Industry Inspiration

Chicago Bridal Market Recap—Most Popular Styles in 2016

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We were so thrilled to see many of our fabulous retail partners at the Chicago Bridal Market! We unveiled our new line for Fall 2016 and got to check out the new trends for this season. If you missed us, we’ll also be in Dallas and New York—so be sure to stop by and add our newest bits of pretty to your store inventory!

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Our most popular carryovers included champagne and blush flowers, gorgeous cathedral veils, and glittering halos. Most coveted headpiece styles included 6500, 6202, 6284, 6551 (shown above), 6571, and 6435—be sure you show them off in your store! Many of these best-selling items are available to ship in as little as 1–3 weeks.

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Top-selling carryover veils included our lovely Alençon lace veil V7034, silver beaded edge veil V7056, silver rolled edge and crystal edge veil V7054, and lace appliqué veil V7159 (shown above). Be sure you have these seasonal favorites in stock to show your summer brides!

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The styles our stores loved the most from our new Fall 2016 line were sparkling combs, pretty little pins, champagne/gold belts, and gorgeous cathedral veils. Our jewelry was especially popular this season! Be sure you select a variety of styles, so that all your brides can discover a Bel Aire Bridal treasure to love.

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Stay tuned on our Instagram feed for sneak peeks at our new styles! If you didn’t come see us in Chicago, be sure to contact your sales representative or visit us at the Dallas or New York bridal markets.

Not one of our retailers, but interested in our products? Brides, please visit our Store Locator to find an authorized salon near you! New stores, please contact us and learn how to Become a Retailer.

XO,

Bel Aire Bridal

Green Wedding Inspiration

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Going green for your wedding? There’s nothing like this fresh, nature-inspired hue to invigorate your whole look. Check out our lovely Pinterest boards for some styling ideas and ways to add a tasteful splash of color into your big day!

Beautiful Bridesmaids

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Photo Credit: BHLDN

The easiest way to tie in your chosen color is with your bridesmaids’ attire. Beautiful pairings include blush or lavender with sage green (spring-summer), burgundy or gold with emerald green (fall-winter), and navy or white with mint green (summer).

Fabulous Floral Accessories

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Spring pastels, fabulous floral prints, and gorgeous flower accessories go great with green. You can deck yourself or your maids with laurel wreaths, botanical headpieces, or floral combs for a pretty touch of romance. After all, weddings are all about love!

Fairy-Tale Flowers

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If you’re getting married in a garden or woodland setting, use your natural surroundings and play off the vibrant colors around you. For a summer wedding, lavender flowers add lovely fragrance to your décor, while bold burgundy peonies look great in the summer or fall. Peach roses tie in beautifully with an autumn backdrop, while romantic red roses add a festive element to winter celebrations.

Eco-Friendly Greens

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Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

As always, the eco-friendly bouquet with succulents enhances your wedding theme with fresh greenery. You can offer potted plants as wedding favors or use them as centerpieces and save on cut flowers. Leafy garlands and aisle runners bring the outdoors inside and make your wedding feel naturally fresh.

Lucky In Love

Get lucky! Check back for our Irish Wedding Traditions post later this month for some seriously steal-worthy ideas that will look totally gorgeous. Hint: handfasting, four leaf clovers, and Claddagh symbols definitely up the romance factor of your wedding.

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Are you going green for your wedding? Tell us how!

Our Most Romantic Lace Veil

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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!

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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!

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7 Headpieces for the City Hall Bride

Getting married in a hurry? That’s wonderful! Check out these easy-wear headpieces and add fun wedding-day charm to your look.

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Which one is best for you?

Vintage Gal

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Go back in time with style 6607. This cute little rhinestone bow jazzes up your hairstyle with the perfect dash of vintage sparkle.

Last-Minute Luxury

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Graceful clip 6646 combines classic pearls and twinkling rhinestones in a gorgeous floral design. Wear it on the side or in the back for a traditional bridal look.

Head-Over-Heels In Love

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Style a cluster of gold or silver flowers into a romantic hairstyle with comb 6636. Shimmering crystals add special radiance to an elegant wedding day look.

Destination: Dazzling

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Going away to say “I do?” You’ll love wired opal crystal hair pins 1717. Tuck them into your updo for a last-minute bit of pretty that will look good everywhere you go.

Tastefully Trendy

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Create a fabulous look just for your special day. Style 6617 blings up your hair with rhinestones and opal crystals. Wear it with a bun or half-up hairstyle, your choice.

