My Bridal Style: Bohemian Love

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The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and here in L.A., the jacaranda trees are blooming! Hot off the heels of Coachella weekend, we can’t get enough of this beach-worthy weather.

In the spirit of summer solstice bliss, we’re introducing a few of our prettiest bohemian bridal veils! Whether you’re getting married this summer or just want to channel your free-spirited personality, we think you’ll find something special to love.

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Cloud Nine Cathedral

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Want Pinterest-level wedding photos? The best way to get a dreamy, ethereal look is to tuck a cut edge cathedral veil into your long, flowing tresses. This ultra-soft, two-tier luxe tulle cathedral floats down your silhouette in a cloud of tulle.

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Lace on the Beach

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Who says lace is just for the honeymoon? Kick off your destination wedding with a gorgeous lace appliqué veil. This stunning cathedral veil features floating lace accents, adding dramatic romance to your unforgettable day. For brides who believe YOLO.

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Spirit of the Sea Pearls

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Top off your windblown tresses with some boho-luxe sparkle! This lovely little fingertip veil shimmers with faux pearls, bugle beads, and rhinestones, adding P.O.S.H. elegance to your look. Treat yourself to bridal heirlooms that you can treasure forever.

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Ribbons in Her Hair

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Do you enjoy life’s simple pleasures? If your big day is all about love, keep your style simple with a classic ribbon edge design. This sweet, cascading fingertip veil adds charming bridal beauty to any gown. Add special meaning to your ensemble with jewelry gifted by your SO.

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Midsummer Dream Veil

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Does your love story feel like a dream? Celebrate with an ethereal, romantic horsehair edge veil. This soft two tier veil cascades to waltz length with enchanting shape and style. Add a bohemian headband or hair wrap to complete a look straight from a fairy tale.

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Flowers for Hours

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Celebrate your inner romantic with a gorgeous lace cathedral veil. Equally at home in a boho garden wedding or formal church ceremony, this stunning design features silver flower embroidery all along dreamy, cascading tiers. Add a floral headpiece to complete your look!

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Want more? Check out our My Bridal Style: Bohemian page for inspiration, or follow us on Instagram for all things bridal!

Why a Wedding Veil is a Bride’s Best Friend

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They say dogs are man’s best friend (though some of us prefer cats). Other people firmly believe that diamonds are a girl’s best friend—or perhaps chocolate.

On your wedding day, however, your veil is your best friend! This time-honored accessory is always a good choice for your bridal outfit—and here’s why.

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Figure-Flattering

The secret to choosing the perfect veil is in selecting one that complements your gown silhouette. Your veil has a figure-flattering effect that can lengthen your torso or balance the fullness of your dress.

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Face-Flattering

The veil you choose can also frame your face. A narrow veil with lots of gathers will help elongate a short face, while a flat mantilla or wider veil with layers will shorten a long face.

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Theme-Enriching

If you’re a princess bride, a cathedral veil completes your ensemble like nothing else. If you’re a romantic bride, lace is the way to go. If you’re a vintage-inspired bride, French net adds authentic style. Your veil is the ultimate accessory when it comes to creating a themed look!

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Photo-Enhancing

Go on Pinterest and you’ll see what we mean! Veils are a gorgeous addition to your wedding-day photos, whether they’re wrapped around you in a romantic cocoon, or blowing freely in the breeze.

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Ever see a woman wearing a veil on her birthday? Neither have we. Your wedding is the only time you’ll wear a stunning veil—so give it a go! Even strangers will know you’re a bride and shower you with love on your big day.

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Personal

Modern veils are available in a variety of trims and lengths. You have the opportunity to personalize your ensemble by choosing one you love—whether it has scattered lace or shimmering rhinestones, four layers or just one.

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Beautiful

That moment when a bride walks down the aisle in her wedding veil is irreplaceable. Everyone from your mother and father to your groom and best friend will get teary-eyed. A veil adds utterly magical bridal beauty.

