8 Best Veil Alternatives

This article brought to you by Westbury Manor, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Venue!

Not into a traditional bridal look? Here are the 8 best veil alternatives for your wedding day.

Some brides love tradition, and some want to kick it to the curb! If you’re part of the latter group, you may be looking for ways to make your wedding stand out from the crowd.

One way to add a unique twist to your bridal look is by ditching the veil and going for something different. If you want to bypass the lace and tulle, here are the 8 best veil alternatives.

• MORE: 5 Alternatives to a Bouquet or Garter Toss

1. Flower crowns

Can we say “a boho wedding dream”?

 

2. Fascinators

If you’re going for a vintage feel, fascinators are a great choice.

 

3. Decorative flowers

Another detail that gives off boho flair!

 

4. Hats

Hats are perfect for a more rustic or casual wedding.

 

5. Tiaras

You’ll feel like a princess!

 

6. Decorative headbands

Think of it as an understated tiara.

 

7. Bows

Whimsical and classy!

 

8. Pins or barrettes

These can be sleek and delicate or bold statement pieces.

• MORE: Plan your wedding with Ring Leader

Saying “I do” on Long Island? Check out the best wedding venues in Suffolk County!

From the Queens border to the East End, there are so many beautiful Long Island wedding venues. Each one has something unique that is perfect for brides on their big day. From large catering halls to smaller intimate restaurants, how do you choose? Well, you start by figuring out where on Long Island you want to say “I do.”

Whether you’re from eastern Long Island or are just looking for a great venue that fits your vibe, the wedding venues in Suffolk County are sure to fit your needs. If you’re looking to say your vows on the beach in Montauk or in a vineyard on the North Fork, here are some of the best wedding venues in Suffolk County.

Sunset Harbor
East Patchogue
Located in its own marina and tucked away along the Great South Bay, Sunset Harbour has been family owned and operated for the past 25 years. The marina offers stunning views of the water and makes for great sunset photos. It can accommodate up to 250 guests.

Swan Lake Caterers
Manorville
This boutique-style venue is located on the greens of Swan Lake Golf Course. It features a rustic indoor look with wine barrels, barn doors and lanterns.

The Meadow Club
Port Jefferson Station
This recently renovated property boasts crystal chandeliers and perfectly manicured gardens. The Meadow Club hosts one wedding at a time, and offers various packages that fit every budget and wedding party size!

The Old Field Club
East Setauket
The Old Field Club offers waterfront views along the North Shore with rustic yet elegant charm. This intimate venue can accommodate up to 180 guests.

The Piermont
Babylon
Nestled on the Great South Bay, this waterfront venue features floor-to-ceiling windows for your guests to enjoy beautiful sunsets and amazing water views. The menus feature locally sourced products and American classics.

MORE: Best Wedding Venues in Nassau County

Watermill Caterers
Smithtown
Located in the heart of Suffolk County, this hidden gem features a sprawling estate, manicured landscapes, winding pathways and historic architecture. Your wedding will have old-world charm with luxurious modern comforts. It can accommodate up to 350 guests.

Insignia
Smithtown
This steakhouse-turned wedding venue can accommodate up to 300 guests. It offers indoor and outdoor spaces for a ceremony. Insignia combines the feel of a Hamptons-style mansion with an upscale Manhattan restaurant for a unique wedding. 

360 East at Montauk Downs
Montauk
Head to The End and celebrate your wedding day in an elegant setting. Wow your guests (up to 200 of them!) with views of Montauk. As a bonus, say your vows with the Montauk Lighthouse as your backdrop.

The Vineyards at Aquebogue
Aquebogue
The Vineyards has a rustic, farmhouse feel with enchanting gardens and (obviously) authentic vineyards. With a guest capacity of 300, this venue offers a variety of enhancement packages, as well as all-inclusive packages for Saturday or Sunday day weddings.

MORE: From Rustic to Glamourous, The Vineyards at Aquebogue Offers it All – One Wedding at a Time

Chateau at Coindre Hall
Huntington
With the Huntington Harbor as a backdrop, this mansion is both timeless and historic. Couples can exchange vows in the garden or the ballroom. And the photo opportunities are endless with a courtyard with vine-covered columns, a spiral staircase and six fireplaces. 

Essex Club
Brentwood
This quaint country club is set among 50 acres of rolling greens and picturesque perennials. Have your ceremony at the outside gazebo or in front of a roaring fireplace inside. And then dance the night away with up to 250 guests in the grand ballroom.

