How To Style a Late Summer Wedding

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As the golden days with warm weather dwindle, we find ourselves looking wistfully at gorgeous outdoor weddings. Boho-luxe, rustic, shabby-chic, beach, and glamping themes make beautiful summer themes; yet as we slowly transition to fall, an entirely new aesthetic beckons.

Bring the bright, airy beauty of summer and rich opulence of an abundant harvest together! Jessica Cooper Photography paired with Sweet Caroline Gowns to feature warm metallics, rich accent colors, and plenty of pretty sparkle.

Make your own late summer wedding utterly radiant with just four styling elements.

Golden Oldies

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Vintage-inspired and dripping with gorgeousness, our lovely gold accessories bridge the gap between seasons with luxurious elegance. Sparkling rhinestones, gold metallic leaves, and intricately decorated details leave the onlooker breathless. Style your whole ensemble around a base metallic color such as gold, copper, rose gold, or silver and you’ll feel like a goddess. Your jewelry, hair piece, veil, belt, and shoes are all opportunities to personalize your look.

Colors That Pop

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We love that bold brides are departing from the traditional white dress and branching out to other colors! Style a confident look for your ceremony or reception with a dress featuring appliqués, ombré, floral print, or just a non-white hue. Let the bridesmaids’ dresses complement your ensemble. Navy, forest green, and marsala evoke earthy elegance; softer tones such as grey, nude, and tan create a neutral backdrop. Shimmering sequin gowns are totally allowed.

Natural Hair

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This year’s brides are going au naturel. Whether you love long waves or are dying to try out a top knot, you can and should customize your look. Start out with your hair down for a laid-back and completely romantic style for the day. For the afternoon and/or ceremony, try twisting your hair into a half-up braid or chignon for a more formal yet still easygoing look. When night hits and you’re ready to party, create a totally chic top bun and flaunt sparkling earrings. Keep your hair styles simple so you can show off more accessories throughout the day.

Romantic Touches

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Blend the beauty of harvest with the lighthearted romance of summer—literally. Create tablescapes that feature calligraphy, lots of greenery, your chosen metallic, upcycled vases, and plants such as gourds, succulents, and berries. Get creative and pick your favorite elements from each season; you’ll be surprised at how well they blend together! You can play up the rustic charm of summer with wildflowers and burlap accents, or lean towards the vibrant allure of autumn with candles and leafy branches. Incorporate striking colors and string up lights, so both your day and night photos will look gorgeous.

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Are you styling a late summer wedding? Follow us on Instagram for more styled shoot inspiration, and browse our Fall 2016 collection for eye-catching accessories.

5 Reasons to Have a Beach Wedding

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Trying to decide if a beach wedding is right for you? There are wonderful reasons to host an elaborate ceremony in a cathedral or ballroom, and for saying “I do” in a blooming, flower-filled garden. But getting married on the beach has its own special charms!

In honor of summer weddings, here are 5 fabulous reasons why you should pick a coastal venue to exchange your vows.

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No Shoes, No Problem

Are you a laid-back bride? Want to steer clear of stiletto heels? If you would rather go barefoot or dance in flip-flops, a beach wedding is perfect for you. This situation is ideal for a casual theme with nautical details like starfish, sand, surf, and shells.

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Sunglasses Always Look Cool

Go on, get that photo of everyone wearing sunglasses, looking like they’re straight out of the CIA. You can ditch the formal jackets and ties, and go for an all-out summer theme! If your idea of a good time involves tropical drinks and sunblock, this is a good way to go.

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Dare to Bare

Is your dream wedding gown free-flowing rather than structured? Does it lack straps or show a bit more skin than usual? If you’re just itching to ditch the traditional dress with a long train, the beach is your opportunity to show off a more relaxed style. Your guests can come with casual attire, too!Just-married-couple-kissing-on-tropical-beach-at-sunset-000032199840_Medium-(1).jpg

Incredible Veil Photos

Beach weddings give you amazing photos. You can get one with your veil blowing in the coastal wind, and showcase the natural ocean scenery. Rather than skipping accessories, highlight them in beautiful, beachy bridal portraits that will be anything but boring.

