Gift Guide Your Bridesmaids Will Love

bridesmaid gift guide

The women standing next to you on your wedding day have stood by you through the entire wedding planning process, from the engagement celebrations and dress shopping to the bachelorette party and finally watching you walk down the aisle. 

Whether you are childhood best friends who grew up together sharing memories for years or coworkers who instantly clicked, you may be looking for a way to show your appreciation for their friendship and their part in your one-of-a-kind love story.  

Every bride and their group of bridesmaids is different, but we’ve come up with a list of our five favorite bridesmaid gifts that your friends are sure to love!

Bridesmaid Proposal Box

Start off the festivities by gifting your girls a proposal box when asking them to be your bridesmaid. You can personalize your own or purchase one already made on Etsy or similar websites. These cute gifts usually include small items like jewelry, makeup, or sparkling wine that they can enjoy and actually utilize on the big day.

You can work with both luxury and affordable items in your proposal boxes so that it fits your specific bridal budget. For first-time bridesmaids, a letter outlining the costs to come and duties of being in the wedding party can also be helpful to include in the box and may help you avoid surprises later on in the wedding planning process.

Matching Pajamas and Slippers

A matching set of pj’s and slippers helps to set the scene for the prettiest pictures as you and your girls are getting your hair and makeup done on your big day. You can even customize the robes or pj’s with each girl’s name to make it more personal and sentimental. Check out Etsy for a ton of gorgeous pajama and robe set options!

Personalized Champagne Tumblers

Weddings call for wine and celebration! So, what better way to enjoy that than a personalized tumbler. You can customize these wine holders by printing the name of your bridesmaid and their title in your bridal party. Not only will they be fun to use throughout the process, but they make a long-lasting gift for any drink of their liking later on in the future. Check out Bridesmaid Gifts Boutique for personalized tumbler shopping and inspiration!

Matching Jewelry Set 

Necklaces, earrings, or bracelets can create a loving memory to last you and your bridal party a lifetime. Matching sets of jewelry for your bridesmaids to wear at the wedding makes the perfect gift that they will treasure and keep forever while making accessorizing for the big event just a little easier and more coordinated.

Totes and Makeup Bags

The big event may require rehearsals, venue changes, and different locations on the day of the wedding in which you and your bridal party will have to travel back and forth and maybe even get ready on the go. 

To make all of that travel easier, why not gift your bridesmaids monogrammed totes and makeup bags?! The bags will help carry everyone’s things throughout your wedding process and will also be useful for their future travel and adventures!

Bridal Suite for the Big Day

On your big day, a bridal suite is where you will prepare both physically and mentally as you enter the first chapter towards the rest of your life. Bella Mansion’s new Sanger Mansion, currently under renovation, will offer you every aspect needed for your perfect day. 

The luxury estate will include a bridal suite within the mansion so you can get ready upstairs in private and then make a grand entrance down our spiral staircase to the main venue floor. You will have space to spread out, great lighting, and plenty of privacy to relax before the hustle and bustle of the best day of your life! 

We plan to include a floor-length mirror, snacks, and drinks of your liking, and hooks to hang your attire. On your wedding day, you deserve to be surrounded with love, joy, friends, and family, which is why we wanted to include a one-of-a-kind bridal suite in our Sanger Mansion. 

We are scheduled to be party-ready by 2023, so be sure to stay tuned. To learn more about the history of the mansion and to stay updated with everything happening, sign up to join our list of Bella Brides! 

Festive Ideas for Magical Christmas Weddings

The winter holidays are one of the most magical times of the year. If you are a holiday enthusiast, you may even be considering having a Christmas themed wedding.

Christmas wedding decor is a fun, creative space with which you can really get festive. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the colors and styles of all the different Christmas-themed decorations you could use in your venue.

There are plenty of winter wedding ideas that can transform your day into the wonderland of your dreams. We’ve put together some of our favorite festive yet chic ideas for a magical Christmas wedding below.

Decor

Festive decorations make the perfect focal point for any Christmas wedding. You can welcome and guide your guests with whimsical winter signage, or even line your aisle with delicate touches of wintery foliage.

Who says centerpieces need to be flower arrangements? Swap those floral centerpieces out for a candle arrangement or a mini Christmas tree. 

Dresses

From something simple and stunning to something more sophisticated and showstopping, there are plenty of winter wedding dress styles to choose from. 

Long Sleeve Lace

Stunning Satin

High Neck

Cake

From bright winter whites to textured showstoppers, there’s a winter wedding cake design out there for every couple.

