5 Ways to Manage Wedding Planning Stress

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Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone! Most brides-to-be experience moments of stress, anxiety, or turmoil while going through the wedding planning process.

On one hand, dealing with everything from difficult family issues to frustrating vendors is good training for marriage. You’ll handle much greater challenges in the years to come. On the other, this is supposed to be a happy time. Really and truly. Your wedding is an occasion to celebrate, and the preceding months shouldn’t be miserable.

When you’re feeling the strain, try these five things to lift your spirits and get back on track.

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Set Boundaries

Is your stress coming from people? From simply planning a massive event? Are you struggling to make decisions? First off, set boundaries. Don’t let other people invade your emotional space or call you every single day with questions. Kindly but firmly take control of your timeline. Avoid planning the wedding every night, and do not let it consume all your free time. Unless you’re a born multitasker, it’s ok to take this one step at a time. Learn to let go of things that, in the grand scheme, don’t really matter.

Get Help

Many brides choose to hire a wedding coordinator. If you’d rather not or can’t afford it, learn to love delegating! Yes, this is your wedding, but that doesn’t mean you have to be responsible for everything. Appoint tasks to your mother, mother-in-law, maid of honor, siblings, and close friends. Ask your fiancée to take over challenges that you’re struggling with. You can still have the final say or weigh in on decisions without having to follow through on every little thing.

Move & Breathe

Top stress relievers are exercise and meditation. Stay active and take care of your body. Work out regularly, eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and drink plenty of water. Avoid burnout by keeping in good physical shape, and rejuvenate your mind with meditation or calming music. Spend time in nature. Stop and think about the important things, and remember that your life will continue after the wedding. It is one day in your entire marriage.

Indulge Yourself

Sometimes, you just need chocolate. Or lots of ice cream. Or your favorite pizza. Not to say that your healthy diet/exercise regimen should get tossed out the window (in fact, junk foods can make stress hormones like cortisol worse), but an occasional night of guilty pleasure isn’t the worst thing in the world. Watch your favorite tv show or read something non-wedding related. Get your head in a good place, so you can jump back into the swing of things tomorrow.

Celebrate Your Partner

Keep in mind the whole point of this wedding is to celebrate your relationship. Marriage is a serious commitment, but that doesn’t mean you have to act serious every second of every day. Take time out and enjoy being in love. Have fun and laugh! Go on dates. Remember the wonderful things about your partner that made you want to get married, in the first place. Once you focus on what truly matters, you’ll find the other stuff just isn’t that big of a deal.

If you’re experiencing problems that go beyond the “regular” stresses of planning a wedding, identify the issues and figure out how to solve them. Pre-marital counseling could help. Or maybe a large wedding simply isn’t for you at all, and a more intimate ceremony (or elopement) is a better fit.

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Want to learn more about how to manage pre-wedding stress? Check out these great resources: 

http://www.veryerin.com/how-to-reduce-stress-while-wedding-planning/

 http://www.quietrev.com/planning-a-quiet-wedding/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=feature+life&utm_content=qr+pinterest

16 Love & Marriage Quotes That Get It Right

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Need a break from wedding planning? Looking for encouragement? Want to express the romance in your relationship, but don’t know exactly what to say?

Welcome to our list of inspirational love quotes.

Get lost in heartfelt and honest reflections of what love is truly supposed to be… courtesy of writers, poets, counselors, artists, and philosophers from all over the world.

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“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” ~ Helen Keller

“Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my new favorite day.” ~ Winnie the Pooh

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“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“But love, I’ve come to understand, is more than three words mumbled before bedtime. Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day.” ~Nicholas Sparks

“If your first loyalty isn’t to your spouse, then you don’t really understand the meaning of marriage.” ~ Dave Willis

“Being deeply loved gives you strength; loving deeply gives you courage.” ~ Lao Tzu

“What is done in love is done well.” ~Vincent Van Gogh

“We’re all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.” ~Dr. Seuss

 “Being in a long marriage is a little bit like that nice cup of coffee every morning—I might have it every day, but I still enjoy it.” ~Stephen Gaines

“Marriage is a gift from God to us. The quality of our marriage is a gift from us to Him.” ~L. Whitney Clayton

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“When someone else’s happiness is your happiness, that is love.” ~Lana Del Rey

“When I get married, I want to be very married.” ~Audrey Hepburn

“The more love we receive, the more love we shine forth.” ~Dante Alighieri

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What is love, to you? Share your thoughts and favorite quotes!

Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

Ravishing Rose Gold: Our Most Popular Styles in a Gorgeous New Color

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Romance is in the air. It’s the height of wedding season, and we couldn’t be more excited to release a gorgeous new selection of beautiful bridal headpieces in rose gold!

Bohemian, luxurious, trendy, vintage-inspired, and glamorous—we’ve carefully chosen a design for every bride. This lovely shade of gold blends the warmth of traditional yellow gold with the charming allure of blush pink. The results are literally stunning.

Scroll down to see some of our most popular headpieces in a whole new light.

Pearl Cluster Comb

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Sparkling, rhinestone-encrusted flowers with pearl clusters create a classic, beautiful bridal accent. This lovely comb easily tucks into a chignon or updo, adding instant elegance to any outfit. Style this comb in the back or on the side; pair it with a glittering rose gold belt or earrings to complete your look.

Other color options: Silver

Shimmering Filigree Halo

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One of our most romantic halos just got trendier! Create a beautiful, boho-luxe look with a gorgeous linked metallic halo shimmering with round rhinestones. Floral filigree and stunning sparkle make this design a must-have for a wedding in any season. Style this with a veil for a truly incredible ensemble.

Other color options: Gold, Silver.

Royal Swirls Sash

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Slip into something gorgeous. Rhinestone-encrusted floral swirls create a luxurious pattern of eye-catching sparkle. This regal design transforms any gown with legendary beauty. Wear it as a sash for a trendy accent, or style it as a tie headband for serious wow factor.

Other color options: Silver/Ivory, Silver/White.

In Full Bloom Pins

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Kiss your bridal hair style with a touch of sparkle. A pair of whimsical, rhinestone-encrusted floral pins glitters with subtle beauty. Style this in a vintage-inspired updo with trailing curls, or gift these little favors to your bridesmaids to complement their gowns!

Other color options: Gold, Silver.

Pretty Pearls Garland

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Beautifully bohemian, this lovely design incorporates pearls and fairy-tale sparkle in a modern design. A flexible metallic hair vine with lustrous glass pearls and delicately wired rhinestones ties on sheer organza. Weave it through a braid or wear it as a headband to personalize your look.

Other color options: Gold/ivory, Silver/ivory, Silver/white.

Vintage Glamour Headband

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Sparkling marquise and oval stones dominate a gorgeous, vintage-inspired headband. Glittering in a magnificent design of shimmering filigree, this metal-link headband exudes dramatic beauty. Tie it on as an opulent headband or belt to express your own style.

Other color options: Silver.

Midsummer Tiara

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Show off an eye-catching bridal tiara in trendy rose gold! Reign over your fairy-tale wedding with this gorgeous design of sparkling swirls and rhinestones. Best paired with a dramatic gown and veil, you’ll add just a hint of magic with this elegant, romantic finishing touch.

Other color options: Silver.

Simple Sparkle Halo

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Sometimes, it’s the simple things you appreciate the most. A sparkling halo of narrow rhinestones and floral motifs encircles your bridal hairstyle with feminine allure. Style this lovely, boho-luxe design with a veil for maximum romance, or wear it alone as a light accent piece.

Other color options: Silver.

Floral Swirl Comb

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Vintage-inspired yet oh-so-chic, this ornate design combines rhinestone swirls with small, sparkling flowers in an artistic pattern. Classically elegant, this shimmering comb beautifully complements any romantic ensemble. Style this with luxurious rose gold earrings to complete your look.

Other color options: Silver.

