Product Spotlight

Happy Proposal Season! 12 Signs You’re With the One

Hey ladies, it’s proposal season! We can hardly believe it’s that time of year again. But before you get all giddy about sparkling diamonds and swoonworthy stories—oh, too late.

We are so excited and can’t wait to see new brides-to-be flaunting their bling on Instagram! To celebrate this wonderful season of all things romantic, we’ve reviewing one tiny little detail: how to know that you’re with someone you should marry.

Being in love doesn’t mean you should get married. Everything from emotional maturity to finances influences whether or not you’re ready to the tie the knot—and the guy you’re currently dating may or may not be your One for eternity.

When all your instincts are saying YES, here’s how to double check and be really sure.

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He treats you well.

This should go without saying, but sometimes it’s easy to look past someone’s obvious red flags because you want to be in a relationship. The right guy is kind and thoughtful and puts your needs first.

He’s proud of you.

A guy who is worthy of marriage knows how lucky he is. He says good things about you to his family and friends. He proudly shows you off in public. He’s introduced you to his boss. He appreciates all the wonderful things about you and isn’t shy about it.

He gets you.

We’re talking inside jokes, traded glances, and random giggles. Any couple who can go the distance understands and enjoys each other. Communication is everything.

He’s financially stable.

Every blog will tell you to be financially stable before you get hitched. Marriage is about starting your own household, so you should be able to take care of yourself. It’s imperative to be able to discuss money, save, and pay debt.

He’s got goals.

A successful marriage is composed of two people who are generally happy with their lives. A partner with goals will be driven to overcome obstacles—whether they are personal or professional.

He’s got skills.

He has an education or is acquiring the professional skills he needs. It’s important that you’re on board with each other’s career plans—be it moving for graduate school or paying for a certificate program—before you agree to a future together.

He prioritizes your relationship.

A guy who can stay married knows how to prioritize your relationship. He does favors for you. He comes to meet you. He takes your call immediately, or calls you right back. He goes out of his way to make your life better.

You trust him.

He’s around all the time, and when he’s not, you probably know what he’s doing. If anything important came up in his life, you’d be the first to know. He doesn’t text exes and invites you to just about everything.

You like his family.

He has a history of long-term relationships: namely, his family. He’s not a clone, but he’ll probably display some of the same traits. If you don’t like his family—perhaps even he doesn’t—there should be good reasons for it.

He supports your dreams.

Just as you support his goals and dreams, he supports yours. Married or not, you’ll spend your lives seeking self-fulfillment and happiness, and this includes professional accomplishments. He builds you up and empowers you to succeed.

You share common interests.

Ever hear of those couples who just stop getting along at some point? This can happen when people don’t enjoy doing things together. Shared interests such as hobbies or sports will keep you happily active—together—over the years.

You share moral values.

While you don’t absolutely have to share the same political views or religion, it’s easier if you do. Minimum, you agree on moral values and want the same things when it comes to big life choices: kids, pets, and where you’ll live.

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Life doesn’t have to be perfect before you get married. Yet if an engagement doesn’t feel right, remember that not now doesn’t mean not ever. True love comes willingly and endures all things.

If you are with the One, maybe you’d like to discuss marriage or go ring shopping together first! This doesn’t necessarily spoil the surprise—it just keeps you on the same page.

What do you think? Share with us how you knew you were ready to say, “Yes!”

Style Feature: 6 Gorgeous Embroidered Veils

Looking for something really stunning for your wedding day?

Your veil is the perfect opportunity to add unique beauty to your outfit. An embroidered veil combines the romance of twirling floral patterns and elegance of scrolling Old World designs. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like shimmering silver or gold embroidery (complete with twinkling beads or sequins) to make you feel like royalty!

Check out six of our wonderfully embroidered veils, and discover your perfect match.

