5 Belts for Frosty Weddings

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Winter weddings are gorgeous. Not only do you get pristine snowy scenery, but anything that sparkles seems even more brilliant.

We love bridal belts because they tie your other accessories together so well. They also “dress up” your gown with some extra shimmer. That’s not to mention that they’re super figure-flattering, too!

These stylish accents are so perfect for glamorous winter weddings. Our pretty bridal belts feature glittering rhinestones, intricate beading, and budding flowers. Transform your gown with a romantic, eye-catching accent and make your outfit uniquely beautiful—just like you!

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Sparkling Silver Filigree & Tulle

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A soft tulle sash blends into the background of your gown, while the stunning silver filigree design twists and twirls with gorgeous sparkle. This lovely tie belt can come with ivory, white, diamond white, blush, champagne, or latte tulle. Pair it with drop earrings or a shimmering veil for a glamorous look.

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Vintage-Inspired Sparkle & Beadwork

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Retro and utterly fabulous, this sparkly little number features a vintage-inspired design of silver beading and shimmering rhinestones. Pair this captivating piece with Art Deco earrings or a faux fur wrap to accentuate your theme. Style your look with a bold red lip and some sass, while you’re at it!

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Sparkling Opal & Clear Rhinestones

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There’s nothing like pure sparkle to complement a dreamy bridal look. Tie off a noteworthy ensemble with a pretty belt featuring clear or opal rhinestones in a shimmering line. This simply gorgeous design matches a variety of other rhinestone accessories and easily ties on ribbons.

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Organza Peonies & Alençon Lace

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Thinks flowers are just for spring and summer weddings? Not so fast! This lovely peony tie sash features sparkling rhinestone accents and beaded lace for a classic accent that looks romantic in any weather. Tie it into your ensemble with a lace veil or floral accents in a neutral color scheme.

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Silver Beading & Rhinestone Embellishments

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Styling a fairy-tale ensemble? Exquisitely regal, this rhinestone-embellished tie sash lays on the sparkle; detailed, silver beadwork creates an opulent accent fit for a princess. Pair this with the rhinestone accessories of your choice for an unforgettable outfit.

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Want to see more? Browse our Belts page to check out a variety of designs. Be sure to pick out Jewelry to finish off your look!

How To Be a Glamorous Bride Part 2: Your Hair Jewelry

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Are you styling a glamorous bridal outfit?

On your wedding day, you deserve to look and feel amazing. Over-the-top beauty is achievable and actually quite simple, once you choose the right accessories.

You can build a gorgeous, unique bridal outfit with eye-catching jewelry, a dramatic veil, and a pretty hair adornment. Choose these items with care—they will forever remind you of your big day!

This week, we’re showcasing our most glamorous headpieces. Make your wedding day extra sparkly!

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Rhinestone-Packed Comb

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Packed with a variety of shimmering rhinestone shapes, this gorgeous comb slips into an updo with show-stopping elegance. Pair it with drop earrings for maximum impact.

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Opal Rhinestone Fascinator

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For a trendy twist, try on an opal rhinestone fascinator. Glittering with a variety of sparkly stones, this lovely design takes center stage.

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Rhinestone Cluster Headband

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A quintessentially glamorous accessory, this design features clusters of rhinestones in a dense headband. Show off pure sparkle.

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Crystal & Rhinestone Tiara

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Calling all princesses! This lovely crystal and rhinestone tiara crowns your ensemble with exquisite grace and beauty. Pair it with a veil for swoonworthy style.

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Sparkling Filigree Halo

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Top off your ensemble with a sparkling bridal halo. Silver filigree and shimmering stones create a charming accent that is beautiful with or without a veil.

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Rhinestone Flower Clip

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Enhance your hairstyle with a pretty rhinestone flower clip. Easy to wear and oh-so-sparkly, this decadent design adds a touch of feminine romance to your look.

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Rhinestone Appliqué Tie Headband

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Give your ensemble a vintage twist with this shimmering tie headband. Marquise rhinestones create a dazzling design that can be worn in your hair or as a belt.