Celestial Sparkle Tiara

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Enrich your wedding day ensemble with a gorgeous tiara packed with glittering rhinestones. Sparkling with starry splendor, this lovely design tops off any princess-inspired gown with ravishing beauty. Wear it with a veil and opulent rhinestone jewelry to complete a dreamy look.

Other color options: Silver.

Fairy-Tale Headband

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Step into a fairy tale wearing a delicate, twinkling headband. Sparkling center stones and a narrow line of shimmering rhinestones create a fantastic accent for your wedding wardrobe. Complement this romantic design with a graceful veil and elegant drop earrings.

Other color options: Silver.

Want to see more? Match your chosen headpiece with our bracelets and earrings that are now available in rose gold!

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How To Style a Late Summer Wedding

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As the golden days with warm weather dwindle, we find ourselves looking wistfully at gorgeous outdoor weddings. Boho-luxe, rustic, shabby-chic, beach, and glamping themes make beautiful summer themes; yet as we slowly transition to fall, an entirely new aesthetic beckons.

Bring the bright, airy beauty of summer and rich opulence of an abundant harvest together! Jessica Cooper Photography paired with Sweet Caroline Gowns to feature warm metallics, rich accent colors, and plenty of pretty sparkle.

Make your own late summer wedding utterly radiant with just four styling elements.

Golden Oldies

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Vintage-inspired and dripping with gorgeousness, our lovely gold accessories bridge the gap between seasons with luxurious elegance. Sparkling rhinestones, gold metallic leaves, and intricately decorated details leave the onlooker breathless. Style your whole ensemble around a base metallic color such as gold, copper, rose gold, or silver and you’ll feel like a goddess. Your jewelry, hair piece, veil, belt, and shoes are all opportunities to personalize your look.

Colors That Pop

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We love that bold brides are departing from the traditional white dress and branching out to other colors! Style a confident look for your ceremony or reception with a dress featuring appliqués, ombré, floral print, or just a non-white hue. Let the bridesmaids’ dresses complement your ensemble. Navy, forest green, and marsala evoke earthy elegance; softer tones such as grey, nude, and tan create a neutral backdrop. Shimmering sequin gowns are totally allowed.

Natural Hair

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This year’s brides are going au naturel. Whether you love long waves or are dying to try out a top knot, you can and should customize your look. Start out with your hair down for a laid-back and completely romantic style for the day. For the afternoon and/or ceremony, try twisting your hair into a half-up braid or chignon for a more formal yet still easygoing look. When night hits and you’re ready to party, create a totally chic top bun and flaunt sparkling earrings. Keep your hair styles simple so you can show off more accessories throughout the day.

Romantic Touches

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Blend the beauty of harvest with the lighthearted romance of summer—literally. Create tablescapes that feature calligraphy, lots of greenery, your chosen metallic, upcycled vases, and plants such as gourds, succulents, and berries. Get creative and pick your favorite elements from each season; you’ll be surprised at how well they blend together! You can play up the rustic charm of summer with wildflowers and burlap accents, or lean towards the vibrant allure of autumn with candles and leafy branches. Incorporate striking colors and string up lights, so both your day and night photos will look gorgeous.

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Are you styling a late summer wedding? Follow us on Instagram for more styled shoot inspiration, and browse our Fall 2016 collection for eye-catching accessories.

Choose the Perfect Veil in 5 Easy Steps

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Romantic. Iconic. Once-in-a-lifetime.

Yes, a bridal gown should be all of these things—but what about your veil?

Your veil is the finishing touch of your bridal wardrobe. Think of it as the chocolate on your ice cream sundae—it makes everything else so much better!

It’s tempting to pick the first style you try on. Just as with gowns, there are actually about a thousand veil options, with different lengths, styles, and materials. Follow these five easy steps to discover a design that is right for you!

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#1: Pick a Theme

First, your whole bridal wardrobe should vibe with your personal style. Figure out if you want a vintage-inspired look, a traditional outfit, a glamorous wardrobe, or an extra-trendy ensemble. Match your gown and veil to that theme.