Fairy-Tale Fancy

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Ready to get swept away? This gorgeous 1-tier fingertip veil features beautiful floral embroidery along a fancy scalloped edge. Totally striking, this rhinestone-dotted veil sparkles with regal beauty. Match it with a glittering floral comb or a sparkling tiara to personalize your look; the embroidered detail is available in either gold or silver to perfectly match your ensemble. You can get this veil in champagne, ivory, diamond white, or white—and in cathedral length, too!

Promises by Moonlight

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Sparkling, silver beaded and embroidered swirls and flowers adorn the edge of this lovely veil. Classic with a hint of romance, this 1-tier veil features a silver rolled edge and vintage-inspired beadwork that beautifully complements embellished gowns. With the Victoriana trend in full swing, this shimmering design dazzles us with its dreamy detail. Add a gilded headpiece or intricately beaded belt to complete your look. This style is available in ivory or white in fingertip and cathedral lengths.

Beautiful in Bloom

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Get in touch with your botanical side. This gorgeous 1-tier fingertip veil celebrates bohemian beauty with an elegant twist. Shimmering silver embroidery starts with slender curls at the top and blooms into a more intricate design along the curve. Tiny sequins and beads add slight shimmer. We see this design paired with an overflowing bouquet and a romantic flower comb, or perhaps tiny floral hair pins. This style is available in diamond white, ivory, or white and also comes in cathedral length.

Once Upon a Princess

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Our most popular cathedral veil, this brilliantly beaded masterpiece is sure to turn heads. A romantic, scalloped and beaded edge glitters with tiny rhinestones for a simply breathtaking bridal statement. Not for the faint of heart, this future heirloom glitters with gorgeous silver detail. This design is now available in blush, champagne, diamond white, ivory, or white. We can also add a matching blusher. Want it longer than 108”? Ask our customer service team for availability!

Cherish My Heart

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Get ready to swoon. Utterly captivating, this modern take on the traditional mantilla is simply stunning. A beautiful scalloped edge gracefully drifts down your silhouette, adorned with opulent silver embroidery and tiny beaded accents. This head-to-foot masterpiece embellishes your ensemble with glamour and romance. Pair it with dramatic earrings or a sparkling bracelet to finish off your look. This design is offered in fingertip or cathedral lengths in diamond white, ivory, or white.

Forever Love

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Have your cake and eat it, too! This one’s got it all: tiny pearls, shimmering beads and sequins, glittering rhinestones, and gilded embroidery. Decadent from head to foot, this gorgeous cathedral veil adds dramatic sparkle to your whole ensemble. Available in fingertip and cathedral lengths, in ivory or white, this silver embroidered design is truly fit for a formal wedding. Wear classic pearls or glamorous rhinestones—express your personal style by adding special accessories for a completely unique look.

Can’t get enough? Check out our cathedral veils and embroidered veils for even more options. Follow us on Instagram for daily style ideas!

5 Silly Wedding Superstitions Explained

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Ever wonder why it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, or why bridesmaids used to dress alike?

Superstitions have long influenced the ritual of getting married. Practices vary from culture to culture—sometimes even between regions! The tradition of burying the bourbon is common in the South, for example, and few brides in the Northeast would forget their something blue.

In the spirit of this spooky month of October, here are a few silly, fun superstitions that still play a part in the process of getting engaged and married. Enjoy!

#1: Setting a Date

Choosing a day to get married has always been important. The month of May was thought to be unlucky in both pagan and Christian traditions. Want the stars to align? Some cultures believe in selecting a date based on your astrological signs! Many people will avoid getting married on days such as Friday the 13^th, and very few will tie the knot on non-official American holidays such as Superbowl Sunday or Black Friday. Numerology plays a part, too—dates like 10/10/10 and 12/13/14 were highly coveted!

#2: First Look

The superstition that it was bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the wedding arose from purely superficial reasons: in arranged marriages, parents worried that he might break off the engagement if she wasn’t attractive enough. Nowadays, this is just a fun tradition that allows the bride and her party to dress up together, while the groom and his buddies get ready on their own. The “first look” is a sweet moment that some couples choose to photograph ahead of the ceremony.

