Plan the Ultimate Bohemian Wedding

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If you’re a bohemian bride, you probably don’t care much for mundane details. What type of tuxedo should your groom wear? Pass. How many tables should you rent? Snooze. What color do you want the linens? Wait, there are linens?

Yup, there are linens. But don’t worry, some aspects of the ceremony/reception are actually fun to plan! Read on for 10 easy ways to create your own boho-style wedding bash.

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book an outdoor venue

Have you always dreamed of a wedding on the beach? Maybe your wish is to say I do in a secluded forest, or exchange vows beneath a sprawling oak tree in a meadow. Keep the size of your wedding and preferred style of gown in mind when choosing a place. Plan ahead for the weather!

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choose a theme

Your theme ties everything together. You can use coordinating colors as a generic wedding theme (the traditional choice), or you can go with something more personalized. Great boho-friendly styles include the beach, astrology, an enchanted forest, a midsummer’s dream, or a celestial theme.

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Photo Credit | Jessica Cooper for Sweet Caroline Styles

plan the party

Give your guests something fun to do! Popular activities include photo booths, drink mixing stations, yard games, or outdoor excursions. Be sure to offer multiple options, especially if you’re stretching the celebration over a weekend. Get creative and provide interesting entertainment.

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write your own vows

It’s best to write or choose vows with deep meaning. Your relationship is unique; the words you use to make this commitment should be personal. Put thought into this and show your future spouse exactly how you feel. Reflect your heritage. Express yourself.

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Photo Credit | Jessica Cooper for Sweet Caroline Styles

Rings | Harry Merrill

include crystals & natural stones

For your décor, you can choose meaningful crystals and stones to reflect your feelings. Stones make beautiful and interesting centerpieces, place cards, or even invitations! You can send guests home with their own crystals and/or gift your bridesmaids with natural stone jewelry.

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use flowers

Flowers are a lovely finishing touch. For a boho ceremony, a cascading bouquet with wild flowers looks gorgeous. You can wear a natural floral crown, a fabric flower headband, or even a gilded halo. Floral prints for bridesmaids’ dresses are big this year! Play off the natural beauty of your surroundings.

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Photo Credit | Jessica Cooper for Sweet Caroline Styles

be eco-friendly

Every wedding should be eco-friendly, don’t you think? Use local, seasonal flowers or potted plants for your décor, and shrink your ecological footprint. Send digital invitations. Ask guests to carpool. Let the flower girls scatter biodegradable confetti. Give favors that people can grow, eat, or re-use.

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Photo Credit | Jessica Cooper for Sweet Caroline Styles

post quotes

Incorporate extra-special meaning into your wedding by displaying your favorite quotes from poets, novelists, philosophers, or even movies! Some couples hang banners; others print quotes onto table cards or make a custom aisle runner. Invite your guests to reflect on the nature of life and love.

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create reception magic

Host your reception at a site with campfires. Roast s’mores, drink, and be merry until the sun comes up! Provide space heaters or blankets if it will be chilly; glow stick or lanterns are helpful if there won’t be much lighting outside. Watch the stars, discuss the phases of the moon, and enjoy the night.

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Are you planning a boho wedding bash? Share your ideas! Be sure to check out our My Bridal Style: Bohemian page for bridal outfit inspiration.

Fall Color Crush: Copper

Amidst the poignant beauty and vibrant hues of autumn, this season’s most popular wedding colors stand out with stunning allure: earthy reds such as marsala and auburn; fresh greens including sage, fern, and mint; and autumnal favorites like cocoa and pumpkin!

Does this sound delicious, or what?

This week, we’re crushing on warm and cheerful hues such as gold, bronze, copper, and champagne! Check out these five ways to add a splash of sensational color to your wedding. 

Glorious Headpieces

If you’re decking your bridesmaids in a seasonal color such as champagne, chocolate, amethyst, or maroon, a sparkling gold accent perfectly complements these rich hues. Wear a gold bridal headpiece and give your maids matching hair pins, or vice-versa!

Confident Jewelry

Be bold in gold! Try wearing a statement bracelet or earrings in a warm metallic tone; you can match a headpiece or belt and show off red-carpet worthy style in your bridal photos.

Statement Shoes

Dare to dream with sparkling shoes or a gold clutch. A dramatic pop of color adds some pizazz to your ensemble while still looking fashion-forward and utterly fabulous. These details create fun photo opportunities, too!

Beautiful Bridesmaids

Metallics are all the rage this season. There’s nothing more gorgeous and eye-catching than decking your maids in stunning gold sequins or Art Deco beading! Never underestimate the power of sparkle.

Autumn Bouquet

Incorporate the warm hues of fall into your bouquet by choosing brightly-colored flowers and leaves, or wrap the end in a metallic ribbon to add an extra bit of shimmer. You can tie in your accent color with a jewel-tone brooch, too!

