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There once was a bride from the City
Who thought birdcage veils were so pretty
But one look at her back
And she exclaimed - “Ackk!”
So she gave up that veil, what a pity!
Okay, so I failed limericks class. Anyhoo, the message is there. My choice of veil was somewhat dictated by my back.
Sadly, my back will never look like this.
Let’s back it up for a sec (groan). When I first contemplated my wedding day look, I immediately turned to the birdcage veil. Look how pretty! I was going for a ’40s glam look, and it fit perfectly. I thought - WWDD? (What Would Dita Do?). And the answer was clear - she’d rock the birdcage.
This was before I saw my back in a 3-way mirror.
Imagine a smooth, soft surface, with nary a glimmer of muscle tone or definition. That’s my back. I wouldn’t say it’s horrendous, but it’s definitely not the lean, toned work of art of say… Halle Berry. No matter how many Buff Brides dumbbell rows I do, my back loves to hold on to my fat. That’s when I figured - hey, the more tulle to cover up that vast back-spance, the better. So anyway, that’s how I went from this:
to this:
Of course, it didn’t hurt that after I found my dress (aka “The One”), my lovely Kleinfeld sales consultant added a cathedral veil to complete the picture, and I was sold. Darn you, Kleinfeld, you’re too good at this!!!
Have you worked around any “insecurity” areas?
Kleinfeld’s also sold me on a cathedral veil! I love it, but I wish i had shopped around for a cheaper one. I was so dazzled by the one at Kleinfeld’s that I ended up buying it right then.
I am petite and a size 2, but when I tried on a wedding dress with an open back, I just knew that I don’t need that kind of pressure! In my skinniest days, I never had a toned back and I’m OK that I never will. So on to other dresses with a back on them!
I have wide-ish shoulders. So I knew a halter top would just accentuate, and strapless just left a wide path of flesh. So, I went with cap sleeves to do some cover, and they’re removable so I can take them off to dance (when the photogs are gone)!
Cathedral veils are so dreamy. I love how they look in pictures.
I’m also sure your back looks great and you’re just being particularly hard on yourself 
I love your limerick! Thanks for the laugh, Hammy. My insecurity area is my arms, so unfortunately there was nothing I could do except lots and lots of pushups!
kleinfeld throwing in the cathedral veil would have totally sealed the deal for me in terms of what veil to wear. and while i’m sure your back is just lovely, i’m very excited for your cathedral and A+++ on the limerick!
That limerick is great. End of story.
Also: I’m wearing a cathedral length veil and I’ve also considered it’s ability to cover up my own back fat. Soul sisters.
Haha - Love your “WWDD”, too funny!
Mine main focus are my arms - definitely want those bride arms!
Mad props for your limerick! My dress has an open back as well and i’m stressing over the thought of not getting it to look perfect! Not sure about a veil to be honest since i’m having a DW in Punta Cana.
@Miss Argyle - i’m in the same boat as you with the arms!
I think Dita could tooootally support the drama of a cathedral veil! I had a cathedral with my mermaid dress and it was so much fun!
Have you considered mixing veil types..? A half updoo could have the veil tucked up into it and you could still have an accent piece on top?
You look beautiful in your pics and I’m sure you could totally rock a birdcage with an exposed back. but, you need to do what makes you comfortable…….you will be a lovely bride.
Ha, I was totally going to rock the birdcage veil until I decided I wanted something a little more traditional.
Sadly, it does not cover up my lack of toned back (or my ginormous scoliosis scar). Ah well, anyone who knows me knows I have a scar and that I can’t do back exercises. I’ve come to terms with it and just hope that my FI’s family isn’t scandalized by a bride with a huge scar shown off by the low-backed dress.
Haha, you’re hilarious. Count your blessings…at least it’s smooth and a clean surface. You have a leg up already. I feel you on that. Do they have a back version of rock hard abs?
It’s going to look gorgeous! And that personally, I thought your limerick was pretty dang awesome
I love cathedral veils and also tried on quite a few at Kleinfeld. (I just need to say that I LOVED Kleinfeld, after 3 fruitless months of searching everywhere else in NYC and NJ.) Their selection of dresses and veils was great BUT my dress dictated the kind of veil I would end up getting.
My top 2 dress contenders were polar opposites- a strappy V neck ivory lace beauty with an antique feel = dramatic cathedral veil with gorgeous ivory lace; or a modern ivory silk strapless gown with ruching and subtle lace/bead work on the bodice = slightly short of fingertip length veil with subtle ivory beading around the edges.
@BrooklynBride10: @Miss Pug: @yummyducky66: Yeah they are sneaky-good at Kleinfeld; they wait till you’re in THE dress then throw in a bouquet and veil and voila! Magic.
@Miss French Fries: LOL I’m glad I’m not the only one who went through that thought process.
@Jenn: Haven’t thought of that - i would like an accent piece. I’ve been looking at some hair accessories that work nicely!
@AprilBride10: Boo, they shouldn’t be scandalized! I’ll come over and give them a severe talking-to 
@Miss Lace: I wish they did; I’d be ALL over that!
wow you totally read my mind. I was a birdcage veil or bust kinda gal…until i saw my back in the mirror. Now i want as much veil as I can find to cover up my little muffin tops peeking out! haha
I never thought of my back-huh. I rocked a CastleBride Couture birdcage for that 40’s glam look, but there were times I wished I had gone with a long or pouf veil. I think you can get a really classic 40’s appeal with the cathedral veil, but I think maybe I’m picturing the 20’s. (??)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2201/2137098251_8e7500f4af.jpg
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Mrs. Hamster, New York City Age and Occupation: 28, Finance Gal Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance Guy Engagement Date: March 9, 2009 Wedding Date: May 2010 Venue: The Pierre Hotel About Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
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