Entertainment

You can fulfill your winter wedding fantasy by finding fantastic Christmas themed wedding entertainment. 

Hot Chocolate Bar

Christmas Cocktails

With lots of decor, dresses, cake, and entertainment to choose from, and holiday spirits being at an all time high, a Christmas wedding is a great idea for any Bella Bride. We can’t wait to host winter weddings at the Sanger Mansion in the near future!

Fabulous Fall Wedding Floral Inspiration

fall wedding floral inspiration

The fall season makes for one of the most stunning times of the year to get married. Fall brides find themselves lucky to have a wide array of flowers in bloom to choose from. From rustic and romantic hues to those brighter pops of color, you’re sure to find a bouquet that will highlight all the best parts of fall.

Florals in Season

Many of the season’s most popular blooms can be found in orange, red, yellow, purple, and brown hues. 

Dahlias

Dahlias naturally blossom between late summer and early fall, and they can be grown in many different parts of the country, which makes them relatively simple to source. The best part is that no matter your color scheme, you’re sure to find a shade of dahlia that works for you. 

Chrysanthemums

Are you on the hunt for the perfect flowers to compliment your rustic and romantic fall wedding theme? Chrysanthemums give wedding arrangements a whimsical look with their long statement petals, and they are available in a wide range of colors including pink, orange, yellow, white, and more.

Calla Lilies

Calla Lilies are best known for their elegance and beauty. From traditional white to blush and shades of deep plum, Calla Lilies come in a wide variety of colors. They are ideal for both indoor and outdoor weddings as they are known to hold up well in all weather conditions.

Every Season is Wedding Season at the Sanger Mansion

With fall wedding bouquets as beautiful as the ones we’ve gathered here, you’ll never want to let go of yours. You can check out our Bella Mansions Pinterest board for even more fall wedding floral inspiration.

See Pinterest Board

Check out our other blogs by clicking on the links below to learn more and find some other inspo:

Winter Wedding Nail Inspo

Spring Wedding Trends

Bright, Bold, & Beautiful Summer Wedding Inspo

Read More

Hauntingly Beautiful Halloween Wedding Inspo

halloween wedding inspriation from bella mansions

The leaves are changing colors, the nights are getting colder, and the pumpkins are popping up on porches, it’s officially a spooky season!

If your wedding date is anywhere near October 31st, you may be considering a Halloween-themed wedding or reception. We take all kinds of weddings gravely seriously at the Sanger Mansion, but there’s just something special and spooky about Halloween-themed weddings. 

What’s one of the first things that comes to mind when you think about Halloween? For us it’s that orange and black color scheme. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it, but we are big fans of adding a little something extra to this spooky holiday. 

We’ve found that there are plenty of ways to incorporate and translate a Halloween theme into a hauntingly beautiful wedding. Check out our tastefully terrifying inspiration

Dark and Dreamy

Color Scheme

Decor

Dresses

Spooky and Sophisticated

Color Scheme

Decor

Dresses

Elegant and Enchanted

Color Scheme

Decor

Dresses

Every Season is Wedding Season at the Sanger Mansion

Aside from these spooktacular Halloween wedding ideas, we’ve also put together guides for our favorite summer, spring, and winter trends.

Check out our other blogs by clicking on the links below to learn more and find some other inspo:

Winter Wedding Nail Inspo

Spring Wedding Trends

Bright, Bold, & Beautiful Summer Wedding Inspo

Read More

Top 6 Wedding Color Palette Trends in 2021

trending wedding color palette trends

When it comes to wedding planning, there are tons of tedious tasks and details that need to be sorted before the big day. The color palette you choose for your wedding is the perfect way to showcase your style and personality.

The wedding colors you choose will ultimately guide many of the other decisions made regarding linens, invites, bridesmaid dresses, florals, and more. 

From lighter color palettes in the spring and summer to darker palettes for the fall and winter, we’ve put together a list of some of the top trending color schemes to inspire you!

Summer Color Palettes

Forest Green & Gold

You can never go wrong with a classic green, white, and gold color palette. The contrast of the crisp white on lush greenery with highlights of gold are one of the hottest trends right now.

Petal Pink & Dusty Blue

If you’re looking for a delicate color palette that creates an upscale garden atmosphere, the petal pink & dusty blue were made for you. 

Fall Color Palettes

Pretty Plum & Dusty Rose

A rich plum combined with a delicate dusty rose color wields a color theme that we can’t help but FALL in love with. You can even try mixing in a vintage copper color or gray to add some depth.

