planning a winter wedding for next year, be sure to include some of these gorgeous ideas for an absolutely spectacular ensemble!

Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle

According to Brides, accessories are going to be big next year. Of course, we’ve always felt that accessories are the best way to customize your bridal ensemble and really make it yours. For winter weddings, play up the sparkle—glamorous earrings and glittering tiaras beautifully reflect the romantic lighting of winter wedding venues. Want to keep it rustic? A pretty floral crown with berries, branches, or cooler tones reflects the season’s natural beauty.

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Long Sleeves

Gown designers of 2017 are wowing us with bishop sleeves, long lace sleeves, and flutter sleeves! Longer sleeves are perfect for a winter wedding and, apart from looking super stylish, help keep you warm. Adding a separate such as a shawl, cardigan, or sweater is another winter-friendly option that gives your photos personalized, home-spun charm.

Capes & Veils

The princess bride theme and fairy-tale weddings are popular every winter, as glamorous and sparkly accessories gracefully accent the icy beauty of this season. And what better way to keep warm than beneath a whimsical bridal cape? Many designers are adding dramatic capes to their 2017 gowns. You can also mirror this trend with a stunning cathedral veil. Whether you’re into lace trims or sparkling embroidery, the perfect design is waiting for you.

Bold Makeup

Neutral bridal makeup, messy updos, and heavy lashes were on trend this year. Fall and winter weddings have been the notable exception, showing off beautiful jewel tones! A bold lip or sparkly eyeshadow enhances a winter bridal look with flair. Metallics are still popular, so style your makeup to complement your sparkly accessories in silver, rose gold, or gold.

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Want to read more? Check with fashion experts to help you plan your winter wedding:

http://www.brides.com/gallery/wedding-dress-trends-for-fall-2017

http://www.brit.co/winter-wedding-trends-2016/

http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g28984/bridal-trends-2017/

8 Reasons to Get Engaged This Winter

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When you know, you just know.

Love naturally transforms a relationship until you want to make a lasting commitment, and anything less would feel incomplete. If you’re at this point, congratulations!

Now you just have to decide when to pop the question.

Some people time it based on when they’d like to get married—for example, 12–15 months before their desired wedding day. Others choose a favorite season or a significant day, such as a birthday or holiday.

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Here are eight reasons to get engaged this winter!

Discounted rings

An engagement ring represents an investment—but a holiday sale doesn’t hurt.

Romantic ambiance

All those sparkly holiday lights will make her bling sparkle even more.

Cuddle weather

So you can get all cozy before or after she says “Yes!”

Snowy engagement photos

Go on Pinterest and see what we mean. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Holiday surprise

What better gift than a promise to be together forever?

Family is already together

This is a convenient time to celebrate your engagement without spoiling the surprise.

Winter activities as part of the proposal

Instead of one memorable proposal moment, you’ve had a whole awesome day.

You can’t wait any longer

Like we said: when you know, you just know.

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Ready to propose? Check out our Ring Bling and Engagement Photos boards on Pinterest for ideas! How He Asked is also a great resource.

Geometric Wedding Inspiration

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Looking for out-of-the-box wedding ideas? Check out this gorgeous styled shoot by Jessica Cooper Photography with the loveliest Sweet Caroline wedding dress! Staged in a lush, outdoor environment with both vintage and modern headpieces, this creative shoot reminds us of the beauty in expressing your individual taste.

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This black and white, classy wedding beautifully contrasts a vibrant, green venue. Complementing the rustic-chic theme are geometric flower arrangements and our very own floral headpiece 6542. The whole look is sleek, up-to-date, and streamlined—right down to a cake featuring hexagons and a matching wedding topper!

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The groom’s classic black tux vibes perfectly with the bride’s charming windowpane dress, creating a unique yet elegant coupling. We love how she switched to pearl headband 6539 with vintage curls for a new look.

Notice how the bride’s passionate red lip adds a bold touch of romance? A dramatic bouquet incorporates white and black anemones with lush greenery—how perfect for the holidays!