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Ready to find the perfect veil for your big day? Browse our collections at www.belairebridal.com and try on your favorites at an authorized bridal salon near you!

5 Favorite Floral Headpieces from Our Spring 2017 Collection

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New year, new things! We are so excited that our Spring 2017 collection is hitting bridal salons, so we want to take a minute and share our favorite bits of pretty. Visit our Store Locator and get everything you need at a retailer near you.

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Daisy Chain Halo

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Gold and glamorous, a lovely linked halo shimmers with rhinestones and lustrous metallic filigree. Also available in silver, this nature-inspired design beautifully channels the grace and romance of flowers. Wear it alone as a boho-chic accent, or pair it with a veil for an ethereal ensemble.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

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Romantic Blush Flower Clip

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Eternally in bloom, this beautiful Venise lace clip makes the perfect bridal accessory. Romantic blush pink petals and tiny rhinestone accents grace a cluster of gorgeous lace. Clip it on the side or in the back for a blissful accent. Add a lace veil to complete your look.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic  

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Sparkling Dewdrop Flowers

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Sparkling like young blooms covered in dew, this flexible floral headpiece shimmers with unforgettable beauty. This lovely, nature-inspired design secures on two combs and easily nestles into the back of a chignon or partial updo for graceful bridal romance.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Destination  

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Pretty Pearl & Flower Headband

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For an easy-to-wear accent, this gorgeous flower-studded headband delivers. Textured metallic flowers, sparkling rhinestones and lustrous pearls decorate this lovely adornment with sweet charm. This design beautifully accents a lace or floral gown.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

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Weaving Floral Vine

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Boho-chic and utterly beautiful, this delicate piece graces your hair with light beauty. Tiny pearl and rhinestone flowers glisten on a weaving design for an effortless, utterly romantic accent. Pair this tie headband with a veil for a formal look, or wear it alone for the reception.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Trendy

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Love what you see? Head on over to our Spring 2017 Collection for more beautiful bridal treasures, and discover the perfect design for your special day!

Top Bridal Accessory Trends for Spring 2017

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Planning your wedding? The Spring 2017 wedding season is in full swing, and we’re so excited to see what this year will bring in bridal inspiration!

We were able to take a peek at the biggest trends at the bridal fashion weeks last fall, and our new collection offers a little bit of everything for this year’s modern, whimsical bride.

Here’s a breakdown of the big gown trends and which accessories you can wear to complete every look.

The Look: Enchanted Beauty

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

This look is created for the romantic yet outdoorsy bride with a passion for adventure. The rustic-chic-enchanted forest wedding features surprisingly organic, soft details. Gowns with 3D florals fall into this category, along with bridal capes, artistic sleeves, and ethereal layers.

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Floral crowns are a good match for the enchanted bride, as are delicate flower combs and whimsical garlands. Lovely accessories such as a metallic leaf hair clip, sparkly earrings, or a floral belt will instantly elevate your ensemble with graceful elegance. Add an embroidered edge veil or an ethereal cut edge veil for a dreamy touch of romance. This look is straight from a fairy tale.

You might like My Bridal Style: Destination

The Look: Princess Bride

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

Every designer offers gowns for the princess look, because every bride should look and feel gorgeous on her big day! This year’s ball gowns and romantic A-lines offer grandiose trains, lots of lace, long sleeves, and over-the-top sparkle that will make anyone feel like royalty.

How To Style Me

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The best match for this style is, pretty obviously, a sparkling tiara. Bridal crowns are looking big this year, adding creative dimension and volume to your style. Play up the bling with dramatic earrings or transform a strapless gown with shoulder jewelry. Shimmering headbands and rhinestone combs offer alternatives for bridesmaids or a reception change.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

The Look: Boho Babe

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

This year’s bohemian bride is taking a more sophisticated spin. Last year’s casual dresses have evolved into delicate laces and retro silhouettes with big bell sleeves, see-through layers, and ready-to-wear fabrics that are super comfortable and yet so chic.