MORE: “No two weddings are ever the same.”  Essex Club offers versatility, affordability, and charm

Stonebridge Country Club
Smithtown
This modern-day country club overlooks a lush, green golf course and woodlands, offering plenty of photo opportunities. Stonebridge can accommodate up to 350 guests. It has an outdoor gazebo for ceremonies, and a couple options for cocktail hour.

Bourne Mansion
Oakdale
This historic Vanderbilt Museum is located on the Great South Bay with breathtaking views inside and out. The mansion features 40-foot vaulted ceilings, an elegant wooden staircase and a grand ballroom. It can hold up to 300 of your guests.

Estate at Three Village Inn
Stony Brook
Located in the heart of the historic town and overlooking Stony Brook Harbor, the Estate at Three Village Inn is a unique backdrop for your wedding day. Host your rehearsal dinner at their Mirabelle restaurant, stay overnight in their cozy rooms or suites, and then say your vows in the garden before enjoying your reception in their ballroom.

MORE: The Estate at Three Village Inn Offers Unique Charm That’s Off the Beaten Path

Mansion at Timber Point
Great River
The Mansion at Timber Point is nestled along the Great South Bay, offering views of Fire Island and the rolling greens of a golf course. Inside the historic mansion offers classic country décor with a modern twist for you and your up to 250 guests.

The Mansion at West Sayville
West Sayville
The Mansion at West Sayville offers classic splendor with rustic beach charm. It features views of the Great South Bay, Fire Island and the Maritime Museum. The grand ballroom features French doors to separate the dance floor from the dining room. A perfect setting for up to 220 guests.

Pavilion at Sunken Meadow
Kings Park
The Pavilion at Sunken Meadow is the premier location for the perfect beach wedding. It offers stretches of sand, gentle bay breezes and beautiful sunset views. It can accommodate up to 300 guests.

View
Oakdale
View offers a refined yet relaxing setting with beautiful waterfront views and award-winning food. Host your intimate wedding with up to 180 guests at the View for a customized menu and breathtaking landscapes.

East Wind Long Island
Wading River
East Wind features 26 acres on the Island’s North Shore giving brides plenty of opportunities for amazingly beautiful photos. Not only does it give you several options for your wedding – everything from an intimate garden affair to a stately ballroom – it also is home to a hotel, with several restaurants, shops and a full-service spa and salon. 

MORE: With Five Different Spaces, Shoppes and More, East Wind Long Island Offers Brides Plenty of Options

Giorgio’s Baiting Hollow
Baiting Hollow
Every wedding at Giorgio’s is personally overseen by the owners to make sure your perfect day goes smoothly. This venue is unique in its indoor/outdoor setting, with scenic views of a beautiful, rolling golf course. 

Atlantis Banquets & Events
Riverhead
When you hear “Atlantis,” you probably think of the aquarium. But why not get married there? From a small gathering of 20 guests to up to 650, you get to choose from up to nine different locations around the property to celebrate your big day. And don’t forget to inquire about taking photos with the animals!

MORE: Renovations Make Atlantis Banquet & Events the Perfect Venue for a Wedding on the Water

Bellport Country Club
Bellport
This one-wedding venue is located in the village of Bellport and offers rolling views of the championship golf course and Great South Bay. It features an indoor-outdoor cocktail hour, and a beautiful private garden for the perfect ceremony. 

Villa Lombardi’s
Holbrook
For more than four decades, the Lombardi family has set the standard in Long Island hospitality. Known for its delicious Neapolitan Italian Cuisine, the Lombardis bring a little bit of timeless tradition to your wedding day.

One10
Melville
This restaurant space is designed in a modern, chic style, with plenty of natural light and warm wooden flooring. In addition to hosting wedding celebrations, it also operates as an Italian steakhouse.

The Halston
Melville
This new addition to the Anthony Scotto family has everything you need on your wedding day. It features exciting cuisine that you can pair with perfect wines and signature cocktails. This is the perfect venue for up to 200 guests, and hosts one wedding at a time.

MORE: BOLI Preferred Venue Debuts Exciting Transformation to The Halston

Blackstone Steakhouse
Melville
Just like every couple, every wedding at Blackstone is refreshingly unique and special. Offering elegant, modern décor with quarried stone, rich natural wood and warmly glowing chandeliers and fireplaces, it sets the mood for an incredible and memorable wedding day.

