Top 10 Gift Ideas for Mothers (of the Bride & Groom)

Happy Mother’s Day Weekend!

Here at Bel Aire Bridal, we love to honor our mothers, mother-in-laws, and grandmothers. One way to do this at your wedding is by walking down the aisle together, sharing a special moment, expressing your feelings with a letter or speech, or gifting them with wedding day accessories.

Women of every age want to look great in photos—especially ones as important as wedding pics. Gift the special mothers in your life with something extra special (and sparkly) to wear on the big day! We’ve rounded up ten of our best accessories for your MOB or MOG, so you can give her a keepsake that she’ll cherish forever.

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Always Mother & Daughter, Forever Friends

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You’ll always be mother and daughter; as adults, you can be forever friends. Share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with the other love of your life—your mom! Celebrate your bond with the infinity symbol on a sparkling rhinestone bracelet. This lovely design is available in rose gold or silver.

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Classic Beauty for a Classy Lady

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Did your mother ever tell you the secret of KISSing? Keep it simple, silly! This classic rhinestone bracelet features square cut rhinestones with glittering halos. A beautiful keepsake, she’ll be able to wear this lovely accent to a variety of events. This style is available in rose gold or silver.

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Never Leaf You Behind

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No matter where you’ve gone, your mother has always been there for you. Let her know that as you move into your new life, you’ll always remember your family and her unwavering support. This lovely, nature-inspired bracelet glitters with small rhinestones in a leafy design. Available in silver.

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Tears of Joy Sparkle the Most

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Some tear drops are good! If your mother or future mother-in-law likes a touch of sparkling elegance, these shimmering, vintage-inspired drops are the perfect solution. Stud earrings with dangling ovals and pear shaped rhinestones coordinate seamlessly with other accessories. This style is available in silver.

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Pretty in Pearls, Please

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There’s nothing classier than good manners—and pearls. For that special lady who insists that you always give your best, this lovely pair of rhinestone and faux pearl drops is the perfect way to express your thanks. This dazzling pair adds lustrous beauty to a person who is already beautiful, inside and out.

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Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

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Does your mom like to keep her look simple and sweet? These glittering stud earrings shimmer with tiny halos in a floral design. Perfect for any wedding event, this lovely pair coordinates with a variety of rhinestone jewelry. This style is available in opal rhinestone, silver rhinestone, or rose gold.

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Pretty Pins for the Prettiest Lady

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Did you spend your childhood admiring your mother’s exquisite sense of style? This lovely pair of floral, vintage-inspired pins is set in antique gold with sparkling rhinestone centers. The perfect touch for your MOB or MOG, these lovely little accents may be split up or worn together.

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Dazzle Her, Darling

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Want to see your mother shine? This easy-to-wear comb is composed of glittering rhinestones in an attractive design that perfectly adorns any updo. Make her feel beautiful and special on your big day with this glamorous bit of pretty that she’ll treasure for years to come.

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The Best Solutions Are Beautiful

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Hosting an outdoor wedding? A pretty headband will help your mother keep her tresses tamed, regardless of the wind or weather! This lovely design features leaves and pearls in a classic, elegant design. She’ll love the sophisticated simplicity of this easy-wear band.

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Past, Present, Future & Always

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 Did you know that a trio of stones represents the past, present, and future? Express a theme of continuous love for your mother—with a healthy dose of sparkle! The perfect way to spiff up your mom’s hairstyle, this pretty little comb will make her feel extra special. This style is available in opal rhinestone or silver rhinestone.

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Want to see more? Check out our Instagram feed for styling solutions and our Combs, Clips & Pins for pretty little accents. Browse our website for more Jewelry Sets, Earrings, Bracelets, and Belts!

My Bridal Style: Bohemian Love

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The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and here in L.A., the jacaranda trees are blooming! Hot off the heels of Coachella weekend, we can’t get enough of this beach-worthy weather.

In the spirit of summer solstice bliss, we’re introducing a few of our prettiest bohemian bridal veils! Whether you’re getting married this summer or just want to channel your free-spirited personality, we think you’ll find something special to love.

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Cloud Nine Cathedral

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Want Pinterest-level wedding photos? The best way to get a dreamy, ethereal look is to tuck a cut edge cathedral veil into your long, flowing tresses. This ultra-soft, two-tier luxe tulle cathedral floats down your silhouette in a cloud of tulle.

