Sparkle Style: Dreamy Winter Wedding Headpieces

There’s nothing quite like a sparkly, glamorous wedding to get us excited. Winter may be more popular for proposals than ceremonies, but brides who say I do to a chic winter wedding set the bar high for stunning ensembles!

Whether you love bohemian styles or are looking for pure sparkle to deck your tresses, our Spring 2017 collection features some gorgeous designs.

Scroll down and pick your favorite accessories, and then try them on at an authorized retailer near you!

Frozen Dewdrops Comb

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Add pure glamour to your ensemble with a lovely rhinestone-encrusted comb. A dazzling array of marquise, baguette, pear, and oval stones glitters with fantastic brilliance. Style this comb on the side or in the back, with or without a veil. Rhinestone jewelry is practically a must!

Winter Wonderland Tiara

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Transform your bridal look with a shimmering tiara fit for a princess. Available in silver or gold, this decadent design features intricate filigree crowned by large oval rhinestones. Inspired by classic royal glamour, this opulent design adds fairy-tale sparkle. Pair it with a veil to complete a stunning ensemble.

Royal Jewels Comb

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Bejewel your hair with a glittering, elegant comb. Arching in a crescent, this regal comb features a stunning array of round, marquise, and oval rhinestones. This elegant, princess-worthy design beautifully enhances a chignon or partial updo. Wear it with a veil for a totally romantic effect.

Snowdrift Tiara

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Complete your happily ever after with a shimmering tiara. Composed of round rhinestones, this charming headpiece sparkles with pure elegance. Wear it with a chignon, high bun, or loose curls to change up your look. Add a glittering veil and drop earrings for a totally glamorous ensemble.

Fairy Dust Garland

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Weave a spell of grace and beauty. Swirling, twirling silver filigree dances along a bridal garland. Stunning with or without a veil, this enchanting addition is easy to wear and ties in the back on metallic ribbons. Pair it with rhinestone drop earrings to complete a dazzling, glamorous look.

Morning Frost Comb

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Glittering like new frost, this delightful headpiece adds pure sparkle. Shimmering marquise rhinestones, opal rhinestones, and clear crystals are wired onto two combs for a secure fit. This elegant bridal accent is best worn in the back and may be paired with a veil or jewelry for a personalized look.

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Are you looking for sparkly wedding accessories? Check out our Spring 2017 Collection for some ideas. Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more inspiration!

10 Really Good Reasons to Have a Christmas Wedding

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Every year, we see gorgeous photos of winter weddings.

Pearly blues and whites, deep reds and greens, and/or bold jewel tones deck any venue with festive style. Soft neutrals and shimmering metallics add enchanting flair. To top it off, snowy landscapes create a backdrop for magnificent photos.

All in all, with the sparkly lights and warm fuzzy feelings, winter weddings evoke a magical ambiance. Today, we’re highlighting this “off-peak” season with a celebration of Christmas weddings!

Here are ten really good reasons why you should consider skipping June nuptials and booking in December, instead.

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Twinkling Lights

Strung lights, lit up trees, glowing candles, festive porches, and hanging lanterns all feel right at home during this season. This means dramatic photo ops for your engagement and/or wedding photos that evoke pure romance! Get pics smooching in front of the Christmas tree, cuddling by a hearth with a roaring fire, or skating beneath glittering lights for extra-special memories.

Classic Greenery

A rustic winter wedding is homey, charming, and so magical. Incorporate berries and greenery in the form of a bridal wreath, chair covers, table runners, centerpieces, or an arch! Winter florals tend to be more expensive, so adding in branches, candles, lanterns, and other non-flower elements gives your wedding refreshingly modern texture.

Seasonal Elements

Snow-decked invitations, frosted pine cones, and glittering faux snowflakes mirror the beauty of this chilly season. You can make your celebration rustic with golden reindeer or more glamorous with glittering ornaments. If there’s not going to be snow, you can still decorate your venue with metallics or plaids that create a wintery ambiance.

Sweet Savings

We all know the most coveted months to get married are during the summer and late fall—so if you schedule your wedding during the off-season, you’ll get cheaper rates. On the venue. The photographer. The honeymoon. Everything! Your guests can score some holiday deals on your gifts, too.

Decadent Snacks

Hot chocolate. Enough said. But if you really need more motivation, how about gingerbread, peppermint coffee, roasted vegetable soup, pot pies, cheesy potatoes, cranberries, and apple pie. Need we go on? The post-harvest season is full of delicious foods and warming drinks that will keep your guests satisfied.

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Cuddle Weather

How many engagement photos have you seen with couples hugging in the snow or snuggled beneath a huge blanket? The chilly weather naturally draws us closer to each other, and perhaps that’s why this season is big on heartwarming romance. Play off this theme in your wedding with candles, soft lighting, and cozy blankets for guests to keep warm.

