
The Style Guru
Style Guru Josh Hedrington is back with some thoughts on this eternal wedding fashion dilemma …
There is no doubt that you will face a multitude of decisions for your day of matrimony. One such contemplation may be whether or not to wear a veil for your walk down the aisle.
If you ask me, I say wear the veil and wear it well! However, I am from the school that believes weddings should be glamorous affairs and a veil sets the tone for what could very well be the fashion statement of your life. There are many styles from which to choose should you decide to wear a veil. And most importantly, you must consider your dress style.
Wedding veils are known by different names in the fashion world. However, if you give a good description, most bridal salon consultants will know what you’re talking about. The most subtle of veils are commonly known as Birdcage or Blusher. The Birdcage covers the front part of the head and extends to the tip of the chin. The Blusher has extra material covering up to the neck line in front and shoulders in back. I’ve also seen veils slightly shorter, ending at the tip of the nose. I refer to these as Pillbox veils as they are traditionally attached to a pillbox hat. These short veils are perfect for almost any style of dress.
For a more formal veil, you may choose the Chapel which covers the entire face, but the back extends to the length of the gown. These veils are perfect for those floor length dresses. You can also find veils in this same style that do not cover the face, but flow elegantly to the back.
Other veils are known simply by their length: Elbow extends to the elbows and likewise Fingertip veils to the fingertips. These types are also great for any dress style. The least formal, and perhaps my least favorite, is the Flyaway veil. Imagine a big doily plopped on your head - enough said!
Now for my favorite veil of them all - which should be no surprise to those who know my style. The Cathedral veil is the veil of all veils. Usually worn by royals, think of the late Princess Diana’s wedding. This veil can extend for miles and is the surest way to make a grand entrance. This eye popping accessory consists of light transparent fabric covering the face with even more material flowing to the back, and made to cover the aisle length of any stately cathedral. This veil must be worn with an extra long dress with an extra long train - no question!
Regardless of the veil you choose, there always remains the option to tweak it accordingly. For example, you may choose one of the longer veils and then strategically pin some of the fabric to your hair, giving you extra height. If you choose not to wear a veil, other options for head dress include jeweled pins, fancy hair combs or a glamorous wedding hat. Of course, you may always fall back on the diamond tiara or do something creative like white rose petals weaved within a hair bun or chignon.
To veil or not to veil? No matter how you answer this question, the look is not complete until you’re dressed from head to toe!
PS - Visit www.serendipitytiaras.com, www.birdcageveils.com and www.unveiledbridaldesigns.com to view a great selection of wedding veils. References for this column include www.ehow.com and The Wedding Book by Minday Weiss and Lisbeth Levine.
As always, great insight Josh. As the Style Guru, Josh is available for wedding wardrobe consultations and personal shopping. Stay tuned for news on his upcoming Stylish Bride Ride. You reach Josh at 202.445.7114 or email jhedring@aol.com.