Quick Tips: How To Plan a Valentine’s Day Bridal Shower

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Is someone you love getting married? Congratulations!

Whether you’re the mother of the bride, future mother-in-law, best friend, or maid of honor, you’ve come to the right place for help planning an awesome Valentine’s Day bridal shower. Let’s get started!

Cute Invitations

Decide on a theme and run with it! Great Valentine’s Day motifs include hearts, flowers, lace, and glitter. Whether your bride is romantic, glamorous, or a bit shy, she’s sure to appreciate a pretty, feminine theme with meaningful touches. Start by making the invitations extra special!

Fabulous Dress Code

Create an instant mood by asking guests to match a particular dress code. If you’re planning a high-class soirée, specify little black dress on your invite. If you’re hosting a more relaxed celebration, simply define a color scheme such as red and pink, or lavender and blush. Most of your guests will already own attire in at least one color. Be sure that the only person wearing white is the bride!

Spicy Activities

To avoid the awkward silence that seems to rule most bridal showers, create a buzz with fun activities! Choose one helper to keep events moving, and your guests will get into the swing of things. For Valentine’s Day, consider “Sweet vs. Spicy” taste tests, a photo booth with wild props, a mystery lingerie match-up, and a “True or False” quiz about the bride and groom. Time-honored favorites like “What’s in Your Purse?” will keep you busy!

Lovely Favors

A shower is all about “showering” the bride with gifts. However, it’s a nice touch to give your guests something to take home, too! Favors should be small and fun—in this case, anything with hearts, lace, or sparkle is a good choice! Consider heart-shaped photo frames, romantic candles, boxed sweets, red or pink lipstick, pretty nail polish, bath soaps, or wine bottle stoppers.

Romantic Setting

Again, choose a color theme and stick to it! Red roses will be expensive (especially around V-Day), so try using rose petals, instead. You can also sub in more economic flowers such as baby’s breath, mini carnations, or chrysanthemums. Fill in space with glowing candles, sparkly table runners, ribbon or tissue flowers, and hearts.

Sweet Food

Our favorite Valentine’s Day shower treats celebrate the “sweet” side of love! Devil’s food cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, and XO cookies make decadent, delightful dishes for your guests to savor. Try yogurt-covered pretzels and sparkling juice or champagne for a lighter touch, or provide a candy bar for guests to graze.

A Beautiful Bride

Above all, the bride should feel special! Give her a cute little tiara, dazzling earrings, or a “Bride-To-Be” sash to wear at her shower! This is her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to accept gifts in preparation for her marriage. Ask her most-loved friends and family to attend—not people who “should” be invited. If your bride feels more comfortable in mixed company, consider including the groom or male friends by hosting a joint shower. Another option is to organize a separate event for the guys. Just make sure everyone is done in time for their Valentine’s date night!

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Did we miss anything? Share your favorite ideas for V-Day showers below!

Style your New Year’s Eve Look

Need some inspiration for styling your New Year’s Eve look?

Read on for tips on how to add bling to every party ensemble.


The Look: Formal Glamour

Celebrate the New Year in true style! A long, sparkling gown paired with a sumptuous headpiece and dazzling earrings will make his heart skip a beat. Our 6351 fascinator captures the light with extravagant rhinestones arrayed in a lavish design. Matched with a stunning rhinestone bracelet and gorgeous dangling drop earrings, you’ll turn heads.

From top left: Earrings: EA217, Headpiece: 6351, Bracelet: BC141

Tip: Coordinate with your guy. Make sure he looks snazzy and will complement your gorgeous bling with a sharp suit or tux!


The Look: Vintage Sparkle

Have you had a fabulous year? Celebrate the decadence of ages past and open yourself to a wealth of new experiences with a dazzling vintage theme! Our 6501 rhinestone headpiece and rhinestone encrusted BC123 bracelet add the perfect touch of bling. Add simply stunning earrings to finish off the ensemble—after all, you’ve got to look stunning. You’re the life of the party!

From top left: Headpiece: 6501, Earrings: EA212, Bracelet: BC123

Tip: Add a pop of color with a racy red lip.


The Look: Tantalizingly Trendy

Ring in the New Year with a snazzy dose of flirtatious fun! Bling up a little black dress with irresistible sparkle using our 6522 crystal headpiece, beaded and rhinestone belt BT010, and shimmering bracelet BC108. You’ll shine long after the fireworks go out in this dazzling attire.

From top left: Belt: BT010, Headpiece: 6522, Bracelet: BC108

Tip: Stack bracelets for more bling!


We wish you all a wonderful New Year!

♥ How will you make 2015 your best year yet?

Sparkle Style: What Your Ring Says About You

(Bel Aire Bridal – Style V7266)

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/

Top Reasons to Have a Christmas Wedding

(Bel Aire Bridal – Style 6524)

‘Tis the season to get engaged! Amongst the beauty and cheer of the holidays, we can’t help but wonder how many of you newly engaged couples will be saying “I do” again in about a year’s time? Summer and fall weddings are more popular than winter celebrations, but the cold season offers plenty of charming reasons to tie the knot.

Holiday Colors

Green and red, silver and gold, or white and blue are all beautiful color schemes for a holiday wedding. Choose a theme that is right for you and run with it!

Sparkling Accessories

You can’t wear sparkling high heels to a beach wedding. Romantic cathedral veils, stunning headpieces, and formal gowns stand out as some of our favorite winter wedding elements. To add holiday cheer, incorporate green, red, or gold into your bouquet! From shimmering headbands to twinkling bouquet jewelry, a few bits of bling will infuse your look with gorgeous radiance.