Rose Gold & Raspberry Red

If you’re looking for bold and beautiful color combinations, look no further than rose gold and raspberry red. This color scheme adds a little drama to your wedding look, while also still providing a chic and elegant backdrop for your big day.

Winter Color Palettes

Frost White & Ice Blue

Depending on where your wedding will be held, a snowy wintery landscape isn’t always readily available. The frost white and ice blue color combination brings a shimmer of snow and ice to mimic the frosting of the season. This palette is cool yet warm at the same time.

Black, White & Shimmery Gold

Black, white, and gold gives a nod to the festive wintery season while elevating the wedding look. These colors give any wedding an elegant and enchanting look and are sure to never go out of style.

Summer Color Palettes

Shades of Yellow

The color yellow represents happiness, optimism and hope, so what better way to bring back that summertime sunshine than with shades of yellow.

Lovely Lilac

Light pastel colors are a brides go-to for spring weddings, and one of our favorites is lilac. From lilac to lavender, you’re sure to find a shade that works for you.

Choosing the perfect wedding color combination is equally important as selecting your dress, venue, and decor. Each season provides so many great color options for when it comes to wedding themes and we hope that you find one that inspires you.

Check out our other blogs for more wedding tips, tricks and insights.

Read More

Summer Styled Photoshoot Inspiration

style photoshoot

Summer means freedom and living a carefree life. Summer means adventures with friends and family, and summer means living life to the fullest and trying new things. Whether you know your camera like the back of your hand or you’re just getting into the world of photography, the summer season is full of inspiration to bring out the artist in you.

Here are some summer-themed photos that we love to get you inspired for your next shoot.

Wildflowers

One of the best things about summertime is all of the beautiful florals across the landscape. In many cultures, wildflowers represent happiness and joy–the perfect moods to describe summer. Not only are wildflowers meaningful, but their uniqueness makes for a stunning backdrop for your photos. Just remember that as tempting as it may be to pick them, don’t do it! Leave them be so that more people can enjoy their beauty.

Mirrors

If you are a novice photographer and you want some ideas to stimulate your creativity, consider using a mirror as a prop. You can play with the mirror’s reflection to create unexpected and interesting images. Frameless mirrors can make for incredibly unique photos that blur the line between reflection and reality.

Sundresses

Does anyone else agree that the summer wardrobe is the best wardrobe? The possibilities are endless, from light, flowy dresses paired with a cute pair of sandals to baggy tees plus some cool sneakers. Airy fabrics, bright colors, and new patterns can make for the loveliest photos. 

Colorful

Vibrant, spunky colors in photographs can’t help but catch your eye and make you smile. Colors also significantly affect the mood of the photo. Depending on what colors you use, they can remind you of the warm liveliness of summer, the cozy sleepiness of fall, the fresh renewal of spring, or the cold isolation of winter.

Edgy Looks

Are bright colors and bold patterns too flashy for your style? Try some neutrals and darker tones with cityscapes or unfinished buildings for an edgier vibe. There is something subtle and cool about wood, metal, concrete, and leather. Don’t be afraid to try different poses to see what works best for the story you are trying to tell through your photographs.

Searching for a new location for your next styled photoshoot?

Check out the Sanger Mansion for your summer-styled photoshoot location! Although Sanger Mansion is currently under construction and not yet ready to welcome Bella Brides, its current state provides the perfect backdrop for an artistically styled photoshoot. 
Hone your craft and take photos to your heart’s content. We’ll let you use Sanger Mansion for free! All we ask is that you allow us to share your talented work on our social media and website. Don’t worry; we’ll always give you credit for your images. We can’t wait to see your creativity soar! Contact us to schedule a free, styled shoot today.

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Top 5 Luxury Wedding Estates in Texas

luxury wedding estates in Texas

We can’t think of a better way to make your big day shine than with a luxury wedding estate that is elegant, extravagant, and everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

Texas offers a wide range of wedding venues from grand chapels to antique mansions and we’ve rounded up our top 5 picture-perfect picks for your dream wedding destination!

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Canyon Lake (San Antonio)

Just north of San Antonio, you will find Canyon Lake and a 170-acre ranch and wildlife preservation called The Preserve. The Preserve is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, and it is surrounded by towering hillsides, tall trees, beautiful lakes, and more. If you’re looking to get married surrounded by breathtaking scenery and spectacular views, The Preserve is your perfect spot.

