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Category Archives: accessories

Seven Veil Lengths: Which Is Best For Your Dress?

Are you wearing a veil?”

Which veil length is right for your dress?

This question will absolutely be asked of every bride to be. Wedding veils are an essential accessory for most brides, as they add a touch of tradition, elegance, and beauty to the wedding dress. And there is no reaction quite as special and memorable as a bride who cries when she sees herself in one for the first time.

There are seven different veil lengths and yours can be determined a number of ways as each length has its unique style and significance. In this blog, we will discuss the different wedding veil lengths to help you choose the perfect veil for your special day!

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Embracing Some Color In Your Bridal Look

Have you ever seen bride photos with color incorporated into her look and wondered how you could pull that off? Maybe you have never been the type to buck “tradition” and don’t think that your wedding day is the time to start?

Tradition means something different to everyone, in different cultures, religions, and even simply personal preference. If you are toying with the idea, read on for easy ways to do it!

Color In Your Dress

For a number of years, designers have used color in the dress to highlight lace patterns. The darker the underneath, the more you can see the gorgeous lace design on the outside. The lace is always an ivory or white, but underneath can be colors such as candlelight, latte, champagne, mocha, blush, and even blue, red, and black!

Photo shows the same dress in two different colors. One color is Ivory with mocha underneath, the other is ivory with ivory underneath. You can really see a difference in the lace pattern when the mocha is beneath it.
Elora by Madi Lane, shown in ivory/mocha and all ivory

A trend we are seeing lately is designers using embroidery to include color. Pretty flowers and detailing are done in colors from pastel to bold and even metallics. A lesser expensive way to get this look is to have the pattern already in the fabric.

Color On Your Dress

So let’s say your dress is all white or ivory and you are thinking of a pop of color somehow. How do we do this? You can consider a sash, a thin strip of color at the waist, or a bow that could coordinate perfectly with your flowers or your bridesmaid dresses. You could add a belt with a colored flower, or a jeweled belt with sapphire, emerald, or ruby colored stones! If you like metallic, go for a dazzling rose gold belt to add a warm and subtle pop.

Photo shows a wedding dress with a pink sash at the waist with beading and pearls, and blush colored flowers on the side.
Blush sash with beading and flowers

Color In Your Shoes

If you are shy about adding color on the outside, consider doing it on your feet! Your shoes are an amazing way of showing a little bit of personality without it being “obvious”. And, it definitely makes for some great pictures and conversation!

Photo is a pair of light blue high-heeled wedding shoes that have beading on the back and wrapped around the heel, and dyed purple and yellow to match the wedding colors.
Dyed shoes to match the wedding colors

Our brides have done everything from Tiffany blue to navy blue, from pale pink to Ruby slippers, golden wedges, multi-colored cowboy boots, black Converse, Uggs, beaded Keds and Toms, we have seen it all! Even the ones pictured in multi.

Color In Your Hair

Have you thought of your hair accessories? Your veil can have rose gold, pink, gold, or silver threading. You can have a barrette, clips, or a comb that has gemstones. What about flowers woven in your hair done by your stylist, or a flower crown?

A new trend for 2021 that we are excited about is spray-painted flowers, one of the most widely used is baby’s breath. Baby’s breath is often woven into a bridal braid, or an updo which would be delightful!

Photo shows berry and peach colored flowers woven into brides hair
Berry and peach colored flowers woven into brides hair

Color In Your Jewelry

Perhaps you just want to add some jewelry. This is a beautiful way to express a color that may be very meaningful to you. A particular gem indicating a birthstone of yourself, your fiancé, or someone special to you would be not only a wonderful way to add color, but also to honor someone special.

It could even be your something blue!

Pearls are a gorgeous addition, and always appropriate, so consider adding some colored pearls for a real glam look!

Photo shows a strand of pearls that are multi colored, mainly pastel, but include pink light blue lemon, and sage green. Also shown are a matching pair of drop earrings
Gorgeous multi-colored pearl strand

Don’t be afraid to experiment. When you make your appointment for your dress try on, play and see what you think. This is your wedding, and your day to show your personality. If color is your thing, go for it!

How to Complete Your Wedding Look: Accessorizing

The important part is done and you have selected your dress – Congratulations! Now it’s time to complete your entire Bridal look and accessorize!  What do you know about accessories?