Boho Babe

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Adorn your beachy waves with style 6647. Soft flowers on a flexible hair vine offer a boho bridal look that is all you.

Glamorous Gal

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Infuse your hair with a brilliant bit of sparkle! Style 6620 will make you feel like a princess, even if it’s just for a few hours.

Tell us, which one is your favorite?

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Seize the moment—why not wear a veil? Check out our classic veils page for some fun, flirty styles you can throw on for your vows and toss away with the garter!

5 Ways to Style a Romantic Bridal Outfit

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

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

Roaring ‘20s Wedding Inspiration

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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

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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

Gorgeous in Gold: Spotlight on Style 6482

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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!

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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.

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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.

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

Sweet Caroline Styles

Jessica Cooper Photography

How To Make Your Bridesmaids Gorgeous

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When it comes to styling a red-carpet worthy wedding look,

a bit of sparkle goes a long way!

We are head over heels in love with this incredible photoshoot by Amanda Lauren Photography and Michele Wilderman Styling. This bride and her maids totally rock show-stopping, vintage-inspired outfits that take glamorous to a whole new level.

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From mixing different bridesmaids’ dresses to adding dazzling belts, you can style your friends in unforgettably gorgeous ensembles. Big trends for 2016 weddings include sequin gowns, beaded vintage dresses, and statement jewelry.

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Liven up the party with fabulous, flirty headpieces! Dazzling halos, feminine clips, glittering headbands, and shimmering combs offer each of your bridesmaids the opportunity to create a signature look. Better yet, lay out some options and let each person pick her favorite!

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Keep your MOB, MOG, and MOH in the loop. These beautiful additions to your wedding party also double as fun gifts for mothers, sisters, and besties. Your wedding is a special day for everyone else in your life, too! Why not make it amazing?

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Check out our Spring 2016 collection for some hot-off-the-runway designs for your wedding. Want more inspiration? Browse our My Bridal Style Glamorous and Vintage pages, and be sure to follow us on Instagram for more amazing eye candy.

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

2016 Wedding Trends: Opal Crystal Accessories & Serenity Blue

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Snazz up your wedding dress with accessories worthy of the occasion.

Soft shades of blue, glittering accessories, and opal crystal hair jewelry are making a splash in the world of weddings. Are you ready to take the plunge?

Whether you’re getting married in the spring or later this year, our Spring 2016 Collection is overflowing with stunning accent pieces that will take your bridal ensemble to a whole new level. Keep scrolling for some seriously gorgeous inspiration!

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Pantone’s two favorite colors this year are Serenity and Rose Quartz. In honor of these dreamy tones, we styled an elegant photoshoot featuring a bride in light blue!

Sparkling jewelry, fresh flowers, romantic veils, and opulent crystal accessories create a modern bridal look. From glittering belts to ravishing headpieces, our newest designs incorporate pretty opal crystals and sparkly rhinestone accents.

Tell us, which design is your favorite?

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Love these looks? Browse our newest collection gallery and get a closer look at these irresistibly glamorous accessories! Check out our My Bridal Style pages to discover your personal wedding style

It’s His Wedding, Too!

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Photo Credit: Amanda Lauran Photography

Want to get your husband-to-be involved in the wedding planning process? Show him a photo of a groom wearing a pink cummerbund and tie. That’ll get his attention quick.

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Photo Credit: Amanda Lauran Photography

Then consider these five tips for coordinating a wedding together:

Most guys are willing or even eager to choose their own attire. Check out our Style My Groom board on Pinterest for ideas that range from classic to retro, preppy to jazz age! If he doesn’t step up, you can absolutely feel free to pull out the pink for him and his groomsmen.

Coordinate your wedding style together. For example, if you have your heart set on a ball gown, a casual look for him might feel out of place. Similarly, if he likes the traditional look of a tux, you might reconsider going barefoot on the beach.

Unless he wants to dance to your favorite tunes all night, he should help compile a song list! Many guys enjoy picking the DJ, choosing a signature groom’s drink, designing the wedding cake, or scheduling the getaway car.

Play to each other’s strengths. The tech-savvy partner might be interested in trying a GoPro, scheduling a videographer, handling social media, or creating your wedding website. The artistic partner might enjoy designing your invitations, picking wedding colors, or making DIY decorations.

Talk about which tasks you’re excited to do and which ones you’re dreading. Help each other out! These days, there are no set masculine or feminine roles in wedding planning.

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Photo Credit: Amanda Lauran Photography

For help choosing your season and/or theme, be sure to browse our other Pinterest boards for inspiration. Above all, have fun! This special day belongs to both of you.

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