All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day, and often it is easy for them to picture themselves in a wedding gown. But once something is placed upon the head, the whole perception of self-image is altered. A well-designed veil will accent or de-emphasize certain facial or body features if chosen thoughtfully, as well as match the bride's personality, reflect the gown's features, and conform to the formality of the wedding and reception.
The headpiece should be ornate enough for the gown and not look like an afterthought. It is a very condensed area and therefore may be more heavily beaded than the gown. Many brides have been misinformed and feel that if their gown very ornate they should opt for a very small, simple, and inexpensive headpiece, when they should be concerned that the overall effect is a balanced one. The area framing the face is not a very good area to skimp on since it is the most viewed area of the bride both in person and in photography.
If it is possible to find or design a headpiece with some of the gown's prominent features a finished look will result. Be sure to use the same or very similar types of materials in your headpiece. It is ok, however, if the pattern itself varies. If in doubt, stick to an entirely beaded or floral headpiece to avoid conflict.
Try to keep the styling of the headpiece in sync with your gown as well. Modern and contemporary gowns look great with beaded combs, tiaras, back pieces, asymmetricals, and forehead pieces. Traditional gowns fare well with beaded combs, tiaras, floral bandeaus, asymmetricals, hats and wreaths. Very formal gowns almost require a tiara, pillbox, Juliet cap, mantilla, or crown.
In general, the best veil lengths are the waist-length and gown-length veils. These hit natural stopping points, and do not interfere with the gown's lines. Formal weddings almost beg for long veils (at least 6" past the train); and the illusion is very sheer so your gown will not be hidden underneath the veil at all. Detachable veils help to make these much more practical and comfortable. Fingertip veils tend to be the least flattering of all to both the bride and the gown.
A well-designed headpiece will accent or de-emphasize certain facial features if chosen thoughtfully. For example, a wreath or halo effect will round and shorten a face. Pointed tiaras, which are taller in the center than the sides, will slim a face.
As a general rule of thumb, any headpiece, which is tall and/or narrow, will slim and lengthen a face. Subsequently, a low and/or wide headpiece may shorten or widen a face. Therefore, if the bride wishes to de-emphasize a round face, she should avoid a round headpiece such as a wreath.
Keep in mind that the veiling may also alter your appearance. Long veils will lengthen and slim a body while shorter veils may emphasize the waist and hip area. Edged veils also tend to call attention to their ending areas, especially a waist-length veils which ends in the midsection. Probably to best way to get the full effect is to stand about 10 feet from the mirror and be sure that you are creating the image you have long dreamed of.
Below are some tips to help in the selection process:
1. To assure a uniform look, try to bring out your favorite features on your wedding gown.
2. You have spent a great deal of time on your gown, but how many pictures will actually show that train? And how many will show your face? Don't skimp here!
3. The correct veil length should generally hit at the waist or at least 6 inches past the train to avoid conflict with the lines of the gown. The train was designed to have long, flowing lines, and a fingertip veil will typically disrupt the lines creating a choppy, disharmonized look.
4. Try to find detachable veils if you would like a lighter look for the reception without messing up your wedding day hairstyle.
5. If you desire to slim or lengthen your face, try to implement long, slim lines in your headpiece and veiling. For example, try pointed tiaras or combs higher in the center than the sides.
6. For a long, thin face choose a more round looking ensemble. Wider, shorter tiaras and combs, brim hats, wreaths, and the like are often quite flattering.
7. A gown-length veil will also help to slim your figure! Think streamlined! Fingertip veils accent your hips!!
8. Stand back from the mirror to get the overall effect with both the gown and veil on. Don't tip your head down and look up at the mirror, because that is not how everyone else will see you.
9. Consider having your headpiece and veil custom designed by a professional bridal milliner who will measure the correct veil length on you. Many upscale salons will offer this or will measure and have their suppliers create exactly what will make your guests say, "What a beautiful bride!" rather than, "What a beautiful gown/veil!"
Please contact Cheryl for more information by email: aveillady@aol.com; by phone: 919/365-4462; or visit the website: aveillady@aol.com.
"The Famous Veil Lady from North Carolina" (according to Bridal Sources Magazine)
Copyright 1993, revised 2004
Cheryl King is the Chief Designer for Cheryl King, Ltd. Her designs can be found at her retail salon, Chantilly Lace of Wendell in Wendell, NC by appointment, as well as in leading bridal salons nationwide. She also has her designs featured in the editorials of bridal magazines. Mrs. King has been designing couture headpieces and veils since 1989, and also used natural pearls, sterling, and gold filled wire. Each piece is lovingly made by hand to your specifications. You may contact her at aveillady@aol.com, or by phone at 919.365.4462.
Barry Chicago limousine ..One of the biggest areas of dispute in estate planning... Read More
Perhaps the biggest worry of a bride-to-be, is picking out... Read More
Weddings are momentous occasions to all people involved; especially the... Read More
The look of the wedding invitations you send will not... Read More
When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination it's usually... Read More
When it comes to wedding music, there are some choices... Read More
Over the past years I have performed at many, many... Read More
The wedding shower is a traditional party of the marriage... Read More
As Mark Twain said "Let us not be too particular;... Read More
The reception alone will bust your wedding budget if you're... Read More
"Til death do us part" is still the language used... Read More
If you're getting married, a Bridal Show is a great... Read More
Your wedding rings were meant to last a lifetime. They... Read More
The Cancun honeymoon vacation comes with its bagage of sweet... Read More
The wedding gown is most important choice for a bride... Read More
The wedding service in the Greek Orthodox faith is an... Read More
Astrology is considered to be the oldest of all sciences,... Read More
The most enjoyable part of the wedding reception is the... Read More
John's cousin, Grace, is getting married in Liverpool, UK and... Read More
Butterfly Releases offer the viewer the chance to see beauty... Read More
You're well into planning your wedding and have finally decided... Read More
Henry Vlll and Elizabeth Taylor, who between them had fourteen... Read More
One of the most memorable days in our lives is... Read More
Tahiti honeymoon resorts are the best places you could think... Read More
Once you've mortgaged the rest of your life for the... Read More
Bartlett Chicago charter limousine service ..As a Personal Trainer for brides-to-be, I often get asked... Read More
How much should you spend on a diamond engagement ring?$100?$1000?How... Read More
Perhaps the biggest worry of a bride-to-be, is picking out... Read More
"Presence is more than just being there," states Malcolm S.Forbes.... Read More
There are many options available to adorn your flower girl... Read More
Most brides become obsessed with throwing the perfect wedding. The... Read More
Mexico, a country rich in arts and ancient cultures and... Read More
There are many choices available when shopping for fine plus... Read More
Ben* has been happily married for 19 years. He recently... Read More
Through my personal & professional coaching practice, marital issues often... Read More
Your wedding is quite possibly the most important day of... Read More
It used to be that if you wanted to buy... Read More
Oregon is one of the most marvelous places in the... Read More
Have you ever had to give a wedding speech? As... Read More
Here comes the bride! Walking through the alley confidence holding... Read More
When people think about great love stories, more often than... Read More
Symbols! Weddings are full of them. Exchanging rings. Exchanging roses.... Read More
Just like anywhere else in America, there are a variety... Read More
Looking for beach theme wedding cake ideas?When it comes to... Read More
He's proposed, and most likely you're flashing your new engagement... Read More
Rose petals will add luxury to a wedding day or... Read More
If you're like most people, you probably entered into marriage... Read More
Wish to make that one day in your life really... Read More
A little strategizing can go a long way when trying... Read More
Bridal shower games are a wonderful way to put your... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |