The Pros and Cons of Elopement

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Thinking about running away to get married?

Elopements are a growing trend in 2017, and it’s easy to see why—without all the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, you can really focus on what you want. If you dream of getting married on a mountaintop, you can! Want to say I do in city hall? Go for it!

On the flip side, weddings evolved for good reason, and skipping the traditions can mean you miss out on some important rites of passage. Let’s dive in!

PRO: Focus on Your Love

When you elope, it’s just you and your partner. This moment is private, romantic, and memorable—without extra frills. You can truly let go of the superfluous details and focus on your love. You don’t have to spend a lot of time saying hello to friends and relatives in a whirlwind of a day.

CON: No Family Present

Back in the day, people would elope precisely to cut out disapproving parents and relatives. But if you’re on good terms with your family, you may want them present for this special moment. It’s possible to plan a small and/or casual wedding so your closest loved ones can bear witness.

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PRO: Exotic Location, Small Budget

It’s cheaper to avoid renting a space and feeding guests—hence the attraction of elopements. You literally just have to show up and sign the papers, if that’s all you want. In the social media age, more couples are opting to hire a photographer and exchange vows in a beautiful location.

CON: Missing a Life Event

Your wedding is a rite of passage: it helps to prepare you, socially and emotionally, for marriage. We make a big deal of it because, like graduating school or having a child, it is supposed to stand out. You might later wish you’d worn a white dress, or gone ring shopping, or done ____ differently.

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PRO: Getting What You Want

Tired of your mother-in-law’s unwanted advice? Don’t care what the bridesmaids’ shoes look like? When you elope, you have control over what elements of style—if any—you care to incorporate. You can go to a chapel and have it over in an hour, or say your vows in a hot air balloon. It’s all up to you!

CON: Ignoring Stakeholders

Imagine you’re a parent. A significant moment in your life includes when your daughter or son gets married—you’re probably a wonderful mess of pride, sorrow, and joy. Siblings or close friends may also feel hurt if they’re left out. Bottom line: unless you live under a rock, people care about you and want to participate in your biggest life events.

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PRO: No Planning Needed

Don’t want to stress over planning a wedding? You don’t have to! Eloping means you can skip hiring a wedding planner, following a timeline, obsessing over a gown, picking florals, and choosing invitations. All you need is a license and someone legally certified to marry you (check your state’s requirements).

CON: No Social Skills Gained

Ever hear that communication is vital to a marriage? When you plan a wedding, you also gain skills such as: event planning, interpersonal relations, time management, negotiation, cooperation, compromise, emotional intelligence, budgeting, scheduling, organization, problem-solving, and multi-tasking.

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PRO: Short Waiting Period

Does waiting for years to get married while you plan an extensive wedding sound exhausting? It’s common for couples to spend at least one year (sometimes two or three) saving and planning so they can throw the wedding of their dreams. Eloping can be done in a few days.

CON: Truncated Engagement

When you cut down your engagement time, you also miss getting to know your partner better. Even if you’re a thousand percent sure, an engagement period is like a test drive. It gives you both time to prepare for marriage—and see new/different aspects of each other in the process.

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Whether you’re eloping or planning a large wedding, we’re here for you! Check out our accessories to make your big day even more special, and follow us on Instagram for styling ideas. Congratulations!

14 Reasons to Throw a Valentine’s Day Wedding

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Thinking of getting married on V-Day? Whether you have a personal reason for selecting this date or you just think it’d be romantic, this holiday is full of warm fuzzies. Check out our favorite 14 reasons to say YES to February 14!

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In Love with Love

One of the most popular days to get engaged or married, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love.

Mingle Your Singles

It sucks being single on V-Day with nothing to do. Give your single friends a fun and meaningful event to get dressed up for!

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Date Night to the Billionth Power

Or if your friends are married/taken, what better date night than attending an uber-romantic wedding? No reservations needed.

When’s Our Anniversary Again?

Because you’ll never want your SO to seriously ask this question.

