July 27th

Photo by: Pasha Belman Photography on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: Who says that you have to wear white at your wedding? We love that this pastel blue seersucker gown is striking yet still bridal-appropriate. If you're thinking of wearing a wedding dress in a non-traditional color, select a coordinating look for your groom and ushers, like this bride did, to avoid clashing.

Here, a few more of our favorite dresses with a subtle pop of color:

tamra barneys wedding dress
Photo by: Christine Bentley on Wedding Chicks via Loverly

lilac badgley mischka dress
Photo Credit: Badgley Mischka

casablanca wedding dress
Photo Credit: Casablanca

gold wedding dress
Photo Credit: Romona Keveza Couture

theia wedding dress
Photo Credit: Theia

Plus, check out The Hottest New Gowns from the Runways. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more tips and advice.

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50 Magical Harry Potter-Inspired Wedding Ideas

Harry Potter took the world by storm 20 years ago — and today, so many people who grew up on the series are tying the knot and infusing their love of Harry Potter into their weddings. Here, check out 50 of our favorite ways to indulge in your Harry Potter love on your wedding day.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Hogwarts Express

    Hogwarts Express

    Hop aboard the Hogwarts Express to travel from your ceremony to your reception!

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • The Sorting Hat

    The Sorting Hat

    Where should your guests sit? Leave it up to the Sorting Hat to determine whether your mom belongs in Slytherin or whether she's truly a Gryffindor at heart.

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Table Décor

    Table Décor

    Dress your head table with some of your favorite paraphernalia from the series, like the Sorting Hat, a broomstick, and an owl.

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Table Décor

    Table Décor

    Adorn your tables with each house's colors — blue and bronze for Ravenclaw...

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Table Décor

    Table Décor

    ...scarlet and gold for Gryffindor...

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Table Décor

    Table Décor

    ...yellow and black for Hufflepuff...

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Table Décor

    Table Décor

    ...and green and silver for Slytherin.

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Cakes

    Cakes

    Create a groom's cake that resembles a stack of the series' books.

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Cakes

    Cakes

    For your wedding cake, theme each of the cake's tiers after one of Hogwarts' four houses.

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Quidditch

    Quidditch

    Carry your rings inside a Golden Snitch.

    Photo courtesy of CustomMade

  • Table Signs

    Table Signs

    Or just seat the non-believers at the muggles table!

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Magic Wands

    Magic Wands

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Table Signs

    Table Signs

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Hogwarts

    Hogwarts

    Re-create the look and feel of Hogwarts' Great Hall by seating your guests at four long tables — one for each house.

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Magic Wands

    Magic Wands

    Posing with a pair of magic wands is a must.

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Table Signs

    Table Signs

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Themed Attire

    Themed Attire

    Let your guests' get in on the fun! This cheerful guest resembled Mrs. Weasley as she handed out the ceremony programs.

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Honeydukes

    Honeydukes' Treats

    Set a chocolate frog — complete with a famous witch or wizard collectible card — at each place setting.

    Photo Credit: SO Photography

  • Hogwarts

    Hogwarts

    Name your wedding locations after the book's popular places, and point the way with chalkboard signs.

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Quidditch

    Quidditch

    Liven up your cocktail hour with a rousing game of Quidditch.

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Owls

    Owls

    Owls play a huge role in Harry Potter; whether you choose to have an owl deliver your rings or you just incorporate a few owl props, don't forget to pay tribute to Hedwig's memory. 

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Magic Wands

    Magic Wands

    Let each of your guests make a stop at Ollivanders to pick up a wand before entering your ceremony. 

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Hogwarts Express

    Hogwarts Express

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Table Signs

    Table Signs

    Help out your less Harry Potter-savvy guests by explaining each house's characteristics on your tables.

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Magic Wands

    Magic Wands

    Instead of asking guests to raise their glasses at the end of the best man or maid of honor's speech, ask them to raise their wands to bless the couple.

