A Brief History of the Bridal Veil

Wondering whether or not you should wear a veil for your wedding day? As it stands now, the veil is a fashion statement. Whether or not you’d like to wear one is entirely personal preference.

However, people often believe the bridal veil symbolizes something—because throughout the ages, various cultures have attached religious or social meanings to it. We’ll cover the most well-known connotations of wedding veils—from protection against evil to a display of extravagance!

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A Study in Sparkle

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Looking for the perfect bling to wear on the big day? Give your engagement ring good company with beautiful bracelets, earrings, necklaces, or jewelry sets. Being a bride is about more than just wearing a white dress—add a special touch of sparkle to your wedding ensemble and you’ll love the results! Find romantic, glamorous, trendy, vintage-inspired, boho-chic, or classic accents to gorgeously complement your chosen bridal style.

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Style My Blush Bridesmaids

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Blush has been the IT color for the past few years, it’s no surprise to see this light, feminine tone featured in a new wave of pretty gowns—especially bridesmaid’s dresses! With just one or two accessories, you can style your bridal party to express classic romance, vintage elegance, modern glamour, or dreamy beauty. The photos will look amazing, and everyone will feel a little more special on the big day.

Today, we’re styling a few blush bridesmaid gowns from BHLDN and exploring our favorite headpiece pairings. Have your champagne and chocolate ready? Let’s get started!

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Pretty in Pearls

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Did you know that in some cultures brides are afraid to wear pearls? The shape of these beautiful, natural gems is said to represent a tear.

We think pearls must represent tears of joy—pearl accents look especially gorgeous in bridal ensembles! Lace gowns and dresses with embellished backs are particularly stunning with pearls, which give your outfit a delicate, feminine glow. In fact, many gown designers incorporate either real or imitation pearls (made from crystal) into beaded and embroidered dresses. Check out our most popular pearl headpieces, veils, and jewelry to enhance your special day.

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The Wedding Guest Style Guide

It’s officially wedding season!!

Our friends at The Black Tux are here to help you coordinate a look that will surely be photo worthy. They’ve shared their awesome infographic (below) to assist you in finding your PERFECT wedding guest look!

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Check out our Style My Groom board and The Black Tux inspo page for more ideas on how to rock your wedding day look!

Top 10 Gift Ideas for Mothers (of the Bride & Groom)

Happy Mother’s Day Weekend!

Here at Bel Aire Bridal, we love to honor our mothers, mother-in-laws, and grandmothers. One way to do this at your wedding is by walking down the aisle together, sharing a special moment, expressing your feelings with a letter or speech, or gifting them with wedding day accessories.

Women of every age want to look great in photos—especially ones as important as wedding pics. Gift the special mothers in your life with something extra special (and sparkly) to wear on the big day! We’ve rounded up ten of our best accessories for your MOB or MOG, so you can give her a keepsake that she’ll cherish forever.

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Always Mother & Daughter, Forever Friends

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You’ll always be mother and daughter; as adults, you can be forever friends. Share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with the other love of your life—your mom! Celebrate your bond with the infinity symbol on a sparkling rhinestone bracelet. This lovely design is available in rose gold or silver.

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Classic Beauty for a Classy Lady

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Did your mother ever tell you the secret of KISSing? Keep it simple, silly! This classic rhinestone bracelet features square cut rhinestones with glittering halos. A beautiful keepsake, she’ll be able to wear this lovely accent to a variety of events. This style is available in rose gold or silver.

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Never Leaf You Behind

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No matter where you’ve gone, your mother has always been there for you. Let her know that as you move into your new life, you’ll always remember your family and her unwavering support. This lovely, nature-inspired bracelet glitters with small rhinestones in a leafy design. Available in silver.

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Tears of Joy Sparkle the Most

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Some tear drops are good! If your mother or future mother-in-law likes a touch of sparkling elegance, these shimmering, vintage-inspired drops are the perfect solution. Stud earrings with dangling ovals and pear shaped rhinestones coordinate seamlessly with other accessories. This style is available in silver.

