Tag: Wedding Day

7 Reasons You Should Wear a Cathedral Veil

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Source: Jen Fuj Photography for Bel Aire Bridal

Are you ready to look incredible?

Veils are a stylish part of the wedding outfit. Some women assume they will wear one; others firmly decide they won’t. Until you try one on, however, you won’t understand why a veil truly makes you feel like a bride.

When you have your gown fitting, try on a few different veil styles. Once you see all the options, narrowing it down can get difficult! If you’re wearing a formal gown, however, a cathedral veil is a lovely way to go.

Here’s why you should choose a cathedral for your big day.

It’s SO Romantic

Cathedral veils are seriously swoonworthy. Heart-fluttering. Jaw-dropping. You can get a foldover that shrouds your face in alluring bridal beauty; a blusher that can be lifted away for the kiss; a dreamy cut edge that blows in the breeze; a pretty lace trim that makes you feel like a princess. This ultra-long veil is ultra-romantic, pure and simple.

There’s Nothing More Traditional

Bridal veils have been a tradition since ancient times for various cultural reasons. While social norms have obviously changed over time, we still observe some traditions to honor the past and pay homage to familial practices. Mantillas and cathedral veils are a beautiful option if you are religious or simply want to respect certain cultural traditions.

Source: Jen Fuj Photography for Bel Aire Bridal

Long Veils Are Fun

Ever see couples wrapped in about a mile of tulle veil? Kissing beneath a veil? Riding bikes with the veil floating on the breeze? There are probably a hundred ways that you can photograph your long veil. You can have fun staging all kinds of photos with it, and the pictures will be amazing.

Adds Beauty To Your Outfit

A cathedral veil adds formal beauty to your wedding day ensemble. You can select a design with scattered lace appliqués, lace trim, beautiful beading, an embroidered edge, glittering rhinestones, metallic lace, a simple ribbon edge, and/or multiple layers… Your options abound. Find a long veil that complements your gown’s style and unlock the beauty of your whole outfit.

Heirloom Quality Accessory

Did you know that you can pass along your veil? Your lovely cathedral veil makes a sentimental heirloom. A future daughter, friend, niece, or sibling might just love wearing it as their something borrowed. It’s worth investing in an elaborate, beautiful accessory like a cathedral veil if you plan to re-use it in the future.

You’ll Look Truly Bridal

Anyone can put on a white dress. A cathedral veil is uniquely bridal and transforms your whole outfit. Because it is so long, you can enjoy wearing it for your walk down the aisle and either bustle it or switch to a shorter veil for your reception. Photos often capture you from the neck or waist up, so a veil will make your wedding day pics stand out.

It’s Dreamy & Dramatic

Short face veils and French net have a chic, vintage-inspired vibe. Shoulder length veils and blushers look flirty and fun. Longer veils such as elbow, fingertip, or knee length are very figure-flattering. And longer veils still such as waltz or floor length are graceful. Cathedral veils add the most eye-catching drama and dreamiest elegance to your wedding day outfit.

Source: Jen Fuj Photography for Bel Aire Bridal

If you’re hosting a formal or semi-formal event, a cathedral veil honors the beauty, grace, and sentimentality of your big day. To explore your bridal style and find a design you’ll love, browse our cathedral veils page. Then hit up your local bridal retailer and try a few on!

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Style My Bridesmaids

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Choosing a wedding day theme is like picking ice cream on a hot day—they all look incredible!

Your wedding aesthetic reflects who you are, both as individuals and as a couple. Maybe you both love vintage styles; or perhaps he is rugged and you’re glamorous (enter the glamping wedding).

When you choose your bridesmaids’ outfits, keep in mind that this is so much more than an opportunity to play dress-up with your girlfriends! Their gown designs and accessories should not only make them feel comfortable (and pretty), but reflect your overall mood.

Gift your bridesmaids with accessories that will honor your friendship, say thank-you for all their support, and tie together your wedding theme with incredible beauty.

