Category: Holiday

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

Princess

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 Your wedding will be personalized, skipping outdated traditions and frivolous details.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 

Oval

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

Marquise

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

Cushion

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!

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?   

10 Things To Be Thankful For On Your Wedding Day

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You’ll spend months planning for the big day, but you won’t believe how quickly the ceremony and reception will fly by! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, remember to stop, smell the roses, and enjoy these 10 things when the time comes to say “I do.”

The Weather

Good or bad, the weather will impact your special day. Sunshine adds a cheerful glow to your photos—rain is good luck! Have fun and make the most of the season in which you marry.

Your Best Girl

This might be your maid of honor, a close relative, or a cherished friend. When there’s a last-minute crisis, she’s there for you. Let her know you appreciate her support!

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Delicious Food

You specially planned out the whole menu. Enjoy it! Whatever meal you serve at your wedding will always have a special place in your heart (or perhaps your stomach).

The Bar

Whether you need to drown out embarrassing comments from relatives or just want to have a good time, relaxing with a few drinks is a well-earned privilege of the bride and groom.

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Your Grandparents

If they hadn’t fallen in love, your parents wouldn’t have been born (and neither would you). Be thankful for them, wherever they are; they made your story possible.

Tasty Treats 

Your wedding cake is a big deal! Unless you don’t like cake, in which case the lovely little goodies you serve instead will provide a much-needed sugar rush during the reception.

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Hired Help

From the wedding planner to the photographer, everyone who takes part in your wedding relieves you of responsibility. The less you have to handle the day of, the more you can enjoy getting married!

Your Parents

They helped shape you as a person and taught you how to recognize a good partner. Take an opportunity to thank them for all the wonderful things they’ve done in your life.

The Guests

Your friends have played nearly as important a role in your life as your family. It’s a blessing to have people you care about there to watch you say “I do” to a new future.

Your Groom

Above all, be grateful that you found true love—not everyone is so lucky! It is a rare and beautiful thing to cultivate a relationship like yours. Cherish it with all your heart.

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Tell us, what are you thankful for?

Are you a Thanksgiving bride?

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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Bel Aire Bridal Headpiece Style: 6482

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

Top 5 Signs You’re a Halloween Bride

Do you love Halloween so much that you’d marry it—or rather, tie the knot during this spooky season? Smashingly stylish attire, ghoulish décor, and out-of-this-world wedding ideas just might tempt you into choosing October 31 as the day you lay your single life to rest! Check out these top five signs that you might be a Halloween bride.

Your Wedding Color: Black

Are you a bit obsessed with all things gothic? The first thing you did after slipping on that ring was to choose black as your color. Other people might think it is a bit gloomy for a wedding, but you know that black is slimming, goes with everything, and looks oh-so-chic with the right accessories. (Are your nails painted black right now?)

Your Ring: Unique

Are you not a sparkly round-cut type of girl? If your beau proposed with a vintage ring, colored stone, or a rock that wasn’t a diamond at all, this is a good indication that your preferences stray from the beaten path. As Robert Frost says, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood… I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Fall Foodie

Do you look forward to the Pumpkin Spiced Latte season all year? Do you avidly watch the calendar and celebrate when the local pumpkin patch opens up? Have you already updated your Pumpkin Recipes Board on Pinterest? Would you serve pumpkin pies, hot chocolate, caramel apples, or other autumnal goodies at your wedding?

Is your stomach growling just reading this? Enough said.

You Reuse & Recycle 

If you are a creative person who is into crafting and repurposing items, you’ve already got your mind on sourcing re-usable wedding décor.

Little black dresses for the bridesmaids will be perfect for date nights. Wedding goblets with skulls—why, you’ll use them every October! The idea of pulling out lovely black table linens for spooky parties sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

You’re a Kid at Heart

Nothing warms your heart like watching the Trick or Treaters every year. You loved pounding the pavement on All Hallows’ Eve when you were a kid, and you’ve never quite grown out of your fondness for huge bags of candy and elaborate costumes ever since.