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Pretty in Pearls, Please

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There’s nothing classier than good manners—and pearls. For that special lady who insists that you always give your best, this lovely pair of rhinestone and faux pearl drops is the perfect way to express your thanks. This dazzling pair adds lustrous beauty to a person who is already beautiful, inside and out.

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Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

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Does your mom like to keep her look simple and sweet? These glittering stud earrings shimmer with tiny halos in a floral design. Perfect for any wedding event, this lovely pair coordinates with a variety of rhinestone jewelry. This style is available in opal rhinestone, silver rhinestone, or rose gold.

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Pretty Pins for the Prettiest Lady

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Did you spend your childhood admiring your mother’s exquisite sense of style? This lovely pair of floral, vintage-inspired pins is set in antique gold with sparkling rhinestone centers. The perfect touch for your MOB or MOG, these lovely little accents may be split up or worn together.

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Dazzle Her, Darling

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Want to see your mother shine? This easy-to-wear comb is composed of glittering rhinestones in an attractive design that perfectly adorns any updo. Make her feel beautiful and special on your big day with this glamorous bit of pretty that she’ll treasure for years to come.

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The Best Solutions Are Beautiful

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Hosting an outdoor wedding? A pretty headband will help your mother keep her tresses tamed, regardless of the wind or weather! This lovely design features leaves and pearls in a classic, elegant design. She’ll love the sophisticated simplicity of this easy-wear band.

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Past, Present, Future & Always

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 Did you know that a trio of stones represents the past, present, and future? Express a theme of continuous love for your mother—with a healthy dose of sparkle! The perfect way to spiff up your mom’s hairstyle, this pretty little comb will make her feel extra special. This style is available in opal rhinestone or silver rhinestone.

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Want to see more? Check out our Instagram feed for styling solutions and our Combs, Clips & Pins for pretty little accents. Browse our website for more Jewelry Sets, Earrings, Bracelets, and Belts!

6 Summer-Ready Flower Crowns & Headbands

Getting married this spring or summer? Style your hair with gorgeous flowers!

The floral trend hit big in 2016, and we anticipate that more brides will choose beautiful blooms in 2017. Feminine, romantic, and everlasting, floral hair accessories coordinate perfectly with the bohemian prints and off-the-shoulder gowns trending NOW.

Check out these six pin-worthy flower headpieces, and find your favorite in a bridal salon near you!

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Blushing beauties, feast your eyes! This pretty flower accessory features glittering silver rhinestones and pearl accents amongst soft organza petals. You can style this design as a tie headband or pin it into the back of your updo.

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Enchant your locks with gilded, everlasting flowers. This lovely tie headband features pearls and crystals with petite metallic blooms. Choose this design in silver or gold to coordinate with your other accessories.

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Develop a new crush! This fabric flower halo features packed petals all the way around in a realistic wreath. Perfect if you have allergies (or just want to keep your flowers), this nature-inspired design channels your inner goddess.

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Ready to fall in love? This gorgeous halo of open roses glitters with rhinestone accents and tiny leaves, encircling your hair in a wreath. Again, this design is perfect if you want a natural, boho-look without using real flowers.

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Enrich your bridal outfit! A flexible garland of gilded petals glides across your hair. Perfectly coordinating with silver or gold jewelry, this lovely accent piece ties in the back. Who knew flowers could look so elegant?

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Express ethereal beauty and femininity. This romantic flower tie headband features organza petals with clustered rhinestone centers. Perfect for taming tousled tresses, this lovely design is equally at home with or without a veil.

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Want to see more? Check out our Flower Headpieces page, and follow us on Instagram for styling ideas!

7 Magical Accessories for a Dreamy Blush Wedding

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Crushing on blush? There’s nothing more romantic than whimsical, sparkling accessories to complete a dreamy wedding day outfit!

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite headpieces in soft blush and rose gold. Whether you’re crowning a princess-worthy ball gown or adding a bohemian hair flower to your tresses, we hope you delight in these lovely adornments.

Heart-Fluttering Flower Comb

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Soft pink flowers are an obvious choice to pair with a pretty blush gown. Style this branching, delicate comb of organza petals and shimmering rhinestone accents with a lovely veil or glittering jewelry—or nothing at all! This boho-friendly design lends organic beauty to your look.

