Smiling Rocks Bridal Earrings

What's your sign? Better yet, what are all your bridesmaids' signs? Whether it's the traditional zodiac based on Western astrology and ancient Greco-Roman mythology or the Chinese zodiac that repeats its animal signs on a 12-year cycle, these personal (albeit superstitious...) symbols never fail to fascinate. Incorporating the various zodiac signs and representative animals into personalized jewelry for your wedding day is a welcome trend, be it in the form of a signature piece for the bride or a special gift for your best gals. We can't predict the future, but we can promise your bridal party will have stars in their eyes over these beautiful necklaces, pendants, charms, bracelets and rings from Nordstrom, Etsy, Urban Outfitters and more.

Celebrating one's nuptials by the sea provides ample opportunity to choose from an array of effortlessly chic bridal gowns. Luckily, there are nearly as many alternatives to the traditional ball gown as there are grains of sands on the beach. More casual beach wedding dresses make use of sheer panels, openwork lace and ruffles. Simple beach wedding dresses include those with midi lengths that feel easygoing, yet sophisticated. Boho wedding dresses are another choice: romantic and dreamy like a tropical island. Meanwhile, short beach wedding dresses feel cheerily free-spirited while providing wedding-friendly frills.

Look for lightweight materials for your beachfront or destination wedding dress. Silk, cotton blends, crochet, chiffon and lace make for breezy beach dresses. While not explicitly bridal, many white or ivory cocktail dresses will work wonders in a beach wedding, plus they can be worn afterward on the honeymoon. Below, check out 15 alternatives to the heavily embellished wedding gown that instead are easy, breezy and downright gorgeous. Post-wedding, you can relax poolside, confident you were a thoroughly beachy bride.