A Rose by Any Other Name…

Love roses? Love peonies? Love flowers in general? They’re more expensive this time of year, but when you’re dreaming of romance, lavish florals are the only way to go.

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Passionate for Pink

Blush is a beautiful color for bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, bubbly, treats—just about anything that you could incorporate into a wedding.

Black Tie Option

Black tie formal is a fabulous option for your wedding, including classically romantic dresses, sleek tuxes, and glittery gowns. Tie it into a chic theme with red roses and champagne!

Chocolate Everything

Voudrais-tu du chocolat, mon ami? Oui, bien sûr! Toujours oui!

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Lovely Quotes

Your Pinterest boards are chock-full of romantic quotes and song lyrics that make your heart flutter. A V-Day wedding’s the perfect time to put them on display!

Forever Flowers

Flower crowns, floral combs, weaving vines, and metallic flower headpieces give you romantic options for a stunning bridal wardrobe. Florals are super popular for bridesmaids, too!

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Bachelorette Bash

Make your girl’s night even more fun! Pink and red outfits, hearts, decorations, and candies create a festive atmosphere for your bridal shower, doe party, and everything in between!

Anniversary Time

Did you get engaged on V-Day? Have your first date on V-Day? This would be a romantic and meaningful time for your wedding, too!

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Red Lip

If you’re ever going to rock a red lip, Valentine’s Day is the time to do it. Stunning makeup pairs perfectly with a vintage-inspired or Hollywood wedding theme.

Hearts All Around

When you love your love story, V-Day celebrates the essence of romance with this classic emblem. Use heart balloons, heart treats, heart invitations—heart anything and everything you want!

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There you have it—fourteen great reasons to get married on February 14! Also, be sure to check out our My Bridal Style: Romantic page for accessory inspiration, and follow us on Instagram for style updates.

Are you planning a V-Day wedding? Share your ideas with us! 

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5 Silly Wedding Superstitions Explained

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Ever wonder why it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, or why bridesmaids used to dress alike?

Superstitions have long influenced the ritual of getting married. Practices vary from culture to culture—sometimes even between regions! The tradition of burying the bourbon is common in the South, for example, and few brides in the Northeast would forget their something blue.

In the spirit of this spooky month of October, here are a few silly, fun superstitions that still play a part in the process of getting engaged and married. Enjoy!

#1: Setting a Date

Choosing a day to get married has always been important. The month of May was thought to be unlucky in both pagan and Christian traditions. Want the stars to align? Some cultures believe in selecting a date based on your astrological signs! Many people will avoid getting married on days such as Friday the 13th, and very few will tie the knot on non-official American holidays such as Superbowl Sunday or Black Friday. Numerology plays a part, too—dates like 10/10/10 and 12/13/14 were highly coveted!

#2: First Look

The superstition that it was bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the wedding arose from purely superficial reasons: in arranged marriages, parents worried that he might break off the engagement if she wasn’t attractive enough. Nowadays, this is just a fun tradition that allows the bride and her party to dress up together, while the groom and his buddies get ready on their own. The “first look” is a sweet moment that some couples choose to photograph ahead of the ceremony.

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Is it true that if you’re always a bridesmaid, you won’t become a bride? Is there a limit on how many times you can be in a friend’s wedding before dooming your love life? Actually (as with the tradition of buying a diamond engagement ring), this saying was appropriated from a clever advertisement for mouthwash. That’s right. Mouthwash. So relax and have fun at your friends’ weddings. Your love story will unfold at its own pace, in its own time.

#4: Losing the Engagement Ring

Some women joke about “accidentally” losing the engagement ring if they don’t like it. While this might be tempting if he selects something truly abominable, the theory is that if you lose your wedding ring, your marriage will fail. Unfortunately, we can’t survey divorced couples to check if either one of them lost their ring during the engagement… Maybe buy a ring holder, just in case.