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Lace on the Beach

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Who says lace is just for the honeymoon? Kick off your destination wedding with a gorgeous lace appliqué veil. This stunning cathedral veil features floating lace accents, adding dramatic romance to your unforgettable day. For brides who believe YOLO.

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Spirit of the Sea Pearls

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Top off your windblown tresses with some boho-luxe sparkle! This lovely little fingertip veil shimmers with faux pearls, bugle beads, and rhinestones, adding P.O.S.H. elegance to your look. Treat yourself to bridal heirlooms that you can treasure forever.

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Ribbons in Her Hair

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Do you enjoy life’s simple pleasures? If your big day is all about love, keep your style simple with a classic ribbon edge design. This sweet, cascading fingertip veil adds charming bridal beauty to any gown. Add special meaning to your ensemble with jewelry gifted by your SO.

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Midsummer Dream Veil

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Does your love story feel like a dream? Celebrate with an ethereal, romantic horsehair edge veil. This soft two tier veil cascades to waltz length with enchanting shape and style. Add a bohemian headband or hair wrap to complete a look straight from a fairy tale.

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Flowers for Hours

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Celebrate your inner romantic with a gorgeous lace cathedral veil. Equally at home in a boho garden wedding or formal church ceremony, this stunning design features silver flower embroidery all along dreamy, cascading tiers. Add a floral headpiece to complete your look!

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Want more? Check out our My Bridal Style: Bohemian page for inspiration, or follow us on Instagram for all things bridal!

7 Nature-Inspired Accessories for the Adventurous Bride

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Have you noticed the explosion of elopements and destination weddings on Pinterest?

It’s everywhere: adventurous young couples saying “I do” atop the slopes of misty mountains, on cliffs overlooking gorgeous ocean vistas, or at historic chapels in exotic locales.

We can’t help but think that this new trend of rugged, outdoorsy romance has something to do with a rekindled spirit of exploration—a yearning for far-flung destinations and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

So we selected a few accessories just for you jet-setting, camping-obsessed, trail-blazing brides! Inspired by nature and crafted with care, these special accents are designed to make you look and feel amazing as you embark on the greatest adventure of all.

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Pearl Inspiration Headband

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Style a free-spirited, of-the-moment bridal outfit with a glittering headband. Pretty faux pearls packed in a shimmering design add the perfect accent to your breeze-blown locks. Wear a cut edge veil for a whimsical, ethereal touch of romance.

You might like My Bridal Style: Trendy

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Siren’s Song Halo

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Top off your destination wedding outfit with a boho-luxe halo. This narrow rhinestone-studded band slips over your hair in a continuous design that may be worn alone or with a veil. Available in silver or rose gold, this gorgeous accent crowns your locks with exotic sparkle.

You might like My Bridal Style: Destination

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Walk in the Woods Clip

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Channel your inner goddess flaunting a leafy clip adorned with gilded leaves. This woodsy, nature-inspired design is available in silver or gold to match your other accessories. Style it in the back or on the side to show off an utterly enchanting hairstyle.

You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

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Graceful Weaving Headband

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Exuding sweet charm, this weaving tie garland features tiny metallic flowers, pearls, and rhinestones in a flexible design. Pairing perfectly with beachy gowns and ethereal skirts, this light headpiece tops off a romantic ensemble with delicate beauty. This style is available in silver or gold.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

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Wanderlust Headband

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Feed your wanderlust and travel back to simpler times. Lavish your bridal locks with a gorgeous headband composed of gilded metallic leaves in a shimmering display. Available in silver or gold, this everlasting headpiece channels all the elegance of nature’s bounty.

You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage

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Beach Beauty Comb

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Getting married on an exotic beach? This lovely little comb slips into tousled tresses with perfect ease. Featuring glittering metallic flowers and freshwater pearls, this floral accent adds stunning sparkle. Pair it with pearl earrings or a bracelet for an ensemble you can rock again and again.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

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Unburied Treasure Halo

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Revel in rustic beauty with a shimmering metallic filigree and pearl halo. This radiant design sparkles in the sunlight, giving you a gorgeous glow. Add a cascading veil for that final once-in-a-lifetime accent, and pair it with jewelry to complete a stunning look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Glamorous  

Want to see more? Follow us on Instagram for all things beautiful and bridal!