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Contoured Rhinestone Band

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A classy alternative to a full-on crown, this contoured tiara headband features a sparkling line of rhinestones. This design is available in rose gold or silver.

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Want to explore more options? Check out our newest headpiece collection or browse our My Bridal Style: Glamorous page for ideas. Follow us on Instagram for the latest bridal news and styles!

 

Shoulder Jewelry Spotlight

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Dare to go bare?

Strapless gowns are a bold, beautiful choice for a wedding in any season. In the winter, bare shoulders give you the opportunity to style your gown with a bolero, shawl, pashmina—or shoulder jewelry!

For the most glamorous of brides, shoulder jewelry can complement your dress or transform your entire look. Check out our lovely designs to see your options!

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Enchanting Rhinestone Sparkle

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Pure sparkle beautifully complements your gown with classic elegance. Triple strands of rhinestones connect with rhinestone motifs for a gorgeous alternative to a traditional necklace.

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Shimmering Crystals & Beaded Appliqués

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For extra-dramatic sparkle, a shimmering combination of clear crystals and decadently beaded appliqués adds glamour to your look. This design beautifully complements other crystal or rhinestone accessories.

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Romantic Pearl Appliqués

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Add a whimsical touch of romance to your ensemble with embellished appliqués and pearl strands. This vintage-inspired design beautifully complements pearl jewelry and/or lace gowns.

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Sparkling Crystals & Beads

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Add a light dash of sparkle with alternating strands of silver beads and clear crystals attached to rhinestone motifs. This glittering design is a princess-worthy addition to a dreamy ensemble.

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Vintage Pearls & Rhinestones

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Adorn your shoulders with a vintage-inspired design of pearls and rhinestones. This classic design of triple strands adds lustrous sparkle and wonderfully complements vintage gowns.

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Want to see more? Check out our jewelry sets, bracelets, earrings, and belts for that special something new for your big day!

8 Reasons to Get Engaged This Winter

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When you know, you just know.

Love naturally transforms a relationship until you want to make a lasting commitment, and anything less would feel incomplete. If you’re at this point, congratulations!

Now you just have to decide when to pop the question.

Some people time it based on when they’d like to get married—for example, 12–15 months before their desired wedding day. Others choose a favorite season or a significant day, such as a birthday or holiday.

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Here are eight reasons to get engaged this winter!

Discounted rings

An engagement ring represents an investment—but a holiday sale doesn’t hurt.

Romantic ambiance

All those sparkly holiday lights will make her bling sparkle even more.

Cuddle weather

So you can get all cozy before or after she says “Yes!”

Snowy engagement photos

Go on Pinterest and see what we mean. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Holiday surprise

What better gift than a promise to be together forever?

Family is already together

This is a convenient time to celebrate your engagement without spoiling the surprise.

Winter activities as part of the proposal

Instead of one memorable proposal moment, you’ve had a whole awesome day.

You can’t wait any longer

Like we said: when you know, you just know.

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Ready to propose? Check out our Ring Bling and Engagement Photos boards on Pinterest for ideas! How He Asked is also a great resource.

How to Style a Rustic Bridal Outfit

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A rustic wedding celebrates love in a down-to-earth atmosphere.

Rustic implies a crackling fire and cinnamon candles with a snowy backdrop; it evokes aged wine barrels and rustling leaves beneath a warm summer sun; it gives us visions of repurposed mason jars, burlap-covered tables, and bales of hay on a sprawling farm.

This theme can be interpreted in different ways; generally, a rustic venue incorporates the rugged charm of the outdoors! Whether you’re getting married in a vineyard or the mountains, your backyard or a national park, this style of wedding is enchantingly pastoral with a family-friendly twist.

A simple, idyllic bridal ensemble completes an outdoorsy wedding theme. Discover the perfect accessories for your greatest adventure yet.

Pair a Leafy Clip with Nature-Inspired Earrings

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Mirror nature’s autumnal beauty with golden leaves. A gilded leaf clip with rhinestone sprays glitters with rustic elegance. Pair it with leaf drop earrings to complete a goddess-worthy style.

