3 Ways to Style a Boho Wedding Look

Do you love the outdoors? Are you into sunshine, soft flowers and breezy skirts? Do you adore the idea of a wedding on the beach or in a garden? You might be a bohemian bride!

Nature-inspired accessories, untraditional gowns, and off-the-beaten-path venues are the hallmarks of the whimsical bride. Go boho-chic for your spring or summer wedding with just three items.

-ONE-

Boho-Bride-Blog-1

Get a dreamy veil. A soft Chantilly lace veil like V7309 or a breezy cut edge design like V7234 creates a stunning bridal accent that sets your style apart.

-TWO-

Boho-Bride-Blog-2

Wear a nature-inspired headpiece. Floral headbands like 6588 with metallic flowers or 6571 with soft blooms add lavish romance. Designs with vines or leaves such as 6628 and 6634 grace your locks with glittering bohemian glamour.

-THREE-

Boho-Bride-Blog-3

Carry a messy bouquet. Free-flowing, trailing, cascading, overflowing—anything but a prim and proper bundle of roses. Incorporate local plants, wild flowers, succulents, grasses, or even feathers for true bohemian beauty.

How are you styling your bohemian wedding? Share your ideas!

6 Ways to Style an Outside-The-Box Wedding

03216-1.jpg

Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

Getting married with a twist? If you want to stand out and avoid clichés, try on these tips for styling an outside-the-box look for your wedding.

03216-CuteandColorful-14.jpg

Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

Colored Dress

A white dress has been the traditional bridal staple for well over a hundred years. Mix it up by choosing something different! More and more wedding gown designers are playing with non-white/ivory hues, including light blue, blush pink, lavender, floral prints, gold, or even black!

03216-CuteandColorful-2.jpg

Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

Unique Headpiece

Brides usually show up with garlands, veils, and flower combs on their wedding day. Instead, choose something unique that you would wear to a dressy party or on New Year’s Eve. Opal pins, wired crystal vines, and metallic halos can really jazz up your style.

1800x1800-JCOOPER-1.jpg

Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

Casual Accent Piece

Spice up your look with a casual accent. A bold jacket, stand-out shoes, or patterned scarf will do the trick. Especially if you’re wearing a white dress, this will give your outfit personality—so you can feel like yourself on the big day.

032165.jpg

Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

Wearable Jewelry

Most weddings call for formal bling—think pearls and rhinestones. Create a modern look by choosing jewelry you would actually, honestly wear again. Feature your birthstone or something special that you already own!

03216-CuteandColorful.jpg

Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

Minimal Reception Décor

Skip the linens, china plates, and abundant flowers. Take advantage of the natural appearance of your venue; the less you have to dress up the space, the better! Get crafty and DIY personalized touches with custom calligraphy, paper flowers, and upcycled centerpieces.

1800x1800-JCOOPER.jpg

Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

Exotic Getaway

Many couples drive off in their car or limo with cans tied to the back or a sign that says “Just Married.” For something different, try riding away on bikes, motorcycles, or horses. Take a cable car or boat. Better yet, lead a band of revelers in a parade! Point is, feel free to get creative.

How are you personalizing your out-of-the-ordinary wedding? Let us know!

Follow Vendors on Instagram For More Inspiration:

Product styling – @pippaandfig

Photography – @jessicacooperphotography

Gowns – @sweetcarolinestyles

Hair – @bellesandgrooms

Makeup –  @occasionsbydiana

Spring Flower Inspiration for Your Wedding Pt. I

Beautiful-portrait-of-young-slavic-girl-000059310274_Large

Can you believe yesterday was the first day of spring? Now that we’re over the hump of winter, we are looking forward to all things green and blooming—and of course, spring weddings!

Take a peek at these lovely spring flowers for your décor, bouquet, color scheme, and bridal style inspiration.