If You’re a Glam Girl

If you’re a glamorous bride, your designer dress is stunning. It may be sleek and shimmering with sequins; it might be a gorgeous mermaid dress or a princess-inspired ball gown. Your jewelry will be formal. Amazing shoes are a must, and your veil is drop-dead gorgeous.

To tie together your glamorous theme, lay on the sparkle! For example, a shimmering opal rhinestone headband like 6603 for you goes beautifully with a smaller comb like 6617 for your friends.

Other sparkly options for your maids: 6543, 1978, and 1710

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Glamorous page.

If You’re Vintage-tastic

If you’re a vintage bride, you’re probably rocking a red lip or a birdcage veil. Long lace sleeves, a high neckline, or a cute tea-length number set the stage for a charming ceremony! Your reception style incorporates more sparkle, complete with a beaded jazz-era gown and shimmering accessories.

Complement your vintage-inspired accessories with similar styles for your bridesmaids, just on a smaller scale. For example, our Art Deco headpiece 6400 dovetails nicely with glittering comb 6405.

Other vintage options for your maids: 6607, 6390, and 1721

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Vintage page.

If You’re Oh-So-Boho

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Laid-back yet chic, a bohemian style is perfect for summer! Breezy gowns and unique accessories are the hallmarks of free-spirited boho beauty. You’ve chosen comfortable outfits for your wedding weekend bash. You enjoy color, and your accessories include anything and everything that feels right to you.

Style your bridesmaids with halos or flower clips that mimic the style you’ve chosen for yourself. For the perfect blend of pretty, match a flexible headpiece style like 6542 with a wired comb like 6544.

Other bohemian options for your maids: 6505, 6629, and 1723

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Destination and My Bridal Style: Bohemian pages.

If You’re a Whimsical Romantic

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You love flowers, so of course you’re getting married in a garden! Your dress and veil feature soft tulle or beautifully elaborate lace; your sparkling, feminine accessories are nothing short of stunning. Your bridesmaids are probably dressed in soft pastels or floral prints.

Complement your own floral headpiece with a smaller-scale version for your maids. For example, if you’re wearing a lovely flower comb like 6600, match it with pins 1720.

Other romantic options for your maids: 6680, 1718, and 6699

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Romantic page.

If You’re Keeping It Classy

Your look is timeless and simple, which is what makes it so perfect. Your natural beauty takes center stage, and you don’t need a lot of accessories or trims. The gown and veil you’ve chosen are elegant and minimalistic. Your wedding is focused on celebrating your marriage, and nothing more.

Accessorize your bridesmaids with classic pearls that they can wear again after the wedding! Our rhinestone and pearl bridal headband 6640 pairs beautifully with pins 1722.

Other classic options for your maids: 1710, 6540, and 6483

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Classic page.

If You’re All About Trends

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If you’re a trendy bride, your look is totally modern. You want your wedding to be of-the-moment, with all the latest bits of pretty that runway fashions and independent designers can deliver! From celeb-inspired veils to stunning new accessories, your style is all about keeping it fresh.

Boho-luxe and princess-style gowns are in right now; delicate, sparkling accessories pair best with these romantic styles. Complement a flexible opal rhinestone hair vine like 6628 with matching pins 1717.

Other trendy options for your maids: 6690, 6564, and 6467

Want more inspiration? Check out our My Bridal Style: Trendy page.

These are just a few pairing suggestions. You can also let each person choose her own headpiece, or mix and match different styles! If you want to include your bridesmaids in the decision, find a Bel Aire Bridal Trunk Show at your nearest authorized bridal salon and play with all our prettiest headpieces in person. Have fun!

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.

10 Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding

lovely-family-000087191055_Medium They’re adorable, unpredictable, and hilarious. Some people do not want children, let alone pets, at their wedding. For others, the presence of furry family is an absolute requirement!