If you’re laid-back, a full-on lace cathedral veil might not feel right to you. If you’re styling a retro look, you might be charmed by a short veil. Romantics tend to love lace.

On the other hand, some brides like going the opposite way. Tomboys can wind up loving completely feminine styles, and girls who normally lay on the bling might keep things simple and sweet. Your wedding is a special day and it’s totally acceptable to explore different themes!

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#2: Short or Long?

If you’re wearing a formal gown, get a long veil. If you’re wearing a short or casual dress, pick a short veil. There are also a variety of in-between lengths you can try.

Long veils can be cathedral length (108”), chapel length (90”), or floor length (68”). This typically will match or exceed the train of your gown.

Short veils hit above your waist. Common lengths include a birdcage veil or net just (covers your face), shoulder length (26”), and elbow length (32”). These veils pair well with tea or knee length dresses and/or full skirts.

If you’re not sure on length, start long and work your way shorter. Cathedral veils are easily the most romantic, while short blushers tend to be flirty and fun. Fingertip length (38”) and waltz length (54”) are probably the most figure-flattering as they elongate your torso.

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#3: Trim Type

Few brides pick a veil before they’ve chosen a gown. The key here (and it’s pretty easy) is to match or complement your gown. So if your gown has beading, pair it with a beaded veil. If your dress has lace, you can choose a lace-trimmed veil. Simple, right?

An alternate strategy is to focus on your overall style. A satin ribbon edge gives your outfit classic, traditional elegance. A simple rolled or cut edge is more minimalist. Embroidery gives you a rich, luxurious look. Try on a few designs to see what looks good with your gown.

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#4: Number of Layers

The number of layers on the veil just depends on how you are wearing it. These tiers can add lovely shape and volume to your silhouette.

Want the veil to drift behind you? Are you interested in a sleek, modern look? = 1 tier.

Are you going to wear the veil over your face for the walk down the aisle? Do you want added sparkle or trim to dress up the back of your dress, when the veil is flipped back? Would you like the veil to cascade down in waves? = 2 tiers. (You can also just add a blusher.)

Do you want over-the-top drama? Are you flaunting a dramatic skirt, or do you need more volume to balance out your silhouette? = 3+ tiers.

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#5: Pairing

Just as you might pair wine with dinner, what you wear with your veil can completely change its style. This is where your other accessories come in!

A drop veil paired with a shimmering halo, for example, looks beautifully boho-chic. A stunning rhinestone fascinator with a face veil gives a striking, vintage-inspired impression. A long lace cathedral veil with a flower comb tucked underneath appears sweetly romantic.

Your jewelry and/or headpiece should complement your veil, and vice-versa. Get on Pinterest or browse bridal blogs to choose the overall style you want to achieve. Keep in mind that you can wear your accessories together or one at a time for different ceremony and reception looks.

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And that’s it! Now you’re ready to choose the perfect veil for your big day. Try on a few before you make a final decision, and have fun! Remember that no matter what, you’re going to look beautiful.

Need inspiration? Follow us on Instagram and browse our Pinterest pages to get you started!

How to Pair Jewelry with Your Wedding Gown’s Neckline

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Do you know how to pull off the most gorgeous outfit you’ll ever wear?

Styling your bridal ensemble is a balancing act. Too much bling, and you’ll look like a kid playing dress-up. Not enough, you might appear bland and boring.

Wedding jewelry should complement—not overshadow or clash with—your belle robe. Common gown necklines include off-the-shoulder, one shoulder, high neckline, bib neck, straight, scoop, sweetheart, illusion, v-neck, strapless, and backless.

Scroll to find your dress, or discover your best styling options for each type!

OFF-THE-SHOULDER

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Gowns that lay off the shoulder are usually romantic, destination, or bohemian in nature. As such, minimal jewelry is usually the best way to go. The look here is meant to be soft and sensual. Pair this neckline with a dainty round necklace (if at all) and compensate with small drop earrings. A bracelet is a lovely finishing touch. You can even add a belt to give your dress a bit more interest.

Common mistake: Wearing a 3+ piece jewelry set. Don’t be too matchy-matchy.