Spectacular Sparkle

If the only sparkly part of your ensemble is your engagement ring, that is absolutely fine. A rustic winter wedding is unassuming and romantic. If you do want a glamorous wedding, however, this is the best season to shine! Transform your venue into a glittering, wintery wonderland with sequin table cloths or table runners, gilded candles, and strung lights.

Pure Glamour

This is the perfect opportunity to dress up like a real princess. Create an effortlessly glamorous outfit with drop earrings, a stunning hair adornment, and a shimmering belt. Long cathedral veils with rhinestone accents, intricate beadwork, or luxurious lace will beautifully enhance your outfit. ‘Tis the season for sparkle, so feel free to style your bridesmaids in sequins!

Small Footprint

Give favors that can be used again and again! Guests can make their own ornaments with gingerbread or craft supplies. Another way to green up your wedding is by giving away mini trees, poinsettias, or bulbs/seeds to plant. You can gift reusable mugs or tasty build-your-own hot chocolate kits. Encourage guests to meet up again at a volunteer event, or ask for donations to charity on your registry.

Religious Meaning

Your family was probably already planning to gather for the holidays, and your local church or wedding venue will be beautifully decorated. But the best reason of all to host a Christmas-themed wedding is to honor the spirit of the holiday. Express the love and joy of this season by promoting goodwill, tolerance, and respect towards others—including those with different beliefs from your own—and start your marriage off right!

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Happy Holidays!
XOXO, Bel Aire Bridal

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!

Fabulous Winter Style Trends for 2017 Weddings

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The countdown is on! As we head into the last weeks of this year, we’re taking a look of some of the most fabulous winter trends from 2016.

If you’re planning a winter wedding for next year, be sure to include some of these gorgeous ideas for an absolutely spectacular ensemble!

Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle

According to Brides, accessories are going to be big next year. Of course, we’ve always felt that accessories are the best way to customize your bridal ensemble and really make it yours. For winter weddings, play up the sparkle—glamorous earrings and glittering tiaras beautifully reflect the romantic lighting of winter wedding venues. Want to keep it rustic? A pretty floral crown with berries, branches, or cooler tones reflects the season’s natural beauty.

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Long Sleeves

Gown designers of 2017 are wowing us with bishop sleeves, long lace sleeves, and flutter sleeves! Longer sleeves are perfect for a winter wedding and, apart from looking super stylish, help keep you warm. Adding a separate such as a shawl, cardigan, or sweater is another winter-friendly option that gives your photos personalized, home-spun charm.

Capes & Veils

The princess bride theme and fairy-tale weddings are popular every winter, as glamorous and sparkly accessories gracefully accent the icy beauty of this season. And what better way to keep warm than beneath a whimsical bridal cape? Many designers are adding dramatic capes to their 2017 gowns. You can also mirror this trend with a stunning cathedral veil. Whether you’re into lace trims or sparkling embroidery, the perfect design is waiting for you.

Bold Makeup

Neutral bridal makeup, messy updos, and heavy lashes were on trend this year. Fall and winter weddings have been the notable exception, showing off beautiful jewel tones! A bold lip or sparkly eyeshadow enhances a winter bridal look with flair. Metallics are still popular, so style your makeup to complement your sparkly accessories in silver, rose gold, or gold.

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Want to read more? Check with fashion experts to help you plan your winter wedding:

http://www.brides.com/gallery/wedding-dress-trends-for-fall-2017

http://www.brit.co/winter-wedding-trends-2016/

http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g28984/bridal-trends-2017/

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!

 

How to Be a Glamorous Bride Part 1: Your Wedding Veil

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Do you often stare at your engagement ring, just to enjoy the sparkle? Would the phrase over-the-top accurately describe your wedding gown?

If you’re a glamorous bride, you love a formal and elegant style. Eye-catching accessories complete your dream wedding outfit, and your veil makes the biggest impact!

Once you have your gown, start by deciding if you’d like a plain or embellished veil. Also consider if wearing a blusher is important to you or not. You can opt for a short or long design, or even switch styles between the ceremony and reception.

You have lots of options to choose from, so we’ve put together some glamorous styles to help you get started. Shine on!

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Beaded Edge Scalloped Cathedral Veil

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The most obvious choice for a dramatic, glamorous ensemble is a beautiful cathedral veil. Formal and gorgeously embellished, a beaded edge veil completes your look with opulent sparkle.

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Luxe Tulle Cathedral Veil

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Want to match any gown? Our extra-soft luxe tulle cathedral veil is both full and long, featuring a clean cut edge that will complement any outfit with breezy elegance.

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Silver Rolled Edge & Rhinestone Fingertip Veil

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A sleek, silver rolled edge and tiny, sparkling rhinestones add the perfect touch of shimmer. At fingertip length, this design creates a figure-flattering accent that beautifully enhances a stunning outfit.

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2-Tier Scattered Rhinestone Waltz Veil

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Style a beautiful, sparkly look with scattered rhinestones flowing to waltz length. The second tier can be worn forward or back for the ceremony and reception.