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Romantic Getaway

If you want to honeymoon on the coast or at a tropical location, a beach wedding just makes sense. You’ll already be at or near your destination, and friends and family can stay longer than just one day! The beach is soothing, romantic, intimate, and absolutely gorgeous. What better place to kick back and start your married life?

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Are you dreaming of a beach wedding? Check out our Destination Weddings and Nautical Weddings boards for ideas!Romantic-decoration-on-the-sea-side-000068855939_Medium.jpg

8 Essentials for the Destination Bride

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Happy first day of summer! If you’re going away to elope or hosting a fantastic wedding weekend party, preparation is everything. Make sure you do these eight things to make your dreams come true!

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Make a List

Ever go on a trip and realize you forgot something important? It’s usually something small, like a hair brush or tampons or your bathing suit—but these things can greatly impact your comfort level.

Create a list of everything you’ll need to pack for the wedding, and double-check. This is not the time to underpack or think “it’ll be fine.” This is your special day! Everything won’t be perfect, but being prepared will get it pretty close.

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Protect Your Gear

Keep your wedding gown in a garment bag at all times, and hang it away from pets or small children. Safely store your wedding day jewelry, headpiece, garter, undergarments, shoes, and veil. It’s helpful to keep these in a pocket of the garment bag—or in a separate travel box that will keep everything accounted for. Do not iron your veil. To get out wrinkles, you can lightly steam it or hang it for a few days and they will fall out.

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Have Backups

Accidents happen. If you’ve seen any wedding movie ever, you’ve seen the bride tear her veil, spill wine all over her dress, lose her shoes to the dog, or drop her ring in the shower. Hopefully none of these perils befall you! But if anything does go wrong, it helps to have a backup LWD, hair clip, and pair of flats. You can wear these items on your honeymoon, and you’ll feel better knowing you won’t be walking down the aisle in jeans.

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Use a Host

Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of events. It’s difficult to live in the moment and enjoy yourself if guests are constantly asking questions, or if you have to stop and pay the photographer before they leave, or if you have to find out who is double parked. Designate someone else—be it your MOH or wedding planner—to act as the gracious host. Let them solve problems so you can relax and just enjoy being the bride!

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Emergency Medical Info

Emergencies happen, even at weddings. Whether your fiancé steps on a rattlesnake or your relative falls on the dance floor, you should know who to call. Even if nothing goes wrong on the wedding day, you might require medical help on the honeymoon. Keep your information with you, bring extra medication, and let your insurance companies know that you are traveling. Make sure you are covered abroad.

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Vendors Who Can Be There

Many popular destination wedding spots will suggest (or require) vendors they work with on a regular basis. Make sure you are comfortable with these businesses and plan the details with them ahead of time. Get their contact information. If someone isn’t reliable or doesn’t understand your vision, consider working with someone else. Especially when you’re far from home, it helps to have vendors you can trust to be there.

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Do Paperwork in Advance

Do you both have updated passports? Have you changed your name(s)? Have you purchased a license and hired someone who can perform your wedding? A lot of rules apply to marriage ceremonies, so make sure the two of you can travel and get married in your chosen destination. There may be residency requirements or additional fees. Be prepared so you don’t have to sign at the court house later.

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Pick a Style

Destination weddings are fun because they can be so much more intimate and carefree than a traditional wedding ceremony. Smaller weddings are easier to style, too! Transform your bridal look with a destination style—whether it’s glamorous, trendy, romantic, vintage-inspired, or beachy. Choosing a theme will help make your wedding feel just a bit more special and make it stand out from the rest of the celebratory weekend.

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Are you hosting a destination wedding? Check out our My Bridal Style: Destination for bridal styling ideas, and follow us on Instagram for the latest industry trends.

6 Classy Summer Wedding Styles

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The “unofficial start to summer” is a week away! Are you ready?

Attending a wedding this summer? Styling outfits for your bridesmaids? Whether you’re getting married in a garden or running to the beach, you can create a look that is totally classy yet still laid-back with just a few fun bridal accessories.