Bayview House at Captain Bills
Bay Shore
The Bayview House is nestled off the South Shore and offers stunning views of the Great South Bay. It features shimmering chandeliers, a second floor bridal suite with a balcony overlooking the grand ballroom and cathedral windows showcasing panoramic water views. 

The Royalton on the Greens
Melville
This family-owned venue sits on top of a hill at the heart of a breathtaking golf course. Magical waterfalls will be the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos while guests enjoy beautiful views. Hidden by the gilded gates of a country club, Royalton on the Greens will feel like your own private oasis.

Water’s Edge
Centerport
This waterfront venue offers stunning views with the charm of the Gatsby styling on the Gold Coast of Long Island. Its event team offers exceptional service and an expertly trained staff, which is ready to make your dream wedding a reality.

And remember, no matter where you have your wedding, you will be in great hands with BOLI’s preferred venues!

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Stephanie discusses why changing their original plans led to the best photos.

As Stephanie and Sean were planning their April 18, 2025 wedding, they wanted to make sure that they acknowledged all of the important people in their lives – including two very special family members.

A Family Proposal

The newlyweds met at a Babylon bar right before the Covid pandemic, but due to the resulting shutdowns, didn’t start dating until about 18 months later. Fast forward two more years to 2023, and Sean proposed at an East End vineyard in front of their families. “His family was visiting from Ireland, so everyone was there,” Stepanie says. “Sean put a tag on our dog that said, ‘Mom, will you marry my daddy?’ It was so cute.”

Planning a Big Party

After they got engaged, Sean and Stephanie knew they wanted a huge party. “We were going to have so many people in the room on the same day – a lot of them international – so we wanted to make sure it was going to be a great party.” Because of this, she says the venue, the photographer and the DJ were the most important – and the first – vendors she booked.

Stephanie says that when she and Sean toured Larkfield, it was the only venue that excited him. “He loved the European feel of the venue,” she says. “And since we’re both foodies, we loved that they offered a huge variety at the cocktail hour. Between the atmosphere, ambiance and the food, we were both sold on Larkfield right away.”

Once the venue was booked, Sean and Stephanie focused on their other important vendors. For the DJ, they hired one of Sean’s friends who runs an entertainment company. “It was kind of a no-brainer because they used to work at a bar together, and it was the exact vibe we were looking for,” she says. “And they did not disappoint.” 

For photography and video, Stephanie says they were torn between The Glenmar Studio and Michael John Photography, both BOLI Preferred Vendors. Ultimately, they chose a package with Glenmar that included videography and a second photographer. On the day of their wedding, Stephanie realized that Glenmar’s second photographer was actually Mike from Michael John Photography! “We were super lucky with our photography because we got the best of both worlds,” she says. “I couldn’t be more thankful for them.”

MORE: 39 Questions to ask when choosing a DJ

Personal Touches and Honoring Loved Ones

In addition to a huge party, Stephanie and Sean wanted to make sure there were plenty of personal touches sprinkled throughout their day. From customized drink stirrers to a playlist packed with their favorite songs, the pair definitely pulled off their dream wedding. “Our signature cocktail was actually a drink that Sean made up when he used to work at a bar,” Stephanie says. “It’s not a real cocktail – but Sean and his friends went crazy when they saw it!”

The pair had a table with their family members’ pictures on it, as well as a memorial chair for Stephanie’s grandfather who passed away before their wedding day. They also made sure to highlight their closest loved ones: Sean’s father was his best man, and their dog was their flower girl. And not waiting to leave her mother out, “I did a special dance with her to a song she used to sing to me and my sister growing up.” Stephanie adds that a lot of the little things they incorporated throughout the day might have been very subtle to most of their guests, “but we knew they were there, and that’s what mattered the most to us.”

Those Special Moments

Stephanie and Sean planned to have their first look by their apartment on a path lined with cherry blossom trees. “It’s literally a walking path we take every day,” she says. Their photographers agreed it was a beautiful spot, so they ditched their original plans and decided to take all of their photos among the beautiful cherry blossoms. “The photos came out great, and it was so special that we can go back and revisit the spot whenever we want.”

Another special moment for the pair was sitting at their table and looking out at all of their loved ones. “Seeing everyone having a great time all together in one room was just an amazing feeling,” she says. “Especially for Sean’s family being all together not just in one room but on one continent. It was a truly special day.”