How To Style Me

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Boho-glam is in this year. Style this look with a sparkling bit of hair jewelry and big, bold statement pieces; personalize a simple gown by adding jewelry with meaning. For a more subtle, nature-inspired look, our goddess-worthy gold headbands are an easy-wear solution. Flexible hair vines offer a way to twist some bling into a braid or updo.

You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

The Look: Retro

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Source: http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g28984/bridal-trends-2017/?slide=10

Gone is the Gatsby Era of the early teens; 2017 highlights a variety of retro styles. 90’s spaghetti straps and two-piece gowns are in for the dramatic, on-trend bride. Other big retro looks include dramatic bows, structured corset tops, peplums, and 70’s era jumpsuits/pants.

How To Style Me

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For a sweet ‘90s look, a simple ribbon edge veil and small flower comb will do the trick. If you’re going more ‘60s-‘70s, a glittering bohemian headpiece is a game-changer. Our fascinators and vintage-inspired headbands mimic styles from the ‘20s and ‘50s. Delicate, French lace veils generally complement the retro lace gowns created by this year’s indie designers.

You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage

The Look: Fashionista

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

Dramatic trends are made for the bold bride who wants to look fresh and modern. See-through nude laces and plunging necklines, backless gowns and dramatic trains, and non-white colors are all the rage. Detachable skirts in place of separate reception dresses are still looking popular this year, though short bridal gowns are becoming readily more available.

How To Style Me

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Our newest collections offer a little something for everyone, whether you prefer small pins or a bold, glittering headpiece. Our rose gold series includes the most popular Bel Aire Bridal headpieces, from stunning tiaras to decadent combs. We also offer earrings and bracelets in rose gold, yellow gold, opal rhinestone, and sparkly silver. Our new luxe tulle veils are super soft and silky, and since they’re cut edge, they go with everything.

You might like My Bridal Style: Trendy

The Look: Hopeless Romantic

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Source: http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g28984/bridal-trends-2017/?slide=2

Romance is always a big theme in bridal, and this year’s designers have outdone themselves with a plethora of sensual off-the-shoulder gowns and plunging necklines. Tulle overlays interspersed with lace create a gorgeous illusion of volume without bulk. This season’s heart-fluttering gowns come in soft hues of blush, gold, and champagne.

How To Style Me

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We offer a wide variety of veils in champagne and blush to complement gowns in these pretty, feminine shades. Soft floral crowns and combs beautifully accent a romantic look; petal-strewn headbands with sparkling crystals and rhinestones create an elegant aesthetic. Our lace cathedral veils are the perfect choice for a romantic outfit.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

The Look: Dress to Dazzle

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

Where would brides be without bling? Lost in a sea of fabric. Designers amped up the sparkle factor with slinky sheath gowns, textured ball gowns, and sexy destination dresses that provide the perfect opportunity to play up glamorous accessories.

How To Style Me

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Formal brides do well with plenty of bling. A stunning headpiece like a rhinestone-encrusted headband or shimmering comb accentuates the beauty of your whole ensemble, while a beaded veil or cathedral veil with rhinestones adds slight shimmer. A bridal belt transforms your gown with unique sparkle. Our opal rhinestone halos and headbands add on-trend glamour to the look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Glamorous

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Want to stay up on this year’s best trends? Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, styled shoots, industry re-posts, and more!

Sparkle Style: Dreamy Winter Wedding Headpieces

There’s nothing quite like a sparkly, glamorous wedding to get us excited. Winter may be more popular for proposals than ceremonies, but brides who say I do to a chic winter wedding set the bar high for stunning ensembles!

Whether you love bohemian styles or are looking for pure sparkle to deck your tresses, our Spring 2017 collection features some gorgeous designs.

Scroll down and pick your favorite accessories, and then try them on at an authorized retailer near you!