You love the idea of letting your flower girls and ring bearers dress in costume—and maybe throw candy down the aisle! The kids will have a blast, and you are definitely the type of person who believes that weddings should be fun.

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Tell us, are you a Halloween bride? Let us know why you chose this holiday season to tie the knot!

‘Till Death Do Us Part—Halloween Proposal Ideas

Planning a spooky Halloween proposal? Pop the big question with a seasonal twist using one of these fantastic ideas. Whether your beloved covets a glittering black diamond, a gothic skull ring, or a traditional sparkly setting, these proposals will definitely get a “Yes!”—if she’s not too afraid!

 Corn Maze Hunt  

Does she love playing games and solving puzzles? Take your star sleuth into a corn maze for the best treasure hunt ever! Give her clues to guide her through to the end, where you can drop a knee and/or ask actors in the maze to hold up signs.

Haunted House Surprise

Give your future fiancée a scary surprise by popping the question inside a haunted house! If you’re a thrill-seeker with a spine of steel who would brave monsters, zombies, and psychos to stop and declare your love, this is a daring way to go. Just make sure she’s not too freaked out to say, “Yes!”

Pumpkin Patch Romance  

Does she love seasonal, family-friendly activities? For a good old-fashioned fall proposal, take one knee in a pumpkin patch! You can plant the ring on a special pumpkin ahead of time, or ask friends and family to write your message on pumpkins and meet you there.

Black Cat Delivery 

For animal lovers, there’s nothing more adorable than a furry new family member bearing a sparkly present! You can also engrave their collar or tag with the question, which makes a great keepsake. For a Halloween twist, adopt a black kitty—and start your engagement with nine lives’ worth of good luck!

Candy Dish Delight

If your sweetie loves treats, why not deliver your question by offering her a dish of candy with an extra-special present sitting on top? This simple proposal is both classic and fun. You can also drop the ring into a glass of cider, or replace the plastic spider ring on a Halloween cupcake with a major upgrade.

Jack O’Lantern Message 

Nothing is more romantic than asking for her hand in marriage by flickering candlelight—preferably with scattered rose petals. Carve pumpkins to ask, “Will You Marry Me?” and drop in some candles. After it gets dark, lead your lovely lady to the magical location!

Trick or Marriage

Do either you or your beloved have kids? Let them be part of the proposal by asking them to hold up signs. When she opens the door expecting Trick or Treaters, she’ll be thrilled by your heartfelt surprise!

How are you going to propose? Share your story!

Happy Fourth of July!

Bel Aire Bridal Fourth of July Post

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal)

Four 4th of July Wedding Must-Haves

Happy 4th of July weekend! To celebrate, here our top four must-haves for the 4th! If you’re getting married, congratulations! Planning for next year? Check out our Red, White & Bling inspiration board on Pinterest for more ideas.

Spectacular Fireworks

From sparklers to fireworks, your 4th of July wedding needs serious wow-factor. Celebrate in patriotic style with favors that literally go BANG! You can use non-smoking sparklers for your send-off, enjoy fireworks to start off your honeymoon getaway, or give sparkling favors that your guests can set off later.

Glitz & Glamour

Who says that a 4th of July wedding can’t be chic? Include a bit of bling and jazz up your look with glittering heels, dazzling earrings, or a shimmering headpiece. Celebrate with fantastic sparkle!

Red, White & Blue

Any 4th of July wedding wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the American colors. Choose bright bouquets or boutonnieres, festive attire for attendants, and patriotic decorations. You can go red, white, and blue on wedding desserts, too!

True Love

To make the day feel like YOUR wedding and not just a dressed-up celebration of the national holiday, incorporate personal touches—wear a non-traditional reception dress, a unique headpiece, or sentimental jewelry. Write a love letter to your future husband, take time alone together, and let the romance of your wedding day really sink in. Whether your celebration is formal or just fun, this is your special day. Capture every moment!