MORE: 7 of the Best Wedding Invitation Vendors on Long Island

Perfect Planning

All of the vendors they booked went above and beyond. Their florist, Vivian from Lindenhurst Village Florist, “gave us extra flowers for our cake, and for my grandpa’s memorial chair,” Stephanie says. “She is so easy to work with, and a saint of a woman.” 

Stephanie says her photos from The Glenmar Studio came out phenomenal. “Our video came out amazing too,” she adds. “And the best part was it only took them a week to get it back to us! They even gave us a reel for Instagram, which they put to our first dance. I loved all of their attention to detail.”

Stephanie says that the BOLI Facebook page really helped her in researching vendors. “I had a spreadsheet with my own notes, and then notes from other brides to help me choose,” she says. “The group really allowed me to see real reviews, which was super helpful.”

MORE: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

As she and Sean relax on their Jamaican honeymoon, she wants other brides to know that no matter how stressful planning can be, their wedding day will be perfect. “Honestly, when we got to Larkfield, I noticed a table wasn’t decorated exactly how I wanted it, but then I realized that no one else would know that but me. So then I just relaxed and enjoyed the day. Because in the end, it’s about you and your spouse, everything else just falls into place.”

Vendors:
Venue: Larkfield
Photographer/Videographer: The Glenmar Studio, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
DJ: NRG Entertainment
Florist: Lindenhurst Village Florist
Hair: Ink & Ivy, a BOLI preferred vendor
Makeup: ZORIGLAM
Dress: Village Bridal, a BOLI preferred vendor
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse Glen Cove
Transportation: Sir Oliver, a BOLI preferred vendor
Flower preservation: La Boda Flores

This article brought to you by Michael John Photography, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendor!

Want to say “I do” abroad? Here’s how to choose the best destination for your destination wedding

You love being a bride of Long Island, but your ideal wedding day would happen…well, on another kind of Island. 

Plenty of brides want to get married somewhere other than home. And that’s great! Destination weddings add excitement and novelty to your big day. But how do you go about choosing the perfect destination? While you may have a few places in mind, there are some important factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you pick the best destination for your destination wedding.

• MORE: 7 Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding

Decide on your budget 

Solidifying your budget is the first — and most important — thing you should do. You don’t want to get your heart set on a location you can’t afford, and you don’t want to go into massive debt just for one day. 

Before you start searching “Italian villa weddings,” have a solid budget in place. 

Brainstorm with your fiancé 

You’re thinking an oceanside ceremony and reception on the pool deck, but they’re thinking cocktail hour at the lodge and a first dance by the fire place. Make sure you and your fiancé are on the same page, and if you’re not, find a compromise.

Even if you both know exactly where you want to get married, have a few other destination options in mind. You may find that your first choice is out of your budget, or that it won’t work for some other reason.

Think about your VIPs

Let’s go back to that oceanside ceremony. It’s your dream, but have you thought about how your grandmother with a walker will make it down to the shore? Or how your bridesmaid who’ll be 7 months pregnant will feel about flying internationally?

While it would be impossible to make decisions that make everyone happy, you should think about the people that you absolutely want in attendance. If they have mobility concerns or health issues, that may limit the destinations you should consider. You may also want to do a bit of research on accessibility at the destinations on your list.

Consider the weather

You’ve decided that October is the best month for your wedding, but October is not such a great month in the Caribbean. Why? Hurricane season. There’s nothing stopping you from planning a tropical wedding anyway, but just know you’ll be taking a huge chance on the weather. 

When you’ve narrowed down your choices, check the seasonal weather patterns at each destination. That could make your decision a lot easier. 

• MORE: Honeymoon Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank

Research marriage laws 

This is a big one if you’re considering international locations. There are some places that require couples to be physically present in the country for a certain amount of time before getting legally married.

If you don’t want to have a legal ceremony before or after your wedding day, and you don’t want to spend weeks (or more) in your destination’s country, you may have to look at other destinations instead.

Compare pricing

You’re stuck between two different destinations that both seem perfect. Now’s the time to get into the nitty gritty — money. One destination may be hundreds (or even thousands) more than the other. If both would be equally appealing, going with the cheaper option could give you some extra spending money to splurge on fun extras. 

Be sure to also compare prices of area vendors, lodging, and transportation!