Style: Pure Romance

Pink-peonies-000080333809_Medium

Peony

With hues ranging from white to blushing pink to deep raspberry, this gorgeous flower looks amazing in any bouquet. It symbolizes love, prosperity, and bashfulness. It is also the traditional flower symbol of China, the state flower of Indiana, and your 12th anniversary flower.

Lilac

The lilac generally symbolizes renewal and growth; white suggests innocence, and purple is for love. It is the state flower of New Hampshire and your 8th wedding anniversary flower.

***

V7300-Bel-Aire-Bridal

Build your bridal look by creating a Romantic vision board! To get you started, here’s one of our favorite designs for romantic, blushing brides: V7300, a beautiful scalloped Alençon lace veil.

Style: Sweet & Bohemian

the-conceptual-field-wedding-000076839749_Medium

Daffodil

Reminiscent of spring sunshine, this lovely little flower pops up year after year! These trumpet-shaped blooms are icons of hope, joy, and inspiration. It is also the flower for your 10th anniversary.

Daisy

For the fresh optimist, this year-round flower stands for innocence, purity, and new beginnings. It comes in a variety of cheerful colors and is your 5th anniversary flower.

V7234-KLK-Photography-Bel-Aire-Bridal

Build your bridal look by creating a Bohemian vision board! To get you started, here’s one of our favorite designs for boho brides: V7234, an airy foldover veil that is as light as the breeze.

Style: Fairy-Tale Sparkle

beautiful-blond-couple-000077648267_Large

Snowdrop

One of the first flowers to appear after winter’s snows, these lovely little white blooms symbolize hope in the face of adversity. They can also be used for sympathy or as a sign of rebirth.

Cherry Blossom

These delicate white or pink flowers stand for renewal, optimism, and the fleeting nature of life. They are the national flower of Japan and are associated with beauty in China.

V7234-Bel-Aire-Bridal

Build your bridal look by creating a Fairy-Tale wedding vision board! To get you started, here’s one of our favorite designs for glamorous brides: V7175, a stunningly dramatic  lace cathedral veil.

Style: Classic Beauty

Husband-hugging-his-wife-000063829039_Large

Ranunculus

Ranging from bright yellow buttercups to decadent pinks to pretty white flowers, these boldly beautiful blooms symbolize charm and attraction.

Garden Rose

Also known as cabbage roses for their abundant petals, these lovely blooms are especially fragrant and evoke a variety of meanings, depending on their colors.  Roses are a traditional gift for not just Valentine’s Day, but also your 15th anniversary.

V7303-KLK-Photography-Bel-Aire-Bridal

Build your bridal look by creating a Classic wedding vision board! To get you started, here’s one of our favorite designs for elegant brides: V7303, a two-tier folded ribbon edge veil that says bride with beautiful simplicity.

Want more pretty flowers to brighten your day? Check out our Beautiful Blooms board on Pinterest for more gorgeous floral inspiration!

6 Creative Color Options for Spring Brides

iStock_000038437790_MediumThe first day of spring isn’t until March, but we couldn’t wait! Get a jump start on planning your spring wedding with these gorgeous color pairings.

iStock_000083455379_Medium

Serenity & Rose Quartz

The Pantone Colors of 2016 are making waves in a big way. These two opposite tones are a symbolic blend of love and peace—combining subtle, soothing blue with flirty, feminine pink! Tie these into your wedding to convey a modern yet romantic vibe.

iStock_000010627761_Medium

Yellow & Green

Nothing says growth, life, and fresh beginnings like sunshine yellow and grass green. This scheme is perfect with daffodils, bright bridesmaids’ gowns, and dashes of color in your ensemble. Carefree and fun, this theme expresses pure happiness.

iStock_000083242267_Medium.jpg

Blush & Marsala

The most popular wedding colors of 2015 are still going strong. Light pink and deep raspberry dovetail in a boldly beautiful theme. Show off colored belts or sashes, mixed peonies, and bright shoes! This pairing says you’re a romantic who also loves to have fun.