#5: Choosing a Dress

Did you know that your wedding gown comes with its own superstitions? In the past, women usually selected their best frock for the big day. The rhyme went that if you wore black, you’d wish yourself back (as in, you’d regret it). Wearing red, you’d wish yourself dead! If you wore blue, your love would be true; if you married in brown, you’d live in town. Nowadays, most brides choose a shade of white, but it’s completely acceptable to flaunt any color or design your heart desires, including ombré, floral, watercolor, or metallic.

Are you superstitious? Let us know what traditions you’ll incorporate on the big day!

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http://www.match.com/magazine/article/13027/Eight-Love-Superstitions-And-Their-Origins/

https://www.7thsensepsychics.com/blog/love-relationship-superstitions

http://www.kimleatherdale.com/intimacy/a-nod-to-the-13th-seven-relationship-superstitions/

Style Spotlight: Venise Lace Veils

Classic romance. Graceful beauty. Sheer style.

These aren’t taglines for an Audrey Hepburn movie—this is what we think of when we see bridal veils made with exquisite Venise lace!

Originally crafted in Italy, the Venise lace design is more structured than other flowery laces such as Chantilly lace. It is also more beautifully detailed than modern cut-out laces. Embroidered flowers create a striking pattern so gorgeous, it could only be used for an occasion as special as a wedding.

Take a peek at these timeless, heart-fluttering designs and get inspiration for your wedding day look!

Flowers in the Meadow

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Some styles are just dreamy. Celebrate your wedding with the beauty of wildflowers by borrowing inspiration from nature’s bounty. This lovely fingertip lace veil features tiny flowers and shimmering beadwork beneath a simple rolled edge. Decorate your neckline with delicate jewelry for a lighthearted, pretty outfit.

You might like My Bridal Style: Destination

Kissing Beneath the Waterfall

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Lavish yourself with romance on your special day. Stunning floral lace cascades gracefully down your silhouette to waltz length. This incredible design of bold, feminine flowers enhances any wedding outfit. Beautifully complementing lace gowns, this ravishing veil may be paired with shimmering jewelry for a swoonworthy, personalized look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

Blooming Bridal Lilies

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Style an elegant, formal look with lovely lace lilies for your once-in-a-lifetime moment. Graceful and utterly glorious, this beaded lace veil celebrates your beauty with a frame of classic bridal flowers. Pair this flowing fingertip design with a complementary lace headpiece or lustrous pearl jewelry. Create a radiant ensemble that will leave your partner breathless.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

Forget-Me-Not Kind of Love

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Sweet as blooming forget-me-nots, this lovely veil features a narrow trim of small flowers. Dotted with tiny rhinestones, this fingertip length style evokes heartfelt love and fidelity. Combine it with a bridal wreath or halo for a totally rustic-chic look. Equally perfect in a meadow or in a church, this refreshing design exudes bridal beauty.

You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

The Princess Factor

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Be a princess for a day. Commemorate your wedding with timeless beauty and unforgettable style. Narrow lace in cascading scallops in a romantic foldover design creates a dreamy look fit for royalty. Pair this formal, elegant veil with a shimmering tiara or decadent jewelry. Add sparkling accessories and bring your fairy-tale vision to life.

You might like My Bridal Style: Glamorous

Meeting in the Garden

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Love grows over time. Celebrate this memorable milestone with a beautiful veil featuring flowers in full bloom. Gorgeous as a garden kissed by the sun, this lovely lace design enhances your look with delightful charm. Pair it with a floral dress, vintage jewelry, or tea-party style accessories to create a bridal ensemble as special as your love.

You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage  

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Want to see more? Check out our lace veils and cathedral veils pages for beautifully romantic styles.

Ravishing Rose Gold: Our Most Popular Styles in a Gorgeous New Color

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Romance is in the air. It’s the height of wedding season, and we couldn’t be more excited to release a gorgeous new selection of beautiful bridal headpieces in rose gold!

Bohemian, luxurious, trendy, vintage-inspired, and glamorous—we’ve carefully chosen a design for every bride. This lovely shade of gold blends the warmth of traditional yellow gold with the charming allure of blush pink. The results are literally stunning.