How involved your pet should be in your wedding depends on how they act around strangers/crowds; if they are trained or can be trained in time for the ceremony; and if you have someone you can trust to watch them while you’re cutting the cake.

Sound good? Then check out these 10 fun ways to include your pet as you get married and move forward in your love story.

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The Proposal

Could you say no to a cute little pup or kitty with a sparkly gift hanging from its collar? This utterly heart-melting proposal is perfect as you start a new family.

Engagement Photos

Celebrate this landmark occasion by including your pets in the engagement photos! Capture your special moment without the logistics of bringing animals to the wedding ceremony.

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Save The Dates

Use your engagement photos or snap a few fun pics on a family outing to personalize your Save The Dates and invitations. Your pets can be snuggled between you or sitting with a cute sign.

Cake Customization

Would a cake topper with a bride and groom feel out of place? Choose a custom topper with your whole furry family included, or go wild with an animal-themed cake!

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Getting Ready with Your Pet

You can take photos before the first look or ceremony with your fur baby. Take care with your wedding attire and be sure they have clean paws.

Walk Down the Aisle

Ask the bridesmaids or flower girls to walk (or carry) your pet down the aisle! You can decorate the leash or collar with flowers or leaves in keeping with your overall theme.

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Best Dog /Ring Bearer

If your dog is well-trained, you can give them the honor of ring-bearer! Slide on a collar or pillow with strings, or deck out your pup in a bandana or bow tie to mark the occasion.

Animal Wedding Theme

Some couples do an all-out animal wedding theme, and invite exotic animals with their trainers to the big day. On your registry, you can even ask guests to donate to your preferred charity.

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Wedding Portraits

Take photos with both sides of your new family and include your pets, too! This is a nice time to celebrate and share kisses with everyone.

Pet Treat Favors

If you’re hosting a pet-friendly wedding, provide water stations and an area for them to play. Send everyone home with treats!

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Are you including your pet in your wedding? Share your ideas!

8 Essentials for the Destination Bride

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Happy first day of summer! If you’re going away to elope or hosting a fantastic wedding weekend party, preparation is everything. Make sure you do these eight things to make your dreams come true!

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Make a List

Ever go on a trip and realize you forgot something important? It’s usually something small, like a hair brush or tampons or your bathing suit—but these things can greatly impact your comfort level.

Create a list of everything you’ll need to pack for the wedding, and double-check. This is not the time to underpack or think “it’ll be fine.” This is your special day! Everything won’t be perfect, but being prepared will get it pretty close.

Protect Your Gear

Keep your wedding gown in a garment bag at all times, and hang it away from pets or small children. Safely store your wedding day jewelry, headpiece, garter, undergarments, shoes, and veil. It’s helpful to keep these in a pocket of the garment bag—or in a separate travel box that will keep everything accounted for. Do not iron your veil. To get out wrinkles, you can lightly steam it or hang it for a few days and they will fall out.

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Have Backups

Accidents happen. If you’ve seen any wedding movie ever, you’ve seen the bride tear her veil, spill wine all over her dress, lose her shoes to the dog, or drop her ring in the shower. Hopefully none of these perils befall you! But if anything does go wrong, it helps to have a backup LWD, hair clip, and pair of flats. You can wear these items on your honeymoon, and you’ll feel better knowing you won’t be walking down the aisle in jeans.

Use a Host

Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of events. It’s difficult to live in the moment and enjoy yourself if guests are constantly asking questions, or if you have to stop and pay the photographer before they leave, or if you have to find out who is double parked. Designate someone else—be it your MOH or wedding planner—to act as the gracious host. Let them solve problems so you can relax and just enjoy being the bride!

Emergency Medical Info

Emergencies happen, even at weddings. Whether your fiancé steps on a rattlesnake or your relative falls on the dance floor, you should know who to call. Even if nothing goes wrong on the wedding day, you might require medical help on the honeymoon. Keep your information with you, bring extra medication, and let your insurance companies know that you are traveling. Make sure you are covered abroad.