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(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal)

Bouquet & Boutonniere Beauty

We’re happy to celebrate the first day of spring with some pretty eye-candy for all you spring and summer brides. Check out our Beautiful Blooms and Style My Groom Pinterest boards for even more inspiration. Enjoy!

Blush Romance

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For heart-fluttering, feminine, and gorgeously simple bouquets, check out these lush beauties. Light pink peonies or roses go hand in hand with blush gowns and romantic accessories. Mix them with white flowers or go monochromatic to express a theme of total love.

You Might Like:
Headpieces: 6435, 6525, 6535
My Bridal Style—Romantic
Cathedral Veils

White Elegance

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There’s something timelessly elegant about white blooms. Whether you’re celebrating a black or white tie affair with chic roses or a lighthearted ceremony with sweet baby’s breath, this gorgeous color scheme says “wedding” with panache. This is a perfect choice if you want to enjoy floral beauty without an overabundance of distracting colors or patterns.

You Might Like:
Headpieces: 6533, 6555, 6483
My Bridal Style: Classic
Lace Veils

Pretty in Pastel

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Blooms in pastel hues create a dreamy accent to complement your bridal gown. Collect spring flowers in light peach, misty blue, soft lavender, and mint green for a beautiful palette. Mix your favorites in a meaningful bouquet that will coordinate with your groom’s attire or bridesmaids’ gowns.

You Might Like:
Headpieces: 6531, 6405, 6460
My Bridal Style: Romantic
Classic Veils

Color Pop

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If you’ve got flair, coordinate a dramatic bouquet bursting with color. This is an easy, beautiful way to infuse some fun into the big day! Go with seasonal shades or weave in your favorite colors for a look that is totally you. Daisies, sunflowers, and other bold flowers look great in summer weddings.

You Might Like
Headpieces: 6450, 6420, 6362
My Bridal Style: Glamorous
Beaded Veils

Which look is your favorite? Let us know!

Top reasons to LOVE Valentine’s Day Weddings

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Romance is in the air. Besides getting proposed to on Valentine’s Day, nothing quite tops the drama of a wedding. Fun, feminine, and flirty, a V-Day wedding is the perfect opportunity to bring everyone you love together. Here are our favorite reasons to tie the knot on February 14!

Hearts

Do you love love as much as we do? Celebrate in fun, D.I.Y. style by incorporating hearts into your wedding! The ring, invitations, cake, balloons, confetti, and general décor can all be cut or made into a hearts to celebrate the romance of your relationship.

Bridal Red

Need an excuse to show off a vintage red lip, rock red high heels, or buy a little red reception dress? This is the perfect opportunity to express your glamorous side! If you’re really bold, try on a red wedding dress like Vera Wang’s elaborate ball gown, Romona Keveza’s flowing A-line dress, or Alex Perry’s fit and flare statement piece.

Love Quotes

Display your favorite quotes about love at your wedding for a personal, memorable touch! Ask guests to share their best advice for the bride or groom, use quotations instead of table numbers, or create an aisle runner with a meaningful verse. Valentine’s Day is, above all, a celebration of love.

Red & Pink Roses

Lavish, vibrant, beautiful, and soft, red roses exude passionate romance. Yes, roses will be more expensive on Valentine’s Day… but does it really matter? The point of a wedding is to celebrate your enduring love—and spending a bit more for the best is worth it!If you’re a blushing bride, pink or white peonies are also a lovely choice for a V-day wedding! Match a blush colored gown and veil for the ultimate, sweet statement.

Dramatic Veil

As countless celebrities can attest, cathedral veils create instant drama. Whether you love the idea of a lace masterpiece or an elaborately embroidered show-stopper, a breathtaking veil is essential for a V-Day wedding. Think of it as the icing on top of your cake, or the perfect mate for your dream gown. You’ll thank us when you see your photos.

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