Scroll down to see some of our most popular headpieces in a whole new light.

Pearl Cluster Comb

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Sparkling, rhinestone-encrusted flowers with pearl clusters create a classic, beautiful bridal accent. This lovely comb easily tucks into a chignon or updo, adding instant elegance to any outfit. Style this comb in the back or on the side; pair it with a glittering rose gold belt or earrings to complete your look.

Other color options: Silver

Shimmering Filigree Halo

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One of our most romantic halos just got trendier! Create a beautiful, boho-luxe look with a gorgeous linked metallic halo shimmering with round rhinestones. Floral filigree and stunning sparkle make this design a must-have for a wedding in any season. Style this with a veil for a truly incredible ensemble.

Other color options: Gold, Silver.

Royal Swirls Sash

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Slip into something gorgeous. Rhinestone-encrusted floral swirls create a luxurious pattern of eye-catching sparkle. This regal design transforms any gown with legendary beauty. Wear it as a sash for a trendy accent, or style it as a tie headband for serious wow factor.

Other color options: Silver/Ivory, Silver/White.

In Full Bloom Pins

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Kiss your bridal hair style with a touch of sparkle. A pair of whimsical, rhinestone-encrusted floral pins glitters with subtle beauty. Style this in a vintage-inspired updo with trailing curls, or gift these little favors to your bridesmaids to complement their gowns!

Other color options: Gold, Silver.

Pretty Pearls Garland

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Beautifully bohemian, this lovely design incorporates pearls and fairy-tale sparkle in a modern design. A flexible metallic hair vine with lustrous glass pearls and delicately wired rhinestones ties on sheer organza. Weave it through a braid or wear it as a headband to personalize your look.

Other color options: Gold/ivory, Silver/ivory, Silver/white.

Vintage Glamour Headband

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Sparkling marquise and oval stones dominate a gorgeous, vintage-inspired headband. Glittering in a magnificent design of shimmering filigree, this metal-link headband exudes dramatic beauty. Tie it on as an opulent headband or belt to express your own style.

Other color options: Silver.

Midsummer Tiara

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Show off an eye-catching bridal tiara in trendy rose gold! Reign over your fairy-tale wedding with this gorgeous design of sparkling swirls and rhinestones. Best paired with a dramatic gown and veil, you’ll add just a hint of magic with this elegant, romantic finishing touch.

Other color options: Silver.

Simple Sparkle Halo

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Sometimes, it’s the simple things you appreciate the most. A sparkling halo of narrow rhinestones and floral motifs encircles your bridal hairstyle with feminine allure. Style this lovely, boho-luxe design with a veil for maximum romance, or wear it alone as a light accent piece.

Other color options: Silver.

Floral Swirl Comb

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Vintage-inspired yet oh-so-chic, this ornate design combines rhinestone swirls with small, sparkling flowers in an artistic pattern. Classically elegant, this shimmering comb beautifully complements any romantic ensemble. Style this with luxurious rose gold earrings to complete your look.

Other color options: Silver.

Celestial Sparkle Tiara

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Enrich your wedding day ensemble with a gorgeous tiara packed with glittering rhinestones. Sparkling with starry splendor, this lovely design tops off any princess-inspired gown with ravishing beauty. Wear it with a veil and opulent rhinestone jewelry to complete a dreamy look.

Other color options: Silver.

Fairy-Tale Headband

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Step into a fairy tale wearing a delicate, twinkling headband. Sparkling center stones and a narrow line of shimmering rhinestones create a fantastic accent for your wedding wardrobe. Complement this romantic design with a graceful veil and elegant drop earrings.

Other color options: Silver.

Want to see more? Match your chosen headpiece with our bracelets and earrings that are now available in rose gold!

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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.

Made in Metallic: Sparkly Styles for 2016

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 Do you love the metallic trend as much as we do?

We are totally swooning over burnished copper and vintage gold! Stunning antique silver and romantic rose gold are also beautiful complementary colors to this year’s hottest wedding hues.