Search for reviews and inspo

Now that you’ve gotten your final choices on a list, take some time to read reviews and look at previous weddings. You’ll get a sense of exactly how your day would go, and you’ll be able to scope out a vendor team you can trust.

Plus, seeing real weddings could give you some great ideas for your own big day!

If the thought of planning your destination wedding seems overwhelming, check out one of BOLI’s preferred destination wedding and honeymoon specialists!

• MORE: Find incredible destination wedding vendors on Ring Leader

If diamonds aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other beautiful stones you can get.

Whether you’ve been planning your wedding since you were a little girl, or you’re just starting to think about getting engaged, you might have thought about what type of engagement ring you’d like to wear. But what happens when diamonds aren’t necessarily your best friend? Don’t worry! There are plenty of other beautiful and unique stones you can consider for your engagement ring. Here are nine engagement ring stones that aren’t diamonds.

Sapphires
These stones are great because they can come in several different colors. You can even choose a white or colorless hue that could closely resemble a diamond. And what’s great about these is they are known for their durability, which makes them perfect for everyday wear.

Rubies
Channel your inner Dorothy and get yourself a bright red gemstone! They are one of the hardest stones, second only to diamonds, so they are also perfect for your unique engagement ring.

Emeralds
These green gemstones associated with elegance and glam can set you apart from the rest. While they are a bit softer than other stones, they are a great engagement ring option if set properly.

Moissanites
While not a natural stone, these lab-created stones can match the brilliance of a diamond. They are becoming increasingly popular because of their lower cost and high durability.

MORE: How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

Topaz
Another stone that comes in a variety of colors such as yellow, blue and pink. This is also a cost-effective gem that is a great, unique alternative to a diamond engagement ring.

Aquamarine
If blue is your favorite color, this vibrant gem could be perfect for you. It’s known for its calming and soothing powers. So not only could your engagement ring be beautiful, it could bring calm to your life.

Garnet
Another option for a vibrant red engagement ring. Garnets are also gaining popularity as a great option that isn’t a diamond. These are also a more affordable option.

MORE: What To Do If You Don’t Like Your Engagement Ring

Amethyst
If you want your left hand to sparkle and stand out, this purple gemstone could be your favorite. Not only is it a unique stone, it’s another affordable option for an engagement ring stone.

Opal
Opals are a very unique colorful gemstone. Depending on which angle you look at your ring, you can catch a glimpse of another color, setting this stone apart from the rest.

When deciding what engagement ring stone is perfect for you, it’s important to consider durability, budget, color, settings and any extra care requirements to keep your ring looking sparkly and new.

MORE: 8 Popular Diamond Shapes — Which One Should You Choose?

Whatever stone you like the best, it’s important to relay this information to your future spouse so they know exactly what you’re looking for. And remember, putting a ring on it is just the beginning to this amazing next chapter as you get ready to be a wife.

This article brought to you by Atlantis Banquets and Events, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Venue!

Bridezilla? No way! Be crowned a bridechilla by keeping these things in mind.

Your girls all cried tears of joy at your bridesmaid proposal brunch. And now, they can’t wait to help you plan and prep for your big day! But keep in mind something we often say at Brides of Long Island: no one cares about your wedding as much as you do. 

That’s not to say that your bridal party doesn’t care at all. Of course they do! But at the same time, their own lives and their own milestones have to take precedent over your wedding. Not accepting this early on can lead to misunderstanding, resentment, and ended friendships.

You want your girls to be excited for you, but you don’t want to be labelled a bridezilla either. Here’s how to be a ‘bridechilla’ when it comes to your bridesmaids, and still get the love and support you need. 

• MORE: Should I Fire My Bridesmaid?

Honor your bridesmaids’ personal styles

You may have your heart set on identical bridesmaid dresses, but the silhouette you want may not be the most flattering choice for your girls. Or maybe you don’t mind different dresses, but you have a ‘mood’ in mind and an extensive Pinterest board to match. 

No matter what your preference, think about your bridesmaids’ styles. You don’t have to have your punk rock bestie decked out in destroyed leather, but you should pick look that complements her. 

Think about their body shapes and skin tones too. If you’ve got a group of curvy gals with pale complexions, you might want to skip that yellow slip dress you saved. 

Consider what you’re asking them to spend

Your wedding only happens once, and you’re ready to bend the budget a bit! But it may be your cousin’s third bridesmaid shift this year, and while she’d love to celebrate your bachelorette in Nashville, she doesn’t have much discretionary income left. 