Pair a Bridal Garland with a Foldover Veil

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A beautiful pearl and rhinestone bridal garland creates a flexible, versatile accent for your wedding-day look. Wear it wrapped around your hair or woven into an updo! Add a graceful foldover veil to complete a carefree, ethereal style.

Pair a Flower Crown with a Flower Lace Veil

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Flowers are trending big this year! A floral crown lends an air of organic romance to your look. Pair this lasting headpiece with a floral lace veil for a graceful, feminine ensemble.

Pair a Peony Comb with a Satin Tie Belt

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Create a classic bridal look with soft organza flower accessories. A peony comb decorated with rhinestones and lace beautifully adorns your hair with rustic charm. Add the matching belt to complete a nature-inspired ensemble.

Pair a Metallic Floral Headband with a Metallic Lace Veil

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Add enchanting elegance to your rustic-chic bridal ensemble. A beautiful metallic floral headpiece glitters with rhinestone accents. Pair it with a metallic lace veil to finish off a heart-fluttering look!

Are you ready to style your wedding day look? Check out My Bridal Style: Bohemian for more options, and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for rustic wedding ideas!

Beautiful Beadwork: 5 Incredible Veils to Match Your Gown

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You’ve had that moment. A lightbulb flashed on, or perhaps your heart quickened a beat when you looked in the mirror. You’ve found the perfect wedding dress.

Even the ideal dress usually needs to be altered or paired with accessories to maximize its potential. Only when you’ve added a gorgeous veil, the right shoes, or a pretty pair of earrings will the whole outfit truly feel magical—and ready for your wedding.

Designers have been pulling out all the stops for 2017: we’re seeing gorgeous beadwork on everything from vintage-inspired sheaths to princess-worthy ball gowns. To complete your dream ensemble, discover a beaded veil that complements the detail on your wedding dress.

Check out a few favorites that have been selling like crazy in bridal salons across the country!

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Sparkling with an edge of clear crystals, twinkly rhinestones, and silver bugle beads, this lovely fingertip design is radiantly beautiful. Pair it with your chosen jewelry to complete a glamorous look. This style is available in champagne, diamond white, ivory, or white. Want even more bling? It comes in cathedral length, too!

Graduated Glitter

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Frosted silver beads grace the edge of this lovely fingertip length veil. This design starts out in a narrow, delicate trail of sparkle at the comb and gets more dramatic along the bottom. The graduated beading pairs beautifully with jewelry, keeping you from looking top-heavy while adding more interesting detail along the curve. It is available in ivory or white and also comes in cathedral length.

Pretty Pearls

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Pearls are classically bridal, and this hugely popular design may be paired with the jewelry of your choice! This lovely fingertip veil features faux pearls, silver bugle beads, and shimmering rhinestones. The perfect balance of romance and glamour, this design is available in diamond white, ivory, or white. It comes in cathedral length, too!

Rainbow Sparkle

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Dream of adding a dazzling accent to your ensemble? This trendy and unique veil features a silver beaded edge and glamorous opal rhinestone clusters. Pair it with rhinestone or opal crystal jewelry, or add an opal rhinestone embellished belt like BT068 to complete your look. This design is available in ivory or white, in fingertip or cathedral lengths.

The Works

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This seasonal favorite combines a beautiful silver rolled edge with sparkling rhinestones, faux pearls, clear crystals, and silver budge beads. Available in elbow, fingertip, or cathedral lengths, this gorgeous design is so popular that we make it in every color: blush, champagne, diamond white, ivory, or white. Pair it with a pretty headpiece to complete your ensemble.

Want to see more? Check out our beaded veils and cathedral veils pages for additional designs. Follow us on Instagram for styled shoots and bridal inspiration!

6 On-Trend Essentials for Your 2017 Wedding

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Engaged? Congrats!

Getting married is, of course, about celebrating your love and commitment. Although weddings are steeped in tradition, having one doesn’t mean you need to feel like you’re in a previous century.

Modern ceremonies can incorporate everything from pop culture references to non-religious vows. Your celebration should feel special—a great way to do this is by incorporating the things you love best!

We’ve rounded up six ways to personalize your wedding in ways that are totally unique and modern. Scroll down for ideas that might work for you!