Pearls are always in style, and there’s no time like the summer to show them off! Created by the ocean, pearls infuse an air of natural bohemian glamour into your ensemble.

Our glass pearl accessories preserve the look and style of natural pearls with the added sparkle of rhinestone accents in modern, creative pieces. Browse our hottest designs and find a new bit of pretty to wear at your summer event!

Wired Leaves Lined with Pearls

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Stunning in gold or silver, style 6558 combines a delicately wired design of open leaves with tiny pearl accents on ribbon ties. Beautifully bohemian, this lovely headpiece may be styled just how you want it: worn across the forehead or as a headband, with or without a veil. Sparkling rhinestone accents finish off an unforgettable look.

Floral Comb with Lustrous Pearls

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Understated. Classic. Gorgeous. Style 6569 combines sparkling rhinestone flowers with champagne pearls in a small comb that goes with everything bridal. Tuck this tiny treasure into an updo or beneath a veil for a pretty bit of sparkle that’s just at home on the beach as it is in a church.

Sparkly Headband with Pearl Flowers

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Sparkle like a siren from the sea wearing headband 6531. Glistening crystals, ivory pearl flowers, and shimmering rhinestones enhance tiny silver leaves in a lovely bridal statement piece. Pair it with a pearl dotted veil or cut edge design to exude an air of carefree beauty.

Classic Edge Cathedral Veil

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Breezy and beautiful, an understated veil goes with literally everything—the cathedral length adds a feeling of once-in-a-lifetime romance. Wear it boho-style on the beach or for your fairy-tale garden event: this lovely, simple accessory says bride with easygoing elegance. Style V7164C features a fold-over blusher; for a single cut-edge layer, ask for style V9994C.

Pearl Dotted Fingertip Veil

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Pop on a pretty accent with a flattering fingertip length veil dotted with tiny pearls. Beautifully bridal, this fun and flirty veil V7253 features a clean cut edge and scattered pearls in a modern design. Secure this style in a braid, chignon, half-updo, or topknot and feel it float behind you in the summer breeze.

Lace Appliqué Cathedral Veil

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Lace brings heart-fluttering bridal romance to your outfit. A simple rolled edge cathedral veil flaunts gorgeous lace appliqués in a design that will turn heads. Wear V7263C at your beach wedding for a look as romantic as the sunset, or show it off at your garden affair for an elegant, floral-inspired ensemble.

How are you styling your summer wedding look?

Follow us on Instagram and share your ideas! 

Beauty at the Beach

We just love seeing fun photo shoots that incorporate the most gorgeous gowns along with our very own lovely accessories! This “trash the dress” session at the beach looks so breezy and crisp, we can almost smell the fresh sea air. Thanks to Jessica Cooper Photography for sharing these inspirational post-wedding photos!

There’s something so timelessly ethereal about wearing a veil at the beach. A Sweet Caroline gown with pretty lace and heart-fluttering ruffles steals the show, pairing gorgeously with our veil style V7234. This bride also wore our metallic halo 6510, and brought her bouquet along, too!

It sure looks like this bride and groom had a fun day. Are you planning on taking bridal photos at the beach? Share your story!

Check out our Store Locator to find these items in a bridal boutique near you!

Credits-

Florals: Pink Dahlia Vintage
Cake: The Cake Studio of Ocean City
Dress Designer: Sweet Caroline Styles
Bridal Accessories: Bel Aire Bridal
Hair/Makeup: Belles & Grooms
Calligraphy: Parris Chic Boutique
Photography: Jessica Cooper Photography

Styled Shoot: Autumn at the Beach

We are so excited to be included in this lovely styled shoot by Jessica Cooper Photography, featuring Sweet Caroline Gowns and our very own accessories!

Feast your eyes on these gorgeous pics incorporating a wild bouquet with marsala flowers, creatively styled driftwood branches, and a ruffled, utterly swoonworthy dress. Check out the romantic moments beneath the veil—you can almost feel the love and serenity.

Who knew a day at the beach could be so classy?

This styled shoot featured our dreamy, cascading cathedral veil V7234 and our pretty pearl and rhinestone halo 6510. Check out our Store Locator to find these items in a bridal boutique near you!