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Godric

    Godric's Hallow

    Seek out a photo location that reminds you of the series; this charming house makes us think of Godric's Hallow.

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Magic Wands

    Magic Wands

    Or add a Gryffindor scarf to the background of your ring photo.

    Photo Credit: Heroic Photography

  • Book Props

    Book Props

    Hand each of your bridesmaids one of the series' books for a fun photo op.

    Photo Credit: Heroic Photography

  • Honeydukes

    Honeydukes' Treats

    Salt water taffy enchanted with the Tongue-Tying Curse will render the recipient unable to speak about a particular subject. 

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Table Signs

    Table Signs

    Photo Credit: Geoff White Photographers

  • Quidditch

    Quidditch

    Photo courtesy of CustomMade

  • Hogwarts Express

    Hogwarts Express

    "This train scene is where the magic in Harry Potter began, and it’s a symbol of the beginning of our journey as a married couple, along with being an ode to our favorite series," said the bride-to-be.

    Photo Credit: Need A Wedding Photographer

  • Book Props

    Book Props

    Here, the couple showed off each of their favorite books from the beloved series.

    Photo Credit: Need A Wedding Photographer

  • Honeydukes

    Honeydukes' Treats

    These sherbet balls are rumored to have the power to make you levitate a few inches off the ground. 

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Magic Potions

    Magic Potions

    Give each guest a favor of liquid luck — and take a sip yourself before you walk down the aisle!

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Marauder

    Marauder's Map

    Design your wedding ceremony programs to resemble the Marauder's Map.

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Magic Wands

    Magic Wands

    Chocolate-covered pretzels make the most delicious magic wands you'll ever find.

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Magic Potions

    Magic Potions

    Love (or infatuation, really) will be in the air at your wedding with this most potent love potion.

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Honeydukes

    Honeydukes' Treats

    No Harry Potter wedding is complete without a dessert buffet dedicated to treats from Honeydukes, the legendary wizarding world sweets shop.

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Magic Wands

    Magic Wands

    Photograph your rings inside your favorite book. Bonus points for "The Unbreakable Vow" chapter.

    Photo Credit: Heroic Photography

  • Magic Wands

    Magic Wands

    After you exchange your vows, have your guests lift their wands and cast a spell on you that promises a lifetime of happiness together.

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Themed Attire

    Themed Attire

    A Gryffindor scarf is all you need to add a touch of Harry Potter to your wedding ceremony.

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Hogwarts Express

    Hogwarts Express

    This couple grabbed their wands and scarves (from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, naturally) and posed for their engagement photos at GC Railroad Museum in Miami, FL, which represented the Hogwarts Express and its special train platform, Platform 9¾. 

    Photo Credit: Need A Wedding Photographer

  • Time Turner

    Time Turner

    The duo used a Time-Turner to travel back to the moment when they first met.

    Photo Credit: Brooke Aliceon Photography

  • Butterbeer

    Butterbeer

    Delight your guests with this butterscotch-flavored beverage.

    Photo Credit: Brooke Aliceon Photography

  • Flying Broomsticks

    Flying Broomsticks

    This couple also showed their love of Harry Potter in their engagement photos by "flying" on broomsticks.

    Photo Credit: Brooke Aliceon Photography

  • Book Props

    Book Props

    Books, wands, and a Platform 9¾ sign made the perfect photo props.

    Photo Credit: Brooke Aliceon Photography

  • Book Bouquet

    Book Bouquet

    This crafty bride carried the pages of her favorite book down the aisle in a paper flower bouquet.

    Photo Credit: Sweetleaf Photography

  • Honeydukes

    Honeydukes' Treats

    Try your luck with Bernie Bott's Every Flavour Beans — and cross your fingers you don't end up with booger or rotten egg. 

    Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Photo Ideas

    Photo Ideas

    The bride and groom are ready to tackle Lord Voldemort — or just the trials and tribulations of marriage — in this epic wedding photo.