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Own Your Colors & Theme

While the venue you choose influences the overall feeling of your wedding, the colors and theme you select make a huge impact. For example, if your favorite color is blue, represent it in your wedding! Or maybe you’re in love with a tea party theme because he proposed in a garden. From Star Wars to engineering to cupcakes—whatever your passion is, incorporate it into your décor and make the celebration truly your own.

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Signature Food & Drink

Gone are the days of the standard, multi-tiered wedding cake. (If you want one, of course you can have one—anything goes!) Whether you envision a table filled with desserts or a donut bar, your favorite treats can find a place at your wedding. This goes for meals, too—it’s fun to serve family dishes instead of picking random courses from a caterer. Signature drinks for the bride and groom are trending, or you can feature seasonal foods and drinks. Pumpkin spice lattes, anyone?

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Social Media or Unplugged

Some couples create a hashtag to collect photos from their guests, particularly from the reception. Other couples prefer to leave the work to professional photographers and videographers, so their guests can enjoy living in the moment. The decision of whether or not to allow cell phones is entirely personal. Connected weddings better include absentees and encourage sharing on social media. Unplugged ceremonies focus on in-person experiences and keep photos exclusive. Your call.

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Dress To Impress

These days, what you wear at your wedding is up to you. While religious traditions hold an honored place in wedding ceremonies, wedding gown designers have created gowns for every style. Big trends right now include full skirts, removable layers, off-the-shoulder necklines, and exotic laces. Keep in mind that a room full of people will be watching—but your dress doesn’t have to cover every inch of your skin, either. Choose a gown that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and very much like you.

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Personalized Accessories

It’s the little things that count. A sparkly belt, stunning shoes, a pretty clutch, or a silky shawl will make a big difference on the big day! Wear your favorite earrings, or maybe pin on a family heirloom such as a brooch. The point of something old and something new is not to fulfill superstitions, but to incorporate personal history into your wedding ceremony. Also, coordinating a pretty veil and headpiece will really make you feel like a gorgeous bride.

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Ethical & Sustainable Choices

From flowers to dresses, it’s easier than ever to know exactly where your stuff comes from. Modern weddings are all about positive choices: hire local businesses, order organic food, or gift eco-friendly favors. Reduce pollution by providing group transportation for guests. Order invitations printed on recycled paper (or go paperless). Consider asking for donations to charity on your registry. The giving-back trend focuses on doing good for the environment and your community.

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Are you planning a 2017 wedding? Check out our headpieces and veils for adornment options, explore My Bridal Style: Trendy, and follow us on Instagram for updates on all things bridal!

Happy Proposal Season! 12 Signs You’re With the One

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Hey ladies, it’s proposal season! We can hardly believe it’s that time of year again. But before you get all giddy about sparkling diamonds and swoonworthy stories—oh, too late.

We are so excited and can’t wait to see new brides-to-be flaunting their bling on Instagram! To celebrate this wonderful season of all things romantic, we’ve reviewing one tiny little detail: how to know that you’re with someone you should marry.

Being in love doesn’t mean you should get married. Everything from emotional maturity to finances influences whether or not you’re ready to the tie the knot—and the guy you’re currently dating may or may not be your One for eternity.

When all your instincts are saying YES, here’s how to double check and be really sure.

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He treats you well.

This should go without saying, but sometimes it’s easy to look past someone’s obvious red flags because you want to be in a relationship. The right guy is kind and thoughtful and puts your needs first.

He’s proud of you.

A guy who is worthy of marriage knows how lucky he is. He says good things about you to his family and friends. He proudly shows you off in public. He’s introduced you to his boss. He appreciates all the wonderful things about you and isn’t shy about it.

He gets you.

We’re talking inside jokes, traded glances, and random giggles. Any couple who can go the distance understands and enjoys each other. Communication is everything.

He’s financially stable.

Every blog will tell you to be financially stable before you get hitched. Marriage is about starting your own household, so you should be able to take care of yourself. It’s imperative to be able to discuss money, save, and pay debt.

He’s got goals.