Credits-

Florals: Pink Dahlia Vintage
Cake: The Cake Studio of Ocean City
Dress Designer: Sweet Caroline Styles
Bridal Accessories: Bel Aire Bridal
Hair/Makeup: Belles & Grooms
Calligraphy: Parris Chic Boutique
Photography: Jessica Cooper Photography

5 Amazing Looks for Beach Brides

Are you planning a destination wedding, getting married in a tropical setting, or saying “I do” on sandy shores? Check out our favorite styling ideas for unconventional and classic brides alike! Express your personal bridal style with these amazing accessories.

BOHO BRIDAL STYLE

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6558 & V7198)

Better together: a bridal headpiece over a foldover veil looks stunning. Choose a headpiece that reflects your personality—bling or beads or metallic details—and pair it up with just about any circle cut veil. This elegant combo complements the incredible beauty of the ocean with a bit of your own boho-chic charm.

HEADPIECE ONLY

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6522)

So you don’t want to wear a veil. No problem! A pretty headpiece will definitely say “bride” and make you feel absolutely gorgeous. If you’re the carefree type, check out a soft flower comb or delicately bejeweled halo. For the more formal future Mrs., a beaded headband or pearl hair vine offers a swanky touch of elegance.

THE ULTRA-LONG VEIL

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7263C)

Nothing makes our hearts flutter more than a gorgeous cathedral veil. Get in the spirit of beauty and romance wearing a long, dramatic design! Whether you choose a light cut edge or lace details, this style is sure to look lovely blowing back in the breeze.

VEIL & HEADPIECE

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6369 & V8734)

Combine a pretty veil and the headpiece of your choice for a flawless, put-together bridal ensemble. You can wear the veil for your bridal portraits and ceremony, and then party all night wearing an eye-catching headpiece! This picture-perfect pairing personalizes a traditional look.

FOLDOVER VEIL

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7164)

There’s something so dreamy about a bride wearing a sheer tulle veil over her face. A classic blusher is usually worn by a bride as she is walking down the aisle, and it is lifted before the kiss. You can achieve the same fairy-tale beauty with a circle cut veil or a two-tier design.

Where are you getting married, and which look is your favorite?

How To Wear a Veil—At The Beach!

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal)

All brides wear veils, right?

Well, no, they don’t. But because veils are so pretty and unmistakably bridal, let’s assume you’re open to wearing one. And let’s also say that you’re getting married at the beach!

So how do you pick the right veil for your unique venue and personal style? Keep scrolling to see our tips about how to find the perfect style and make it work for you.

FUN & MODERN CUT

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7253)

Veils come in more varieties than frozen yogurt! One of our favorites is a pretty, pearl-dotted, cascading foldover veil that flows to fingertip length (V7253 pictured). The pearls add a nice touch to an otherwise simple but shapely illusion, creating an absolutely dreamy look. You can wear one tier forward or both back, your choice!

PRETTY LACE DETAILS

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7251)

Are you a romantic? Most beach wedding dresses feature soft, ethereal layers. If your gown includes lace details, wearing a veil that also features lace is a gorgeous way to tie your whole style together (V7251 pictured). Add some pearl jewelry and your partner will fall in love all over again.

COASTAL PRINCESS

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal)

Most people associate princess brides with churches and ballrooms. But you can also achieve a totally regal look by simply bringing a formal veil to the beach. The plus side is that you’ll get some amazing photos, and styles like V7034CX and V8734 will leave no doubt that you’re a bride! Plenty of girls wear white dresses to the beach, but your eye-catching veil will make you feel like this is YOUR day.

FABULOUS FRENCH NET

(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – Style 6225)

Fish for compliments wearing a gorgeous French net veil! This sweet, simple, chic style is perfect for the beach and will ensnare your love with bridal charm. You can wear the net over your face or back over your hair as a mini-veil (6225 pictured). Vintage designs are trending, so this style looks completely fresh and modern with the right dress.

Which look is your favorite? Will you wear a veil at your beach wedding?