Photography Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography 

Gown: Sweet Caroline Styles

‘Till Death Do Us Part—Halloween Proposal Ideas

Planning a spooky Halloween proposal? Pop the big question with a seasonal twist using one of these fantastic ideas. Whether your beloved covets a glittering black diamond, a gothic skull ring, or a traditional sparkly setting, these proposals will definitely get a “Yes!”—if she’s not too afraid!

 Corn Maze Hunt  

Does she love playing games and solving puzzles? Take your star sleuth into a corn maze for the best treasure hunt ever! Give her clues to guide her through to the end, where you can drop a knee and/or ask actors in the maze to hold up signs.

Haunted House Surprise

Give your future fiancée a scary surprise by popping the question inside a haunted house! If you’re a thrill-seeker with a spine of steel who would brave monsters, zombies, and psychos to stop and declare your love, this is a daring way to go. Just make sure she’s not too freaked out to say, “Yes!”

Pumpkin Patch Romance  

Does she love seasonal, family-friendly activities? For a good old-fashioned fall proposal, take one knee in a pumpkin patch! You can plant the ring on a special pumpkin ahead of time, or ask friends and family to write your message on pumpkins and meet you there.

Black Cat Delivery 

For animal lovers, there’s nothing more adorable than a furry new family member bearing a sparkly present! You can also engrave their collar or tag with the question, which makes a great keepsake. For a Halloween twist, adopt a black kitty—and start your engagement with nine lives’ worth of good luck!

Candy Dish Delight

If your sweetie loves treats, why not deliver your question by offering her a dish of candy with an extra-special present sitting on top? This simple proposal is both classic and fun. You can also drop the ring into a glass of cider, or replace the plastic spider ring on a Halloween cupcake with a major upgrade.

Jack O’Lantern Message 

Nothing is more romantic than asking for her hand in marriage by flickering candlelight—preferably with scattered rose petals. Carve pumpkins to ask, “Will You Marry Me?” and drop in some candles. After it gets dark, lead your lovely lady to the magical location!

Trick or Marriage

Do either you or your beloved have kids? Let them be part of the proposal by asking them to hold up signs. When she opens the door expecting Trick or Treaters, she’ll be thrilled by your heartfelt surprise!

How are you going to propose? Share your story!

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

We Heart Marsala!

Top 5 Reasons to Love Fall (Weddings!)

Bright Colors

There’s something magical about autumn. As we leave the green fields and glorious languor of summer behind, we look forward to crisp, blustery days that send gold, brown, red, and orange leaves rustling on dark branches. Incorporate seasonal touches into your bouquet, flower girls’ dresses, and even your bridal ensemble! Bright shoes or snazzy earrings mirror the fun, vibrant colors of fall.

Comfort Fashions

Don’t you just love throwing on a pair of boots, a soft scarf, and some mittens after the heat of summer dies down? Autumn brings still-sunny days and quickly cooling temperatures, mingling the two in a glorious marriage of stunning beauty. Be ready for anything—bring umbrellas for your guests and wrap up in a scarf or shawl to stay cozy on your big day!

Bold Jewels

Fall is the time of harvest, bounty, and fruition. Bold gold jewelry celebrates the season with warmth and vigor. Enliven your wedding look with autumnal statement pieces in hues of rich marsala, vivid plum, dried apricot, deep gold, and forest green. Visit our headpiece page and find fall favorites in lovely gold tones to enrich your ensemble.

Warm Drinks

After a long day of celebrating, or perhaps a rainy afternoon (which is good luck for your marriage, by the way), nothing beats a hot drink. Serve seasonal favorites to your wedding guests! Get inspired by decadent hot chocolate bars, fancy ciders, and your preferred mixed drinks to keep the chill away.

Snuggle Weather

It’s nice to relax after a day of crazy errands out in the cold. Snuggle up to your honey, sip a hot drink, and dream about how you’ll feel on the day you say “I do.” You might even bust open a bridal magazine or browse Pinterest or Instagram for ideas about how to personalize your wedding. You’ll only be engaged once—enjoy your journey!

Bouquet & Boutonniere Beauty

We’re happy to celebrate the first day of spring with some pretty eye-candy for all you spring and summer brides. Check out our Beautiful Blooms and Style My Groom Pinterest boards for even more inspiration. Enjoy!

Blush Romance

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For heart-fluttering, feminine, and gorgeously simple bouquets, check out these lush beauties. Light pink peonies or roses go hand in hand with blush gowns and romantic accessories. Mix them with white flowers or go monochromatic to express a theme of total love.