5 Tips for Planning a Religious Wedding

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Marriage is steeped with religious meaning. Though social views have changed over time, many people still view it as a sacred union.

Often, brides and grooms choose civil ceremonies for more flexibility; however, religious traditions may still be incorporated to honor one or both parties. In fact, this can be a helpful option if one partner is more spiritual than the other, or each person comes from a different faith.

If you prefer to get married in your place of worship, it’s a good idea to talk to your officiant, first. Most faiths have rules about what a marriage ceremony includes, how long it takes, and when it can be scheduled. Here are a few tips to get you started!

Get a Marriage License

Bottom line: if you’re getting married, you need a legal license. This is not provided by your church; you have to get one from your county or city office. You must verify your identity, eligibility to get married (age and single status), and pay the fees. There may be waiting period and/or window in which you may use the license, so schedule your visit accordingly.

Schedule Ahead of Time

If you’re Roman Catholic, for example, you may not be allowed to marry during Lent or Easter weekend. While some parishes may not prohibit marriages on Sundays, most churches will not cancel regular worship sessions to schedule a wedding. You’ll want to check with your church and find out what days are available ahead of time.

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Consider Your Partner

Interfaith religions and same-sex marriages have been a point of contention over the years. Some religions frown upon marrying someone from another faith and/or require conversion; others are neutral and allow spouses to keep their religions. Some churches/temples only approve weddings after interviewing both people—even couples of the same faith. Some churches recognize civil unions and others do not; the spiritual aspect of marriage also varies between faiths. Be aware of the rules about marriage, children, and divorce before you walk down the aisle!

Include Ceremony Traditions

Religious traditions can add beauty and significance to your wedding. There’s usually a reading from scripture along with words about marriage and/or the couple from the officiant. A ring exchange is typical. Depending on your faith, your ceremony may include a mass, communion, and/or audience participation (sitting, standing, readings, or prayer). Folk traditions such as jumping the broom or handfasting may or may not be allowed, so ask your officiant. Some faiths encourage special practices before or after the ceremony, such as periods of seclusion or traditional dances.

Follow Venue Rules

If you’re getting married in a church, the reception will be in a separate space. There may also be rules about who is allowed to attend the ceremony (for example, if you’re Mormon getting married in a temple). Some venues allow lighting a unity candle and others do not. Jewish weddings are often held outside under a chuppah. Churches may limit your choice of music; a specific dress code may also be required. Don’t assume, however, that you must cover your shoulders or hair. Different parishes espouse different traditions, so check with your local house of worship for specifics.

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Weddings comprise a meaningful part of our culture. Talk to your partner and discuss how your families feel about a wedding that does (or doesn’t) include traditions belonging to a specific faith.

Decide which practices are important to you, and which ones you’d rather leave out. Ask your religious officiant for more guidance, so you can plan a wedding that honors your beliefs and feels right for you. Happy planning!

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More Resources:

http://www.brides.com/story/essential-details-planning-religious-wedding-at-house-of-worship

http://bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-ceremony-traditions/religious-wedding-ceremony-guide

https://www.theknot.com/content/interfaith-wedding-planning-tips

https://www.theknot.com/content/civil-ceremony-basics

https://www.theknot.com/content/marriage-license-basics

Shop Us at BHLDN

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Did you know that you can buy select Bel Aire Bridal accessories online? Check out our lovely Anneli floral comb, currently available through BHLDN, here!

ANNELI COMB

Designed exclusively for BHLDN, this lovely floral comb features soft blush flowers and delicate beaded sprays for a delightful bridal accent that is oh-so-romantic. This whimsical, feminine piece slips easily into any updo and may be worn in the back or on the side; shimmering rhinestones and faux pearls lend an air of elegant charm to this nature-inspired design. A beautiful bridal keepsake, these wilt-free blooms may be worn with or without a veil.

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Love this design? Visit our website to see more beautiful flowers, combs, headbands, and vines. Then use our Store Locator to find our bridal accessories at a retailer near you!

New Romantic Bridal Accessories for 2017

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When it comes to romance, spring weddings take the cake!