Frozen Dewdrops Comb

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Add pure glamour to your ensemble with a lovely rhinestone-encrusted comb. A dazzling array of marquise, baguette, pear, and oval stones glitters with fantastic brilliance. Style this comb on the side or in the back, with or without a veil. Rhinestone jewelry is practically a must!

Winter Wonderland Tiara

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Transform your bridal look with a shimmering tiara fit for a princess. Available in silver or gold, this decadent design features intricate filigree crowned by large oval rhinestones. Inspired by classic royal glamour, this opulent design adds fairy-tale sparkle. Pair it with a veil to complete a stunning ensemble.

Royal Jewels Comb

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Bejewel your hair with a glittering, elegant comb. Arching in a crescent, this regal comb features a stunning array of round, marquise, and oval rhinestones. This elegant, princess-worthy design beautifully enhances a chignon or partial updo. Wear it with a veil for a totally romantic effect.

Snowdrift Tiara

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Complete your happily ever after with a shimmering tiara. Composed of round rhinestones, this charming headpiece sparkles with pure elegance. Wear it with a chignon, high bun, or loose curls to change up your look. Add a glittering veil and drop earrings for a totally glamorous ensemble.

Fairy Dust Garland

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Weave a spell of grace and beauty. Swirling, twirling silver filigree dances along a bridal garland. Stunning with or without a veil, this enchanting addition is easy to wear and ties in the back on metallic ribbons. Pair it with rhinestone drop earrings to complete a dazzling, glamorous look.

Morning Frost Comb

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Glittering like new frost, this delightful headpiece adds pure sparkle. Shimmering marquise rhinestones, opal rhinestones, and clear crystals are wired onto two combs for a secure fit. This elegant bridal accent is best worn in the back and may be paired with a veil or jewelry for a personalized look.

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Are you looking for sparkly wedding accessories? Check out our Spring 2017 Collection for some ideas. Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more inspiration!

How to Be a Glamorous Bride Part 1: Your Wedding Veil

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Do you often stare at your engagement ring, just to enjoy the sparkle? Would the phrase over-the-top accurately describe your wedding gown?

If you’re a glamorous bride, you love a formal and elegant style. Eye-catching accessories complete your dream wedding outfit, and your veil makes the biggest impact!

Once you have your gown, start by deciding if you’d like a plain or embellished veil. Also consider if wearing a blusher is important to you or not. You can opt for a short or long design, or even switch styles between the ceremony and reception.

You have lots of options to choose from, so we’ve put together some glamorous styles to help you get started. Shine on!

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Beaded Edge Scalloped Cathedral Veil

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The most obvious choice for a dramatic, glamorous ensemble is a beautiful cathedral veil. Formal and gorgeously embellished, a beaded edge veil completes your look with opulent sparkle.

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Luxe Tulle Cathedral Veil

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Want to match any gown? Our extra-soft luxe tulle cathedral veil is both full and long, featuring a clean cut edge that will complement any outfit with breezy elegance.

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Silver Rolled Edge & Rhinestone Fingertip Veil

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A sleek, silver rolled edge and tiny, sparkling rhinestones add the perfect touch of shimmer. At fingertip length, this design creates a figure-flattering accent that beautifully enhances a stunning outfit.

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2-Tier Scattered Rhinestone Waltz Veil

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Style a beautiful, sparkly look with scattered rhinestones flowing to waltz length. The second tier can be worn forward or back for the ceremony and reception.

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Silver Rolled Edge Mantilla with Scattered Rhinestones

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A stylish spin off the traditional mantilla, this lovely design graces your hair with a silver rolled edge and shimmering design of scattered rhinestones. Add pretty drop earrings to complete your look.

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Cascading Rhinestone Fingertip Veil

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Enjoy cascading sparkle with a flattering fingertip veil practically dripping with rhinestones. This eye-catching accent catches the light for extra shine.