Gilded Dreams Halo

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Flowers not your thing? Slip on a glittering, gorgeous rose gold halo! Stunning metallic filigree bejeweled with rhinestones creates a modern yet vintage-inspired headpiece that beautifully dresses your tresses for the big day. Wear it by itself as a romantic statement item, or add a veil for an extra-dreamy look.

Crystal Blooms Headband

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Glitter like dew-kissed flowers on a spring morning wearing this gorgeous crystal headpiece. An array of delicately wired, tiny metallic blossoms glistens with clear or champagne crystals. This nature-inspired headband beautifully complements everything from formal lace gowns to ethereal boho dresses.

Kiss the Bride Floral Comb

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For the head-over-heels romantic, a floral comb is essential. Beautifully accent a chignon or half updo with soft petals, beaded sprays and lustrous pearl accents. This lovely comb pairs perfectly with an elegant veil for the ceremony and may be worn alone for a sweet reception look.

Eternal Love Story Comb

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What do you get when you combine the classic elegance of pearls with gorgeous rose gold flowers and shimmering rhinestones? Absolute perfection! This easy-to-wear comb slips into any hairstyle with stunning bridal beauty. Add romantic earrings, a pretty little veil, and you’re good to go!

Boho Jewels Hair Vine

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Add a bohemian twist to your outfit with a luxurious rose gold hair vine! This stunning, flexible design may be tied on as a headband or woven through your locks, as you wish. Pair this pearl and rhinestone accent piece with a dreamy veil for exquisite bridal beauty.

Whom My Soul Loves Tiara

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Crown a gorgeous, feminine bridal ensemble with a rose gold tiara. Crafted in a modern, contoured shape with shimmering rhinestones, this lovely accessory adds instant charm. Add a formal veil and stunning jewelry to complete your fairy tale, and make it your best day ever!

Want to see more? Check out our Rose Gold and My Bridal Style: Romantic pages for inspiration!

Best Green Wedding Ideas for 2017

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Did you know the official color of 2017 is green?

Photo Source: Pantone

According to the Pantone Color Institute, the best hues to include in this year’s weddings remind us of the great outdoors. Greenery is a fresh shade of yellow-green that, as they put it, “evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore, and renew.”

In the spirit of growth and connecting with nature, we came up with a few ideas about how to incorporate green into your 2017 wedding!

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Wild Bouquet

Add leafy greenery to your wedding by filling your bouquet and/or centerpieces with evergreen boughs, succulents, branches, or trailing vines. Incorporating more foliage in with your florals evokes feelings of life and growth, especially if you are using wildflowers or native plants.

Plants as Favors

Popular gifts to send home with guests include potted flowers, tiny trees, succulents, herbs, and seeds. The theme is that nurtured love grows and blossoms more beautifully over time. In some cultures, the bride and groom even plant a tree together to symbolize beginning their marriage.

Natural Colors

The color green evokes the majestic beauty of nature. Pair it with light or dark blues to mirror the sky or ocean; greys and off-whites for mountains and clouds; earthy browns and tans for forests or canyons; and pops of pink, purple, or yellow for the brightness of flowers.

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Boho Headpiece

Add a flexible hair vine to give your outfit an earthy, laid-back vibe. If you prefer a romantic look, add a soft organza flower comb or wear a pretty floral wreath. A gilded floral headpiece or leafy comb is perfect for autumn, while rose gold hair jewelry adds a trendy accent in any season.

Green Jewelry

If you like the color green, you can wear jewelry featuring emeralds or green stones. You can tie green into your bridesmaids’ attire by gifting them with accessories for the wedding, too! Another option is to choose eco-friendly jewelry made from vintage pieces or recycled metal.

Registry for a Cause

There’s nothing greener than contributing to an environmental cause. Find a way to give back to the natural world by volunteering or asking guests to donate as part of your registry. Be sure to plan your wedding so it is as eco-friendly as possible.

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Are you planning a green wedding? Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for ideas!