Abundant flowers, softly draped tulle, lush centerpieces, flickering candles, and the natural beauty of the outdoors set the stage for gorgeous weddings. Just as your venue can be styled to create a romantic ambiance, your bridal ensemble adds to your overall mood and theme.

Pretty pearls, glittering hair vines, blush combs, and flower crowns are staples of the romantic bride. Do you know which accessories are right for you?

Take a peek at our newest headpieces and find your favorites! Try them on in a bridal salon near you, and create the perfect outfit for your big day.

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Bejeweled Vines Clip

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Gilded, curling vines bejeweled with rhinestones and pearls create a gorgeous, nature-inspired clip. This lovely accent is easily slips into an updo and beautifully complements a feminine ensemble. It is available in gold, rose gold, or silver to match with your other accessories.

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Sweet Rose Clip

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Evoke soft romance with an everlasting rose in full bloom. Delicate organza petals surrounded by intricately beaded sprigs and beautifully crocheted lace create an easy-wear bridal accent. Available in ivory or blush, this perfectly pretty accessory enhances an ensemble featuring lace or flower accents.

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In Full Bloom Comb

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Glittering like flowers dressed in dew, this nature-inspired headpiece bestows your hair with instant charm. Metallic leaves, frosted flowers, and crystal sprays on two combs may be styled in a chignon or side updo. Add a dramatic veil to complete an ethereal, romantic outfit.

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After the Rain Halo

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Hello, beauty! This radiant halo incorporates silver rhinestones and petite metallic flowers in a graceful design. Wear it above or beneath a veil for a more bohemian look, or style it with loose waves for a completely romantic style. This silver headpiece pairs beautifully with glittering rhinestone jewelry.

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Budding Love Headband

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Style a beautiful boho-luxe look with a floral tie headband. Delicate mesh leaves and tiny porcelain flowers create an everlasting band that will never wilt. Clear crystals add luminous sparkle to this lovely accessory. Available with gold or silver leaves, this dreamy design can even be styled as a belt.

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Want to see more? Browse our Spring 2017 collection for all kinds of romantic bridal accessories. Follow us on Instagram for styling ideas!

 

5 Favorite Floral Headpieces from Our Spring 2017 Collection

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New year, new things! We are so excited that our Spring 2017 collection is hitting bridal salons, so we want to take a minute and share our favorite bits of pretty. Visit our Store Locator and get everything you need at a retailer near you.

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Daisy Chain Halo

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Gold and glamorous, a lovely linked halo shimmers with rhinestones and lustrous metallic filigree. Also available in silver, this nature-inspired design beautifully channels the grace and romance of flowers. Wear it alone as a boho-chic accent, or pair it with a veil for an ethereal ensemble.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

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Romantic Blush Flower Clip

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Eternally in bloom, this beautiful Venise lace clip makes the perfect bridal accessory. Romantic blush pink petals and tiny rhinestone accents grace a cluster of gorgeous lace. Clip it on the side or in the back for a blissful accent. Add a lace veil to complete your look.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic  

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Sparkling Dewdrop Flowers

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Sparkling like young blooms covered in dew, this flexible floral headpiece shimmers with unforgettable beauty. This lovely, nature-inspired design secures on two combs and easily nestles into the back of a chignon or partial updo for graceful bridal romance.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Destination  

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Pretty Pearl & Flower Headband

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For an easy-to-wear accent, this gorgeous flower-studded headband delivers. Textured metallic flowers, sparkling rhinestones and lustrous pearls decorate this lovely adornment with sweet charm. This design beautifully accents a lace or floral gown.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

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Weaving Floral Vine

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Boho-chic and utterly beautiful, this delicate piece graces your hair with light beauty. Tiny pearl and rhinestone flowers glisten on a weaving design for an effortless, utterly romantic accent. Pair this tie headband with a veil for a formal look, or wear it alone for the reception.

P.S. You might like My Bridal Style: Trendy

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Love what you see? Head on over to our Spring 2017 Collection for more beautiful bridal treasures, and discover the perfect design for your special day!

Top Bridal Accessory Trends for Spring 2017

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Planning your wedding? The Spring 2017 wedding season is in full swing, and we’re so excited to see what this year will bring in bridal inspiration!

We were able to take a peek at the biggest trends at the bridal fashion weeks last fall, and our new collection offers a little bit of everything for this year’s modern, whimsical bride.