Trendy tip: If you love bling, go the other way: wear a bib necklace and rock that sparkle.

ONE SHOULDER

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One-shoulder gowns are formal and reminiscent of beauty queens—the focus is on your beautiful face and that little bit of skin you’re showing. This is a popular style for destination and/or black-tie weddings. Pair this neckline with dramatic, extra-sparkly earrings. A bracelet rounds this outfit off nicely. If you want more bling on your dress, you can add an elegant pin. Maximum on this is two or maybe three items.

Common mistake: Wearing a necklace. You don’t want to cover the fabric with anything.

Trendy tip: Pair a veil with your look to make it more classically bridal.

HIGH NECKLINE

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A gown with a high neckline is often vintage-inspired and/or features lots of lace. A bib neck is similar to the mock turtleneck in that it comes up high, but it forms a triangle shape that is less formal. Minimal stud earrings are the best option, so there’s no distraction from the beautiful detail of your gown. A pretty headpiece or comb is better than jewelry in this case. You don’t need a lot of bling for a sweet, romantic ensemble. Add a bracelet or ring to round off the look.

Common mistake: Wearing a necklace, which tends to look overstyled and/or too casual.

Trendy tip: Style a pretty updo and play around with those lovely locks. Add a clip or comb!

STRAIGHT ACROSS

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A straight neckline is usually a strapless gown (though it can have spaghetti straps) with a distinctly ‘90s feeling to it. Many of these dresses tend to be satin, but some feature lovely lace or even organza. To avoid looking too severe, pair this neckline with a round necklace or bib that adds some flair to your outfit. Definitely play up your earrings and create an ultra-romantic hairstyle. You can add a bracelet or a belt. In this situation, more is more.

Common mistake: Not enough bling. Don’t look too bare in your photos.

Trendy tip: Cover up your shoulders when it gets cold with a wrap or bolero. This doesn’t interfere with your jewelry and adds some intrigue.

SCOOP NECK

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Scoop necks give your silhouette a fresh, almost casual look. For this reason, you don’t want a lot of bling around your neck. If your gown has a very low scoop neckline, a choker or minimal charm necklace is a sweet addition. Otherwise, leave it off and choose earrings that go with your theme: minimal for a laid-back outfit, and more sparkly for a formal gown. If you’re wearing a bohemian gown, incorporate natural stone jewelry. If your style is classic, wear pearls.

Common mistake: Wearing a round necklace. This retro style mirrors the dress too much.

Trendy tip: Definitely show off a bracelet, or even stack a few!

SWEETHEART

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This lovely neckline is probably the most recognizable in the wedding industry. It even sounds romantic. A sweetheart gown is usually a strapless ball gown or an A-line dress. It is formal and sometimes over-the-top elegant, with a feminine vibe that is irresistibly bridal. This neckline pairs well with just about anything: a bib necklace, a round necklace, or even a dainty drop necklace. Polish off your look with earrings that match. If you’re wearing a belt, be sure that the bling isn’t overwhelming.

Common mistake: Overdressing. Try everything on together and make sure you don’t look like a doll.

Trendy tip: Pick your favorite piece of jewelry as the focal point. Everything else should be smaller and/or complement that item.

ILLUSION NECKLINE

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An illusion neckline is a layer of sheer fabric that comes up after the main portion of the gown ends. Gowns featuring illusion are usually breezy, lacking structure and instead bringing lots of dreamy layers and romantic 3D flowers. Sometimes lace creeps up over the illusion, giving you a barely-there sort of style. Wear pretty drop earrings to accentuate the feminine beauty of your outfit. Again, it’s better to skip a necklace. Even though the top is sheer, your skin is a focal point. Keep things organic and natural.

Common mistake: Bejeweling your neck or shoulders.

Trendy tip: Add a subtle but sparkling headpiece to give your whole outfit goddess-like allure.