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Tell us, how are you styling your wedding?

Photography Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography 

Gown Vendor: Sweet Caroline Styles

Engagement Ring Cuts—Which Is Yours?

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With the holidays just around the corner, we’re coming up on engagement season! Whether you’re dreaming of a sparkly present or already window shopping, take a peek at the different cuts. Find out which one is yours and what it says about your bridal style!

 Round Brilliant

Round

You are traditional, romantic, and devoted. You want a pretty, sparkly solitaire that will still look incredible in twenty years. The round cut is the most popular for good reason—you get brilliance, fire, and scintillation all in one package.

Your Bridal Style: Romantic. You’re more interested in having a beautiful marriage than an over-the-top wedding, and you prefer your details to be thoughtful and timeless. You’ll be looking at family traditions for inspiration.

Our Top Picks: Styles with pearls and lace. Consider our top headpieces like 6435, 6161, 6202, and 6534. Check out our Lace Veils and Cathedral Veils to best complement your gown.

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Princess Cut

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You are grounded, modern, and artistic. You like traditional sparkle coupled with an edgy shape. While you’re not very interested in celebrity trends or over-the-top romance, you still want a ring that looks stylish with just a touch of feminine charm.

Your Bridal Style: Trendy. Your wedding will be personalized, skipping outdated traditions and frivolous details. Your look blends modern elegance and rustic beauty.

Our Top Picks: Metallic florals. Consider creative designs like 6505, 6522, 6452, and 6644. Check out our Embroidered Veils and Classic Veils to best complement your gown.

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Oval 

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You are trendy, classy, and feminine. Though you want the sparkle and fire of a round cut, you adore the just-a-bit-different charm of an oval ring. You are modern and want a band or halo adorned with plenty of small diamonds.

Your Bridal Style: Trendy. Though you enjoy a few classic elements, you want your celebration to be modern and fresh, with just a hint of glamour. You’ll be looking on Pinterest and at celebrity weddings for inspiration.

Our Top Picks: Anything with opal crystals and rhinestones. Consider our newest styles like 6600, 6615, 6617, and 6628. Check out our Classic Veils and Cathedral Veils to best complement your gown.

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Emerald & Asscher 

Emerals

You are elegant, classy, and empowered. You want a distinctive, brilliant ring that flashes rather than sparkles. Not given to sentiment, you want a high-quality statement stone that reflects your individuality and good taste.

Your Bridal Style: Classic. Modern but not trendy, you want a sophisticated black tie wedding marked by flawless simplicity and streamlined elegance. You’ll be choosing top-of-the-line vendors.

Our Top Picks: Elegant rhinestone designs. Consider styles like 6284, 6557, 6533, and 6513. Check out our Classic Veils and French Net Veils to best complement your gown.

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Marquise

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You are outgoing, creative, and vintage-obsessed. You love any trend that calls back the fashions of previous ages. The courtly marquise looks amazing on your hand, and you love showing it off.

Your Bridal Style: Vintage. You are all about opulence and over-the-top sparkle. Your look is glamorous, daring, and totally retro.

Our Top Picks: Vintage-inspired bling. Consider styles like 6310, 6351, 6354, and 6400. Check out our Beaded Veils and French Net Veils to complement your gown.

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Stacked Rings

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You are sentimental, modern, and free-spirited. You have a penchant for feminine sparkle, but shy away from the traditional solitaire. One ring won’t cut it—you love the dramatic beauty and symbolism behind adding a ring for every major life experience, starting with your engagement.

Your Bridal Style: Glamorous. You want your wedding to be personalized, with extra-special glamour and romance. You’ll look to Pinterest and ask friends for wedding inspiration.

Our Top Picks: Anything fabulous. Consider sparkly styles like 6644, 6642, 6620, and 6610. Check out our Embroidered Veils and Cathedral Veils to best complement your gown.

Cushion & Radiant

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You are dramatic, outgoing, and trendy. You want a ring that will blow your socks off and look amazing, no matter how many times you see it in photos. You want a solitaire with a halo, and maybe even a rose gold band.