Here’s a breakdown of the big gown trends and which accessories you can wear to complete every look.

The Look: Enchanted Beauty

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

This look is created for the romantic yet outdoorsy bride with a passion for adventure. The rustic-chic-enchanted forest wedding features surprisingly organic, soft details. Gowns with 3D florals fall into this category, along with bridal capes, artistic sleeves, and ethereal layers.

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Floral crowns are a good match for the enchanted bride, as are delicate flower combs and whimsical garlands. Lovely accessories such as a metallic leaf hair clip, sparkly earrings, or a floral belt will instantly elevate your ensemble with graceful elegance. Add an embroidered edge veil or an ethereal cut edge veil for a dreamy touch of romance. This look is straight from a fairy tale.

You might like My Bridal Style: Destination

The Look: Princess Bride

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

Every designer offers gowns for the princess look, because every bride should look and feel gorgeous on her big day! This year’s ball gowns and romantic A-lines offer grandiose trains, lots of lace, long sleeves, and over-the-top sparkle that will make anyone feel like royalty.

How To Style Me

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The best match for this style is, pretty obviously, a sparkling tiara. Bridal crowns are looking big this year, adding creative dimension and volume to your style. Play up the bling with dramatic earrings or transform a strapless gown with shoulder jewelry. Shimmering headbands and rhinestone combs offer alternatives for bridesmaids or a reception change.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

The Look: Boho Babe

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

This year’s bohemian bride is taking a more sophisticated spin. Last year’s casual dresses have evolved into delicate laces and retro silhouettes with big bell sleeves, see-through layers, and ready-to-wear fabrics that are super comfortable and yet so chic.

How To Style Me

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Boho-glam is in this year. Style this look with a sparkling bit of hair jewelry and big, bold statement pieces; personalize a simple gown by adding jewelry with meaning. For a more subtle, nature-inspired look, our goddess-worthy gold headbands are an easy-wear solution. Flexible hair vines offer a way to twist some bling into a braid or updo.

You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

The Look: Retro

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Source: http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g28984/bridal-trends-2017/?slide=10

Gone is the Gatsby Era of the early teens; 2017 highlights a variety of retro styles. 90’s spaghetti straps and two-piece gowns are in for the dramatic, on-trend bride. Other big retro looks include dramatic bows, structured corset tops, peplums, and 70’s era jumpsuits/pants.

How To Style Me

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For a sweet ‘90s look, a simple ribbon edge veil and small flower comb will do the trick. If you’re going more ‘60s-‘70s, a glittering bohemian headpiece is a game-changer. Our fascinators and vintage-inspired headbands mimic styles from the ‘20s and ‘50s. Delicate, French lace veils generally complement the retro lace gowns created by this year’s indie designers.

You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage

The Look: Fashionista

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

Dramatic trends are made for the bold bride who wants to look fresh and modern. See-through nude laces and plunging necklines, backless gowns and dramatic trains, and non-white colors are all the rage. Detachable skirts in place of separate reception dresses are still looking popular this year, though short bridal gowns are becoming readily more available.

How To Style Me

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Our newest collections offer a little something for everyone, whether you prefer small pins or a bold, glittering headpiece. Our rose gold series includes the most popular Bel Aire Bridal headpieces, from stunning tiaras to decadent combs. We also offer earrings and bracelets in rose gold, yellow gold, opal rhinestone, and sparkly silver. Our new luxe tulle veils are super soft and silky, and since they’re cut edge, they go with everything.

You might like My Bridal Style: Trendy

The Look: Hopeless Romantic

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Source: http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g28984/bridal-trends-2017/?slide=2

Romance is always a big theme in bridal, and this year’s designers have outdone themselves with a plethora of sensual off-the-shoulder gowns and plunging necklines. Tulle overlays interspersed with lace create a gorgeous illusion of volume without bulk. This season’s heart-fluttering gowns come in soft hues of blush, gold, and champagne.

How To Style Me

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We offer a wide variety of veils in champagne and blush to complement gowns in these pretty, feminine shades. Soft floral crowns and combs beautifully accent a romantic look; petal-strewn headbands with sparkling crystals and rhinestones create an elegant aesthetic. Our lace cathedral veils are the perfect choice for a romantic outfit.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

The Look: Dress to Dazzle

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

Where would brides be without bling? Lost in a sea of fabric. Designers amped up the sparkle factor with slinky sheath gowns, textured ball gowns, and sexy destination dresses that provide the perfect opportunity to play up glamorous accessories.

