Mrs. Funnel Cake, Zürich, Switzerland/Columbus, OhioAge and Occupation: 24, Visual Communication DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Application EngineerEngagement Date: May 30, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Catholic church followed by a botanical conservatoryAbout Me: I'm an American designer who moved to Switzerland for love after a fairytale beginning at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I love travel, photography, museums, learning German so I can speak with my mother-in-law, cooking (eating), cuddling, and I'm not afraid to try something new even if it terrifies me. My Swiss/Brazilian man and I are both down to earth people planning a traditional Catholic wedding in my hometown with some quirky cultural exceptions to reflect our different backgrounds. We look forward to celebrating with friends and family from all over the world in a classic, sophisticated fusion of heritage and love.
Before I had a chance to think about what kind of veil would work with my theoretical wedding dress, SIL Funnel Cake had emailed me with a picture of both her and her mothers’ veils to borrow if I wanted.
I know they look like lumpy marshmallows here, but work with me! Read more…
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, Communications AficionadoFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
I’m slowly getting closer to completing my bridal ensemble, hive. Over the past few weeks, I’ve purchased pretty much everything I need. The only things left to buy are the shoes. But let’s save the shoe drama for another day… this post is about the veil. Yep, I finally bit the bullet and ordered a gorgeous, flowing, simple veil.
Remember the topper I was searching for? Well, that idea transformed the moment I saw a drop veil in one of my crazy Google image searches. It was perfect! Drop veils are super simple, when pulled back they are two tiers, and they come in a variety of lengths. I was sold.
Monique Lhuillier Lyric gown and veil / Image via Project Wedding
GORGEOUS. You can see why they’re called drop veils. They are literally just dropped right on top of your noggin’. Usually held in place with a hat pin.
Mrs. Jaguar, SydneyAge and Occupation: 27, Primary School TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, IT ConsultantEngagement Date: August 8, 2009Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Curzon HallAbout Me: I'm an Australian girl who is a self-proclaimed nerd, loves all things stationery and would be lost without books, music and the internet. Mr. Jaguar and I have been together for the past eight years and he finally popped the question last August. Hurrah! We currently live in Sydney, Australia with our adorable cat who thinks he's a person. We're a couple who likes to multi-task: we've been planning a wedding abroad, a permanent move from London to Sydney, and preparing to build our own home all at the same time. Travelling makes me giddy...as does Mr. Jaguar, of course!
So…I have this veil. Not this veil. This other veil.
You see, I knew that I loved the floor-length option but I knew that I wouldn’t keep it in my hair long after the ceremony. What’s a girl to do? Well, she either goes veil-less for the reception, or she finds another veil. And that I did! I won’t show you the whole deal just yet, since I’m still torn about what to do BUT I will give you a sneak peek of the pretty lace edging.
The veil is beautiful. It’s fingertip length, it’s sheer with just the lace on the edges, and it goes perfectly with my dress except—it’s ivory. Which shouldn’t be a problem, since my dress is also ivory, except…it’s more ivory. And when I put it up next to the bolero/bodice of my gown, it looks yellow. Bugger.
I googled for days: how to turn an ivory veil white. There are countless ways to dye a white veil ivory—the tea dying, the leaving outdoors. But there weren’t really any suggestions how to do the opposite.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, Communications AficionadoFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
There was a lot of bridal daydreaming going on in the Sparkler household this weekend. Maybe it’s because Sparks was out of town (or maybe I had a little too much red wine) but I was feeling extra sentimental and romantic. So while daydreaming about my bridal ensemble, I gave a lot of thought to the most romantic aspect of my get-up: The veil.
The veil has been a topic of much debate (inside my mind). At first I didn’t want one, then I REALLY wanted one, then I wanted a birdcage, then a cathedral length… there was a lot of indecision. But I think I’ve finally decided on what I want, and there are three requirements that the veil must meet:
1. Simple
No appliqué, no lace, no bling… nada. I want a plain, raw edge veil with no detail. Sounds boring but… eh. I want.
2. Two-tiered
I love the look of a two-tiered veil, and I’ve always imagined walking down the aisle with my face covered by a blusher. I’m planning to lift the top layer off my face before the ceremony begins, so I’m not staring at Sparks through mesh fabric the whole time.
3. Chapel length or longer
Since my dress, jewelry, and shoes are super modern, I wanted to incorporate a traditional look with the veil. Plus, there’s just something so romantic about being wrapped up in long, drape-y fabric.
Here are a few that are currently living up to these standards:
Mrs. Cinnamon Bun, Calgary, AlbertaAge and Occupation: 26, Stage ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Theatre TechnicianEngagement Date: June 22, 2010Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Calgary Opera CentreAbout Me: I'm a life-long crafter and bookworm living in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Some of my loves include Lord of the Rings, Sherlock Holmes, knitting, opera, musicals, Etsy, baking, and of course, Mr. Cinnamon Buns. We're keeping our wedding close to home---the venue isn't very far from our house, and we live within walking distance of 6 bridal salons. I'm using the wedding as an excuse to try out every craft project I possibly can, with the endless help and support of my fiance.
