Bridal Express

All you need to know about wedding veils

 

Illustration: Source Claire's Veils

Veils have always been associated with traditional and romantic wedding outfits but modern ones can add a really cool edge. They come in many different styles, embellishments and colours too. Generally there are around six lengths you can choose - ranging from the 45inch shoulder length right down to the huge 144inch cathedral train though the birdcage veil is an ultra-short, ultra-modern option. And if it isn't hard enough to pick the length, then think about how much gather and lift you would like the veil to have - a flat veil or mantilla will lie on the head where as the full gather version will have more volume. Don't forget detailing which can bematched to your dress or colours. A plain veil can look as classic and elegant as a dramatic crystal encrusted piece.

Blusher: This is the shortest style and sits just on the shoulders. Many veil lengths incorporate a blusher which can cover the face and then be pushed back to sit on top of the head after the ceremony. Blushers can be worn alone with informal dresses or paired with hats for a modern look. Birdcage styles are of a similar length and are often made from fine net.

Shoulder length: A very simple veil that sits on the shoulders and can be made to look fuller with a blusher. Fairly informal.

Elbow: A good choice for shorter brides as it spans to the elbow and won't swamp you in fabric. Can be informal or formal.

Fingertip: Taller brides can carry off this style which looks very elegant and veers towards more formal styles.

Table inspiration - Monochrome

Uber stylish black and white can carry off dramatic patterns and the diamond-style gems add extra glamour. Have guests glam up in LBDs and tuxedos in keeping with the dashing table decor.

From top left: Dress, 'Beth' by Maggie Sottero.

Welcome bags instead of favours, The Knot photo galleries.

Sparkling table gems, £9.50 at The Last Detail.

Black fabric topiary, £14.99 Confetti.

Monochrome damask print invitations, Millbank and Kent.

Black wineglasses, on sale £6.86 for four, ASOS.

Diamond place card holder, £12.50 for six, The Last Detail.

Make 'M Mingle with cool badges

 

Chances are some of your guests won't know a number of the other guests - they may even not know your family but you can make it easy for them with these sweet but functional badges. Scatter them on a table at the entrance to your reception or send them out with your save a dates.

There are lots of styles to choose from and you can customise text and add in ribbon in your wedding colours. Find them at Make'M Mingle [via Wedded Bits]

Table inspiration - Seaside Charm

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside... and all of its lovely charms. Think buckets and spades, bunting, hunting for seashells, mini fish and chip canapes, and ice cream colours. Can you taste it already?

Mini white tin pail with seed favours, $78 for 50, The Knot Wedding Shop.

Pearls by the Yard bracelet, £195, Tiffany.

Seashell wedding cake, Manassas Cakery via Flickr.

Coloured parasols, $9.95 each, The Knot Wedding Shop.

White table runner, £14.50, John Lewis.

Jennifer Behr's Gossip Girl headbands

If you've been watching Gossip Girl (and I really must catch up!) then you might recognise some of Jennifer Behr's headbands as worn by Leighton Meester aka Blair. In episode 'woman on the verge' Blair wore the victorian crystal headwrap on the left - and the price at $188 isn't out of this world. I'm really keen on vined crystal headwrap, right, which could be worn as a 1920s bandeau and costs $250.

Table inspiration - Pink of Perfection

Don't be put off that pink is synonymous with weddings. Not everyone is doing it and it's such a romantic colour that it would be a shame to disregard it straight away. Here's a palette of soft corals, fresh pink, and metallics - as far from bubblegum as you can get whilst staying within pinky boundaries.

From top left, Mini stripy rose cakes, Peggy Porschen.

Iced sugar cookies, from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Vintage pink votives, £17.13 for four, Bombay Duck.

Malaga letterpress invitation, from £265.30 for 25, Hello Lucky.

Malaga RSVP card, $10.95 for 25, Hello Lucky.

Large sin loops and petals comb, £18 Accessorize.

Technorati Profile

Quirky Swarovski heart pendants

These hearts have really tickled me. And if you like quirky, I hope they'll amuse you too.

The black one is the 'Elvis', made from Siam, Jet, Black diamond and rose crystal and the red one the 'Erica' made with jet and clear crystals.

Both of them are £68 from Swarovski.

'Honey' by Alan Hannah

 

Despite being a very low strapless style, I think the bodice looks quite secure and I like the jewelled detailing that draws attention to the decolletage without being ostentatious at all. The skirt is a slim A-line. Wouldn't it look great at a hot overseas wedding?

'Honey' by Alan Hannah.

Favourite links

Blogs

I've read and been in touch with dozens of wonderful wedding blogs over the years. Here's some of my favourites but do add your own in the comments, if you like!

# From "I Will" to "I Do" - Anne Chertoff is a wedding expert and you'll find tips, news and her very worthy views on this easy to navigate blog.

# What Junebug Loves - With snaps of real weddings we can only dream of plus giveaways and a new Groombug section, I just adore this site.

# DIY Bride - Khris Cochrane is a true champion of DIY wedding projects that will give your wedding a unique touch. She also has a same-titled book out (I have it on my shelf) and there will be another book out in 2010.

# Manolo for the Brides - Always a favourite, there are fun features including Sunday Cation Madness, lots of useful tips and a smattering of real life weddings. There's a book too - iDo - Nothing But Net

# Wedded Bits - This Brides.com site is packed with daily news and product info for US brides.

# Rock 'n Roll Bride - This site is a mecca for gorgeous photography and inspiring real weddings.

# Brooklyn Bride - The design of this site really pops but it's the real wedding inspiration and modern twists that will grab you.

# Snippet and Ink - Brilliant mood boards are sure to spark some ideas plus check out the useful round-up of discounts and giveaways.

# Always a blogsmaid - Ideas and advice from NY-based industry professionals who will answer your questions too. Check out their new look!

# FashionBride - Fashion is the name of the game here with lots of designer picks and great montages.

# Polka Dot Bride - Australia's own bridal blog with fresh, stylish finds written by the anonymous Ms Polka

# Goin Bridal - Lots of tips for style, taking care of yourself and  plenty of jewellery ideas.

I know I have a ton more so I'll be back to update this!