Lavish bachelorettes, grandiose bridal showers, and requiring professional hair and makeup without offering to cover it can really add up. Think about the aspects that mean the most to you, then try to cut back on some of the other elements. For example — if you’re the most excited about your bachelorette but trust your girls with a curling iron, think about making hair and makeup optional.  

Think about their schedules

If you’ve filled up months of weekends with wedding planning fun and want your girls along for the ride, you might want to reconsider. Asking to reserve some days here and there is totally fine, especially as the big day gets closer. But wanting your bridesmaids to dedicate multiple weekends in a row strictly for your wedding may be a bit too much to ask.

You’ll also want to think about timing for your major events. For example — when trying to plan an out-of-town bachelorette, think about a month or season that would work best for the majority of your bridal party (like if most of them are teachers, plan a getaway for the summer).

Appreciate their efforts

Remember the hard work you put into your bestie’s wedding? Think about how it would have felt if she snubbed all your efforts. Your girls love you and want to celebrate you. Be sure to thank them for their care and attention — even if some things don’t go according to plan.

• MORE: Why She Shouldn’t Be a Bridesmaid

Manage your own expectations

Have champagne dreams on a beer budget? Now’s the time to face reality. You would love to be surrounded by your best friends on a yacht sailing through the French Riviera, but none of you have millions just sitting around in the bank. 

Remember — what will make this time special is being surrounded by love and support from your friends, no matter the scenery of surroundings. 

Why Ring Leader is a must for your bridal party

Ring Leader, a state-of-the-art app that makes wedding planning a breeze, allows you to anonymously poll your bridesmaids on everything from dress budget to ideal bachelorette spots. Take the guesswork out of managing your bridal party and get honest answers from your girls! 

These Nassau County bridal salons are some of the best places to buy a gown in western Long Island.

Whether you live in Nassau County or even in one of the five boroughs, there are great bridal salons just a quick drive (or train ride) away. These bridal salons are waiting for you to come in with your bride tribe or just a few friends or family members to say ‘yes to the dress.’ If you don’t know where to begin, Brides of Long Island is ready to help with these best bridal salons in Nassau County!

The Wedding Plaza
Floral Park
The Wedding Plaza staff are more than just bridal consultants, they’re an integral member of your wedding day team! Their sole focus is to get you and your spouse dressed in your best as you walk down the aisle. Yes – they not only cater to brides, bridesmaids and moms, but also grooms, dads and the entire bridal party!

MORE: What you feel when you find THE dress

The Bridal World
Freeport
This intimate bridal salon on the South Shore is described as relaxed with a homey atmosphere, which is a perfect reprieve to the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. The Bridal World has only two fitting rooms, which means you will likely have the salon to yourself as you search for your wedding gown.

Max Bridal
Syosset
With over 20 years experience, Max Bridal manager Alene is excited to help you look your best in your dream wedding dress. At your 90-minute appointments, Alene and the Max Bridal staff will take their time learning exactly what you’re looking for in a gown.

Bridal Reflections
Carle Place
The staff at family-owned Bridal Reflections is ready to welcome you to their family! For over 45 years, they have been making brides look and feel their best in their dream wedding gowns.

MORE: 6 Things to Wear When Dress Shopping

Here Comes the Bridesmaid & Mom
Bethpage
Recently renamed with mom in mind, Here Comes the Bridesmaid & Mom has been helping brides, bridesmaids and their mothers find the perfect dress since 1995. What’s unique about Here Comes the Bridesmaid is that all of their gowns are original dresses, received diirectly from the designers. If you and your bride tribe can’t make it to their shop, they have a wide selection on their website.

 And if you want to look at some great bridal salons and a little further east, here are all of the best bridal salons on Long Island. You can’t go wrong with any of our preferred vendors, so get ready to find the gown of your dreams!

You’ve got a bundle of joy on the way! But your big day is coming up. Should you postpone your wedding if you’re pregnant?

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage? Um, not exactly in that order.

Listen, it’s 2025. Many of us are living together, buying homes, and starting families before we walk down the aisle. And that’s great! There’s no timeline that every single person has to follow. 

But if you’ve been planning your big day only to be surprised by two little pink lines, you might wonder if pushing things off is the best option. Should you postpone your wedding if you’re pregnant? Just like any other decision, there are benefits and drawbacks. 