Dripping Springs (Austin)

Dripping Springs, Texas, is home to Dripping Springs Distilling and now a brand new wedding and events venue, Distillers Bar and Hall. Distillers Hall is a finely detailed facility that offers a range of options to accommodate weddings and parties of all sizes, from something small and intimate to something more grand and extravagant. The venue blends the best of upscale contemporary Hill Country styled with the artisanal craftsmanship that is behind the Dripping Springs Distilling brand.

Houston

As the largest city in Texas, Houston has no shortage of dreamy wedding venues. If you’ve always dreamed of a royal wedding, you can enjoy a fairytale experience unlike any other at the Chateau Cocomar.  The castle consists of a green garden, a grand foyer, a beautiful bridal suite, and two grand ballrooms. If you want to feel like a true princess on your wedding day, this is the place for you.

Buda

Nestled between San Antonio and Austin, you will find Le San Michele, a luxurious 12-acre country estate in Buda, Texas. Le San Michele features an elegant two-story limestone house inspired by original European architecture and styles. You can even party under the stars when you take the festivities outside to dance on the terrace, patio, or lawn.

Sanger (Dallas)

For 30 years, an abandoned mansion sat hidden away in the beautiful Texas landscapes of a quaint town called Sanger. The 27,000 square foot mansion showcases a 3-story floating staircase in the middle of the house, which makes for the perfect grand entrance and photos. The Sanger Mansion also features captivating landscapes for outdoor weddings and a beautiful vineyard where you will have full access to the ripest grapes. 

While the mansion is not currently open for bookings just yet, it is open for artistically styled photoshoots! Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a date.

We also invite you to follow along and watch our progress towards becoming one of the top luxury wedding estates in Texas. You can sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all things Bella Mansions.

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Need Photoshoot Inspiration? Three Questions to Spark Your Creativity

Photographs have a way of capturing a feeling at a moment in time without using any words. Photography is an art form that can awaken deep emotions and truly connect people by telling a story through images. 

As with any art form, getting started is usually the hardest part. It’s easy to get a creative block that keeps you from trying out new ideas or honing your craft. Don’t get caught up worrying about capturing the perfect photo or having the most original idea, just get started and go from there. If you need a little inspiration for your next photoshoot, try using these questions to get your creative juices flowing.

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Think of your favorite books and movies. Can you use that concept to style a shoot?

Using a book or movie as a theme is an excellent way to inspire imaginative ideas for a fun, styled shoot. For example, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a classic children’s book about a couple of kids who run away from home and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The book draws on themes of adventure and childhood fantasy. If you wanted to create a photoshoot around this book, you could opt for a museum setting or a vintage New York feel for your wardrobe.


Other possibilities include Pride and Prejudice for a romantic and elegant style or Stranger Things for an edgy and cool 80s vibe. The options are endless! Have fun scouring through pop culture for a spark of inspiration.

 

 

 

 

Do you have a specific memory or emotion from your life that you want to convey in your images?

Car windows rolled down, the wind blowing through your hair, music blasting from the speakers…you know that feeling. Maybe the joy of a carefree summer day is the emotion that you want to communicate in your photos. Capture your images at a lake or carnival. You could choose light, flowy dresses for your model’s clothing.

Other feelings that could be captured in interesting ways through photography include loneliness, romance, or even rebellion. Feel free to explore a variety of emotions and decide which would make the most compelling photos that could truly speak volumes.

 

 

Are you inspired by a certain location? How can it be the basis for the story you tell?

It’s hard to find anywhere as breathtaking as Mother Nature herself. Majestic mountains, gorgeous beaches, and mystical forests all make for exquisite backdrops for photographs. Base your photoshoot on the patch of sunflowers that brightens your morning when you drive by on the way to work. Put your model in an outfit that compliments the colors of the flowers.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to location scouting. Each location creates a different mood for your shoot. Although the Sanger Mansion has not yet finished its remodel and isn’t ready for weddings, it provides the perfect setting for an artistic shoot in its current state. Wear a bold black dress or bring a ballerina as your model. There are endless ways to create captivating, artistic, and compelling photos with an alluring unfinished mansion as the backdrop.

Whether it’s a wedding photo or a fashion editorial, photography is in its essence storytelling. If you want to flex your creative muscles and try an artistic shoot, you can find inspiration everywhere you look. Let Bella Mansions be part of the story you tell and schedule a shoot at the Sanger Mansion today.

 

 

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5 Tips to Beat the Heat at an Outdoor Summer Wedding

Nothing is more elegant or romantic than an outdoor summer wedding with the gorgeous green scenery, sweet-smelling flowers, and flowy dresses. Unfortunately, odds are that without proper wedding preparation, your day will also include bug swatting, flower wilting, and lots of sweating. 