V-NECK

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The v-neckline is fairly self-explanatory. Most gowns with a v-neck feature broad straps or sleeves. V-necks sometimes feature lace or beading; they tend to be figure-flattering and give your silhouette romantic appeal. Match a v-shaped drop or multi-strand necklace that mimics the shape of your neckline. It shouldn’t drop into your bust or hang down over the dress unless you’re going bohemian. An ultra-long necklace is best for a fun, vintage-inspired reception look.

Common mistake: Pairing a round or overly formal necklace. It just looks a little weird.

Trendy tip: Wear pretty drop earrings that will draw attention up to your face.

STRAPLESS

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Ok, so we’re cheating a little on this one. A strapless gown can be a sweetheart or straight neckline. But there’s a special way you can style this. Instead of choosing a necklace, you can pull out shoulder jewelry! Super trendy and extra sparkly, this eye-catching accessory is really its own thing. Add earrings, but don’t bother with much else if you’re going this route. Shoulder jewelry transforms the gown and gives it a very fun and modern look.

Common mistake: Wearing earrings and a belt and a headpiece with shoulder bling. It’s a bit much.

Trendy tip: Switch out the shoulder jewelry for a cute necklace or jacket for a whole new reception look.

BACKLESS

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Well, aren’t you bold and beautiful! Backless gowns are modern and obviously show off some skin. Sleek and sensual, these dresses tend to feature long trains. They can be softly sweet with billowing organza or princess-chic with lots of lace. This type of gown is dramatic on its own, so avoid going overboard on the jewelry. A back necklace is the best way to add sparkle. If you’d prefer to go bare, play up your earrings. This look is romantic, all the way.

Common mistake: Not wearing a veil. You’ll see the gown perfectly well through the sheer tulle.

Trendy tip: Wear a bracelet and a loose hairstyle to accentuate your feminine beauty.

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Reference: http://www.mywedding.com/jewelry/accessories/the-right-accessories-for-the-right-neckline/

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Something Old, Something New: 5 Items for a Lucky Wedding Day

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Every bride has heard the rhyme. What does it mean to you?

Incorporate symbolic elements into your wedding day by choosing items that are personally meaningful. Read on for ideas about how to make your once-in-a-lifetime moment even more special!

Something Old

The idea behind something old is that your past identity comes with you into the marriage. Many brides play up a vintage theme, wearing heirlooms, old-fashioned accessories, or Art Deco clips and combs. Whether it’s your grandmother’s brooch or a dazzling beaded purse, you can choose an item that works with your wedding style/theme.

Something New

Selecting new, special items just for your wedding is super fun! Your something new represents starting a whole new life with your husband-to-be. Many brides check off this item with their wedding gown (unless they are altering a used dress). Other new bits of pretty can include jewelry, a sparkly headpiece, or fabulous shoes. It’s ok to splurge a little on this one.

Something Borrowed

You’re supposed to borrow something from a happily married woman to ensure that your own union will be lasting and blissful. Wedding shopping can get expensive, anyway, so borrowing a pair of shoes or wearing your mother’s earrings will help ease wallet worry. Just like a gown, an heirloom veil can be passed through the family, featuring in more wonderful wedding memories.

Something Blue

Blue (which, by the way, is one of Pantone’s colors of 2016) is serene and symbolizes fidelity. The most obvious way to incorporate something blue is by dressing your bridesmaids in this lovely hue, but you can use a blue sash, wear blue shoes, show off blue jewelry, or choose a blue garter or petticoat! Create a stylish reception look with a colored wedding outfit like a cute blue tulle skirt and lace top.

Sixpence In Your Shoe

Back in the day, English women would slip a silver sixpence coin inside their shoes to ensure good luck and/or a financially prosperous marriage. More couples are incorporating honeymoon funds into their registries or performing money dances at the reception. After all, why not start off your marriage with a bit of extra cash?

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Which wedding traditions are you incorporating? Share your ideas!

10 Ways to Beat Post-Wedding Blues

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Married life is wonderful, isn’t it?

Well…the reality is that after planning one of the biggest days of your life, coming home and facing the bills can be a drag. The adjustment to husband and wife can be difficult, especially if you haven’t lived together before.