How To Style Me

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Formal brides do well with plenty of bling. A stunning headpiece like a rhinestone-encrusted headband or shimmering comb accentuates the beauty of your whole ensemble, while a beaded veil or cathedral veil with rhinestones adds slight shimmer. A bridal belt transforms your gown with unique sparkle. Our opal rhinestone halos and headbands add on-trend glamour to the look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Glamorous

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Want to stay up on this year’s best trends? Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, styled shoots, industry re-posts, and more!

10 Trending Fall Wedding Ideas You’ll Love

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Are you planning an autumn wedding?

Get ready to fall in love with these gorgeous, festive ideas for your décor, attire, food, and more! Read on and make your seasonal wedding stand out.

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Leafy Décor

This is the perfect opportunity for you crafty DIYers out there. Decorate mason jars, hang gilded gold or silver leaves, make confetti, create a wedding arch with bright leaves and flowers, or line your wedding aisle walkway! You can also use leaves as cute place cards, on your invitations, or for your guest book.

Vibrant Flowers

The season’s most abundant flowers include sunflowers, chrysanthemums, carnations, freesias, junipers, roses, marigolds, asters, or dahlias. Pack your bouquet with bright colors, make a floral crown, and feature pumpkins or gourds for centerpieces. Incorporate greenery, lotus pods, feathers, or berries.

Autumn Themes

Fall is ideal for a variety of wedding themes. You can host a rustic or glamping celebration; a laid-back bohemian bash; or a vintage-inspired garden party. A falling in love theme also nicely fits with this season. There’s nothing more magical than an enchanted forest wedding—except for a Halloween-style soirée! If you’d prefer to avoid a specific theme, you can incorporate classic autumnal colors.

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Pop of Color

Bold colors are the hallmarks of a good autumn wedding. Rich fall hues include marsala, cranberry, plum, emerald, yellow, navy, and orange. Balance them with neutrals like ivory, charcoal, dove grey, brown, and black. Want a splash of sparkle? Copper and gold are the trending metallics. For a more rustic and down-to-earth look, you can use plaid table runners, chair covers, or napkins.

Pumpkins Galore

Would any festive fall wedding be complete without pumpkins? You can write on or carve them for your save-the-dates, make welcome signs, line your aisle, feature them in centerpieces, or use pumpkin place settings. Jack o’ lantern lights are a spooky and fun addition to a Halloween theme. For a fairy-tale celebration, paint pumpkins white or bejewel them with rhinestones.

Golden Lighting

The days in autumn grow shorter. When daylight fades, you can illuminate your reception with lanterns, candles, strung lights, mason jar lanterns, chandeliers (even outside), light-up signs, or jack o’lanterns. Be sure to light up your walkways, the aisle, your dance floor, and tablescapes. It’s worth your time to get this right: beautiful lighting creates a magical ambiance.

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Signature Drink

Signature cocktails have been a huge hit at weddings the past couple years. Autumnal beverages include spiced rum cider cocktail, apple cider sangria, pumpkin apple shandy, maple-bourbon smash… Mix just about any form of spirits with berries, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice to create something nice! Hot chocolate, pumpkin spiced coffee, or sparkling cider floats are delicious, non-alcoholic options.

Seasonal Dessert

Fall is a great time to serve utterly mouth-watering morsels. Decorate your cake on an autumn or harvest theme, or go with a naked cake covered with berries. If that’s not your thing, you can serve pies or pie pops, candied apples, s’mores, turnovers, autumn brittle, pears, or candied nuts. A full-on candy station filled with your favorite goodies is a fun option, too!

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Scarves, Jackets, Cover-Ups

Let’s talk comfort. Autumn kicks off the beginning of snuggle weather! For extra warmth, you can provide blankets for your guests after the sun goes down. Keep your bridesmaids warm and dry with plaid jackets or scarves, and be sure to choose a cover-up for yourself, too! Bring an umbrella if there’s a chance it’ll rain (some brides even wear boots if it might be cold).

