Top reasons to LOVE Valentine’s Day Weddings

(via Shutterstock)

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.

(via Shutterstock)

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

(via Shutterstock)

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!

Product Spotlight: Fountain Comb 6522

Fountain comb of shimmering rhinestones and crystals

Do you love sparkle as much as we do?
This week, we are crushing on style 6522, a delicately wired comb bursting with glittering crystal and rhinestone flowers, leaves, and sprays. Perfect for any season, this delightful design incorporates a touch of dainty, nature-inspired shimmer into your tresses for the big day. Slightly bohemian with eye-catching shine, this chic design adds beauty to your look.

Style Me
Beautifully crafted on a small metal wire comb, this easy-wear design is best snugged into an updo. You can style your locks in a loose, sideways bun; a traditional chignon; or in a half-up, half down style with trailing waves or curls. This piece may be worn without pins if properly secured in your hair; if you are wearing it in sideways, make sure it will stay before skipping the extra support.

Match Me

Style 6522 has a delicate, ethereal look with a hint of glamour that gorgeously complements just about any dress; it looks especially stunning when coordinated with other sparkling accessories! We recommend pairing it with rhinestone or crystal earrings, belts, and veils.

(Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal)

Complementary styles include belts such as our narrow rhinestone belt BT059 (shown above), tulle and rhinestone sash 6377, and beaded organza belt BT029. Want to balance your sparkle with gorgeous jewelry? Check out pretty rhinestone pieces like drop earrings EA217, EA228, and EA212.

My Perfect Wedding

6522 is easy to wear and looks beautiful indoors or outside. With its flexible sprays and eye-catching shimmer, we especially love the look of this style for an outdoors wedding. If you are a boho-chic bride, you’ll fall for the tiny rhinestone flowers on this light-hearted design.

Love This Look
Love this design and want to see similar accessories?

Check out the Spring 2015 section on our website for more styles!

A Perfect Pair: Headpiece 6518 & Veil V7198

(via KLK Photography for Bel Aire Bridal)

Looking for breathtaking accessories for your wedding? Check out this week’s Perfect Pair: styles 6518 and V7198. This headpiece and veil wonderfully flatter an elegant, formal bridal ensemble.

Style 6518 features sumptuous swirls of rhinestones glittering on a satin tie headband. Paired with V7198, a simple rolled edge cascading knee length veil, you’ll absolutely captivate your groom. Strike a winning balance of glamour and romance with this eye-catching combo.

You can complement a pretty lace dress or sparkling sequin reception gown with these gorgeous accent pieces. The simplicity of V7198 contrasts beautifully with elaborate trims or lace details; stunningly sparkly 6518 mirrors the posh beauty of a heart-fluttering gown. Just add earrings for an utterly enchanting ensemble!

How would you wear this pair? Tell us your favorite gown match!

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!

Black Friday Beauty

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

We hope everyone had a fun and delicious Thanksgiving holiday! Now it’s Black Friday and the retail craze is on. Will you be braving cold weather and morning crowds to shop? Fortunately, finding the perfect bridal treasures has never been easier. Visit our Store Locator page and call your local retailer to set up an appointment! From gorgeous gowns to amazing Bel Aire Bridal accessories, our partner salons are waiting to help style your look.


(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

It’s best to go prepared with an idea of what you might be looking for, but also keep an open mind. You never know what pretty accent will unexpectedly capture your heart!

Start by checking out our My Bridal Style pages and deciding on a look. Do you want to appear modern and trendy on the big day? Classic and simple? Sparkling and extravagant? Perhaps romantic and soft? We offer a diversity of stunningly beautiful veils and headpiece—no matter what bridal style you like—so you will feel gorgeous on your special day.


Once you get an idea of the look you want, have fun browsing our newest collections! That way, when you coordinate a total ensemble, you’ll be able to try on your favorites and narrow down your options. Be sure to take your time—and enjoy the experience! Keep calm and don’t let stress suck the joy out of planning your special day.

Have a wonderful Black Friday, and let us know what Bel Aire Bridal design you choose!

Happy Shopping,

♥, Bel Aire Bridal

Product Spotlight—Halo 6500

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

Shimmering rhinestones over glistening links of silver oval motifs

We are so excited about our newest collection of boho-chic accessories! Hot from our Spring 2015 line, the 6500 rhinestone headpiece is a gorgeous, glittering statement.

Designed to evoke radiant elegance with a twist of carefree beauty, 6500 pairs the intricacy of dimensional rhinestone flowers with swirling silver filigree.

A delicate yet decadent halo, this glorious design perfectly complements the extravagance of a formal event with a touch of bohemian whimsy.

The versatile possibilities for styling this headpiece allow brides to personalize their ensembles.

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

Style Me

For dreamy romantics, 6500 drapes decadently over an ethereal veil. The interplay between light tulle and the sparkling stones creates a fairy-tale look of maidenly enchantment.

A relaxed, modern bride may beautifully enhance her flowing hairstyle with bold sparkle that shimmers like the sun on a lake. Halo 6500 enriches loose braids, relaxed curls, and straight hairstyles with a bridal glow that exudes confidence and understated luxury.

Match Me

Halo 6500 is pretty with a touch of glamour, making it the perfect mate for a variety of gowns. To dress up plain satin or add sophisticated sparkle to sweet lace, adding a belt with a touch of bling polishes the whole ensemble. Twinkling earrings beautifully finish the look with star-kissed elegance.

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

My Perfect Wedding 

Romantic yet modern, this striking design is an eye-catching beauty worthy of admiration—a perfect companion for any bride on her special day!

Love This Look

Love this design and want to see similar accessories?

Try checking out our Spring 2015 collection page