Keep reading to learn more!

Accessories are so much fun to look at and ultimately the finishing touch to your wedding gown, hair, shoes, and jewelry! It’s with these pieces you  create the bridal vision you’ve always imagined. Whether you have a detailed and embellished dress or a plain and sleek look, the possibilities to accessorize are endless!

Here are some things to consider to help you complete your wedding look:

What will be your Bridal Hairstyle?

Think of how you envision your bridal do with your wedding dress. Will you wear it down for an effortless look, choose a more traditional updo, or go for the in between, half up and half down? Consider the details of your dress, does it have beautiful illusion lace, buttons, beading? If so, you should consider having your hair up to show up it off! Is it a low, open back? The long hair can flow beautifully if you want to let it down.

This will help you wrap your head around the next step which is deciding how you will accessorize your hair.

Heads or tails – Headpiece or veils?!

Decide if you would like to go with a traditional veil or a modern headpiece. There are multiple variables that go into selecting the perfect veil to compliment your dress.

Consider the length:

There are several length veil options to choose from long chapel/cathedral/royal which are very formal and provide an incredible drama to your look; Mid-length/fingertip length which look amazing with fit and flair and mermaid dress shapes; Elbow and shorter more face-framing veils for a simpler look; and bird cage for that vintage old Hollywood, sleek and glamorous look.

Consider the style:

Do you want your veil to be plain, outlined with beading, a pop of sparkle and shimmer, a plain satin trim, or an added touch lace? Do you want it to layer your plain, sleek and simple gown, or add a subtle finish to your embellished and detailed gown?

You never want a veil to take away from your dress. You want it to complement your dress and add that perfect “wow factor” finishing touch.

Remember, the veil is temporary and typically used for photographs and the ceremony. When you come in we can accessorize with different veil lengths and styles to help complete your look!

A head piece is a great alternative for a veil, or to add with it! These pieces typically stay in after the veil is removed and include everything from a few beaded  pins or clips to a thin band to a full tiara.

There are bands that tie in back with ribbons, clips and barrettes, so many options to set off your look, each with their own unique array of diamonds, gems, flowers, designs, and much more! The sky’s the limit of the possibilities, and keep in mind one piece of advice – try these on with your dress.

Once you have those picked out, you will take them to your hairstylist for your trial and see in advance how beautiful everything looks!

Come in and let us help choose your accessories!

Cathedral veil selection

What If I Don’t Want To Wear A Veil?

You’re not alone if you are feeling on the fence, or just flat-out don’t want to wear a veil.  It’s okay! We believe the only way to go wrong on your wedding day look is to agree to something that isn’t right for you!

We’ve done blogs on veils, the styles, lace and beaded edges, lengths, etc., but what if it’s just not your thing?  Does that blusher piece over the face makes you cringe thinking of walking down the aisle like that?

Maybe you have tried them on and while you may appreciate the look on other brides and perhaps even seen your own look come together while veiled and standing in your own mirror, but something is amiss. It’s just not you.

Can you still feel like a bride sans that oh-so-traditional accessory?

Of course you can!  Here are some tried and true options and suggestions.

How about a headband, a small metal piece with a bit of sparkle? This lovely addition stays pinned in your hair all evening. There are many different varieties of the headband.

Some can be pinned into your hair or you can find beautiful ones that tie in the back under your hair, leaving pretty ribbons flowing down the back. Add colored ribbons or gemstones for a personal touch.

Perhaps a larger piece like a thicker band or a tiara to add lots of formality and fun for the Princess on her day!

Outdoor ceremony? A flower crown (or even flowers woven into the hair) is a gorgeous, earthy option that lends softness and romance. Add greenery, color, berries, sparkle, whatever you love! You can add ribbons to crowns as well to take it up a boho notch.

Glam wedding? Try a bird cage or a fascinator, add some color if you want. An amazing way to throw your look back to a time of gilded sophistication and pomp!

Considering an up-do on your day? What about a bridal comb to top it off:

Or a beautiful set of hair pins:

Maybe you’re not into anything at all in your hair.  Perhaps you’d like a wrap, a jacket, detachable sleeves, a cape, an accessory other than a veil.