• MORE: The Best Wedding Venues in Nassau County

Consider the specifics

Obviously, a lot will depend on your specific circumstances. If you just got a positive test and your wedding is 6 weeks away, there’s probably no need to postpone (unless being pregnant really impacts your idea of an ideal wedding day — more on that below). If you’ve just found out and your wedding is 9 months away, then postponing is probably the safest option (unless you don’t mind going into labor during your first dance).

What if your wedding is 5 or 6 months away, though? You could really go either way. If that’s the case, you’ll want to think about the following.

Your ideal wedding day

You’ve been thinking about your wedding for a long time. When you envision your “perfect” day, what does it look like? Are you tasting all the sushi rolls you requested for cocktail hour, zipped up into a formfitting gown that’s already been ordered? Are you sipping your signature cocktail, living it up at an after party or toasting with your girls as you get ready? Or are you more focused on being with friends and family, dancing to a few of your favorite songs, and reveling in the joy of finally being a “Mrs.”?

There’s no right or wrong answer. But there are certain things you shouldn’t do when you’re pregnant — if your ideal day involves a lot of those things, you may want to think about postponing. 

The importance of having a wedding

How important is having a wedding to both you and your fiancé? Because in reality, all you need to do is fill out some paperwork, head to the courthouse, and boom — you’re married. No big party, fancy dress, or loud music required. 

Truthfully, life will get a lot more complicated once you’ve got a little one in the picture. You may find yourself too busy to make a wedding happen on top of caring for baby. If you’re okay with that possibility, then postponing may be a good idea. If your heart is set on a traditional wedding, you may want to carry on as scheduled.  

• MORE: 6 Tactful Ways to Say ‘No Kids at Our Wedding’

Deposits and other non-refundable payments

You may be okay with postponing until after your pregnancy, but then you think about the money you’ve spent. Many venues consider their deposits and payments to be non-refundable, and won’t carry over existing payments to a new date. That may not be the case for ALL venues, but you’ll want to check your contract and talk with venue staff to confirm.

The same goes for any other vendor you’ve hired. If you’ve made a lot of deposits already and your vendors won’t honor those payments for a postponement, that could impact your decision.

Vendor availability and guests’ schedule

You’ll also want to think about your vendor team’s availability. Chances are, you booked some of them far in advance of your original date. They may or may not be available for your postponed date. 

Your guests matter too! If there are certain people you would definitely want by your side, determine a possible postponement date and check in with them on their availability. 

• MORE: Ring Leader takes the guesswork out of planning

Being in the bridal party is a huge honor, but it’s also a huge responsibility. If you’re not able to take on the role, here’s how to decline a bridesmaid proposal.

A friend you love dearly is tying the knot, and she’s just invited you to a “picnic brunch.” Or she’s asked you over for wine with a few other gal pals. Or she’s just slid a beautiful box with a white ribbon in front of you.

A bridesmaid proposal can be an intimate moment or a lavish event, but no matter the fanfare one thing is true — your friend wants you by her side on one of the most important days of her life. And that’s a huge honor.

But at the same time, let’s be real — being a bridesmaid isn’t exactly an easy task. Depending on the bride and her wedding plans, you could be looking a quite an expensive few months (or even years). And all that free time you were counting on? Not so fast! You’ve got a bachelorette to help plan, a bridal shower to help organize, and dress shopping trips to make.

It’s not that you don’t love your friend, but you also can’t take on bridesmaid responsibilities right now. Here’s how to decline a bridesmaid proposal in a way that won’t ruin your relationship.

• MORE: Why She Shouldn’t Be a Bridesmaid

Reasons to decline a bridesmaid proposal

Did you know that the original role of a bridesmaid was to protect the bride from evil spirits? While you won’t have to fight off any demons, you will be expected to do a lot in the months leading up to your friend’s big day. 

There are things that can get in the way of those tasks, and money is one of the biggest factors. Bridesmaid dresses aren’t cheap, you can’t afford a cross-country flight for the bachelorette, and chipping in for a bridal shower is going throw your budget way off balance.

Time is another common issue. Whether you work odd hours, you’re finishing up your degree, or you’ve got 2 littles under the age of 2, bridesmaid commitments can time away from your family and other pursuits.