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
I recently paid a visit to my beloved dress, eager to see it on and try to find a veil that would help to make me look and feel more bridal. I knew I wanted to wear a veil, but nothing had captured my heart so far. Everything I looked at seemed…OK, and everything that I had tried on while dress shopping had seemed…OK. Nothing special, really. But, I knew a veil was in my future, so the hunt began.
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Having already picked out my dress, the next step in completing my bridal look was the veil. You know how on TV whenever a bride goes dress shopping and a consultant slips a veil onto her head, everyone in a three-mile radius automatically begins tearing up because she finally looks like a real bride? I definitely didn’t have that experience when dress shopping. I tried on a few veils, but never did I have an extra-bridal moment. Instead, I felt kind of weird having a big piece of tulle hanging from my scalp. Despite this lack of immediate attraction, I knew that I would be donning a veil, so I needed to do some research.
The Short
It seems like the most defining characteristic of a veil is its length; beyond that, you can play with different colors, materials, and adornments, but the length is kind of the go-to decision. On the short end of things, you have the birdcage veil, which is usually a very short piece of netting or tulle that hangs no lower than the chin. I had never even heard of this until I saw Reese Witherspoon’s bridal look in Sweet Home Alabama.
Image via Astra Bridal / Credit: Touchstone Studios
Mrs. Cinnamon Bun, Calgary, AlbertaAge and Occupation: 26, Stage ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Theatre TechnicianEngagement Date: June 22, 2010Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Calgary Opera CentreAbout Me: I'm a life-long crafter and bookworm living in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Some of my loves include Lord of the Rings, Sherlock Holmes, knitting, opera, musicals, Etsy, baking, and of course, Mr. Cinnamon Buns. We're keeping our wedding close to home---the venue isn't very far from our house, and we live within walking distance of 6 bridal salons. I'm using the wedding as an excuse to try out every craft project I possibly can, with the endless help and support of my fiance.
Mrs. Hot Wings, Chicago/San DiegoAge and Occupation: 28, ProfessorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, InstructorEngagement Date: December 20, 2008Wedding Date: August 2010Venue: Ocean View Villas/Jasmine Seafood RestaurantAbout Me: I am a psychology grad student living in Chicago and planning my wedding to a fellow psych grad student. I am a Sunny So-Cal bred gal who trudged across the country to follow her love of psychology and ended up finding a partner in the process. I am overly passionate about anything I involve myself with. I am an activist, a foodie, a reality TV watching junkie, an over-analyzer, a photography obsesser, and am utterly cheesy to the core. This is a story of what happens when a boy and a girl meet, fall in love over academic dorkiness, and a shared love for life. We (mostly I) are planning our semi-destination wedding in my hometown of San Diego. We are excited to bring our families and friends together from across our lifespans to celebrate our future in a grand 400+ person culturally blended affair!
I’ve gotten so many questions about my hair flower that I thought I would share its story with the hive. I made several trial run hair pieces before finally making one for my wedding day. At first, I thought I would use a faux flower but it didn’t have the fluffy look I really wanted. So, I switched to fabric. I made it using our guru Martha Stewart’s fabric peony template! Who says you can’t have peonies in late summer? Read more…
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, Communications AficionadoFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
What is it about wearing a hat that can make you feel extra fancy? Growing up in Virginia, I’m no stranger to hat-wearing affairs. Between horse races, plantation weddings, Easter brunches, and Derby parties, I’ve gotten pretty comfortable sporting multi-colored plumes on my head. But recently, hats seem to be making an international comeback thanks to this lady:
Mrs. Candy Apple, Princeton Junction, NJ/ Seattle, WAAge and Occupation: 26, Project EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, AttorneyEngagement Date: May 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: St. Joseph's Parish, Seattle Tennis ClubAbout Me: I am a Pacific Northwesterner, born and bred. I have lived in many cities---Santa Clara, Durham (England); Florence; Boston; Princeton Junction---but my heart will always be nestled up near the Cascades and Olympics, which is why we are holding our wedding there. I am a bookworm and a History nerd: I love that my life consists of books, books, and more books, since I work in Publishing! Recently, all waking time not consumed by work and my daily commute has been overtaken by wedding planning. Well, that, and watching Premier-League soccer. There is nothing I love more than a good Tana French mystery, traveling to new places, Anthropologie shopping sprees, Iittala dishware, Kate Spade shoes, impeccable typefaces (think: Archer), and a nice English ale (hellooo, Old Speckled Hen!). Oh, and did I mention my obsession with wedding blogs? Yeah, there’s that too. Join Mr. Candy Apple and me as we prep for our wedding, and, more importantly, our marriage!
