New Releases: Cathedral Veils from Our Spring 2017 Collection

Want to look incredible on your big day? Try on a cathedral veil!

Cathedral veils are trending big this year, and it’s no surprise that these stunning styles were a huge hit at the bridal markets. Complementing many designer gowns, these lovely styles enrich your wedding day ensemble with unforgettable beauty.

Take a peek at some of our newest designs and find the perfect look for you.

Flowers for a Romantic

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Lace is effortlessly romantic. Style a swoonworthy ensemble with a gorgeous Alençon lace veil. Swirling lace flowers bloom along the edge of this cathedral veil beneath a slender rolled edge. The perfect combination of simple and stunning, this design evokes heartfelt beauty.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

Sealed with a Kiss

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Style a classic, beautiful bridal look. This lovely 2-tier cathedral veil features a foldover elbow length blusher that may be worn forward for the walk down the aisle and back for the reception. A folded ribbon edge adds a finished look to this graceful design, which complements any gown with ease.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

Like a Celebrity

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When more is better, bring on the lace! This romantic cathedral veil combines a rolled edge and gorgeous Venise lace in an utterly stunning design. Intricate floral embroidery creates a feeling of dramatic luxury. Tie it in with your gown by adding a Venise lace comb or floral belt.

You might like My Bridal Style: Trendy

Soft Beauty

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True beauty whispers directly to your heart. A cut edge cathedral veil features a foldover fingertip length blusher that drifts over your silhouette with ethereal elegance. This match-everything design is made from our soft, luxurious faux silk tulle and beautifully accents any gown.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

Old World Elegance

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Inspired by Old World designs, this scalloped cathedral veil evokes romantic charm. Silver floral embroidery channels nature’s beauty with delicate grace. This versatile design may be paired with a delicate boho-chic hair vine, a romantic floral headpiece, or a regal tiara for a complete ensemble.

You might like My Bridal Style: Destination

Bohemian with a Twist

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Trendy and modern yet blissfully simple, this 2-tier foldover cathedral veil enhances your look with breezy beauty. A cascading double row of narrow horsehair adds subtle shape and style. Personalize this design by adding your own accessories, and create a completely unique bridal outfit.

You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

Sparkle for the Camera

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Because a little sparkle just isn’t enough. Go all in for your big day and shine with a dramatic, rhinestone-scattered cathedral veil. This starry, glittering design is as boldly beautiful as the bride who wears it. Add glamorous drop earrings and a bridal belt to finish off your look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Glamorous

Old-Fashioned Charm

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Some styles never go out of fashion. This lovely, vintage-inspired design features swirling beaded scrolls along a cut edge. Graceful, glittering rhinestone and pearl accents create an elegant pattern sure to turn heads. Pair it with a beaded belt and pearl jewelry to complete the look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage

Pretty as a Princess

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When romance is in the air, rise to the occasion with a gorgeous lace veil. Shimmering with sequins and tiny rhinestone accents, this gilded lace design features a gently scalloped edge with elaborate embroidery. This exquisite design is lavish, opulent, and perfect for any formal affair.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

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Check out our Cathedral Veils page for even more incredible designs! Find a retailer near you to try them on with your gown, and create a personalized ensemble for your big day.

10 Ways to Self-Motivate

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It’s a new year and time to stick to those resolutions!

If you’re a bride, among your resolutions could be finding the perfect gown, planning regular date nights, or getting in shape for the wedding. Or maybe you’d like to start a business, volunteer in the community, or take on a new project at home.

Whatever your goals, we’re here to help. We’ve collected ten tips for ways to stay motivated and make your dreams happen in 2017!

Stay SMART

Framing a SMART goal is one of the best ways to get started. Though the letters can mean different things for group or personal goals, here’s a review: S is for specific, M for measurable, A for attainable, R for relevant, and T for time-based.

Choose Wisely

Identify your passions and be realistic. If something isn’t that important to you, you probably won’t follow through. Make sure you want this and it’ll make a difference in your life. If you enjoy the journey, it will be easier to remain focused until you reach the destination.

Break It Down

Many people fail to reach their goals because, psychologically, it’s really difficult and scary to do something big. But if you break it down into smaller tasks, suddenly your goal seems much more achievable. Figure out the steps you will take, and determine a reasonable timeline.

Learn New Skills

Could be a reason you haven’t achieved this goal yet is that you may be lacking some of the skills or knowledge you need. Fill in the blanks. Ask people in the field for advice or research it online, and figure out how to do what you’re doing. Get the tools you need to begin.

Be Positive

Negative self-talk is damaging. How can you do well if someone (you) is putting you down all the time? You might think, It’s not that special. Other people have achieved greater. FYI, this is your goal, so compare yourself to you. If you’ve done better than yesterday, that is worth a positive response.

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Make Good Habits

When something new becomes part of your daily life, change happens. Since you won’t always feel motivated, commit to a routine. It won’t be easy. You’ll run into excuses; with clever planning, you can figure out how to get around them. Own responsibility for your actions.

Focus on Your Goals

Where does determination come from? When you focus on a goal, there is a driving reason behind it. Brainstorm all the positive reasons that you’re doing this—keep asking why until you discover your ultimate purpose. Draw strength from the deep meaning in what you’re doing.

Reward Yourself

Whenever you need a boost, reward yourself! Even if an achievement is small, it’s still progress. Congratulate yourself in meaningful, enjoyable ways that won’t conflict with your goal. Also, let other people know when you’ve achieved a milestone. A pat on the back is well-deserved support.