Decorate a luxurious wedding with dazzling table runners, shimmering bridesmaids’ dresses, and accessories with all the pretty you’ve ever dreamed of. Our top silver and gold picks for 2016 include gorgeous combs, headbands, and halos. Get your sparkle on!

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Everlasting Flower Comb

Style 6636 blends nature-inspired beauty with traditional elegance. Graceful metallic flowers with sparkling rhinestone sprigs tuck easily into an updo for an incredibly romantic accent. Choose silver or gold to coordinate with your other accessories. Feel like a fairy-tale princess on your wedding day!

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Glistening Leaves Headband

Style 6634 adds autumnal grace to your hairstyle. Shimmering metallic leaves in silver or gold amidst wired rhinestone dewdrops create the perfect accessory for any boho-luxe ensemble. Add leaves or wildflowers into your bouquet to tie together an enchanting look.

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Dazzling Petals Headband

Style 6696 takes glamour to a whole new level. Sparkling, rhinestone-encrusted flowers and leaves on a metallic filigree design create a beautiful look made just for you. Style this dazzling headband with a complementary beaded edge veil and sparkling drop earrings.

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Triple Antique Flower Band

Love boho-vintage style? Headband 6687 features dramatic flowers in antique silver or gold with sparkling rhinestone centers. This eye-catching, bold piece looks gorgeous in any season and may be worn with or without a veil. Match gold or rhinestone jewelry to complete a stunning outfit.

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Old World Romance Halo

Incorporate special charm, grace and beauty into your wedding ensemble with style 6579. Now available in both silver and gold, this lovely design of filigree swirls is an elegant finishing touch for any romantic wardrobe. Pair this swoonworthy style with dazzling earrings or a flowing veil.

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Delicate Wired Flower Comb

Add luxurious beauty to your locks with style 6577. Delicately wired sprays and sparkling rhinestone flowers on a comb enhance your look with feminine elegance. Pair this little bit of lovely with dainty accessories to perfectly complement a bohemian gown.

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Want to see more sparkly, romantic, and boho-luxe designs? Check out our Fall 2016 Collection and browse through our belts/jewelry pages for ways to personalize your look.

Style My Bridesmaids

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Choosing a wedding day theme is like picking ice cream on a hot day—they all look incredible!

Your wedding aesthetic reflects who you are, both as individuals and as a couple. Maybe you both love vintage styles; or perhaps he is rugged and you’re glamorous (enter the glamping wedding).

When you choose your bridesmaids’ outfits, keep in mind that this is so much more than an opportunity to play dress-up with your girlfriends! Their gown designs and accessories should not only make them feel comfortable (and pretty), but reflect your overall mood.

Gift your bridesmaids with accessories that will honor your friendship, say thank-you for all their support, and tie together your wedding theme with incredible beauty.

If You’re a Glam Girl

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If you’re a glamorous bride, your designer dress is stunning. It may be sleek and shimmering with sequins; it might be a gorgeous mermaid dress or a princess-inspired ball gown. Your jewelry will be formal. Amazing shoes are a must, and your veil is drop-dead gorgeous.

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To tie together your glamorous theme, lay on the sparkle! For example, a shimmering opal rhinestone headband like 6603 for you goes beautifully with a smaller comb like 6617 for your friends.

Other sparkly options for your maids: 6543, 1978, and 1710

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Glamorous page.

If You’re Vintage-tastic

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If you’re a vintage bride, you’re probably rocking a red lip or a birdcage veil. Long lace sleeves, a high neckline, or a cute tea-length number set the stage for a charming ceremony! Your reception style incorporates more sparkle, complete with a beaded jazz-era gown and shimmering accessories.

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Complement your vintage-inspired accessories with similar styles for your bridesmaids, just on a smaller scale. For example, our Art Deco headpiece 6400 dovetails nicely with glittering comb 6405.

Other vintage options for your maids: 6607, 6390, and 1721

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Vintage page.