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Silver Rolled Edge Mantilla with Scattered Rhinestones

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A stylish spin off the traditional mantilla, this lovely design graces your hair with a silver rolled edge and shimmering design of scattered rhinestones. Add pretty drop earrings to complete your look.

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Cascading Rhinestone Fingertip Veil

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Enjoy cascading sparkle with a flattering fingertip veil practically dripping with rhinestones. This eye-catching accent catches the light for extra shine.

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Swarovski Edge Elbow Length Veil

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This popular design features sparkling Swarovski rhinestones along the edge. Available in any length, this veil pairs beautifully with a variety of rhinestone accessories.

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Want more sparkle? Check out our My Bridal Style: Glamorous page for inspiration, and remember to browse our jewelry and belts pages for accessories to complete your dream wedding day look.

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!

Giving Thanks: The Absolute Best Favors for Wedding Guests

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Happy Black Friday! In the wake of Thanksgiving, we remember that this holiday is actually about sharing the bounty of harvest and giving thanks for all the wonderful things we have in our lives.

Let your wedding guests know that you appreciate their presence (and presents!) at your celebration. While a thank-you card is traditional, an additional going-away favor is a nice touch. This can be something inexpensive, practical, or even edible—it just gives your friends and family a little piece of the wedding to take home.

We’ve compiled a list of the very best favors for wedding guests. Browse these ideas for every theme and budget.

Let Love Grow

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For you eco-conscious brides (and we hope this means everyone), a favor that enriches the environment makes a meaningful gift. Seeds or a little plant beautifully symbolize the new beginning of your marriage and how your love will grow over time. You can give potted flowers in the spring, succulents in the summer or fall, and mini trees to plant in the winter. Give away your favorite varieties!
Seeds
• Mini trees
• Flowers in decorated jars
• Succulents
• Herbs

Take a Shot, We Tied the Knot

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If you’re partying hard at your reception, play off this theme with drinking accessories! Shot glasses with a cute quote or design make a fun favor. Bottle stoppers or wine openers are a classy gift for a vineyard wedding—or give personalized wine glasses, or even mix a unique vintage for guests to take home. Keep in mind your grandmother may or may not appreciate a mini bottle of jack.
• Wine glasses
• Shot glasses
• Wine accessories (bottle stoppers, bottle openers, wine rings)
• Wine
• Mini alcohol bottles (jack, rum, champagne, etc.)
• Hangover recovery kit
• Coasters

Love is Sweet

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Food is a favor that everyone will enjoy. In the spring, you can give individually wrapped cookies or chocolates; in the summer, s’mores kits, chocolate pretzels, and popcorn; in the fall, maple syrup, mini pies, jam, and candied apples; in the winter, hot chocolate, peppermints, and spices. Decorate little jars, boxes, or bags to make this gift extra special.

• Hot chocolate
• Candied apples
• Pretzels or popcorn
• Hershey kisses or chocolate
• Honey or jam
• Mints
• Candy
• S’mores
• Donuts or cookies
• Mini pies
• Maple syrup
• Coffee or tea
• Spices

You Light Up Our Lives

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For an evening ceremony and/or reception, guide your guests safely home. Candles smell nice and have a domestic feeling—especially if you attach your names or bundle some dried flowers around them. Mini lanterns are practical if you’re hosting a camping or outdoors wedding, and guests might need extra light to walk back to their cabins.
• Candles
• Mini lanterns
• Matches
• Sparklers
• Flashlights

Share the Love

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It’s nice to give back. And how often do guests really keep a favor with someone else’s name and wedding date attached to it? Skip the DIY craziness and give a gift with meaning. Donate to charity in your guests’ names. You can hand out a small flier or pin to remind them of the contribution, and everyone gets warm fuzzies all around.
• Donation to charity

Creature Comforts

bride-and-bridesmaid-showing-off-shoes-000013697769_mediumYou know that moment when you think, Oh, I wish I’d packed—insert item here—? Especially for weekend-long affairs, it can be hard to remember everything. Provide for your guests’ comfort with a thoughtful gift to use during the wedding! This one takes advance planning and possibly a bigger budget, but this stuff is so darn useful we had to list it.
• Flip flops for dancing
• Beach towels
• Sunglasses
• Fans
• Gloves
• Blankets
• Reusable water bottles
• Umbrellas
• Pashminas or scarves

Take Me Home Tonight

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Any small gift can be labeled with names or a cute quote. If you’re hosting an intimate wedding, you can even customize one for each guest! Ornaments are perfect for a holiday celebration, while crystals might be more appropriate for the summer. Choose something that feels right to you.
• Ornament
• Soap or lip balm
• Perfume or cologne
• Handkerchiefs
• Keychains
• Crystals or geodes
• Wedding soundtrack

A favor can share more about your love story, serve as dessert-to-go, or express your appreciation right away. Can’t afford a wedding favor, or don’t have time to DIY? Don’t worry! A thank-you card will suffice. Some guests don’t wind up keeping favors—but everyone likes to be recognized for attending.

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Did you go to a wedding with awesome favors? Share your favorites!