Enchanting Hair

Now we’re at the best part: your hair. Autumn hairstyles include braids, loose curls, messy buns, and chignons with flowers or leaves tucked in. Fall flower crowns typically feature bold colors and greenery. Another gorgeous option is to wear a sparkling tiara, comb, or garland. For a Halloween wedding, try feathers or black French net. Your veil provides an ethereal finishing touch.

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Want even more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram for bridal style updates, and check out our Fall Weddings board on Pinterest for an overload of pretty wedding ideas.

6 Amazing Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary

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Your wedding was beautiful, and the honeymoon was amazing… and now you’re faced with the challenge of how to top all that. Every year.

Sadly, while Pinterest abounds with wedding ideas, the anniversary tag comes up with fewer posts. Husbands get in trouble for not doing anything, but many wives also insist it’s not that big of a deal. So couples wind up on a regular date, if they do anything at all.

How did we come to this?

Arguably, your anniversary should mean much, much more than your wedding. You’ve stayed together and have proven yourselves to each other. Truly, your love is worth celebrating!

You each deserve a partner who will shower you in love and appreciation on your special day. Check out these 6 ways that you can make this year’s anniversary one to remember.

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Creative Gifts

While traditional, a gift can be tricky. The point is to show your partner that you appreciate them—and that you get them. It should be romantic and meaningful, so this occasion is set apart from other gift-giving times such as Christmas, his/her birthday, or V-day.

Countless blogs have urged people to depart from flowers and get more creative. By all means, focus on your partner’s quirks and give them something they’ll enjoy—be it a funny coffee mug, an engraved (insert any item here), or framed photos.

If you can’t afford Waterford crystal every year, relax. A sweet handwritten card or act of service goes a long way.  In fact, if your partner’s love language is quality time, focus instead on planning an activity.

Night Out

Getting dressed up and going out on a date cannot be overrated. When you’ve been married for a few years, it’s fun to get out of the house! All you have to do is plan ahead. Hire a babysitter or ask family to come over and watch the kids/pets. Then hit the town and enjoy being grown-ups!

You can try a new restaurant, watch a live play, visit a comedy club, go to a concert or symphony, or go on a shopping spree. Rent an upscale hotel room and pretend you’re on your honeymoon. Go out to eat so neither of you has to cook. The idea here is have fun and come back refreshed.

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Night In

A romantic evening in is a lovely way to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Incorporate elements of the proposal or your honeymoon. Light nice candles and use soft sheets. Enjoy a bubble bath, massages, or your favorite movies. Play games or quiz each other. Go through photo albums. Light a fire and pop some bubbly. Whatever is extra-special for you—now is the time to indulge.

If you think your partner’s preferences may have changed (which happens) or they are under a lot of stress, you can always ask them how they’d like to celebrate. Your objective is to create an atmosphere of intimacy and/or relaxation.

Crossing the Line

A vacation is a super fun way to celebrate. You don’t have to hop on a plane to have a great time, either! Visit a tourist destination, a state or national park, or just a nearby city. For relaxation galore, schedule a spa visit. If you’d rather shop, explore restaurants and check out eclectic local spots. Tour a winery, or historic monument. Plan out things to do and enjoy your trip.

For a milestone anniversary, a trip to another country is an exciting option. Some couples go on bigger vacations every other year or every five years. Do whatever works with your situation—the important part is to get away together.

Adventure Trip

If you want adventure, find a natural spot with plenty of activities. Do something out of the ordinary, like riding a hot air balloon or sky diving. Go parasailing, rock climbing, or hiking. Try river rafting, snorkeling, skiing, snowboarding, or sailing. Go zip lining or mountain biking.

Your mission: take lots of pictures, and come home in one piece. Want something a bit less intense? Go glamping or rent a yurt on the coast. Nature is for everyone. You can visit gardens or climb a mountain. Just do something amazing.

Dreams Come True

Has your partner always wanted to go to Disneyland? How about Harry Potter World at Universal Studios? Maybe a local amusement park or water park is their idea of fun. Whether he/she would love to geek out at a pop culture museum or catch a show on Broadway, this is your chance to shine.

Make their dream come true! Celebrate by planning a surprise trip to a theme park or destination they’ve always wanted to visit. You’ll have a great time and it’ll be worth making them so happy.

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How have you celebrated anniversaries? Share your favorite ideas!