If You’re Oh-So-Boho

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Laid-back yet chic, a bohemian style is perfect for summer! Breezy gowns and unique accessories are the hallmarks of free-spirited boho beauty. You’ve chosen comfortable outfits for your wedding weekend bash. You enjoy color, and your accessories include anything and everything that feels right to you.

Style your bridesmaids with halos or flower clips that mimic the style you’ve chosen for yourself. For the perfect blend of pretty, match a flexible headpiece style like 6542 with a wired comb like 6544.

Other bohemian options for your maids: 6505, 6629, and 1723

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Destination and My Bridal Style: Bohemian pages.

If You’re a Whimsical Romantic

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You love flowers, so of course you’re getting married in a garden! Your dress and veil feature soft tulle or beautifully elaborate lace; your sparkling, feminine accessories are nothing short of stunning. Your bridesmaids are probably dressed in soft pastels or floral prints.

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Complement your own floral headpiece with a smaller-scale version for your maids. For example, if you’re wearing a lovely flower comb like 6600, match it with pins 1720.

Other romantic options for your maids: 6680, 1718, and 6699

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Romantic page.

If You’re Keeping It Classy

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Your look is timeless and simple, which is what makes it so perfect. Your natural beauty takes center stage, and you don’t need a lot of accessories or trims. The gown and veil you’ve chosen are elegant and minimalistic. Your wedding is focused on celebrating your marriage, and nothing more.

Accessorize your bridesmaids with classic pearls that they can wear again after the wedding! Our rhinestone and pearl bridal headband 6640 pairs beautifully with pins 1722.

Other classic options for your maids: 1710, 6540, and 6483

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Classic page.

If You’re All About Trends

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If you’re a trendy bride, your look is totally modern. You want your wedding to be of-the-moment, with all the latest bits of pretty that runway fashions and independent designers can deliver! From celeb-inspired veils to stunning new accessories, your style is all about keeping it fresh.

Boho-luxe and princess-style gowns are in right now; delicate, sparkling accessories pair best with these romantic styles. Complement a flexible opal rhinestone hair vine like 6628 with matching pins 1717.

Other trendy options for your maids: 6690, 6564, and 6467

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Trendy page.

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These are just a few pairing suggestions. You can also let each person choose her own headpiece, or mix and match different styles! If you want to include your bridesmaids in the decision, find a Bel Aire Bridal Trunk Show at your nearest authorized bridal salon and play with all our prettiest headpieces in person. Have fun!

Something Old, Something New: 5 Items for a Lucky Wedding Day

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Every bride has heard the rhyme. What does it mean to you?

Incorporate symbolic elements into your wedding day by choosing items that are personally meaningful. Read on for ideas about how to make your once-in-a-lifetime moment even more special!

Something Old

The idea behind something old is that your past identity comes with you into the marriage. Many brides play up a vintage theme, wearing heirlooms, old-fashioned accessories, or Art Deco clips and combs. Whether it’s your grandmother’s brooch or a dazzling beaded purse, you can choose an item that works with your wedding style/theme.

Something New

Selecting new, special items just for your wedding is super fun! Your something new represents starting a whole new life with your husband-to-be. Many brides check off this item with their wedding gown (unless they are altering a used dress). Other new bits of pretty can include jewelry, a sparkly headpiece, or fabulous shoes. It’s ok to splurge a little on this one.

Something Borrowed

You’re supposed to borrow something from a happily married woman to ensure that your own union will be lasting and blissful. Wedding shopping can get expensive, anyway, so borrowing a pair of shoes or wearing your mother’s earrings will help ease wallet worry. Just like a gown, an heirloom veil can be passed through the family, featuring in more wonderful wedding memories.

Something Blue

Blue (which, by the way, is one of Pantone’s colors of 2016) is serene and symbolizes fidelity. The most obvious way to incorporate something blue is by dressing your bridesmaids in this lovely hue, but you can use a blue sash, wear blue shoes, show off blue jewelry, or choose a blue garter or petticoat! Create a stylish reception look with a colored wedding outfit like a cute blue tulle skirt and lace top.