Take a breath and tell yourself it’s ok. Because it is.

Even though the engagement and wedding are over, your lovely life together is just beginning! Here are 10 things you can do right now to make your transition a bit easier.

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The honeymoon kicks off your married life with an amazing bonding experience. Anniversary trips are similarly important because they give you time away to reflect on the past year and indulge in your love for one another. Even a staycation or weekend excursion will do! Dream up ideas for your one-year anniversary and beyond, so you’ll have events to look forward to.

Work

When you were in wedding-planning mode, maybe work didn’t matter much in your lifestyle. If you’re feeling stuck, taking a part-time job or new position can refresh your energy and invite different people into your life. You’ll have professional projects to tackle and a whole new perspective. (Plus if you’re stressed about money, the income will help.)

Meditate

Speaking of perspective, take time to think seriously about your life. Examine the big picture: your plans, dreams, and desires. In order to maintain a healthy relationship, you should still pursue personal goals. Being married is about building on your individual identity by adding your role as a wife—not substituting one for the other.

Get a Hobby

Feeling bored? Take up an old hobby that you haven’t had time for since before the wedding, or cultivate a new interest! You can get crafty, take up a sport, or volunteer. Sell stuff on Etsy. Write book reviews. Start a knitting circle or take dance lessons. Get involved in blogs and groups, so you’ll have a community of new friends to support your efforts.

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See Friends

Now that you’re back and settled in, it’s a good time to connect with friends! Let them know how your honeymoon was, and ask about their recent endeavors. Hanging out with a diverse circle of people will keep you from getting stuck in a rut, so make plans to go out regularly. You can also reach out and reconnect with family you haven’t seen in a while.

Journal

Let’s be clear: if you experience any physical or emotional abuse, you should immediately seek help. But if you are just frustrated and feel like ranting to your friends and family about petty problems, reconsider your approach. Why bad-mouth the person you want to spend the rest of your life with? Instead, write it down. You can vent without damaging the relationship you’ve built up.

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Work Out

Slacking off? Don’t let the careful beauty/exercise regimen you did before the wedding vanish! Start your marriage off right by being your best, healthiest self. Join a gym or keep a schedule to avoid burnout. You can even mix it up by doing some workouts alone and some with your partner! Both of you will feel better with regular activity.

Take Classes

Maybe at this point of your life, you’ve decided you want to save up for a house or a child. With two of you contributing, you hopefully will have more resources to pay off debts, build your savings, and further your educations. Prepare for the future. Figure out where you want to go and what tools you’ll need to get there.

Adopt a Pet

If you both love animals and are ready for another commitment, adopting a pet adds fun to your life and gives you practice caretaking. You’ll be amazed at how much a dog or cat will transform your daily routine! Not your style? Try out fish, birds, or other animals. If you already have pets, you can take hikes/walks or sign up for training classes.

Talk a Lot

You’ll both need time alone. But the whole point of being married is that you get to be together, so take advantage of it! Get help and talk to your partner if you’re feeling anxious. While you can’t expect him/her to fix all your issues, you can have a conversation and work together to improve the situation. Communication is your biggest ally.

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Still struggling? Sometimes seeing a counselor or neutral third party is the best way to figure out what is bothering you and how to move forward. Remember that you are responsible for your own happiness, so use your resources. Treat yourself the way you’d treat someone you love.

5 Reasons to Have a Beach Wedding

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Trying to decide if a beach wedding is right for you? There are wonderful reasons to host an elaborate ceremony in a cathedral or ballroom, and for saying “I do” in a blooming, flower-filled garden. But getting married on the beach has its own special charms!

In honor of summer weddings, here are 5 fabulous reasons why you should pick a coastal venue to exchange your vows.

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No Shoes, No Problem

Are you a laid-back bride? Want to steer clear of stiletto heels? If you would rather go barefoot or dance in flip-flops, a beach wedding is perfect for you. This situation is ideal for a casual theme with nautical details like starfish, sand, surf, and shells.