Do not wear anything that feels like a costume or phony.  You need to feel beautiful and confident so you shine as your authentic self. Try on all these different pieces with your dress and see what feels right.

Remember: the only way you can go wrong on your day is if you agree to something you know isn’t right for you. Don’t just choose a veil (or any piece!) because you feel you have to, because everyone else does it, because tradition says so.

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo has all of these accessory pieces and more! Make your appointment and let our consultants show you different looks to make your vision come to life.

The Bridal Glossary – What Does It Mean?

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding! While researching styles and shops, you may encounter some terms that you have never heard before.

To best prepare you for your shopping experience, we have created a Wedding Dress Glossary! Impress your entourage by being able to identify all the styles and details you come across.

ABOUT THE DRESSES

Appliqué: In terms of bridal gowns, applique are pieces of fabric made of lace or have been intricately beaded that are sewn on to a dress. Example of lace appliqué:

Bodice: The upper part of the dress covering the chest and back.

Bustle: Buttons or hooks and eyes that gather the train on a dress. A bustle is done so that the bride can move around easily and not worry about guests stepping on her dress. The maid of honor, bridesmaids, or mother of the bride typically are responsible for helping the bride bustle her gown after pictures/the ceremony.

Crinoline: A stiff, netted-like fabric that keeps the shape of the skirt.

Detachable Train: This is a piece that hooks or buttons at the waist and provides a long and/or elaborate train that can be removed to reveal more fitted dress underneath.

Eyelash Lace: Delicate threading that lines the neckline or hem. It is called eyelash lace because it imitates the look of eyelashes.

Illusion: A mesh, see-through component of a wedding dress. An illusion neckline refers to the mesh that holds the neckline together. An illusion back refers to a back that appears open but typically has buttons that line up in the center of the back.

Scalloping: This is a series of curves that resemble the shape of scallop shells, typically found at the hemline of a dress.

Train: This is the bottom back of the skirt that gets bustled at the reception. There are varying lengths of trains as well (see below for lengths).

TRAIN AND VEIL LENGTHS

Birdcage Veil: A type of short veil that covers part of the face or frames the face.

Blusher: The part of a veil that covers the bride’s face. The father of the bride typically flips the blusher over bride’s head to reveal her face after walking her down the aisle.

Cathedral Veil: A veil that is 108”-120” (nine to ten feet) long. These veils extend past the train on the bride’s dress and create a dramatic effect as she walks down the aisle.

Chapel Train: One of the more popular train options, a chapel train extends 36-48″ (three to four feet) from the waistline.

Court Train: The court train extends 24″ (two feet) from where the fabric hits the floor —one foot beyond the sweep train.

Elbow Veil: A veil that is about 25″ long usually ending at or around the elbow.

Fingertip Veil: A veil that is approximately 36”. It is called fingertip length because the veil extends to around where the bride’s fingertips are.

Monarch Train: Also known as “royal” train, this very formal style flows 144″ (12 feet) or more from the waist.

Shoulder Veil: A veil that is about 15-20″ long that extends to at our about the shoulder.

Sweep Train: Also known as a “brush,” this train extends 12″ or less from where the fabric hits the floor. A sweep train is subtle, yet romantic.

Waltz Veil: A veil that is about 54″ (about 4.5 feet) long and ends at or about the knee.

Watteau: Attaching to the shoulders, this train style falls loosely to the hem of the dress. It creates a dramatic cape-like effect.

OTHER TERMS TO KNOW

Discontinued Style: This means that the designer has decided not to make that style any longer.

Sample (or Stock) Dresses: These are the dresses that are in the store for try on purposes. They are “samples” and can be ordered for size, color, or customizations.

Sample Sale: An event hosted by the bridal store where they sell the sample gowns off the rack. These dresses are typically marked down and are a great way for brides to find gorgeous dresses at an amazing price.

Trunk Show: An event hosted by the bridal store where additional gowns from a certain designer are brought in for a short period of time. The trunk show dresses are typically ones that the store does not normally have in shop or brand new features. These shows are a  way to showcase the collection of the designers that they carry and offer more style variety to brides.

See what different fabrics are here!

Now that you’re prepared with the terminology, make your appointment with us to see it all in action!