Bride's-squad-000081941281_Medium-(1).jpg #3: Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride

Is it true that if you’re always a bridesmaid, you won’t become a bride? Is there a limit on how many times you can be in a friend’s wedding before dooming your love life? Actually (as with the tradition of buying a diamond engagement ring), this saying was appropriated from a clever advertisement for mouthwash. That’s right. Mouthwash. So relax and have fun at your friends’ weddings. Your love story will unfold at its own pace, in its own time.

#4: Losing the Engagement Ring

Some women joke about “accidentally” losing the engagement ring if they don’t like it. While this might be tempting if he selects something truly abominable, the theory is that if you lose your wedding ring, your marriage will fail. Unfortunately, we can’t survey divorced couples to check if either one of them lost their ring during the engagement… Maybe buy a ring holder, just in case.

#5: Choosing a Dress

Did you know that your wedding gown comes with its own superstitions? In the past, women usually selected their best frock for the big day. The rhyme went that if you wore black, you’d wish yourself back (as in, you’d regret it). Wearing red, you’d wish yourself dead! If you wore blue, your love would be true; if you married in brown, you’d live in town. Nowadays, most brides choose a shade of white, but it’s completely acceptable to flaunt any color or design your heart desires, including ombré, floral, watercolor, or metallic.

Are you superstitious? Let us know what traditions you’ll incorporate on the big day!

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http://www.match.com/magazine/article/13027/Eight-Love-Superstitions-And-Their-Origins/

https://www.7thsensepsychics.com/blog/love-relationship-superstitions

http://www.kimleatherdale.com/intimacy/a-nod-to-the-13th-seven-relationship-superstitions/

6 Amazing Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary

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.

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!

5 Ways to Manage Wedding Planning Stress

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.

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.

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

Top 10: Our Most-Loved Alençon Lace Veils

C’est l’amour.

Imagine sun-kissed cherry blossom trees, gently shedding petals in a fresh breeze. The rushing river Seine and dramatic silhouette of La Tour Eiffel. A glittering ring; a moment of breathless anticipation.

Romance is soft tulle ball gowns, heartfelt vows, and lavish veils trailing dreamy Alençon lace.

Originally crafted in France, exquisite Alençon lace has graced centuries of weddings. Structured scallops and regal flowers create an aesthetic of sublime beauty. In fact, many of our most popular veils feature this romantic trim, as it matches so well with designer gowns.

Check out our top 10 Alençon lace veils, and fall in love with the perfect treasure for your wedding day!

Graceful as a Princess

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Enrich your wedding day look with eye-catching beauty. This style features a generous trim of soft, scalloped lace drifting to fingertip length beneath a simple rolled edge. This lavish design features wide flowers to pair beautifully with romantic gowns and princess-style accessories.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Glamorous

Roses All Over

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Can’t get enough romance? Style your wedding day outfit with a luxurious design featuring pretty lace trim and stunning rose appliqués. This beautiful veil features tiny rhinestones and is made for lovebirds. Style it with a floral comb or glittering headpiece to complete a kiss-worthy look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Vintage

Love Letter Romance

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Beautiful as a love letter, this gorgeous silver edge veil creates a feminine yet glamorous accent. Scattered Alençon lace appliqués, a gracefully scalloped edge, and glittering rhinestones complement any lace gown with pure romance. Lavish your wedding day ensemble with this luxurious accessory.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Glamorous

All Pretty Curves

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One of our most popular veils, this breathtaking design features scalloped lace beneath a simple cut edge. Beautifully crafted, unbeaded lace graces the curve of a flattering fingertip length veil with flawless style. Complement just about any romantic gown with this simply lovely style.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Destination

Eternal Love Story

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Choose a veil almost as amazing as your love story. Intricately beaded Alençon lace drafts in romantic scallops to fingertip length beneath a simple rolled edge. Our number one veil, this lovely style is available in multiple colors—even blush and champagne—and can to customized to different lengths. This dreamy design complements a classically romantic wedding look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Destination

