UnVeiled

Traditionally the bride might wear a veil on her wedding day. But it's not necessary and it doesn't work for everyone or every type of wedding. 

Veils can give a very formal feeling to a wedding. So think about that when your shopping around. 

And don't get stuck on a style or type of veil until you have chosen your dress because it makes a difference. Or if by tradition you are planning on wearing a certain style, then make sure you have that to try on with each dress you consider, because it really does matter.

What if you don't want to wear a veil? There are so many other options you can go with!

Wear flowers in your hair if you are having an outdoor, whimsical, garden wedding... 

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAtcrzXGvZFCbkpP_eWoGXtKYLWzcCHVETbxWhkZIpwwyWy51x

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSbV9_FHYGIYXyZOT51MHiFH9ynzd2dXYBptc-9uQMV3MJW-HdA

You could use floral jewelry in your hair too if you want to combine glamour and whimsical!

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT2_SiYiSx5aeHuH2Rzm2Xg7gSbZu1Z1eSl8Koa6P1MvNeiErZGTg

A tiara or headband is also a sweet option. And can be very princess like. These are also very beautiful paired with a veil!

http://wedimpression.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bridal-tiaras-and-headbands-02.jpg

Bird cages are a popular choice too, and are especially beautiful for vintage-like weddings! They can be worn to cover your face, or not!

http://todaysbride.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/birdcage-veil2.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmFzCTsYzQ-9VyEo2XGsVI3dhTIyLe7o_q_58qYRSZGzJeMXF9

Like all of your other accessories, consider the over all theme of the wedding and the style of the gown. Because it really does make a difference when it comes to a well styled and well put together wedding!

Happy Planning!

Something Old Something New Something Borrowed Something Blue

You're well on your way to finding the perfect gown! :) You know what silhouettes will most likely work best for you, you have an idea of a neckline and sleeve option you love. Now let's consider accessories!

Always keep in mind your budget, and your theme! Some types of accessories fit better with certain types of themes. i.e. crystal jewelry is a little more modern, while pearls read as vintage and romantic.
But you also need to consider the style, color, and details of the dress.

For example...

With a halter dress, you probably don't need a necklace because there is so much going on around your neck already, but if you can't walk down the isle without one, consider a single pendant necklace.

If you're dress is a one shoulder dress I would suggest no necklace or a long pendant as well.

For strapless gowns, depending on the neckline and detail around the neckline, you could go for a fun statement necklace.

For low backs or backless gowns, consider a necklace with a hanging back detail.

Keep in mind that bracelets are beautiful and can add a little extra bling to those detail photos, but if you wear one, put it on the right hand, you don't want to distract from the most important bling you will be wearing. And consider the type of bracelet it is, and the type of fabric you have on your dress, they may snag.

A fun piece of jewelry to consider instead of a bracelet would be an anklet, and it could be something old, new, borrowed, or blue. And again, could be a very fun detail shot.


Your earrings will depend on the hairstyle you go with (and any hair accessories). Keep in mind if you have a busy necklace and/or bust/neckline, you should probably choose earrings that are a little understated.



An example of a halter dress. No necklace, but fun earrings!

http://halterweddingdresses.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/halter-wedding-dresses1.jpg

This strapless gown has a clean, simple neckline, so a statement necklace works beautifully. This also reads as very modern and high-fashion. 

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnslLfDXeG6PO7um0vd-RfC2y--VA2MolVz-8FyliSQMjbdZQN

This strapless gown is a little more busy, so a more simple necklace works well. 

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQMCfCQ6kCeU-16dKmI4jfIr8OapaU6UlF2NsCDnxugmubXc25c

With these types of updos and hair accessories, earrings aren't necessary because you don't want too much going on around your face, it will be distracting. But these brides are doing it right with very simple studs. 

http://www.xoedge.com/ImageStage/Objects/0003/0049845/large_image.jpg

http://scmedia.theknot.com/~/media/A65B638DCBCE475A97D04A7A70AD4E34.ashx

And a look at a low back wedding gown, and dressing it up with a little back jewelry.

http://img0.etsystatic.com/005/1/6866491/il_fullxfull.371921192_4v2g.jpg

If your gown has any beaded detail, pay attention to the colors and the content, i.e. pearls, crystals, sequins, etc. and match your jewelry to that detail, they will look like they were made especially for each other and especially for you. 

But make sure your accessories aren't competing with each other for the attention, and especially that they aren't fighting with your beautiful face for attention. You don't want your wedding attire to wear you, you want to wear it. :)

Now that you have plenty to consider and think about, happy planning!

Here Comes The Bride CONT.

Thought I could leave you with just silhouettes to think about? Yeah right. What about necklines, and which ones work with what body type?
There are many choices...
Strapless
Straps
Halter
Sleeves - Cap or Long
Sweetheart
Straight
V
Scoop
Plunging
Square
Bateau
Cowl/Draped
Jewel
Keyhole

The list is almost endless with options. The neckline and sleeve option on your gown is mostly about what you are comfortable wearing, following tradition, religious views, or the specific theme and style you are trying to follow.
If religious or traditional restrictions do not apply, then keep in mind that the type of neckline and sleeve option can make your dress, regardless of silhouette fall into a specific style. And to keep the theme and intended style of your wedding consistent, you should be consistent with every detail.

Strapless gowns are very popular, and if made well, you shouldn't have to worry about pulling them up all night, regardless of your bust size. So if you're busty, unless you just don't like the strapless style or aren't comfortable with your bare shoulders, don't rule it out before trying some.

Halter gowns can emphasize cleavage and also emphasize a lack of it, so keep that in mind too.

If you have broad shoulders, a cap sleeve or long sleeve might help hide them, if you don't want them to stand out. Sometimes strapless gowns show off broad shoulders.

Cowl and draped necklines work best with smaller busts, and are usually only featured on gowns that translate to "destination" or beach wedding gowns.

Sweetheart necklines will show off cleavage, so keep that in mind, but they can also come in modified versions to dip in the front, more or less.

Always remember to keep an open mind, and try the things you aren't sure if you like or not, you may surprise yourself.
Until next time, Happy Planning!