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Vendors Who Can Be There

Many popular destination wedding spots will suggest (or require) vendors they work with on a regular basis. Make sure you are comfortable with these businesses and plan the details with them ahead of time. Get their contact information. If someone isn’t reliable or doesn’t understand your vision, consider working with someone else. Especially when you’re far from home, it helps to have vendors you can trust to be there.

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Do Paperwork in Advance

Do you both have updated passports? Have you changed your name(s)? Have you purchased a license and hired someone who can perform your wedding? A lot of rules apply to marriage ceremonies, so make sure the two of you can travel and get married in your chosen destination. There may be residency requirements or additional fees. Be prepared so you don’t have to sign at the court house later.

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Pick a Style

Destination weddings are fun because they can be so much more intimate and carefree than a traditional wedding ceremony. Smaller weddings are easier to style, too! Transform your bridal look with a destination style—whether it’s glamorous, trendy, romantic, vintage-inspired, or beachy. Choosing a theme will help make your wedding feel just a bit more special and make it stand out from the rest of the celebratory weekend.

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Are you hosting a destination wedding? Check out our My Bridal Style: Destination for bridal styling ideas, and follow us on Instagram for the latest industry trends.

Our 5 Prettiest Lace Veils

There’s nothing more romantic or dreamy than a stunning cathedral veil. Lace edges lend a feminine, utterly graceful accent to your bridal ensemble—in fact, these beautiful trims have been used in weddings for hundreds of years! While most laces nowadays are machine-embroidered and then stitched on or beaded by hand, the effect is still absolutely gorgeous. Check out our different types of lace veils and discover the perfect design for your wedding day.

Chantilly Lace

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Originally created in France, Chantilly lace is characteristically soft and pairs well with flowing gowns and layered overskirts. An airy, eyelash lace design flawlessly complements a fairy-tale ensemble. Style V7210 features a beautiful cascading 2-tier waltz length veil edged in soft Chantilly lace. Pair it up with sparkling jewelry to complete a formal look, or go boho-chic and add a floral headpiece for an utterly romantic outfit.

Venise Flowers

Venise lace originated in Italy and is characterized by Baroque floral scrolling patterns. More structured than many other modern laces, Venise flowers make a striking impression and were used on Princess Kate’s veil back in 2011. Style V7273 features a simple rolled edge and beautiful, narrow Venise lace flowers along the curve of a flattering fingertip veil. This timeless, elegant look is truly fit for royalty.

Floral Appliqués

We’ve all heard the saying, less is more. Scattered lace appliqués add a touch of nature-inspired bridal beauty to your ensemble without an overpowering amount of trim. Perfect for a more whimsical look or an outdoor rustic wedding theme, scattered lace beautifully complements a lace gown with subtle sweetness. Style V7159 incorporates floral appliqués and a classic cut edge in a waltz length design. So romantic, we are swooning!

Metallic Embroidery

Metallic embroidered lace adds rich, luxurious beauty to any bridal gown. This look can be vintage-inspired or totally modern, depending on how you style it. Many designers have created dresses with lavish gold embroidery or stunning silver beadwork. Style V7281 features a metallic rolled edge and beautiful metallic lace appliqués that can be customized in silver or gold. Add accessories such as gold jewelry or a beaded belt to finish off a look that is all you.

Alençon Lace

Our best-loved veils feature Alençon lace. Formal, feminine, and beautifully elegant, Alençon lace was originally created in France and remains a stunning addition to any bridal ensemble. Style V7034CX is our most coveted cathedral veil, featuring a light rolled edge and lavish, eye-catching lace embellishing the sides and bottom curve. This gorgeous style is perfect for the pure romantic.

Want more? Check out our Lace Veils and Cathedral Veils pages for additional options. Visit our My Bridal Style pages to discover the perfect look for you!

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