A successful marriage is composed of two people who are generally happy with their lives. A partner with goals will be driven to overcome obstacles—whether they are personal or professional.

He’s got skills.

He has an education or is acquiring the professional skills he needs. It’s important that you’re on board with each other’s career plans—be it moving for graduate school or paying for a certificate program—before you agree to a future together.

He prioritizes your relationship.

A guy who can stay married knows how to prioritize your relationship. He does favors for you. He comes to meet you. He takes your call immediately, or calls you right back. He goes out of his way to make your life better.

You trust him.

He’s around all the time, and when he’s not, you probably know what he’s doing. If anything important came up in his life, you’d be the first to know. He doesn’t text exes and invites you to just about everything.

You like his family.

He has a history of long-term relationships: namely, his family. He’s not a clone, but he’ll probably display some of the same traits. If you don’t like his family—perhaps even he doesn’t—there should be good reasons for it.

He supports your dreams.

Just as you support his goals and dreams, he supports yours. Married or not, you’ll spend your lives seeking self-fulfillment and happiness, and this includes professional accomplishments. He builds you up and empowers you to succeed.

You share common interests.

Ever hear of those couples who just stop getting along at some point? This can happen when people don’t enjoy doing things together. Shared interests such as hobbies or sports will keep you happily active—together—over the years.

You share moral values.

While you don’t absolutely have to share the same political views or religion, it’s easier if you do. Minimum, you agree on moral values and want the same things when it comes to big life choices: kids, pets, and where you’ll live.

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Life doesn’t have to be perfect before you get married. Yet if an engagement doesn’t feel right, remember that not now doesn’t mean not ever. True love comes willingly and endures all things.

If you are with the One, maybe you’d like to discuss marriage or go ring shopping together first! This doesn’t necessarily spoil the surprise—it just keeps you on the same page.

What do you think? Share with us how you knew you were ready to say, “Yes!”

7 Reasons You Should Wear a Cathedral Veil

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Source: Jen Fuj Photography for Bel Aire Bridal

Are you ready to look incredible?

Veils are a stylish part of the wedding outfit. Some women assume they will wear one; others firmly decide they won’t. Until you try one on, however, you won’t understand why a veil truly makes you feel like a bride.

When you have your gown fitting, try on a few different veil styles. Once you see all the options, narrowing it down can get difficult! If you’re wearing a formal gown, however, a cathedral veil is a lovely way to go.

Here’s why you should choose a cathedral for your big day.

It’s SO Romantic

Cathedral veils are seriously swoonworthy. Heart-fluttering. Jaw-dropping. You can get a foldover that shrouds your face in alluring bridal beauty; a blusher that can be lifted away for the kiss; a dreamy cut edge that blows in the breeze; a pretty lace trim that makes you feel like a princess. This ultra-long veil is ultra-romantic, pure and simple.

There’s Nothing More Traditional

Bridal veils have been a tradition since ancient times for various cultural reasons. While social norms have obviously changed over time, we still observe some traditions to honor the past and pay homage to familial practices. Mantillas and cathedral veils are a beautiful option if you are religious or simply want to respect certain cultural traditions.

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Source: Jen Fuj Photography for Bel Aire Bridal

Long Veils Are Fun

Ever see couples wrapped in about a mile of tulle veil? Kissing beneath a veil? Riding bikes with the veil floating on the breeze? There are probably a hundred ways that you can photograph your long veil. You can have fun staging all kinds of photos with it, and the pictures will be amazing.

Adds Beauty To Your Outfit

A cathedral veil adds formal beauty to your wedding day ensemble. You can select a design with scattered lace appliqués, lace trim, beautiful beading, an embroidered edge, glittering rhinestones, metallic lace, a simple ribbon edge, and/or multiple layers… Your options abound. Find a long veil that complements your gown’s style and unlock the beauty of your whole outfit.

Heirloom Quality Accessory

Did you know that you can pass along your veil? Your lovely cathedral veil makes a sentimental heirloom. A future daughter, friend, niece, or sibling might just love wearing it as their something borrowed. It’s worth investing in an elaborate, beautiful accessory like a cathedral veil if you plan to re-use it in the future.