Sixpence In Your Shoe

Back in the day, English women would slip a silver sixpence coin inside their shoes to ensure good luck and/or a financially prosperous marriage. More couples are incorporating honeymoon funds into their registries or performing money dances at the reception. After all, why not start off your marriage with a bit of extra cash?

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Which wedding traditions are you incorporating? Share your ideas!

10 Ways to Beat Post-Wedding Blues

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Married life is wonderful, isn’t it?

Well…the reality is that after planning one of the biggest days of your life, coming home and facing the bills can be a drag. The adjustment to husband and wife can be difficult, especially if you haven’t lived together before.

Take a breath and tell yourself it’s ok. Because it is.

Even though the engagement and wedding are over, your lovely life together is just beginning! Here are 10 things you can do right now to make your transition a bit easier.

Look-out-000048402144_MediumPlan Trips

The honeymoon kicks off your married life with an amazing bonding experience. Anniversary trips are similarly important because they give you time away to reflect on the past year and indulge in your love for one another. Even a staycation or weekend excursion will do! Dream up ideas for your one-year anniversary and beyond, so you’ll have events to look forward to.

Work

When you were in wedding-planning mode, maybe work didn’t matter much in your lifestyle. If you’re feeling stuck, taking a part-time job or new position can refresh your energy and invite different people into your life. You’ll have professional projects to tackle and a whole new perspective. (Plus if you’re stressed about money, the income will help.)

Meditate

Speaking of perspective, take time to think seriously about your life. Examine the big picture: your plans, dreams, and desires. In order to maintain a healthy relationship, you should still pursue personal goals. Being married is about building on your individual identity by adding your role as a wife—not substituting one for the other.

Get a Hobby

Feeling bored? Take up an old hobby that you haven’t had time for since before the wedding, or cultivate a new interest! You can get crafty, take up a sport, or volunteer. Sell stuff on Etsy. Write book reviews. Start a knitting circle or take dance lessons. Get involved in blogs and groups, so you’ll have a community of new friends to support your efforts.

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See Friends

Now that you’re back and settled in, it’s a good time to connect with friends! Let them know how your honeymoon was, and ask about their recent endeavors. Hanging out with a diverse circle of people will keep you from getting stuck in a rut, so make plans to go out regularly. You can also reach out and reconnect with family you haven’t seen in a while.

Journal

Let’s be clear: if you experience any physical or emotional abuse, you should immediately seek help. But if you are just frustrated and feel like ranting to your friends and family about petty problems, reconsider your approach. Why bad-mouth the person you want to spend the rest of your life with? Instead, write it down. You can vent without damaging the relationship you’ve built up.

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Work Out

Slacking off? Don’t let the careful beauty/exercise regimen you did before the wedding vanish! Start your marriage off right by being your best, healthiest self. Join a gym or keep a schedule to avoid burnout. You can even mix it up by doing some workouts alone and some with your partner! Both of you will feel better with regular activity.

Take Classes

Maybe at this point of your life, you’ve decided you want to save up for a house or a child. With two of you contributing, you hopefully will have more resources to pay off debts, build your savings, and further your educations. Prepare for the future. Figure out where you want to go and what tools you’ll need to get there.

Adopt a Pet

If you both love animals and are ready for another commitment, adopting a pet adds fun to your life and gives you practice caretaking. You’ll be amazed at how much a dog or cat will transform your daily routine! Not your style? Try out fish, birds, or other animals. If you already have pets, you can take hikes/walks or sign up for training classes.

Talk a Lot

You’ll both need time alone. But the whole point of being married is that you get to be together, so take advantage of it! Get help and talk to your partner if you’re feeling anxious. While you can’t expect him/her to fix all your issues, you can have a conversation and work together to improve the situation. Communication is your biggest ally.

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Still struggling? Sometimes seeing a counselor or neutral third party is the best way to figure out what is bothering you and how to move forward. Remember that you are responsible for your own happiness, so use your resources. Treat yourself the way you’d treat someone you love.