iStock_000019378423_Medium

Lilac & Grey

Light purple and soft grey create a gorgeous scheme for spring weddings! The bride who chooses lilac is calm, laid-back, and delicately feminine. Hanging wisteria, succulent centerpieces, and lavender potpourri set a sweet and relaxing tone.

iStock_000044226736_Medium

Robin’s Egg Blue

Not just for summer, “Tiffany Blue” is the perfect hue for a carefree spring bride. Sequin table runners, aqua bridesmaid gowns, and tropical flowers tie into this theme. If you’re outgoing, love sparkle, and are excited to get married, this theme is for you!

iStock_000085369471_Medium

Ivory & White

Stylish in any season, the pure ivory/white color scheme says bridal with effortless beauty. Formal or fun, you’ll look fabulous with monochromatic peonies or roses! Plus your guy will look amazing in a white tux. This look says elegance and class, all the way.

***

What color scheme are you using for your wedding day? Check out our Pinterest boards for some gorgeous color inspiration, and follow us on Instagram for seasonal style updates!

Our Most Romantic Lace Veil

022216-V7034CX-1

There’s nothing like a pretty dose of lace to make your wedding day look utterly romantic, classically gorgeous, and sweetly memorable. Walk down the aisle in our style V7034CX, and there won’t be a dry eye among your guests!

Perfect for an indoor or outdoor wedding, style V7034CX incorporates a subtle rolled edge around your face and luxurious Alençon lace trailing from your elbows to frame the bottom of your gown. Exquisite beading and French floral motifs make this one of our most popular cathedral designs!

022216-V7034CX

Available in romantic shades like champagne and blush, as well as traditional tones of white, ivory, and diamond white, this stunning design beautifully complements a variety of gowns: fit and flare lace dresses, pretty-as-a-princess ball gowns, and softly flowing sheath dresses.

Add a romantic bouquet, a sparkling headpiece, or romantic jewelry to complete your bridal look. Follow our Instagram page for styling inspiration, and visit our Store Locator page to try this veil on in a bridal salon near you!

022216-V7034CX-2

5 Ways to Style a Romantic Bridal Outfit

iStock_000018482277_Medium

Trying to dream up the perfect outfit for your big day? Coordinate these 5 items to style a beautifully romantic bridal look!

KT-Merry-Bel-Aire-Bridal-Sammuelle-Couture-Kelly-Kaufman-Florals-Team-Hair-and-Makeup-Monique-Lhuillier-Joy-Proctor

A Dramatic Veil

If you were considering skipping this bridal tradition, think again. Incredible photo opportunities aside, the moment when your groom or father flips the blusher can be extremely emotional.

In the world of bridal fashion, a veil customizes your whole look. You get multiple tiers or just one; wear it trailing down your back or lightly angled over your face. A cathedral veil is the most romantic style you can get!

A lace or embroidered veil enhances your look with regal elegance. Alternately, select a cut edge veil with lots of length and volume if you want something airy and graceful.

KT-Merry-Bel-Aire-Bridal-Sammuelle-Couture-Kelly-Kaufman-Florals-Team-Hair-and-Makeup

A Floral Headpiece

Your accessories play a large role in styling a romantic, feminine bridal look. It’s ideal to choose a comfortable headpiece that you can keep on for the reception (especially if you’re removing your veil after the ceremony).

Delicate floral pins, a soft flower comb, or a full-on floral wreath offer plenty of nature-inspired options. For a bit of fairy-tale sparkle, try a shimmering metallic flower headband!

Tip: If you’re down to a couple styles and just can’t decide, style your hair the way it will look on your wedding day—or buy both. One for the ceremony, one for the reception. (Hey, it’s still cheaper than a gown change.)

KT-Merry-Bel-Aire-Bridal-Sammuelle-Couture

The Right Gown

Go with a silhouette, color, and style that will flatter your body and make you feel beautiful. Try out floral patterns or romantic hues such as soft champagne and blush.