Let’s talk about veils, baby! Yes, veils. Or headpieces. Or flowers. Or fascinators. Or hats. Or headbands. Or any other type of adornment that you wear on your cranium the day of your wedding.
As I think I have made it abundantly clear that I did not give much thought to my wedding dress prior to our engagement; I think it is safe for you to assume that I also had not included my wedding day accessories in our grandiose wedding plans and thoughts, either. Both dress and accessories were pushed aside in favor of focusing on reception details.
However, as I may or may not have also made abundantly clear, I am semi-obsessed with wedding blogs. (Side note: Mr. CA casually mentioned the other day that I am quite obsessive. I asked him why he thought this, and he noted that “all of your posts start with ’OMG I am obsessed with.’” I laughed heartily, but inside I smirked, because HAHA! He actually checks out Weddingbee! I knew it.) Read more…
Mrs. Cotton Candy, Riverside, CAAge and Occupation: 29, Field CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 34, Process ServerEngagement Date: July 5, 2007Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Riverside Art MuseumAbout Me: I’m a girl in love with her best friend planning a small mid-century modern inspired wedding that’s been a long time coming. I love all things design, sewing, flea markets, and a good book. I’ve been known to swoon over a well-designed chair and often find myself craving a new addition to my chair collection regardless of the lack square footage in our home. I’m Mexican American girl who hates all things spicy but loves her rowdy Mexican family and her Latin roots. My wedding muses may not be your typical wedding superstars, but with a lot of DIY, a dash of offbeat style, and lots of love and laughs, Mr. Cotton and I plan to create a day that is unmistakably us.
Thank you Hive for all your wonderful comments and opinions on this post! After going back and forth between my top two favorite veils and polling every person who listens to my rambling on about veils, I finally bit the bullet and ordered this beauty!
Oh she’s lovely and she’ll be heading my way in just a few short weeks. While I wait for my new piece of bridal flair to reach our home I’ve been busy at work putting the final touches on my equally-as-lovely hair comb. Read more…
Mrs. Cotton Candy, Riverside, CAAge and Occupation: 29, Field CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 34, Process ServerEngagement Date: July 5, 2007Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Riverside Art MuseumAbout Me: I’m a girl in love with her best friend planning a small mid-century modern inspired wedding that’s been a long time coming. I love all things design, sewing, flea markets, and a good book. I’ve been known to swoon over a well-designed chair and often find myself craving a new addition to my chair collection regardless of the lack square footage in our home. I’m Mexican American girl who hates all things spicy but loves her rowdy Mexican family and her Latin roots. My wedding muses may not be your typical wedding superstars, but with a lot of DIY, a dash of offbeat style, and lots of love and laughs, Mr. Cotton and I plan to create a day that is unmistakably us.
I have a love hate relationship with veils. In theory I love them in all their frothy, dramatic, here-comes-the-bride wonderfulness, but in practice I’m not a fan. They get in your face (duh, that’s the point right?) they can get in your way, and for our tiny little wedding, a veil might be a little too much. Sigh…I love them even if they are too much for our wedding, so I’ve decided to indulge in my love in moderation and sport a birdcage veil on our day.
After some shopping I’ve decided that a delicate tulle birdcage veil was exactly what my day-of ensemble needs. Something like this: Read more…
Ms. Sloth, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 35, Account Manager and Fashion BloggerFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Design AdminEngagement Date: December 25, 2009Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Bartram's GardenAbout Me: I'm an internet junkie and music snob with a good eye for a bargain. I couldn't live without thrift store shopping, cheeseburgers, sushi, Coke Zero, websites devoted to silly photos of baby animals, Photoshop, and Mr. Sloth. Speaking of which, he and I are a pair of goofball homebody nerds who love our beagle (the most ridiculously adorable dog EVER) to an embarrassing degree. We're planning a low-key and intimate yet festive and quirky outdoor wedding with DIY details and deeply personal touches, and it's all taking place in the city where we fell in love and call home: Philadelphia.
Mrs. Hyena, College Station, TXAge and Occupation: 23, Marketing SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Aerospace Engineering Grad StudentEngagement Date: January 8, 2010Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Downtown 202About Me: I'm a Texas girl who met my future hubby in high school, then headed up to Oklahoma for a college education (BOOMER SOONER!) before moving back to the Lone Star State to be with him. I love reading and recycling, Photoshop and reality TV, making lame jokes and then laughing at them, quoting movies, and Mr. Hyena most of all. I'm perpetually early and I like to get things accomplished. When my cat meows at me, I meow back. We're planning a laid-back, unintentionally DIY wedding with a cocktail-party vibe, and can't wait to celebrate our nuptials with our nearest and dearest!
Before I went dress shopping, I had decided that I didn’t want a veil. I’ve always liked birdcage veils, but I wasn’t sure I could pull one off. I didn’t like the look of most regular veils because I like to think I’m nontraditional, and I didn’t want anything covering up my face and/or getting in the way.
