Style Spotlight: Fabulous French Net

(via KLK Photography for Bel Aire Bridal)

Flirt with chic style on your big day by wearing a gorgeous French net headpiece. A net or birdcage veil is versatile, trendy, and utterly fabulous. From elegant ceremonies to carefree receptions, we’ll cover exactly how you can enjoy wearing French net on your wedding day!

Blending traditional vintage fashion with modern allure, headpiece 6442 offers the perfect alternative to a long veil. Three soft flowers with sparkling rhinestone centers top off a French net face veil in a stunning statement of bridal style.

How to Wear Me

A French net veil looks beautiful styled in a number of ways. You can wear it angled over your forehead and eyes, style it full over your face, wear it further back on top of your head, or even flip it so the netting drapes backwards over your hair! Try out different looks to discover the one you like best.
Most French net veils come on combs, though some can be clipped into your hair. You can pair plain French net with your favorite headpiece, or find a design that incorporates both!

(via Shutterstock)

How to Match Me

French net pairs beautifully with glamorous jewelry. Long earrings look particularly good if you want to highlight a favorite pair; or you can wear studs and focus the attention on a stunning necklace. This type of veil is so minimal that it naturally draws attention to your gown and other accessories.

For oh-so-chic Parisian style, snazz up your ensemble with dramatic chandelier earrings such as EA218 or elegant drops like EA212; to create a look of stunning vintage elegance, wear a red lip with classic jewelry like BC134 or BC131.
If you prefer a more casual bridal outfit, flip the veil back or wear it for a fun reception piece! Because it is so light and may be worn at the court house or on the beach, you can customize French net according to your personal style.

My Perfect Wedding

Go vintage. Feel elegant! Be completely carefree.
A French net veil may be worn to accent a variety of wedding themes. This type of veil is popular for vintage-inspired weddings evoking fashions from the 1920s–1950s, but may also be styled to express trendy, minimalistic beauty.
This veil type gives off a vintage vibe with tea-length or knee-length dresses, yet appears hot-off-the-runway fresh when paired with long, full-skirted gowns. Slender sheath silhouettes or light dresses work perfectly with French net.

One of the best things about French net is that it looks amazing in any season! Be chic in a ball gown for an elegant winter wedding, romantic with floral accessories in the spring, casually beautiful for an outdoor autumn ceremony, or free-spirited at a beach or destination wedding.
Getting married again and want to skip a long veil? This lovely style is perfect for a vow renewal or second wedding.

Love This Look

Love this design and want to see similar veils? Check out the French Net & Face Veils section of our website for more fabulous and vintage-inspired styles!

Sparkle Style: What Your Ring Says About You

(Bel Aire Bridal – Style V7266)

Are you dreaming of a sparkly Christmas?
According to a recent poll by Brides magazine, about 51 percent of brides are involved in choosing their engagement rings. Whether the rock is a complete surprise or you show him exactly what you want on that special finger, we hope that you receive a design you absolutely love. After all, you’ll be wearing it for the rest of your life!
When it comes to diamonds (still the most popular stone for engagement rings), the four C’s reign supreme. Clarity, color, carat, and cut play into how expensive your bling will be. We’re going to focus on the cut of your gorgeous stone—which comes in a dazzling array of choices—and what each shape says about your personality!

Cushion Cut – Modern, Trendy, Fabulous
Also known as a “pillow cut” or “candlelight diamond,” a cushion cut stone looks like a square with rounded corners. Sparkling like crushed ice, this cut has enjoyed recent popularity with brides who want something slightly more modern than a round diamond—though this style has been around for over 200 years! Usually set as a solitaire or halo, the cushion cut embraces any band with dazzling radiance. Cushion brides lean towards runway trends such as plunging necklines, embellished backs, snazzy silhouettes, and celebrity styles. You are modern and not afraid to shine!

Heart Shape – Sentimental, Romantic, Feminine
If you’re a fairy-tale bride, a heart-shaped ring may be in your stars! This sweet shape evokes a theme of true love; you are marrying your soul mate. Pairing this enchanting stone with an engraved band will personalize your engagement ring. Only the true romantic chooses a heart and keeps it with her always. Heart brides lean towards lavish lace, extravagant floral arrangements, feminine colors like blush or champagne, and intimate wedding details. You are in love with love!

Emerald – Confident, Powerful, Sleek
Utterly chic, an emerald cut evokes minimalist beauty. The confident, no-fuss bride with a penchant for shine prefers this clean look. Free from distractions and crafted with narrow, long facets, the emerald cut is best if you prefer pure elegance. Due to its shape, jewelers often need higher grade clarity diamonds to create this cut (making it more expensive). Emerald brides are attracted to sheath gowns and simple, elegant details. You already know you’re fabulous.

Round – Classic, Traditional, Sparkly
If you love sparkle, choose a round brilliant stone! With 58 facets and the most brilliance of any cut, a round stone will make everyone stare at your hand. This cut looks amazing accented with a pavé band, halo setting, or raised solitaire. Classic yet popular, a round stone is the best choice if you’re unsure of what you like or want something that will stay in style. Round cut brides are modern yet classy, leaning towards popular wedding trends and flattering styles.

Marquise – Alternative, Free-Spirited, Artistic
If you like to stand out from the crowd, a marquise diamond is right up your alley. Unique as the bride who wears it, this stone is shaped like a tiny boat and has a slimming effect. This brilliant, elongated cut marries a look of courtly elegance with creative appeal.Marquise brides go for non-traditional gowns and quirky accents.

Princess – Trendy, Modern, Romantic
Combining classic sparkle with an edgy shape, the princess cut looks square (sometimes slightly rectangle) with the most brilliance and fire of any non-round cut. One of the most popular choices for engagement rings, princess diamonds add artistic beauty to any setting. Princess brides stray only slightly from the beaten path, enjoying classy but modern gowns, trendy accessories, and just a few romantic touches. You’re willing to bend tradition and personalize your wedding!

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What shape of diamond would you choose? Would you prefer a colored gem?

Do you want to pick it yourself?

Tell us ALL about your dream engagement ring!

Additional Sources:
http://www.jewellerymonthly.com/diamond-shapes-for-engagement-rings/
http://www.jewelry-secrets.com/Diamonds/Diamond-Fire-Dispersion/What-Is-Diamond-Fire-Dispersion.html
http://www.abazias.com/diamondblog/diamond-education/diamond-shapes-a-guide-to-the-cuts
http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamond-education/round-diamonds
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/537124693032969899/
https://www.bezambar.com/princess-cut-diamond-inventor/