Common romantic gown types include a princess-inspired tulle ball gown; a flowing A-line or sheath; or a fit and flare lace dress with exquisite back detail.

Need ideas? Check out our Pinterest boards for incredible designer gowns.

KT-Merry-Bel-Aire-Bridal-BC156

Understated Sparkle

The main difference between a romantic and glamorous bridal look is the amount of bling. You’ll want to look extra-pretty but not overdone, so keep your jewelry subtle.

Dying to wear chandelier earrings? Maybe skip a necklace. Don’t want jewelry at all? Add a floral or beaded belt.

Tip: Give your look personal charm by choosing jewelry you’d like to wear again, whether it’s every day or on your anniversary!

KT-Merry-Bel-Aire-Bridal-Sammuelle-Couture-Kelly-Kaufman-Florals

A Gorgeous Bouquet

You know a romantic bouquet when you see one.

We used monochromatic red roses to convey a passionate, elegant, and totally classic look. This budget-friendly choice is perfect for a Valentine’s Day wedding, Christmas wedding, black-and-white wedding, or black-tie affair.

Alternate floral ideas include trailing flowers, soft pastels, or lush peonies. Check out our Pinterest boards for bouquets to perfectly match your color scheme, theme, and season.

***

Want more romantic wedding ideas? Check out our My Bridal Style Romantic for accessories options, and head over to our Lace Veils and Cathedral Veils pages to start building your look.

Photography: KT Merry

Stylist: Joy Proctor / Kelly Oshiro

Hair / Makeup: Team Hair & Makeup

Location: Sunstone Winery

Accessories: Bel Aire Bridal

5 Must-Have Southern Wedding Traditions

iStock_000018539268_Medium

It’s party time and we’re pulling out our green, gold, and purple! Take a look at these beautiful and fun Southern traditions—you might just want to use these ideas for your wedding and/or reception, whether it’s Mardi Gras or not!

iStock_000031671774_Medium

Pretty Parasols

Southern weddings often incorporate parasols, since outdoor weddings are so popular. They’re practical (keeping you out of the sun) and utterly charming. Decorate yours with beads, feathers, glitter, decals, or lace. Bonus: your guy gets a black one, too! They’re perfect for a Second Line (this looks SO fun) or a money dance.

iStock_000049688922_Medium

Flashy Feathers

Feathers make everything more fabulous! While you don’t have to deck your bridal gown with feathers (though some designers do just that), you can incorporate a few fun touches with a dramatic boa, Mardi Gras mask, or shimmering comb! Stick with bridal white or use colors to jazz up your reception look, and enjoy dancing the night away.

iStock_000049603504_Medium

Ribbon Pull

This tradition is so cute, we can hardly stand it! Attach charms to long ribbons and stick them in a cake. The bridesmaids pull and everyone checks her fate for the coming year! Common charms include a ring (the next to be married), a star (her dreams will come true), a heart (new love is on the way), a wishbone (success), a clover (good luck), a fleur-de-lis (prosperity), and a wreath (for a happy home).

iStock_000066709515_Medium

Southern Snacks

Comfort foods like baked mac n cheese, barbeque, and black-eyed peas will keep guests full and happy—or enjoy Creole-style cuisine with oysters, crawfish, jambalaya, and King’s Cake! These days, signature drinks are a MUST, no matter where you are celebrating. Remember to bury your bourbon a month before the wedding to ward off rain!

iStock_000031671774_Medium

Stunning Photography

Amazing photos are something that every bride cherishes after the big day has come and gone. Bridal portraits are a time-honored Southern tradition—and after all, why not have one incredible photo of how you looked for your wedding? Your husband will love this keepsake, too! Take some photos outside to capture the beauty of your venue.

***

Which traditions are you including in your wedding? Let us know!