You Might Like:
Headpieces: 6435, 6525, 6535
My Bridal Style—Romantic
Cathedral Veils


White Elegance

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There’s something timelessly elegant about white blooms. Whether you’re celebrating a black or white tie affair with chic roses or a lighthearted ceremony with sweet baby’s breath, this gorgeous color scheme says “wedding” with panache. This is a perfect choice if you want to enjoy floral beauty without an overabundance of distracting colors or patterns.

You Might Like:
Headpieces: 6533, 6555, 6483
My Bridal Style: Classic
Lace Veils


Pretty in Pastel

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Blooms in pastel hues create a dreamy accent to complement your bridal gown. Collect spring flowers in light peach, misty blue, soft lavender, and mint green for a beautiful palette. Mix your favorites in a meaningful bouquet that will coordinate with your groom’s attire or bridesmaids’ gowns.

You Might Like:
Headpieces: 6531, 6405, 6460
My Bridal Style: Romantic
Classic Veils


Color Pop

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If you’ve got flair, coordinate a dramatic bouquet bursting with color. This is an easy, beautiful way to infuse some fun into the big day! Go with seasonal shades or weave in your favorite colors for a look that is totally you. Daisies, sunflowers, and other bold flowers look great in summer weddings.

You Might Like
Headpieces: 6450, 6420, 6362
My Bridal Style: Glamorous
Beaded Veils


Which look is your favorite? Let us know!

Thanksgiving Love Notes

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Happy Thanksgiving! Here at Bel Aire Bridal, we are giving thanks for our friends and families by sharing a few thoughts from our staff. Enjoy a wonderful and safe holiday, and tell us what you are thankful for!


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“I was thankful for having family and close friends there. We enjoyed good music, food, and cake! Our two dogs, Thor and Natasha, were with us.” –Margie

“I was so thankful that we avoided rain! Our families were so helpful with setting up, and the flowers were gorgeous. The best part was when my groom saw me and grinned.” –Erin

“I was thankful that so many family and friends were able to be there, and that everything went off pretty much without a hitch! But mostly, I was thankful to be marrying the man of my dreams.” –Stephanie

“I was SO looking forward to this day and my favorite memory is that it was exactly how I wanted it – all of my family and friends smiling and supporting us. Truly perfect!” –Irene


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“I am thankful for having a very understanding husband.” –Margie

“My husband and I are very career-oriented, so I’m most thankful for the time he sets aside for our marriage. He’ll drop whatever he is doing and give me attention, which shows me how much he cares.” –Erin

“Marriage is such a beautiful thing when two people work together to cultivate and nurture a relationship. With God’s help, it has all been possible.” –Obdulia

“I have too many good things to choose from but most importantly I’m thankful for the journey we have had together. Our love and closeness has grown tremendously as our families have united over these past 33 years. I am truly blessed and thankful!” –Irene

“It’s fun to have someone to talk to and laugh with. It’s such a blessing. We haven’t shut up since we met almost twelve years ago!” –Joyce


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“I am very thankful for having the most beautiful step-daughter and two beautiful grandchildren.” —Margie

“I am most thankful for the female influences in my life: my mother, sister, aunts, and cousins. They give the best advice, have been there for me, and always remind me how lucky I am to have them.” –Marissa

“The number one blessing is that God has given us our children as a result of our marriage. We are thankful for their health and well-being as they grow up and share their dreams with us.” –Obdulia

“My relationship with my mom because she’s been an amazing parent, business partner, confidante, and friend. It sounds so silly, but it’s true. I’m thankful that this is my ‘normal’: working with my family. There aren’t many industries w/ multi-generational family businesses.” –Eric


Top 5 Late Autumn Wedding Details

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With cold weather creeping right around the corner, we’re bidding adieu to our favorite fall trends! Savory foods, bold colors, romantic sleeves, and metallic accessories transition us from the warm styles of autumn to darker, more wintery themes.

Bold Colors & Jewel Tones

Jewel tones and bright accents incorporate the gorgeous hues of late autumn into your wedding. These complementary colors carry tasteful, seasonal touches into your theme.

Romantic Lace Sleeves

We’re still swooning over the timeless beauty that pretty lace sleeves add to your wedding ensemble. This is a great fall or winter look, adding just a touch of warmth while looking classically bridal.

Romantic Bridal Halos

A sparkling rhinestone or metallic halo touches your locks with unforgettable radiance. Transitioning us from summer’s floral wreaths to winter’s blissful bling, these trendy headpieces have us falling in love.

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Harvest Theme

Say “I do” to kettle corn, pumpkins, preserves, and cornucopias of harvest decorations! This deliciously colorful time of year lends itself to gorgeous photos.

Dramatic Veils

A beautiful veil catches the light of the setting sun and lights up your look with incredible romance. Try a few outdoors shots to capture the glory of autumn before it’s gone!

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What is your favorite late autumn detail?