    Photo Credit: Need A Wedding Photographer

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50 Magical Harry Potter-Inspired Wedding Ideas

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40+ Beautiful Wedding Dresses to Fit Every Budget

Whether you can afford to spend $500 or $5,000 on a wedding gown, every bride deserves to look and feel like a million bucks on her big day. We narrowed down drop-dead gorgeous picks in every price range — the hardest part will be choosing just one!

By: Stefania Sainato

Enter Slideshow
  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    With its gorgeous sheen and impeccable fit, you'd swear that Style WG3805 by David’s Bridal costs triple its actual price tag. Look closely and you'll spot a subtle gathering at the hip, making it a figure-flattering choice as well.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    This delicate lace and pearl maxi dress by ASOS is perfect for the offbeat bride who wants a unique look for their big day. Bonus: The fishtail skirt with scallop hem detail is removable, creating two looks for the price of one dress.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    Take the plunge in a backless gown! Style Monaco by Lurelly (available at Revolve) proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to look like a style star on your big day.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    Modcloth's Gilded Grace Dress in Blush is a fun and flirty option for a City Hall elopement or an intimate reception. And at just $175, it's an incredible steal.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    Getting married in a tropical destination wedding? A flowy chiffon gown fits the barefoot-on-the-beach vibe — we're partial to Style 2622 by Mary's Bridal Informals.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    Get maximum bang for your buck with a curve-hugging fit-and-flare gown (Style GA2255 by Ella Rosa Gallery). With its graceful tulle skirt and pretty lace appliqués, we could envision this versatile style in almost any type of wedding setting.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    A champagne/ivory bodice and skirt in contrasting fabrics creates a luxe-for-less look. Style F7048 from Informals by DaVinci also features an elegant bateau neckline and detachable bow belt.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    Rustic brides, you'll fall head over cowboy boots for Style WG3817 by Galina, exclusively at David's Bridal. Three-quarter-length sleeves and a fluid A-line silhouette are feminine without being frou-frou.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    Bring on the romance in Style BE295 by Ella Rosa! We're swooning over its dainty straps and semi-cathedral train with lace appliqués.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $501 to $1,000

    $501 to $1,000

    Belle of the ball! Live out your princess bride fantasy in Style 2961 by Allure Romance, featuring ruching along the bodice, and vine-like lace appliqués.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $501 to $1,000

    $501 to $1,000

    Jenny Packham is heralded for her vintage-glam designs. Now, thanks to her affordable offshoot brand, Wonder by Jenny Packham, you can nab this UK designer's signature style for significantly less. Style 57318 rings in at under a grand, and the embellished bodice makes it a standout.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $501 to $1,000

    $501 to $1,000

    Can't envision yourself tying the knot in a poufy gown or traditional French lace? Sometimes simple really is best. Style 57318 by Willowby reminds us of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's iconic minimalist wedding-day look.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $501 to $1,000

    $501 to $1,000

    Imagine floating down the aisle in Style MJ261 by Madison James. Amazing, right? Crafted from chiffon, lace, and tulle, it showcases an ultra-pretty embroidered bodice and back detailing.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $501 to $1,000

    $501 to $1,000

    Style F1607 by Franssical boasts fashion-forward metallic floral appliqués. Detachable cap sleeves and a chapel-length train complete this chic ensemble.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $501 to $1,000

    $501 to $1,000

    Style 50371 by DaVinci Bridal is a refined take on the plunging neckline trend that's taking over the bridal world. In addition to the breathtaking illusion bodice, it also has a sheer lace back accented with buttons.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $501 to $1,000

    $501 to $1,000

    Turn heads wearing Style 527 by Bonny Bridal. A keyhole back and cathedral-length train add sultry appeal to an otherwise traditional satin ball gown.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $501 to $1,000

    $501 to $1,000

    Designers sent out long-sleeved gowns of every iteration this season, and one of our favorites is the Cherish Style from Beloved by Casablanca. Strategically-placed lace appliqués feel fresh and modern, and the open neckline balances it out. A velvet sash at the natural waist offers a lovely finishing touch.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $501 to $1,000