4 Ways to Style Your Destination Beach Wedding

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(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6571)

Are you planning a destination wedding, or saying “I do” amidst a breathtaking backdrop of ocean, sand, and sky? We can’t help but admire all you dreamy, free-spirted beach brides—and we’ve got some killer styling suggestions for you!

TUMBLING WAVES & SUBTLE BLING

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(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6505)

This style is so carefree and easy to achieve: style loose waves and use a gentle spray or mousse to keep those breezy locks looking great all day. Top off this simple yet stunning hairstyle with a glittering halo like 6500, 6502, or 6505. The result: absolute boho-chic beauty.

HAIR-TAMING HEADBAND

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(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6531)

If you’ve ever been to a beach (we’re guessing you have—and maybe even were proposed to at one), you know that there’s no such thing as a calm day. Keep the wind from messing up your ‘do with a gorgeous bridal headband. From pearl-packed glittering metallic designs (6531) to sparkling rhinestone tie headbands (6562), these styles are sure to keep you looking lovely all day. The bonus: add a veil and get some amazing shots of it blowing in that refreshing coastal breeze.

DELICATE FLORALS

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(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6569)

If you’re a classy bride and want a hairstyle with serious staying power, curl up your tresses in a loose chignon and tuck in a pretty flower clip. Delicate metallic flowers, soft organza petals, and glittering details like rhinestones and pearls tie your love of the sea into an elegant bridal style. (6569 and 6535)

THE WHOLE PACKAGE

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(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – 6570)

You want it all: glamour, romance, beauty. Mix and match styles that speak to your heart! Pick a dramatic bridal headpiece with a gorgeous, eye-catching design (6570) to wear at the ceremony and reception. Pair a traditional cathedral veil with a blusher for some seriously amazing photos (yes, you can wear this at the beach). Whether you go for trendy lace appliqués or a simple edge, a long veil adds instant drama.

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(via Jennifer Fujikawa Photography for Bel Aire Bridal – V7263C)

How will you style your beach wedding?

Product Spotlight: Cathedral Veil V7176C

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

Elegantly embroidered and beaded scalloped edge veil

A cathedral veil is traditional for many religious weddings; however, it is also one of the most stunningly romantic accessories a bride can choose for her big day! Gorgeous and graceful, cathedrals add dramatic wedding-day allure; there’s no other occasion in life that calls for such a long veil. Modern veils range from ethereal, cut-edge styles that float like wisps of cloud to luxuriously embellished statement pieces. Pearls, rhinestones, embroidery, lace, and crystals decorate many types of veils—but turn the most heads on an eye-catching cathedral.

Our features lavish silver embroidered flowers with a delicate, scalloped beaded edge. Silver bugle beads, tiny rhinestones, and miniature pearls infuse this design with uncommonly detailed beauty.

Style Me
Elegant brides seeking an extravagant yet feminine look will love the sweeping beauty of V7176C. Gracefully balancing modern design with old-fashioned motifs, this elaborate style embellishes a plain gown or frames an already-stunning dress with decadence to match.
V7176C suggests a tone of luxury. Coordinated with sumptuous accessories, it completes a theme of regal elegance. When enhancing a simpler look, however, this veil takes the spotlight. Classically bridal, the floral design complements plain or embroidered gowns and understated jewelry.

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

Match Me
This cathedral veil is best paired with a gown featuring a long train. We love this piece coordinated with a sparkling rhinestone or beaded belt like BT010 or a floral belt such as BT040.

While this veil may be worn alone as a statement, a touch of sparkle gorgeously complements your whole look. We recommend pinning a small accent underneath in your hairstyle, or wearing a headpiece after you remove the veil for your reception! Cathedral veils are most appropriate for your walk down the aisle and photos, though you may bustle them for the after-party.

My Perfect Wedding
Formal, feminine brides will be drawn to V7176C, while brides styling more casual looks will find less-embellished designs more attractive. This elaborate veil best complements an elegant theme.

(via Roma Bea Images for Bel Aire Bridal)

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

Check out the Cathedral Veils section on our website for more heart-fluttering styles!