Visualize Success

You may get stuck along the way, or even have trouble starting. Ignite your drive by visualizing success. What would your life be like if you were successful? Find pictures online and write in the details of what you particularly want. Find a mentor or example of the success you seek for inspiration.

Rise to Challenges

From outside circumstances to depleted enthusiasm, various challenges may force you to a grinding halt. At these times, be flexible. Give yourself permission to change, but don’t abandon your goal. Identify specific roadblocks and find solutions. Evaluate progress and re-plot your course.

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Want to read more? Check out these great resources:

https://www.projectsmart.co.uk/smart-goals.php 

http://smart-twenties.com/motivation-is-overrated/ 

http://www.levo.com/posts/how-to-find-motivation-when-you-feel-like-a-failure 

http://greatist.com/grow/motivation-tips-that-work

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

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/

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.

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!

How to Get in Wedding Shape: 5 Best Practices

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With the holidays right around the corner, you probably aren’t thinking about cutting back for the big day—especially if you have lots of time to prepare!

Good news: your partner already thinks you are beautiful. So the best way to prep for your wedding day is to simply be the healthiest version of yourself.

If you’re like most of us and want to improve in some area, it’s easier (and safer) to change your habits over the span of a few months than, say, two frantic weeks before your wedding.

Here are five easy ways to commit to great health. Make this winter your best ever!

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Eat Healthy

Getting healthy for your wedding should be a lifestyle choice (not a crash diet). You don’t have to cut out pumpkin spice lattes or skip holiday cookies, but do focus on incorporating more healthy foods. Make it easier by stocking nutritious substitutes for empty-calorie snacks.

Dark leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and seasonal fruits add valuable micronutrients to your diet. Avoid white carbs that have been stripped of their nutrition, and instead opt for whole grains. Choose protein sources that are low in saturated fat, and take vitamins to bolster your immune system. Sugar can boost your mood, but keep splurges reasonable. If you’re feeling down, learn to reward yourself with something other than food.

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Exercise

For that beautiful bridal glow, lead an active lifestyle. The recommended amount of exercise is at least 30 minutes a day for 5 days out of the week. It’s best to switch up your routine to keep things interesting. You can try a new sport or revive something you enjoyed in the past: swimming, yoga, cycling, stretching, and walking are all low-impact activities. Interested in a high-intensity sport like running or kick boxing? Consult a doctor before you begin.

Build up your distance and time safely, until the exercise is a habit. If you don’t have a lot of time during the day, you can even split your workout into smaller 10 or 20 minute segments. Add weight training or Pilates to build muscle tone. Every little bit counts!

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Sleep

This one doesn’t take months to practice, but you should be mindful of your sleep schedule as the wedding approaches. According to researchers, adequate sleep is essential to health and wellness. Lack of sleep contributes to a depressed immune system, attention lapses, irritability, poor memory and judgment, and even anxiety!

Avoid staying up late on your computer/phone, texting vendors at every hour of the day, and putting off DIY favors until the last minute. (Seriously, that project is going to take twice as long as you think it will.) Plan ahead and delegate so you can rest easy. Yes, you can use makeup to hide the bags under your eyes, but why bother? Get your full 7–9 hours of recommended sleep.

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Drink Water

Dehydration makes you crabby and forgetful—not to mention hungry. To avoid all that unpleasantness, be sure that you are drinking enough. Plain water is usually the best, and you can also get fluids through fruits and vegetables. Lemon water adds vitamin C to your diet, which is great for your skin. In addition, lemons are antibacterial, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion.

Caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee are ok in moderate amounts; they provide some antioxidants but flush nutrients from your system. Be aware that alcohol is also a major diuretic, depleting your body of water—it also floods your liver with toxins. So be smart and drink clean, especially the month before your wedding.

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De-Stress

Did you know that stress makes you gain weight? It also lowers your immune system and puts you at risk for long-term health issues. Planning a wedding is no easy task, so give yourself a break! Delegate tasks that you don’t absolutely need to handle; ask for help from your MOH and groom. This applies to implementing a healthier lifestyle, too—when you’re trying to change a habit, a support system helps a ton! Take breaks from wedding planning, and do things that you enjoy.

Above all, keep things in perspective. You don’t need to be perfect; this is about improving your health and feeling great. Marrying the person you love is what truly makes your wedding beautiful.

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What are your best tips for getting in wedding-worthy shape? Share your ideas!

13 Reasons to Have a Halloween Wedding

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Think it’s weird to get married on October 31st? Consider that autumn is a beautiful season—and there’s no better way to throw a party than with oodles of candy and cool costumes! Check out these 13 spooktacular reasons to host a Halloween wedding:

  • You can incorporate fall leaves into your bouquet/décor/invitations.
  • You can use jack o’lanterns and glow sticks in your lighting.
  • You always wanted a chic black wedding dress.
  • You are just dying to label the wine as vampire blood, beer as witch’s brew, and mixed drinks as love potions.
  • You believe in ‘till death do us part—literally.
  • Your idea of a great date night involves monster movies and finger foods that look like fingers.
  • You would love the flower ghouls and ring buriers to come in costume.
  • Your reception dances can include “Thriller” and “Monster Mash.”
  • You want to give away candy bags as favors.
  • Your bridesmaids can carry brooms instead of bouquets.
  • Your groom likes the idea of a vintage tux—cobwebs optional.
  • You are set on getting married at a church; preferably in or near a graveyard.
  • You always wanted a Harry Potter themed wedding.

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Are you brave enough to tie the noose on All Hallow’s Eve?

Share your photos with us on Instagram!