Roaring ‘20s Wedding Inspiration

AmandaLauranphotography-105

Step into an age of fabulous glamour. If you’re rocking a vintage style for your wedding, check out this classy photo shoot by Amanda Lauran Photography and Michele Wilderman Styling for inspiration!

AmandaLauranphotography-107

Beaded jazz-age dresses and snazzy gent’s attire create a theme of Art Deco opulence. Hair designs featuring fantastic bling lend sophisticated glamour to your look.

AmandaLauranphotography-38

Keep in mind that accessories define your style. Slip on a rhinestone halo like 6505 for a more boho-chic vibe. A glittering comb like 6503 or 6580 adds a classic accent that dovetails perfectly with a slinky satin sheath or vintage lace gown. For a dramatic dose of sparkle, a headpiece like 6501 brings the opulence of the 1920s to your big day!

AmandaLauranphotography-8111

This bride and groom incorporated navy blue and metallic grey with a small pop of sparkle and color to spice up their vintage theme. Dramatic makeup, artful bouquets, and winter shrugs suggest a seasonal wedding or New Year’s Eve party.

AmandaLauranphotography-80

Love the look? Check out our My Bridal Style Vintage page and Instagram feed for more elegant vintage wedding details.

AmandaLauranphotography-68

Styled Shoot Credits:

Photography: Amanda Lauran 

Makeup: Michele Wilderman Styling

Producer: Arielle Fera Events

Florals: Chicory Florals

Accessories: Bel Aire Bridal

Gown: BHLDN

Custom Suits: Commonwealth Proper

Furniture: Fox & Finch Vintage Rentals

Create Your Signature Wedding Style

Jessica-Cooper-Photography-23

At every party, there’s room for showmanship. The biggest thing that separates modern weddings from ceremonies even a couple generations ago are the personalized details! Weddings can be fun—and creative—with a splash of YOU mixed in.

Jessica-Cooper-Photography-12

Jessica Cooper Photography spices things up with a styled shoot featuring signature cocktails, homemade favors, calligraphy signs, and seasonal snacks that have our mouths watering. Incorporate DIY details and special touches that feel right to you!

Jessica-Cooper-Photography-57

This bride and groom enjoyed their favorite drinks and set tables with lots of local greenery for a fresh, rustic feeling. The couple’s classic dress code and vintage-inspired rings have us falling in love with this totally down-to-earth, charming wedding.

Jessica-Cooper-Photography-62

Add a dreamy element of personal style with a unique headpiece like 6482. Incorporate golden details with a nature-inspired leafy comb such as 6619 or a pretty floral halo like 6608. This is your day to shine!

Jessica-Cooper-Photography-55

Check out our My Bridal Style pages to discover a wedding look that is perfect for you. Follow us on Instagram for more up-to-the-minute style updates!

Sweet Caroline Styles

Jessica Cooper Photography

Gorgeous in Gold: Spotlight on Style 6482

Jessica-Cooper-Photography-79

Dreaming of a golden wedding? If you’re celebrating with warm colors and elegant details when you say “I do,” look no further than style 6482. Jessica Cooper Photography and Sweet Caroline Styles bring us this rustic styled shoot that shows just how much fun a wedding can be!

Jessica-Cooper-Photography-68

Let yourself shine and enjoy your day to the fullest. Worn with loose curls, 6482 adds irresistible sparkle to a romantic hairstyle. Luxurious gold leaves and glamorous rhinestone accents beautifully complement any wedding theme—whether you’re getting married indoors in a dance hall or outside in a meadow.

Jessica-Cooper-Photography-86

You can wear this design with a pretty lace gown, an ethereal fairy-tale dress, or a vintage-inspired outfit—the choice is yours! Gold hair bling looks lovely with a traditional gown, but is also stunning with non-white dresses in trendy hues such as blush, light blue, or champagne.

Jessica-Cooper-Photography-67

Every wedding is unique. Create a bridal wardrobe that is perfect for you!

Sweet Caroline Styles

Jessica Cooper Photography