Major life events also come into play. Maybe you’re due with your first baby a few weeks before the big day, maybe you’re busy planning your own wedding, or maybe you’re getting ready to start a demanding job. You’d end up having to skip a lot of the bridesmaid events anyway, which could harbor some bad blood between the two of you. 

And not to sound harsh, but it’s also possible you don’t feel as close to the bride-to-be as she does to you. You may have been best friends in college, but you’ve drifted a part over the years and don’t have the same relationship as before. It may be hard to justify taking on such an important role in her wedding when the feeling isn’t mutual.

Finally, maybe you just don’t want to be in the bridal party. You love your friend dearly, but being a bridesmaid just…isn’t your thing.

All of these are valid reasons to decline a bridesmaid proposal. 

• MORE: Do I Have to Make My Sister My Maid of Honor?

How to decline a bridesmaid proposal

We don’t have to tell you that saying “no” to a bridesmaid proposal has the potential to be super awkward (not to mention friendship-ruining). It’s much better to decline now than accept and cause friction later, but you should still handle the situation with empathy and care. 

First, don’t decline the proposal right away — especially if you’re a part of a public event, like a group brunch or picnic. You don’t want to say “yes” if you don’t really mean it, so instead tell the bride-to-be that you’re so honored she asked.

If you’ve been asked one-on-one, you can still express your gratitude for being included and then request a few days to think it over. It’s important to take some time and put together your thoughts in a respectful way.

When you’re ready to break the news, ask to chat in person or over the phone. Don’t rely on text or email, where your tone can be misinterpreted easily. 

First, tell her again that you’re honored she asked. Then, follow up with your decline. If you’ve got a super specific reason, like you’re having a baby around the same time or you’re moving away for a new job, you can mention it here. If the reasons are more emotional or sensitive, keep it vague — you can say you’re declining for “personal reasons” or because you can’t devote the time required. Lastly, offer to help the bride in some other way that’s more manageable for you. Maybe that means doing a reading for the ceremony, or jotting down a thank you list at the bridal shower, or helping her bring decorations to the venue. 

Here’s an example of what to say:

Thank you so much for asking me to be a bridesmaid. It would be such an honor to stand by you on your wedding day. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to accept for personal reasons that would keep me from being there for you fully. I hope you understand, and I would love to help you in another way. Can I help with your decor?

• MORE: Ways to Handle Bridal Party Tension

What happens after you decline a bridesmaid proposal

Your friend may be hurt, and that’s understandable. But ultimately, it’s better to say “no” to being a bridesmaid if your heart isn’t really into it. Forcing yourself to be in the bridal party when you don’t really want to could end in resentment on both sides. Honesty and transparency is always the best policy, as long as it’s done with careful thought. Your relationship will be the better for it. 

• MORE: Ring Leader gets your bridal party on the same page, without the awkward convos

The pair started dating in 2022 while working on her album.

Disney Channel alum and musician Demi Lovato married singer-songwriter Jordan “Jutes” Lutes Memorial Day weekend in California.

The pair met in the studio in 2022 while working on her album. Lutes proposed in December 2023. They said “I do” at an estate in Santa Barbara on May 25. “The location is so beautiful. It features rolling greens and has an amazing view of the ocean,” Lovato told Vogue. The couple worked with celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss to create their dream wedding weekend.

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According to Vogue, the weekend kicked off on Saturday night with a rehearsal and dinner at Arnoldi’s Café. Lovato wore a strapless Monique Lhuillier dress. The next day, Lovato and Lutes said their vows in front of 135 of their friends and family. She wore a pearl white Vivienne Westwood dress, with a corset and dramatic draped neckline. “I’ve been a fan of Vivienne Westwood for so long,” Demi told Vogue. “I love the way that they designed the dress, it feels perfect and makes me feel so confident in my body.” Lutes wore Saint Laurent for the ceremony.

MORE: 6 of the Most Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes – Which One Should You Choose?

After the ceremony, the newlyweds took a moment for themselves – as most couples do. For the reception, Lovato changed into an ivory silk satin column dress with a draped corset top – also by Vivienne Westwood. For their first dance, Johnny Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls performed “Iris.”

For the after-party, the bride changed again into a custom Lapointe suit and Jimmy Choo heels, followed by a short off-the-shoulder send-off look custom-made by Idan Cohen with Gianvito Rossi heels, according to Vogue. They danced with their guests until the wee hours of the night, and eventually sped off in a vintage white Cadillac to begin the next chapter in their lives.