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Swarovski Edge Elbow Length Veil

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This popular design features sparkling Swarovski rhinestones along the edge. Available in any length, this veil pairs beautifully with a variety of rhinestone accessories.

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Want more sparkle? Check out our My Bridal Style: Glamorous page for inspiration, and remember to browse our jewelry and belts pages for accessories to complete your dream wedding day look.

How to Style a Rustic Bridal Outfit

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A rustic wedding celebrates love in a down-to-earth atmosphere.

Rustic implies a crackling fire and cinnamon candles with a snowy backdrop; it evokes aged wine barrels and rustling leaves beneath a warm summer sun; it gives us visions of repurposed mason jars, burlap-covered tables, and bales of hay on a sprawling farm.

This theme can be interpreted in different ways; generally, a rustic venue incorporates the rugged charm of the outdoors! Whether you’re getting married in a vineyard or the mountains, your backyard or a national park, this style of wedding is enchantingly pastoral with a family-friendly twist.

A simple, idyllic bridal ensemble completes an outdoorsy wedding theme. Discover the perfect accessories for your greatest adventure yet.

Pair a Leafy Clip with Nature-Inspired Earrings

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Mirror nature’s autumnal beauty with golden leaves. A gilded leaf clip with rhinestone sprays glitters with rustic elegance. Pair it with leaf drop earrings to complete a goddess-worthy style.

Pair a Bridal Garland with a Foldover Veil

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A beautiful pearl and rhinestone bridal garland creates a flexible, versatile accent for your wedding-day look. Wear it wrapped around your hair or woven into an updo! Add a graceful foldover veil to complete a carefree, ethereal style.

Pair a Flower Crown with a Flower Lace Veil

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Flowers are trending big this year! A floral crown lends an air of organic romance to your look. Pair this lasting headpiece with a floral lace veil for a graceful, feminine ensemble.

Pair a Peony Comb with a Satin Tie Belt

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Create a classic bridal look with soft organza flower accessories. A peony comb decorated with rhinestones and lace beautifully adorns your hair with rustic charm. Add the matching belt to complete a nature-inspired ensemble.

Pair a Metallic Floral Headband with a Metallic Lace Veil

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Add enchanting elegance to your rustic-chic bridal ensemble. A beautiful metallic floral headpiece glitters with rhinestone accents. Pair it with a metallic lace veil to finish off a heart-fluttering look!

Are you ready to style your wedding day look? Check out My Bridal Style: Bohemian for more options, and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for rustic wedding ideas!

Beautiful Beadwork: 5 Incredible Veils to Match Your Gown

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You’ve had that moment. A lightbulb flashed on, or perhaps your heart quickened a beat when you looked in the mirror. You’ve found the perfect wedding dress.

Even the ideal dress usually needs to be altered or paired with accessories to maximize its potential. Only when you’ve added a gorgeous veil, the right shoes, or a pretty pair of earrings will the whole outfit truly feel magical—and ready for your wedding.

Designers have been pulling out all the stops for 2017: we’re seeing gorgeous beadwork on everything from vintage-inspired sheaths to princess-worthy ball gowns. To complete your dream ensemble, discover a beaded veil that complements the detail on your wedding dress.

Check out a few favorites that have been selling like crazy in bridal salons across the country!

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Sparkling with an edge of clear crystals, twinkly rhinestones, and silver bugle beads, this lovely fingertip design is radiantly beautiful. Pair it with your chosen jewelry to complete a glamorous look. This style is available in champagne, diamond white, ivory, or white. Want even more bling? It comes in cathedral length, too!

Graduated Glitter

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Frosted silver beads grace the edge of this lovely fingertip length veil. This design starts out in a narrow, delicate trail of sparkle at the comb and gets more dramatic along the bottom. The graduated beading pairs beautifully with jewelry, keeping you from looking top-heavy while adding more interesting detail along the curve. It is available in ivory or white and also comes in cathedral length.