Your Bridal Style: Glamorous. You want your wedding to be epic. A bit of sparkle never hurt anyone.

Our Top Picks: Bling and more bling. Consider our most sparkly styles, like 6603, 6611, 6627, and 6500. Check out our Beaded Veils and Cathedral Veils to best complement your gown.

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What type of engagement ring do you have? Tell us about your bridal style!

Hot Holiday Makeup Trends for 2015

Whether you’re walking down the aisle or anticipating an engagement, be sure to look your best with these holiday makeup ideas. Pick your favorite, and find accessories to complement the look!

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Au Naturel

Sometimes less is more. Every bride exudes a naturally gorgeous, happy glow. You’ll look your best with light mascara, ChapStick, a moisturizer, and oil-free pads. Stay warm, and your everyday winter essentials will keep you feeling great on your special day. Pair a simple veil or hair accessory and you’re good to go!

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Photo Credit: Sweet Caroline Styles x Jessica Cooper Photography

Gold & Bronze

Metallics are in right now. That means adding a bit of shimmering color to your eyeshadow or bronzer. Tie in gold accessories like statement bracelets and dazzling earrings— add a chic little shawl or cute belt to finish off your look. Warm tones of gold and bronze work beautifully with traditional holiday colors such as marsala, berry, aspen, coal, and cream.

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Photo Credit: Sweet Caroline Styles x Jessica Cooper Photography

Red & Marsala

A red lip is a must for your winter wedding or engagement party. (Seriously, the photos are stunning.) Whether you choose holly red or a deep marsala, you can play off this rich tone with your bouquet, bridesmaids’ attire, or a bit of statement jewelry. Wearing red is the perfect way to evoke a theme of pure romance whilst tying in the cheer and warmth of the season.

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Photo Credit: Sweet Caroline Styles x Jessica Cooper Photography

Grey & Blue

Grey and blue are trending big this year. The holidays are the perfect time to express wintery elegance with sparkling grey, blue, or white accents. Reflect this cool aesthetic by adding a bit of shimmer to your eyeshadow and nail polish. Choose glamorous earrings or a rhinestone-studded veil to complete the look. Shine on, girls!

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Photo Credit: Sweet Caroline Styles x Jessica Cooper Photography

Tell us, which look best fits YOU? Find more style inspiration on our Instagram page, and check out our Pinterest boards for ways to make your holidays more sparkly.

5 Reasons to Have a Winter Wedding

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Just engaged? Trying to set the date? Every season offers a unique spin on weddings—from stylistic decisions such as colors to lovely little details like footwear.

Summer might be the most popular time to get married, but we’ve got five amazing reasons to tie the knot during a winter month!

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Stylish Outerwear

Capes, shawls, shrugs, faux fur, sweaters, scarves—the options for staying warm and looking fabulous are endless. Make sure you and your bridesmaids show up in unforgettable style! Winter accessories make nice gifts for your wedding party.

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Gorgeous Sparkle

Winter is the perfect time to wear something glamorous. Twinkling earrings, a gorgeous necklace, and an oh-so-pretty headpiece will light up your bridal ensemble with elegant shimmer. You can also get away with a sparkly rhinestone veil or glittery shoes.

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Romantic Glow

Strung lights, votive candles, and flickering firelight create a beautiful ambiance unique to winter weddings. You can also tie in seasonal colors and metallic tones to make your reception truly shine. Be sure to get some of your portraits with romantic lighting.

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Snowy Photos

There’s nothing like seasonal snapshots to make your wedding memorable. Breathtaking mountains, softly falling snow, and frosted trees provide a dramatic backdrop. Add umbrellas or have a snowball fight for an extra dose of fun!

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Cold Weather

This means hot drinks and comfort foods—not to mention seasonal favorites! There’s also something about the crisp, cold winter days that makes people want to snuggle up and get cozy. Sounds like the perfect recipe for romance!

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Are you a cold weather bride? Tell us, why did you choose to have a winter wedding?   