Bright Decorations

Tinsel, garlands, strings of lights, mini trees, poinsettias, pinecones, plaid table runners, ribbons and presents—what’s not to like about holiday decorations? Provide your guests with an ornament decoration station, so they’ll have something special to take home! From the table cloths to the centerpieces, you can enjoy reusing these seasonal home accents for years to come.

Religious Significance

If you are deeply spiritual, a Christmas wedding may brighten your ceremony and make your vows even more meaningful. Churches tend to put up gorgeous decorations this time of year, and you can easily incorporate a religious or festive theme.

Family

If your friends and family gather together for holidays, why not plan your wedding around the same time? You can incorporate traditions from both sides, create a few special memories of your own, and enjoy the cheer of celebrating anniversaries to come.

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So, what do you think? Is a Christmas wedding right for you? Let us know when you’re planning on getting married and why you picked the date!

Your Guide to Holiday Style

(Bel Aire Bridal – Style 6501)

Are you getting married this holiday season, or thinking of tying the knot next December? Incorporate all the festive cheer and joy of your favorite holidays into your wedding look! A few simple color accents will go a long way into making your celebration merry and memorable. From bold lipstick to sparkling brooches, here are some of our best ideas to spice up your wedding!

Pop of Color

Whether you accent your gown with a bright shawl, cute mittens, a long scarf, or a cozy coat, the winter weather offers plentiful opportunities to accessorize with a fabulous splash of color. Bright red, fresh green, or cool blue tones can tie in beautifully with your overall theme. This not only adds seasonal charm to your wedding photos, but will keep you warm all day and night.

Groom’s Style

You’d be surprised, but a lot of guys like to play with color. Festive socks, berry boutonnieres, winter hats, and plaid scarves are classic yet fun ways to celebrate in style! Coordinate your guy’s look with your overall color scheme or mirror the seasonal accents from his ensemble in your bouquet.  You don’t have to wear reindeer antlers or funky ties (though you certainly can) to express holiday spirit.

Centerpieces

Spiffing up your table décor with holiday accents is probably the easiest way to subtly (or quite overtly) give your wedding a festive twist. Bowls of ornaments, colored tapered candles, sparkling painted trees, or strings of lights all lend instant holiday charm to your celebration.

Bridesmaids

Whether you choose green and red gowns, velvet sashes, snowflake jewelry, or poinsettia or holly bouquets, you can outfit your bridesmaids in beautiful ensembles to complement the season (and weather). This is a great opportunity to indulge in some new boots or sparkly heels! Colorful scarves or elegant wraps make wonderful gifts and will keep your best friends warm and cozy.

Bouquet

Pinecones, mistletoe, and holly add amazing color and festive spirit to your overall wedding look. Rustic, seasonal bouquets not only look unique and smell wonderful, but cost much less than all peonies or red roses. If you’re going for a more glamorous look, incorporate crystal bouquet jewelry or brooches—the more sparkle, the better!

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Are you planning a winter or holiday wedding? Tell us how you are accessorizing!

Thanksgiving Love Notes

Thanksgiving-Love-Notes

Happy Thanksgiving! Here at Bel Aire Bridal, we are giving thanks for our friends and families by sharing a few thoughts from our staff. Enjoy a wonderful and safe holiday, and tell us what you are thankful for!


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“I was thankful for having family and close friends there. We enjoyed good music, food, and cake! Our two dogs, Thor and Natasha, were with us.” –Margie

“I was so thankful that we avoided rain! Our families were so helpful with setting up, and the flowers were gorgeous. The best part was when my groom saw me and grinned.” –Erin

“I was thankful that so many family and friends were able to be there, and that everything went off pretty much without a hitch! But mostly, I was thankful to be marrying the man of my dreams.” –Stephanie

“I was SO looking forward to this day and my favorite memory is that it was exactly how I wanted it – all of my family and friends smiling and supporting us. Truly perfect!” –Irene


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“I am thankful for having a very understanding husband.” –Margie

“My husband and I are very career-oriented, so I’m most thankful for the time he sets aside for our marriage. He’ll drop whatever he is doing and give me attention, which shows me how much he cares.” –Erin

“Marriage is such a beautiful thing when two people work together to cultivate and nurture a relationship. With God’s help, it has all been possible.” –Obdulia

“I have too many good things to choose from but most importantly I’m thankful for the journey we have had together. Our love and closeness has grown tremendously as our families have united over these past 33 years. I am truly blessed and thankful!” –Irene

“It’s fun to have someone to talk to and laugh with. It’s such a blessing. We haven’t shut up since we met almost twelve years ago!” –Joyce


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“I am very thankful for having the most beautiful step-daughter and two beautiful grandchildren.” —Margie

“I am most thankful for the female influences in my life: my mother, sister, aunts, and cousins. They give the best advice, have been there for me, and always remind me how lucky I am to have them.” –Marissa

“The number one blessing is that God has given us our children as a result of our marriage. We are thankful for their health and well-being as they grow up and share their dreams with us.” –Obdulia

“My relationship with my mom because she’s been an amazing parent, business partner, confidante, and friend. It sounds so silly, but it’s true. I’m thankful that this is my ‘normal’: working with my family. There aren’t many industries w/ multi-generational family businesses.” –Eric