Tradition with a Twist

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Are you hosting a traditional wedding? Style a jaw-dropping ensemble with a beautiful lace mantilla. Beaded floral lace drifting in romantic scallops flows from your head to waltz length in this utterly heart-fluttering design. Pair it with a floral or lace gown for a gorgeously graceful look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Classic

Queen of Veils

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Remember how V7034 is our most popular veil? This beloved design is the matching cathedral style. Graceful Alençon lace extends down the sides and around the curve of this elaborate veil for an utterly romantic statement of class and beauty. Create a dramatic ensemble worthy of your big day.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Trendy

Old World, New Love

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Grace yourself from head to toe in gorgeous, scalloped Alençon lace. Cascading to cathedral length, this stunning design frames your gown with generous, intricately beaded lace. Both traditional and classy, this mantilla creates a lovely look that will make your heart skip a beat.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Vintage

Red Carpet Romance

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Fulfill your ultimate wedding fantasies with this gorgeous lace veil. Scattered appliqués blooming along the bottom of this stunning cathedral create a red-carpet worthy design. A soft, foldover blusher adds chic style and romance for an utterly dreamy look. Add glittering jewelry or a sparkling belt to complete a memorable ensemble.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Trendy

Soul Friend

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Are you marrying your best friend? Keep the focus on your wedding with a simple yet radiant bridal veil. This lovely cathedral features a rolled edge and scalloped Alençon lace just along the bottom curve. Pair it with a floral belt or pearl jewelry for a classically beautiful outfit.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic and My Bridal Style: Classic

Want to see more? Check out our cathedral veils and lace veils pages, or head over to My Bridal Style and explore your accessories options.

Style Spotlight: Venise Lace Veils

Classic romance. Graceful beauty. Sheer style.

These aren’t taglines for an Audrey Hepburn movie—this is what we think of when we see bridal veils made with exquisite Venise lace!

Originally crafted in Italy, the Venise lace design is more structured than other flowery laces such as Chantilly lace. It is also more beautifully detailed than modern cut-out laces. Embroidered flowers create a striking pattern so gorgeous, it could only be used for an occasion as special as a wedding.

Take a peek at these timeless, heart-fluttering designs and get inspiration for your wedding day look!

Flowers in the Meadow

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Some styles are just dreamy. Celebrate your wedding with the beauty of wildflowers by borrowing inspiration from nature’s bounty. This lovely fingertip lace veil features tiny flowers and shimmering beadwork beneath a simple rolled edge. Decorate your neckline with delicate jewelry for a lighthearted, pretty outfit.

You might like My Bridal Style: Destination

Kissing Beneath the Waterfall

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Lavish yourself with romance on your special day. Stunning floral lace cascades gracefully down your silhouette to waltz length. This incredible design of bold, feminine flowers enhances any wedding outfit. Beautifully complementing lace gowns, this ravishing veil may be paired with shimmering jewelry for a swoonworthy, personalized look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

Blooming Bridal Lilies

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Style an elegant, formal look with lovely lace lilies for your once-in-a-lifetime moment. Graceful and utterly glorious, this beaded lace veil celebrates your beauty with a frame of classic bridal flowers. Pair this flowing fingertip design with a complementary lace headpiece or lustrous pearl jewelry. Create a radiant ensemble that will leave your partner breathless.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

Forget-Me-Not Kind of Love

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Sweet as blooming forget-me-nots, this lovely veil features a narrow trim of small flowers. Dotted with tiny rhinestones, this fingertip length style evokes heartfelt love and fidelity. Combine it with a bridal wreath or halo for a totally rustic-chic look. Equally perfect in a meadow or in a church, this refreshing design exudes bridal beauty.

You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

The Princess Factor

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Be a princess for a day. Commemorate your wedding with timeless beauty and unforgettable style. Narrow lace in cascading scallops in a romantic foldover design creates a dreamy look fit for royalty. Pair this formal, elegant veil with a shimmering tiara or decadent jewelry. Add sparkling accessories and bring your fairy-tale vision to life.