Pretty Pearls

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Pearls are classically bridal, and this hugely popular design may be paired with the jewelry of your choice! This lovely fingertip veil features faux pearls, silver bugle beads, and shimmering rhinestones. The perfect balance of romance and glamour, this design is available in diamond white, ivory, or white. It comes in cathedral length, too!

Rainbow Sparkle

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Dream of adding a dazzling accent to your ensemble? This trendy and unique veil features a silver beaded edge and glamorous opal rhinestone clusters. Pair it with rhinestone or opal crystal jewelry, or add an opal rhinestone embellished belt like BT068 to complete your look. This design is available in ivory or white, in fingertip or cathedral lengths.

The Works

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This seasonal favorite combines a beautiful silver rolled edge with sparkling rhinestones, faux pearls, clear crystals, and silver budge beads. Available in elbow, fingertip, or cathedral lengths, this gorgeous design is so popular that we make it in every color: blush, champagne, diamond white, ivory, or white. Pair it with a pretty headpiece to complete your ensemble.

Want to see more? Check out our beaded veils and cathedral veils pages for additional designs. Follow us on Instagram for styled shoots and bridal inspiration!

How to Get in Wedding Shape: 5 Best Practices

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With the holidays right around the corner, you probably aren’t thinking about cutting back for the big day—especially if you have lots of time to prepare!

Good news: your partner already thinks you are beautiful. So the best way to prep for your wedding day is to simply be the healthiest version of yourself.

If you’re like most of us and want to improve in some area, it’s easier (and safer) to change your habits over the span of a few months than, say, two frantic weeks before your wedding.

Here are five easy ways to commit to great health. Make this winter your best ever!

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Eat Healthy

Getting healthy for your wedding should be a lifestyle choice (not a crash diet). You don’t have to cut out pumpkin spice lattes or skip holiday cookies, but do focus on incorporating more healthy foods. Make it easier by stocking nutritious substitutes for empty-calorie snacks.

Dark leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and seasonal fruits add valuable micronutrients to your diet. Avoid white carbs that have been stripped of their nutrition, and instead opt for whole grains. Choose protein sources that are low in saturated fat, and take vitamins to bolster your immune system. Sugar can boost your mood, but keep splurges reasonable. If you’re feeling down, learn to reward yourself with something other than food.

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Exercise

For that beautiful bridal glow, lead an active lifestyle. The recommended amount of exercise is at least 30 minutes a day for 5 days out of the week. It’s best to switch up your routine to keep things interesting. You can try a new sport or revive something you enjoyed in the past: swimming, yoga, cycling, stretching, and walking are all low-impact activities. Interested in a high-intensity sport like running or kick boxing? Consult a doctor before you begin.

Build up your distance and time safely, until the exercise is a habit. If you don’t have a lot of time during the day, you can even split your workout into smaller 10 or 20 minute segments. Add weight training or Pilates to build muscle tone. Every little bit counts!

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Sleep

This one doesn’t take months to practice, but you should be mindful of your sleep schedule as the wedding approaches. According to researchers, adequate sleep is essential to health and wellness. Lack of sleep contributes to a depressed immune system, attention lapses, irritability, poor memory and judgment, and even anxiety!

Avoid staying up late on your computer/phone, texting vendors at every hour of the day, and putting off DIY favors until the last minute. (Seriously, that project is going to take twice as long as you think it will.) Plan ahead and delegate so you can rest easy. Yes, you can use makeup to hide the bags under your eyes, but why bother? Get your full 7–9 hours of recommended sleep.

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Drink Water

Dehydration makes you crabby and forgetful—not to mention hungry. To avoid all that unpleasantness, be sure that you are drinking enough. Plain water is usually the best, and you can also get fluids through fruits and vegetables. Lemon water adds vitamin C to your diet, which is great for your skin. In addition, lemons are antibacterial, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion.

Caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee are ok in moderate amounts; they provide some antioxidants but flush nutrients from your system. Be aware that alcohol is also a major diuretic, depleting your body of water—it also floods your liver with toxins. So be smart and drink clean, especially the month before your wedding.

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De-Stress

Did you know that stress makes you gain weight? It also lowers your immune system and puts you at risk for long-term health issues. Planning a wedding is no easy task, so give yourself a break! Delegate tasks that you don’t absolutely need to handle; ask for help from your MOH and groom. This applies to implementing a healthier lifestyle, too—when you’re trying to change a habit, a support system helps a ton! Take breaks from wedding planning, and do things that you enjoy.

Above all, keep things in perspective. You don’t need to be perfect; this is about improving your health and feeling great. Marrying the person you love is what truly makes your wedding beautiful.

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What are your best tips for getting in wedding-worthy shape? Share your ideas!

6 On-Trend Essentials for Your 2017 Wedding

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Engaged? Congrats!

Getting married is, of course, about celebrating your love and commitment. Although weddings are steeped in tradition, having one doesn’t mean you need to feel like you’re in a previous century.

Modern ceremonies can incorporate everything from pop culture references to non-religious vows. Your celebration should feel special—a great way to do this is by incorporating the things you love best!

We’ve rounded up six ways to personalize your wedding in ways that are totally unique and modern. Scroll down for ideas that might work for you!

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Own Your Colors & Theme

While the venue you choose influences the overall feeling of your wedding, the colors and theme you select make a huge impact. For example, if your favorite color is blue, represent it in your wedding! Or maybe you’re in love with a tea party theme because he proposed in a garden. From Star Wars to engineering to cupcakes—whatever your passion is, incorporate it into your décor and make the celebration truly your own.

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Signature Food & Drink

Gone are the days of the standard, multi-tiered wedding cake. (If you want one, of course you can have one—anything goes!) Whether you envision a table filled with desserts or a donut bar, your favorite treats can find a place at your wedding. This goes for meals, too—it’s fun to serve family dishes instead of picking random courses from a caterer. Signature drinks for the bride and groom are trending, or you can feature seasonal foods and drinks. Pumpkin spice lattes, anyone?

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Social Media or Unplugged

Some couples create a hashtag to collect photos from their guests, particularly from the reception. Other couples prefer to leave the work to professional photographers and videographers, so their guests can enjoy living in the moment. The decision of whether or not to allow cell phones is entirely personal. Connected weddings better include absentees and encourage sharing on social media. Unplugged ceremonies focus on in-person experiences and keep photos exclusive. Your call.

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Dress To Impress

These days, what you wear at your wedding is up to you. While religious traditions hold an honored place in wedding ceremonies, wedding gown designers have created gowns for every style. Big trends right now include full skirts, removable layers, off-the-shoulder necklines, and exotic laces. Keep in mind that a room full of people will be watching—but your dress doesn’t have to cover every inch of your skin, either. Choose a gown that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and very much like you.

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Personalized Accessories

It’s the little things that count. A sparkly belt, stunning shoes, a pretty clutch, or a silky shawl will make a big difference on the big day! Wear your favorite earrings, or maybe pin on a family heirloom such as a brooch. The point of something old and something new is not to fulfill superstitions, but to incorporate personal history into your wedding ceremony. Also, coordinating a pretty veil and headpiece will really make you feel like a gorgeous bride.

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Ethical & Sustainable Choices

From flowers to dresses, it’s easier than ever to know exactly where your stuff comes from. Modern weddings are all about positive choices: hire local businesses, order organic food, or gift eco-friendly favors. Reduce pollution by providing group transportation for guests. Order invitations printed on recycled paper (or go paperless). Consider asking for donations to charity on your registry. The giving-back trend focuses on doing good for the environment and your community.

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Are you planning a 2017 wedding? Check out our headpieces and veils for adornment options, explore My Bridal Style: Trendy, and follow us on Instagram for updates on all things bridal!