Sparkle Style: What Your Ring Says About You

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Are you dreaming of a sparkly Christmas?
According to a recent poll by Brides magazine, about 51 percent of brides are involved in choosing their engagement rings. Whether the rock is a complete surprise or you show him exactly what you want on that special finger, we hope that you receive a design you absolutely love. After all, you’ll be wearing it for the rest of your life!
When it comes to diamonds (still the most popular stone for engagement rings), the four C’s reign supreme. Clarity, color, carat, and cut play into how expensive your bling will be. We’re going to focus on the cut of your gorgeous stone—which comes in a dazzling array of choices—and what each shape says about your personality!

Cushion Cut – Modern, Trendy, Fabulous
Also known as a “pillow cut” or “candlelight diamond,” a cushion cut stone looks like a square with rounded corners. Sparkling like crushed ice, this cut has enjoyed recent popularity with brides who want something slightly more modern than a round diamond—though this style has been around for over 200 years! Usually set as a solitaire or halo, the cushion cut embraces any band with dazzling radiance. Cushion brides lean towards runway trends such as plunging necklines, embellished backs, snazzy silhouettes, and celebrity styles. You are modern and not afraid to shine!

Heart Shape – Sentimental, Romantic, Feminine
If you’re a fairy-tale bride, a heart-shaped ring may be in your stars! This sweet shape evokes a theme of true love; you are marrying your soul mate. Pairing this enchanting stone with an engraved band will personalize your engagement ring. Only the true romantic chooses a heart and keeps it with her always. Heart brides lean towards lavish lace, extravagant floral arrangements, feminine colors like blush or champagne, and intimate wedding details. You are in love with love!

Emerald – Confident, Powerful, Sleek
Utterly chic, an emerald cut evokes minimalist beauty. The confident, no-fuss bride with a penchant for shine prefers this clean look. Free from distractions and crafted with narrow, long facets, the emerald cut is best if you prefer pure elegance. Due to its shape, jewelers often need higher grade clarity diamonds to create this cut (making it more expensive). Emerald brides are attracted to sheath gowns and simple, elegant details. You already know you’re fabulous.

Round – Classic, Traditional, Sparkly
If you love sparkle, choose a round brilliant stone! With 58 facets and the most brilliance of any cut, a round stone will make everyone stare at your hand. This cut looks amazing accented with a pavé band, halo setting, or raised solitaire. Classic yet popular, a round stone is the best choice if you’re unsure of what you like or want something that will stay in style. Round cut brides are modern yet classy, leaning towards popular wedding trends and flattering styles.

Marquise – Alternative, Free-Spirited, Artistic
If you like to stand out from the crowd, a marquise diamond is right up your alley. Unique as the bride who wears it, this stone is shaped like a tiny boat and has a slimming effect. This brilliant, elongated cut marries a look of courtly elegance with creative appeal.Marquise brides go for non-traditional gowns and quirky accents.

Princess – Trendy, Modern, Romantic
Combining classic sparkle with an edgy shape, the princess cut looks square (sometimes slightly rectangle) with the most brilliance and fire of any non-round cut. One of the most popular choices for engagement rings, princess diamonds add artistic beauty to any setting. Princess brides stray only slightly from the beaten path, enjoying classy but modern gowns, trendy accessories, and just a few romantic touches. You’re willing to bend tradition and personalize your wedding!

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What shape of diamond would you choose? Would you prefer a colored gem?

Do you want to pick it yourself?

Tell us ALL about your dream engagement ring!

Additional Sources:
http://www.jewellerymonthly.com/diamond-shapes-for-engagement-rings/
http://www.jewelry-secrets.com/Diamonds/Diamond-Fire-Dispersion/What-Is-Diamond-Fire-Dispersion.html
http://www.abazias.com/diamondblog/diamond-education/diamond-shapes-a-guide-to-the-cuts
http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamond-education/round-diamonds
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/537124693032969899/
https://www.bezambar.com/princess-cut-diamond-inventor/