If you are dreaming of holding your wedding in the sunshine, we have a few simple tricks to help you beat the heat and make your day absolutely magical.

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Choose Your Dresses Wisely

Although that silk dress may be stunning, warm weather can easily damage the delicate fabric. Organza, linen, and cotton are all excellent summer-friendly alternatives for your gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses. These fabrics are lighter, allow you to stay cooler and avoid the dreaded sweat stains.

Light Citronella Candles

In the summer months, you can guarantee the intrusion of bugs at your outside venue. Kill two birds with one stone by opting for citronella candles to keep the mosquitos at bay while setting the mood. Candles also add romance to any situation, and they make for lovely wedding table centerpieces.

Opt for the Elegant Updo

Another simple way to keep the heat at bay is to choose an elegant updo for your wedding day hairstyle. Stunning braided updos or gorgeous low buns are a classic and stylish look to enhance the romance of your wedding while keeping your neck free from an extra layer of heat. We also recommend adding flowers or other hairpieces to accessorize.

Keep Flowers Inside

Those beautiful bouquets you paid an arm and a leg for? Unfortunately, they’re not a big fan of the heat, either. In order to keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible, leave them in a cool and dark location until right before the guests arrive. This will ensure that they are wilt-free and everyone can enjoy the lovely floral arrangements.

Have Water Readily Available

It’s easy to forget to hydrate when you are in a flurry of preparation for your big day. But it’s absolutely essential that you and your guests drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration in the sizzling summer sun. Make sure to set up cold water stations at the entrance of your wedding venue, and infuse the water with fruit slices to double as a pretty decoration.

When you are prepared to beat the heat, outdoor summer weddings are what dreams are made of. Bella Mansions provides the perfect outdoor all-inclusive wedding venue for a lovely day that you’ll look back on for years to come.
See what else makes us the premier wedding venue in the Dallas area.

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Bright, Bold, & Beautiful Summer Wedding Inspo

summer wedding inspiration

Summer weddings are right around the corner, and it has become one of the most popular seasons to say your “I do’s”. With so many weddings going on, you’ll want yours to stand out.

We’re here to deliver some summer wedding inspo that will help you make the most of the time of the year, and embrace the season on your big day.

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Bright Floral Mixes

Summer weddings are a prime time for gorgeous, bright, blooming flowers. No matter the vibe you’re going for, there’s sure to be flowers in bloom that perfectly match your aesthetic.

Hydrangeas

While hydrangeas can be found in traditional white and blue wedding hues, we also love to see them in stunning shades of pinks and purples. Hydrangeas offer a soft, lovely scent to any room, and it is truly and elegant addition to any arrangement.

Cosmos

Cosmos add a bold, and beautiful touch to any summer wedding. Cosmos are meant to be a bright and fun touch of color and pop of drama. 

*Pro Tip* Cosmos are quick to droop in high temperatures. Try to keep them as cool as possible.

Dreamy Dresses

If you’re planning a warm weather wedding, a light summer dress is of the utmost importance. These are just a couple of our favorite summer style favorites. 

Flowy Fabric

Summer weddings come with soaring temperatures, so it’s important that you select a dress that can help keep you cool. Chiffon and tulle are lighter than air, and they create gorgeous flowy movement as you stroll down the aisle and glide across the dance floor.

Airy Gown

Want a bold statement dress, but are afraid of the summer heat? An airy ball gown made with light fabrics keeps a voluminous silhouette cool and comfortable on the hottest of summer days.

Cool Cocktails

There’s nothing like a cool summer cocktail to help you and your wedding guests beat the heat. Mingling at a summer reception is a breeze with any of these cool concoctions. 

Mixed Berry Mojito

Try out this rum-based cocktail made with delicious crushed berries. You can add fruit and mint leaves for a sweet and earthy finish.

Blushing Bride Sangria

Take advantage of seasonal fruits like oranges, grapefruit, raspberries, and strawberries and mix it with some white wine to make a delicious Blushing Bride Sangria.

Summer at the Sanger Mansion

Are you looking for an all-inclusive venue to host your summer 2023 wedding?

The Sanger Mansion is currently undergoing extensive construction and renovations to become a stunning venue for all kinds of summer weddings. The Sanger Mansion will be complete with 3 floors dedicated to your wedding party.

We recently planted our orchard so that all of our beautiful Bella Brides can take a stroll down lover’s lane on their big day.

We invite you to grow in love with us and sign up for our newsletter to watch the Sanger Mansion come to life.