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Sunglasses Always Look Cool

Go on, get that photo of everyone wearing sunglasses, looking like they’re straight out of the CIA. You can ditch the formal jackets and ties, and go for an all-out summer theme! If your idea of a good time involves tropical drinks and sunblock, this is a good way to go.

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Dare to Bare

Is your dream wedding gown free-flowing rather than structured? Does it lack straps or show a bit more skin than usual? If you’re just itching to ditch the traditional dress with a long train, the beach is your opportunity to show off a more relaxed style. Your guests can come with casual attire, too!Just-married-couple-kissing-on-tropical-beach-at-sunset-000032199840_Medium-(1).jpg

Incredible Veil Photos

Beach weddings give you amazing photos. You can get one with your veil blowing in the coastal wind, and showcase the natural ocean scenery. Rather than skipping accessories, highlight them in beautiful, beachy bridal portraits that will be anything but boring.

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Romantic Getaway

If you want to honeymoon on the coast or at a tropical location, a beach wedding just makes sense. You’ll already be at or near your destination, and friends and family can stay longer than just one day! The beach is soothing, romantic, intimate, and absolutely gorgeous. What better place to kick back and start your married life?

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Are you dreaming of a beach wedding? Check out our Destination Weddings and Nautical Weddings boards for ideas!Romantic-decoration-on-the-sea-side-000068855939_Medium.jpg

7 Actually Fun Bridal Shower Ideas

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So you want to plan an amazing bridal shower! All you need are engagement-themed trinkets and flowery place settings—right?

The tricky thing is that the bride’s besties don’t always know each other. Cousins and work buddies and mom’s friends get thrown in together. Enter awkward silences.

You can beat the bridal shower blues with fun, eclectic activities! Customize these fabulous party ideas to entertain a variety of ages and personalities.

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Champagne & Cocktails

Drinks are a MUST at any bridal shower. Go with a fun summer theme by serving strawberry lemonade or raspberry cocktails, and definitely share the ultimate bridal bubbly: champagne! For underage guests or non-drinkers, sparkling cider will do the trick.

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Dessert Bar & Cakes

There’s nothing cuter than a dessert bar. Serve all kinds of sweets and everyone will find something they love. Sparkly cakes, brownies, fudge, chocolate strawberries, pretzels, and the bride’s favorite candy are just a few ideas. If you have invited celiac or diabetic guests, include gluten-free or sugar-free options for them to enjoy, too!

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Deluxe Men in Tuxes (servers)

Mix things up! The bridal shower is typically a female-only event, but for added pizazz, throw in a few well-dressed men. You can recruit the groom and his pals to serve drinks, or hire butlers in tuxes. Either way, you’ll have some good-looking guys waiting on you.

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Wonderland Tea Party

Want to make it classy? Host a tea party, complete with fine china and a variety of tea-time treats! And because the party doesn’t have to be all about eating, you can practice fortune telling with tea leaves, put advice for the bride and groom in a tea pot, or take wonderland-themed pics with props.

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Cute Cake Pop Favors

Everyone loves taking favors home. Since the point of a bridal shower is to shower the bride with presents, it’s only polite to give guests something back. Sweet little cake pops, DIY hot chocolate, or s’mores bags are just a few edible gift ideas. You can also give tiny potted plants, packets of seeds, bracelet charms, or miniature makeup kits.

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DIY Flower Crowns

Art projects are time-intensive and give your attendees something creative to take home. Host a DIY flower crown station for some summer fun—you can even encourage people to wear them to the wedding! Provide pretty fabric flowers, luxe craft paper, or fresh blooms and watch as your guests create their own customized, beautiful hair accessories.

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Sparkly Bracelet-Making

Who doesn’t love sparkle? Give guests something pretty to wear to the wedding with a DIY bracelet-making station. A bit of filament, some jewelry findings, a few crystal beads, and voilà! You’ll have personalized, take-home favors that every person will love—because she made it herself.

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Want more ideas? Visit our Pinterest board Always a Bridesmaid for amazing bridal shower inspiration. Share your favorites!