You’ll Look Truly Bridal

Anyone can put on a white dress. A cathedral veil is uniquely bridal and transforms your whole outfit. Because it is so long, you can enjoy wearing it for your walk down the aisle and either bustle it or switch to a shorter veil for your reception. Photos often capture you from the neck or waist up, so a veil will make your wedding day pics stand out.

It’s Dreamy & Dramatic

Short face veils and French net have a chic, vintage-inspired vibe. Shoulder length veils and blushers look flirty and fun. Longer veils such as elbow, fingertip, or knee length are very figure-flattering. And longer veils still such as waltz or floor length are graceful. Cathedral veils add the most eye-catching drama and dreamiest elegance to your wedding day outfit.

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Source: Jen Fuj Photography for Bel Aire Bridal

If you’re hosting a formal or semi-formal event, a cathedral veil honors the beauty, grace, and sentimentality of your big day. To explore your bridal style and find a design you’ll love, browse our cathedral veils page. Then hit up your local bridal retailer and try a few on!

5 Ways to Manage Wedding Planning Stress

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Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone! Most brides-to-be experience moments of stress, anxiety, or turmoil while going through the wedding planning process.

On one hand, dealing with everything from difficult family issues to frustrating vendors is good training for marriage. You’ll handle much greater challenges in the years to come. On the other, this is supposed to be a happy time. Really and truly. Your wedding is an occasion to celebrate, and the preceding months shouldn’t be miserable.

When you’re feeling the strain, try these five things to lift your spirits and get back on track.

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Set Boundaries

Is your stress coming from people? From simply planning a massive event? Are you struggling to make decisions? First off, set boundaries. Don’t let other people invade your emotional space or call you every single day with questions. Kindly but firmly take control of your timeline. Avoid planning the wedding every night, and do not let it consume all your free time. Unless you’re a born multitasker, it’s ok to take this one step at a time. Learn to let go of things that, in the grand scheme, don’t really matter.

Get Help

Many brides choose to hire a wedding coordinator. If you’d rather not or can’t afford it, learn to love delegating! Yes, this is your wedding, but that doesn’t mean you have to be responsible for everything. Appoint tasks to your mother, mother-in-law, maid of honor, siblings, and close friends. Ask your fiancée to take over challenges that you’re struggling with. You can still have the final say or weigh in on decisions without having to follow through on every little thing.

Move & Breathe

Top stress relievers are exercise and meditation. Stay active and take care of your body. Work out regularly, eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and drink plenty of water. Avoid burnout by keeping in good physical shape, and rejuvenate your mind with meditation or calming music. Spend time in nature. Stop and think about the important things, and remember that your life will continue after the wedding. It is one day in your entire marriage.

Indulge Yourself

Sometimes, you just need chocolate. Or lots of ice cream. Or your favorite pizza. Not to say that your healthy diet/exercise regimen should get tossed out the window (in fact, junk foods can make stress hormones like cortisol worse), but an occasional night of guilty pleasure isn’t the worst thing in the world. Watch your favorite tv show or read something non-wedding related. Get your head in a good place, so you can jump back into the swing of things tomorrow.

Celebrate Your Partner

Keep in mind the whole point of this wedding is to celebrate your relationship. Marriage is a serious commitment, but that doesn’t mean you have to act serious every second of every day. Take time out and enjoy being in love. Have fun and laugh! Go on dates. Remember the wonderful things about your partner that made you want to get married, in the first place. Once you focus on what truly matters, you’ll find the other stuff just isn’t that big of a deal.

If you’re experiencing problems that go beyond the “regular” stresses of planning a wedding, identify the issues and figure out how to solve them. Pre-marital counseling could help. Or maybe a large wedding simply isn’t for you at all, and a more intimate ceremony (or elopement) is a better fit.

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Want to learn more about how to manage pre-wedding stress? Check out these great resources: 

http://www.veryerin.com/how-to-reduce-stress-while-wedding-planning/

 http://www.quietrev.com/planning-a-quiet-wedding/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=feature+life&utm_content=qr+pinterest