Yes, veils are still in vogue and ever appealing. And yes, there are more styles out there than ever, but before you make the decision to wear one, consider your options. Today, some brides are bypassing the veil, going for special touches like wide brimmed hats, fresh flowers or jewels in their hair. The idea is, if you’d rather wear a feathered toque down the aisle and it works with your gown, go for it.
Our grandmothers didn’t have choices like this. There were tight restrictions on what sort of headpiece was appropriate with the length veil she had to wear with her dress. Luckily times have changed. Wearing a veil with a headpiece is an option, not requirement anymore. Since being a bride these days is more about choices and making your own individual statement, let’s explore some alternatives to the traditional veil.
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.
SCARF -- A beautifully draped scarf works something like a veil and can be made out of the same fabric as some veils. Take a 5-1/2 yard piece of 36-45” wide silk gauze or chiffon, frame the face with it like you would if you were putting on a regular scarf. Just make sure you drape it over both shoulders so the long part will move behind you like a train. Anchor it at your temple with decorative hairpins and invisibly at the shoulders so it stays on when you move. If this length is too dramatic, go for a shorter cut (about 3 yards). You’ll get the same ‘hooded’ effect.
SNOOD -- Another sophisticated look. A snood is a piece of openwork netting used to cover buns and chignons. They were highly popular in two eras: the Civil War and World War II. The contemporary versions that compliment evening and bridal wear often have pearls, or crystals on them. Stunning once they reflect light.
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.
WREATH -- Very romantic. A wreath circles the head and is interwoven with flowers, foliage and in some cases, ribbons. Florists can put these together either with fresh, artificial or dried flowers. Some variations would be those made exclusively of English Ivy or dried roses and baby’s breath.
HATS are the choice of some of the world’s chicest brides like Bianca Jagger and Rita Hayworth. Once you start trying them on, you’ll see how each works with the shape of your face, your body type and gown. A petite bride can wear a picture hat as long as it’s not massive and is in proportion with the rest of her. The evening-gowned bride will need something with enough width to create symmetry with her gown. Adornments can be feathers, flowers, ribbons, drapes and poufs of netting, to name just a few. The widest assortment can be found in millinery shops. Here you’ll get lots of personal attention. And if you don’t find exactly what you want, they’ll custom make it for you. Look through better department stores and go online for more inspiration.
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.
RESOURCES
dulkenandderrick.com -- Exquisite silk flowers.
leahc.net -- Cutting edge hats and hair ornaments.
thaisilks.com --chiffon scarf lengths and yardage for draping.
michelleroydesigns.com -- one-of-a-kind hair jewelry.
tacori.com -- tiaras and hair jewelry.