    $501 to $1,000

    Style 18021 by Ellis Bridals screams drama, from its embroidered corset bodice to the multi-tier skirt. All of those pleats and ruffles will look beautiful in action on the dance floor.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    It doesn't get more glamorous than Style 9364 from Allure Bridals. Step into the spotlight with a uniquely distinctive skirt and beaded embroidery.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    If you gravitate toward classic lace gowns, then you've met your match with Style 17110 by Wtoo. Check out that sophisticated off-the-shoulder neckline and body-skimming sheath silhouette.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    A classic ball gown — Style CWG729 by Oleg Cassini, exclusively at David's Bridal — gets the royal treatment with mother-of-pearl beading and off-the-shoulder sleeves. Plus, a pink underlay infuses the subtlest hint of color.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    Looks can be deceiving — you don't need a super-sized budget to afford this drop-waist beauty from Moonlight Bridal. Style J6434 features cross-pleated layers of organza, ideal for flaunting an hourglass shape.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    You'll feel like a goddess in this boho-beautiful gown. Crafted from lace and Santorini chiffon, Style Deidre from Maggie Sottero showcases long sleeves, a bateau neckline with illusion detailing.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    Pretty in pink — the softest infusion of color gives this Madison James ball gown, MJ250, a rosy glow. It's also on our wish list because of its V-neckline and layered tulle skirt.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    Evoke the decadence of the Roaring Twenties in Style 6410 by Lillian West. This vintage-inspired dress is made of metallic lace and chiffon, with dazzling beadwork on the V-neckline and back.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    Stunning in its simplicity, Style 1646 by Kenneth Winston is an organza fit-and-flare dress with a semi-cathedral train. It also comes with a detachable crystal beaded sash.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    Inspired by the "Isle of Beauty" in the Mediterranean Sea, Eddy K's "Corsica" style rings true to its heavenly French namesake. It combines cap sleeves, an illusion back, lace, and tulle, resulting in a one-of-a-kind design.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,001 to $1,500

    $1,001 to $1,500

    Nude underlays are everywhere this season; in particular, Style Water Lily from Casablanca Bridal stole our hearts. This fit-and-flare dress also features a sweetheart neckline and a delicate train.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,501 to $3,000

    $1,501 to $3,000

    Tiers of joy — Aire Barcelona's Medit Style was made for the girly-girl bride. A strapless neckline and beaded bodice balance out the look-at-me skirt.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,501 to $3,000

    $1,501 to $3,000

    Style D8115 from Val Stefani is the hippie-chic wedding dress of your dreams. We can't get enough of those bell sleeves and draped pearl back.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,501 to $3,000

    $1,501 to $3,000

    Style 610 from Ultra Sophisticates by Demetrios is a striking fit-and-flare gown. We love the double lace straps as an alternative to a traditional short sleeve.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,501 to $3,000

    $1,501 to $3,000

    Style Tamirys from Sottero and Midgley isn't your run-of-the-mill ball gown! A plunging V-neckline, lattice patterns of Swarovski crystals and pearls, and hidden pockets add major "wow" factor.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,501 to $3,000

    $1,501 to $3,000

    When else can you rock a fancy ball gown than on your wedding day? Sophia Tolli's Novella Style is spellbinding, with its hand-beaded embroidered bodice, sparkling gathered full skirt, and chapel-length train. Matching illusion cap sleeves or three-quarter-length sleeves are also available and sold separately.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,501 to $3,000

    $1,501 to $3,000

    Shine bright on your wedding day in Maggie Sottero's stunning Andraea Style, adorned with Swarovski crystals and glimmering beaded embellishments on soft tulle. Godet panels add soft volume and ethereal elegance to the skirt.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,501 to $3,000

    $1,501 to $3,000

    Strut your stuff in a high-low dress that shows off your shoes! Style 9818 from Justin Alexander Signature also features eye-catching corded embroidered lace, an illusion neckline, and a soft handkerchief underlay.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,501 to $3,000

    $1,501 to $3,000

    X marks the spot! Embrace the athleisure trend in Alma Novia's Foral Style, a Duchesse satin ball gown with a bateau neckline and criss-cross back.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    Tying the knot in the winter? Amsale's Myra style is befitting of this magical season, with a Chantilly lace bodice, long sleeves, and a full tulle skirt.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    Giving the cold shoulder never looked so good! The beadwork detailing on this crepe sheath (Style Saboya by Rosa Clará) blew us away.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    Style RK7404 from the Romona Keveza Collection takes the "illusion" concept to a whole new level. This pearl silk crepe and Reticella lace trumpet gown showcases breathtaking cap sleeves and a transparent tulle overskirt.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    An allover lace gown in a grand silhouette (Style Leonora by Reem Acra) is perfect for a black-tie bash. We love that it includes a subtle sheer corset.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    Delicate yet striking, Oscar de la Renta's Grace Style stands out from the pack with layered floral embroidery. For extra oomph, pair it with a coordinating cathedral-length veil, as shown here.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    No shrinking violets here. A small pop of color goes a long way on Monique Lhuillier's "Blossom" ball gown. 

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    Mermaid magic! This look from Marchesa's collection mixes engineered laces with a tulle skirt.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    Pnina Tornai is best known for her sultry wedding gowns featuring sheer corsets, extraordinary lace work, high-end fabrications, and crystal embellishments. Her new LOVE by Pnina Tornai capsule collection, while still a splurge, features couture dream dresses at a much more accessible price point (ranging from $2,500 to $3,500). Style 14487 is one of our favorites: we love the V-neckline and spaghetti straps on this crepe back satin dress.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    Toeing the line between romantic and sexy, Galia Lahav's "Arabella" style is entirely embellished with three-dimensional silk flowers, crystals, beads, and scattered silk petals that adorn the neckline. We think it would be especially dreamy for a garden or vineyard wedding.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $3,001 and Up

    $3,001 and Up

    For a classic look with a twist, look no further than Carolina Herrera's Arielle Style. This strapless A-line gown is clean-cut in the front, with a fun oversized bow in the back.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $1,501 to $3,000

    $1,501 to $3,000

    An ode to springtime, Style Ofelia from Pronovias enchants with floral motifs and details in thread embroidery and gemstones. It's crafted from tulle, combined with Chantilly and guipure lace.

    Photo courtesy of designer

  • $500 and Under

    $500 and Under

    Spun from diaphanous lace, Style Noelle (available on BHLDN) is an oh-so-pretty option for a relaxed summer soirée. Plus, it can be worn in over 15 different ways, making it maternity-friendly.

    Photo courtesy of designer

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40+ Beautiful Wedding Dresses to Fit Every Budget

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Stunning Hair Accessories From Real Weddings

Unadorned hair is beautiful on its own, but headpieces can pull your entire wedding-day look together. The options are truly endless — choose from glitzy headbands, classic hair combs, retro fascinators, and more. To help you get started, we've pulled together 30+ inspiring examples from real wedding submissions, ranging from subtle to bold, and brides with short to long hair. Happy pinning!

By: Stefania Sainato

Enter Slideshow
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Stunning Hair Accessories From Real Weddings

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July 25th

Photo by: Randi Marie Photography on Society Bride via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: When you plan to go dress shopping, always be on time for your appointment. Tardiness is the number-one complaint of dress shop owners and staff. Dress shops stagger their appointments in many cases so that they can give brides their full attention and the run of the entire boutique.

So if loved ones that you invited to attend are running late, start your consultation and start browsing without them so that you don't have to feel rushed by a staffer looking nervously at the clock. You won't get your dream dress shopping experience that way.

Plus, check out 10 More Mistakes Brides Make When Dress Shopping. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more tips and advice.

 

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