It’s Friday!!!!!
This SOUTHERN BELLE cocktail is from the book THE COCKTAIL 200 Fabulous Drinks by Jane Rocca. You just have to pick up a copy. It includes some of the standards like Tom Collins, Mojito, and Bloody Mary, as well as, fun drinks like Geisha Fizz, Mexican Rose, and Stiletto. Don’t those sound divine!
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My previous post included a list of types and lengths of veils along with a brief description. So, you now have an idea as to what to expect when you go veil shopping. There are MANY options and it may feel overwhelming, but I am going to provide you with a few questions to keep in mind to help you along the way. There is no easy formula to find THE veil, but these questions will help you narrow the options down.
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Keep these questions in mind while veil shopping.
1. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOUR DRESS LOOKS LIKE
WHAT STYLE IS YOUR WEDDING GOWN? Is your gown modern, traditional, fashion forward, vintage, retro etc.? If you have chosen a sleek modern gown you may consider a streamlined veil to keep with the modern feel or choose to be a little more adventurous and pair your gown with a pouf veil. A Spanish influenced dress would be the perfect candidate for a mantilla veil.
FIND A BALANCE Rule of thumb is if your wedding dress is tremendously detailed or embellished consider wearing a veil that is more streamlined. If your gown is streamlined consider a more embellished veil. The key is to find a veil that compliments your wedding dress and does not overshadow it.
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR WEDDING DRESS? Your veil and dress should be similar in color or as close to.
DOES YOUR WEDDING GOWN HAVE ANY DETAILS/EMBELLISHMENTS YOU WANT VISIBLE? This will help determine the length of veil you choose. For example, your dress has a very beautiful back with lovely embellishments and beading, you may consider a veil that hits at the shoulders or above. Where the veil falls can also bring emphasis to embellishments. For example, your gown has a pretty waist and a veil that falls around the waist will naturally draw the eye there.
2. ARE YOU GETTING MARRIED OUTDOORS?
Wind: If you plan to wear a long veil the wind may become quite a nuisance. I have filmed many weddings and 9 times out of 10 this is a big issue. I have heard that tiny weights can be sewn into the seam of a veil to weigh it down. (Although, I have never seen it done.)
Floor Surface: A Chapel, Cathedral or Royal veil may not be a practical choice if you are walking down a cement or dirt floor, because it may get caught on the porous surface, become soiled or snagged on branches or debris.
3. WHAT IS YOUR BODY TYPE?
A petite bride may opt for a veil with less volume in order to avoid being swallowed up by all the material. A longer veil is very flattering for a voluptuous bride.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FACE SHAPE?
You want your veil to compliment your face shape. For instance, if you have a round face look for veils that are no shorter than your shoulders, with some volume on top of the head, and very little on the sides.
5. HOW WILL YOU WEAR YOUR HAIR ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?
It is best to have an idea as to how you are going to wear your hair on your big day, because it will determine what veil you choose, as well as, where it is worn. A Juliet Cap or Mantilla veil looks best when hair is worn down. Birdcage veils are more forgiving allowing you to wear your hair up or down.
6. DO YOU PLAN TO WEAR YOUR VEIL TO YOUR RECEPTION?
A Chapel, Cathedral or Royal veil may not be the best veil if you plan to wear it all through the night. Their length makes them an impractical choice.
As I said before, there is no formula to follow when looking for THE veil, but these questions will help narrow your search and get you to your dream veil quicker. Be patient and you will find the veil right for you.
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How to choose the right veil? I was recently asked this question from a bride and I thought, ok, I will do a little research, so that I can give her and other brides with the same question, an informed answer. Well, I was in for a surprise. As I began my research I was bombarded with the sheer number of veil options: color, material, length, poufiness, etc. Now, having a great number to choose from means there is bound to be one for you, but it also means you are likely to find many you like. And narrowing down your options may feel like an impossible feat.
How is one to choose THE veil with so many options? First thing is first. One should have as much information as possible to help make a more informed decision. So today’s post will be about the types of veils, then tomorrow I will provide you with tips to help you along the way.
Here is a list of a few options of veils along with a brief description.
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BIRDCAGE VEIL This veil is a short veil that falls over the face hitting just below the eyes or chin.
BLUSHER VEIL This usually refers to the piece that falls over the face, and is accompanied by a longer veil that sits to the back of the bride.
BOUFFANT/POUF VEIL Tulle is gathered on to a hairpiece creating significant height and falls right above or at the shoulders. This particular veil was very popular in the 60’s.
SHOULDER LENGTH This veil falls below the shoulders to mid back.
ELBOW LENGTH
WAISTE LENGTH
FINGERTIP LENGTH
KNEE LENGTH
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BALLET LENGTH/WALTZ VEIL This veil falls between the knee and the ankle.
CHAPEL LENGTH/ SWEEP VEIL This veil measure at 108 inches in length and falls all the way to the ground with out a train.
CATHEDRAL VEIL This veil measures 144 inches in length, it has a grand train. I will say that this veil is very beautiful, but is one of the least practical. You will need assistance, because of its size.
ROYAL VEIL This is probably the grandest of all veils. It is 180 inches in length. This veil is the most impractical, but is the most beautiful to photograph.
TWO/THREE TIERED VEILS This veil has two or three layers of tulle and the top most veil usually falls over the bride’s face.
DETACHABLE VEILS Some portion of this veil is detachable.
MANTILLA VEIL This veil is a circular piece of lace or tulle with a heavy edge of lace, and is held in place by a comb. This is my favorite veil…I wore this type of veil for my own wedding.
JULIET CAP This veil was popular in the 20’s and 30’s and thanks to shows like Downton Abbey and movies like The Great Gatsby it has made a comeback. This veil wraps around the head creating a kind of cap, held in place by strategically placed fabric gatherings, a crown, hair pin, etc. and it comes in many different lengths.
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Who knew there were so many options. I know I didn’t. You are now familiar with all of these veils and probably getting a feel as to what kind of veil you may want or are looking for. Tomorrow come the tips that will help you narrow your search.
I am so happy to welcome DREAM WEDDINGS by All Party Rentals to Lovely & Amazing Weddings. They are our newest Lovely Vendor. I created the Lovely Vendor guide, because I wanted to develop a source filled with the best and most talented individuals in the Rio Grande Valley and I have done just that. These vendors have proven themselves time and time again. They are innovative, fashion forward, incredibly talented, and wonderful human beings.
Let me tell you a little bit about DREAM WEDDINGS by All Party Rentals. They are the best rental company with the biggest and most amazing inventory you will ever see. And you have to visit their showroom to get a real feel of how incredible it is. They can transform any space into anything your heart desires and then some. Their name DREAM WEDDINGS is quite befitting, because they truly are creating dream weddings.
The following film by John Arriola Films is a little sneak peek into DREAM WEDDINGS by All Party Rentals’ showroom and what they are able to produce.
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