SANS THE VEIL

Yes, veils are still trendy and there are more styles out there than ever, but before you make the decision to wear one, consider your options. Today, brides are bypassing the veil, going for special touches like hats, fresh flowers or jewels in their hair. The idea is, if you’d rather wear a feathered fascinator down the aisle and it works with your gown, go for it.


FLORALS in your hair. They compliment simple evening gown silhouettes with a tropical feel, A-lines and ball gowns with a touch of the romantic. There are three kinds of florals: Fresh, artificial and hand-rolled fabric flowers. All are beautiful choices. Fresh can be ordered through your florist possibly echoing some of those in your bouquet. Artificial flowers are typically silk, some so well made they look like they were just picked out of the garden. Hand-rolled flowers are made out of fabric like dupioni, organza or shantung, sometimes in the same fabric as your gown. These have a real haute couture look and are usually attached to a barrette or spongy wire-wrap. You’ll need the help of a hairdresser incorporating fresh flowers into your hair. Artificial ones sometimes come with an attached comb—sometimes not. If not, you’ll need help anchoring these in. Some hairstylists will even weave poufs of netting through the flowers, creating a real high-fashion look.


HEADBAND -- typically attached to a gathered pouf veil, you can wear the headband individually without the veiling. Headband brides have that fresh, Estee Lauder look. Bands range in style from simple, narrow satin ones to those covered in pearls and crystals. A great option for hair worn down, not quite shoulder length like a bob.

TIARA -- Just the tiara — no veil. This is a classic look. Most tiaras are made out of crystal and rhinestone. Best when the tiara sits upon a well-coiffed up-do.


HATS & FASCINATORS are the choice of some of the world’s chicest brides. Once you start trying them on, you’ll see how each works with the shape of your face, your body type and gown. Adornments can be feathers, flowers, ribbons, drapes and poufs of netting, to name just a few. The widest assortment can be found on Etsy. And if you don’t find exactly what you want, they’ll be able to custom make it for you.

HAIR JEWELERY -- These can range from Mother of Pearl hairpins to crystal adorned hair-sticks and clips. You can wear one or many sprinkled though a beautifully coiffed head. Top notch hair styling is a must to wear these properly.

SHEATH CHIC

Novia D'Art

The sheath is a favorite of brides who take pride in working out and strutting their stuff. I'm not referring to the evening gown or any variation with a flared skirt but the sheath Audrey made famous--that snug fitting, long columnar silhouette in a heavier fabric like Duchesse satin or peau. Defined, the classic sheath looks like the images above and below--having waistline and skirt features that are usually as snug up top as on bottom. This silhouette can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. On the right bride this silhouette is elegant and proffers the look of class and chic combined. Adding skirt to a sheath by way of a detachable train is traditional for bridal as well as evening wear reminiscent of 1950s.

Vera Wang

Giambatista Valli


Priscilla of Boston
The shorter sheath is also an option for the less formal wedding or even rehearsal dinner, bachleorette party or reception. The Priscilla of Boston dress above is short with a longer train, great for brides who want to change out their look from ceremony to reception . . . .

source

Giambattista Valli

Amy-Jo Tatum

Amy-Jo Tatum