You might like My Bridal Style: Glamorous

Meeting in the Garden

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Love grows over time. Celebrate this memorable milestone with a beautiful veil featuring flowers in full bloom. Gorgeous as a garden kissed by the sun, this lovely lace design enhances your look with delightful charm. Pair it with a floral dress, vintage jewelry, or tea-party style accessories to create a bridal ensemble as special as your love.

You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage

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Want to see more? Check out our lace veils and cathedral veils pages for beautifully romantic styles.

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

Love-Quotes-02

“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

Love-Quotes-03

“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

How to Stay Married: 6 Rules You Need to Follow

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So you’re engaged. Congrats! But did you know the whole point of having a wedding is that you’re getting married?

This might seem obvious, but a lot of people spend countless hours preparing for the wedding event without giving a thought to the actual marriage—which lasts the rest of your life!

FYI, being married is not the same as dating. It’s a good idea to go through pre-marital counseling, which may be available through your church (if you’re not religious, plenty of counselors specialize in relationships). You can also read a book together, such as The Five Love Languages, and discuss your expectations for the future.

Here are six tips to help make your marriage a positive and even amazing experience.

Learn To Communicate

You probably get along well with your partner. Treating each other with mutual respect is obvious, and most engaged couples share core values. This doesn’t mean that you’ll agree on everything all the time. Learn how to communicate. Balance speaking and listening skills; learn how to fight and make up. Express your appreciation in meaningful ways. Find out how your partner likes to discuss difficult issues. Do they like things out in the open, right away? Do they need time/space to process? Figure out the best way to coexist in your household.

Continually Commit

Getting engaged is an important milestone, yet committing to a relationship takes much more. Building mutual trust is so important and prevents issues like jealousy or second-guessing. Your wedding vows are more than a ceremonial promise; they are a behavioral promise. Stop flirting. Stop putting yourself in situations designed to help singles meet prospective mates. Does your social life end? Of course not. But a committed person doesn’t entertain thoughts or actions that could even possibly lead to infidelity. Because when you’re married, that’s how much you love your partner. Period.

Set Boundaries

Think of yourself as a knight. Your marriage is your castle, and it’s always under attack. It’s up to you to protect your relationship. Not all stressors come from people deliberately trying to break you up (although this can happen). Sometimes, negativity creeps in from your family or work situation. Schedules can get crazy; outside commitments can be demanding. It’s important to set boundaries and let others know that you value your marriage. Protect your personal time. Protect your partner’s privacy and maintain their trust. Seek community with people who will support your relationship.

Keep Having Fun

Not everything about marriage is hard. (Otherwise, why would people bother?) Actually, in a lot of ways, being married is easier than dating. For one thing, you get to be together a lot more! Plus when you share resources, you’ll have more money to spend on dates or anniversary celebrations; when money is tight, you can find creative ways to be romantic. Plan adventures. Share special moments. Geek out together. Keep having the fun you had in the beginning, and staying married comes pretty easily.

Prioritize Your Partner

Work and professional commitments take lots of time. Add hobbies, religious activities, family events, and social engagements—your day is pretty full! However, the number ONE person in your life is your spouse. Remember this and stick to it. Always consult with your partner and make their needs a priority. Because when you’re old or sick or just need someone there for you, your spouse is that person. Jobs will eventually end. Kids may or may not stick around. When you choose someone for life, they’ll choose you back. That kind of loyalty comes from putting each other first.

Keep Falling in Love

The magic of your first kiss and that heart-fluttering moment he proposed are just the tip of the iceberg. The true beauty of marriage is that you get to keep falling in love. Be kind. Be thoughtful. Speak your spouse’s love languages. When you invest in your relationship and put forth extra effort, your marriage will get even better. If you’ve ever seen an old couple celebrating their 50^th anniversary, you’ll notice the depth of their intimacy surpasses mere words. Make each day together special, as much as possible. You’ll see the difference when you choose love.

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Do you have advice for newlyweds? Share your favorite tip!

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

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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