Lace Veil

To a certain extent lace, scalloped edge, and mantilla veils all describe similar types of veils: elegant-looking veils that incorporate lace designs and decorative edges. If you are a bride interested in this type of veil, you will probably want to explore all three styles.

Lace Veils

Delicate, lace veils are the ultimate in femininity and range from all-over to edge-only lace designs. The lace itself can be Blonda, Chantilly, or lace-embroidered tulle. The first two are found primarily on vintage or extremely high-quality veils. Today's bride most commonly wears the last type of lace, because of versatility and lower cost:

- Handmade Blonda lace incorporates designs crafted from two types of silk: A thin thread for detailing and a thicker one to add depth, more details, or color.
- Chantilly lace is intricately embroidered with vegetable, fruit, or floral designs and is named for the town in France where the lace originated. According to Wikipedia, while most Chantilly lace is black, some white veils bear Chantilly designs.
- Lace-embroidered tulle can be sewn to mimic traditional Chantilly or Blonda lace or reflect other designs.

Lace Trim Veils

Another way to integrate the elegance of lace into your veil is through a lace edge or trim. The veil is made primarily from tulle or other veil material, with lace applied around the edges. This look is highly customizable because the specific material, trim design, and other embellishments vary depending on your preference.

Mantilla Veils

When you think of a lace veil, you may envision a mantilla veil -- single-tier with a scalloped edge. Traditionally, mantillas were made from embroidered Chantilly or Blonda lace. Now days, some mantilla veils are made from tulle, with embroidered edging. They are made from a single piece of non-gathered material, which is draped over the head and secured with an unobtrusive comb or pin.

Scallop Edge Veils

The distinctive feature about a mantilla veil is its scallop edge. A veil's edge is usually cut straight or on a slight curve. The exception is the scalloped wedding veil, which is cut with a unique edge. Picture the curvy pattern a row of semi-circles makes placed side-by-side. Or, for visual examples, go to Google Images (images.google.com) and type in Mantilla Veil.

Wearing a Single-Tier, Non-Gathered Veil

Traditionally, lace or mantilla veils are a single, non-gathered oval or round layer of material, to be draped over the head. This creates a sleek and sophisticated appearance, with no pouf or headpiece to interrupt the profile. You can wear this type of veil by pinning or attaching it to your hair with a small comb. You may also want to wear an unobtrusive bow or other hair ornament to hide a pin. If your veil has a scalloped or otherwise unique edge, the traditional way to wear it is so the lace edges softly frame your face and upper body. You may also choose to wear it "blusher style," so the veil covers your face and the edge falls to your bodice. Or, attach the veil to the back of your head so the decorated edges cascade down your back.

Gathered and Multi-Tiered Veils

While you will probably want a single-tier for an all-lace veil (to show the lace in its full beauty), you can wear a lace- or scallop-edge veil the same as any other. Do be careful, however, of the effect when considering more than one tier or heavy gathering. You may inadvertently create a busy or "crowded" look, rather than elegant.

Bridal Tiaras

As you begin choosing a favorite wedding gown style, you will notice a selection of tiaras in most bridal shops. They sparkle, shine, and practically cry out to be modeled. Most brides-to-be cannot resist trying on at least a few of them. Before you make a final choice, however, first understand a few things about the best way to wear a wedding-day tiara.

Tiaras Come in Different Styles

Say the word "tiara" and most of us think of the stereotypical princess tiara -- rhinestones or crystals set in silver or white gold, gaily twinkling to a filigreed, front-and-center point. In reality, there are many variations. Pearl tiaras, with many designs of mixed pearls and crystals, are available. And they are not all set in silver. You can buy yellow gold or gold-plated tiaras, too.

The tiara's shape can vary as well. You can choose a headband style to hug your hair -- with one, two, or three bands -- or an inverted v-band to sit on your forehead. There are also crown-like designs that are a more uniform width than the classical princess styles (and may require a wider hairstyle than peaked versions).

Combs and Bands

Tiara construction can also vary. These different constructions dictate how you secure the tiara to your head. Some tiaras have small combs attached on each side, near the end of the bands, to more easily secure the tiara from the sides. Others -- called comb tiaras -- are mounted on a larger, single comb, so you can slip the comb backward into your hair from the front. Still others are made with loops at the end, or plain bands so you can use your hair or hairpins to hold the tiara in place. Take into account your hairstyle and which type of design will be easier to hold in place when choosing your tiara.

A Princess, Beauty Queen, or Bride? It's About Emphasis.

Princesses and beauty queens wear their tiaras on display, predominantly as a status symbol. It is all about what (not who) they are. A wedding, on the other hand, is about the bride herself, not the status of being a Missus. For that reason, a bride's tiara is given a different emphasis than that of a princess or beauty queens. A bridal tiara accents the bride's ensemble. If you compare Princess Diana of Wales' wedding photos to official photos of her wearing the Spencer Family Tiara, for example, you can see the difference between Princess Diana and bride Diana (for photos, go to images.google.com and type in Diana Spencer Tiara). On her wedding day, the tiara was worn as an accessory, surrounded by the tremendous veil. When worn in an official capacity as a symbol of her status, the tiara was much more obvious.

Aside from surrounding a tiara with a veil, the way you wear the headpiece can also make the difference between accent piece and centerpiece. Balanced atop one's head, the tiara is a showpiece, drawing attention to itself. Integrated into the hairdo, it becomes part of the ensemble. You can wrap the tiara around your bun or a mass of curls. Or, tilt it backwards at an angle -- so it does not sit straight up -- and hide the ends beneath your hair. Puff your veil or hair behind a large tiara to de-emphasize it.

Your Hairstyle Matters

Which size and type of tiara works best for you partially depends on your hairstyle. Large hair can carry a large tiara. Small hair means a smaller scale tiara. Consider the front profile. If you wear your hair in a bun, for example, your tiara may be more conspicuous set against the bun or wrapped around it, but your hair will be more conspicuous as well, balancing out the effect. The same tiara that works with the bun may be too tall for a smaller profile hairstyle. If you plan to choose an inexpensive tiara, consider buying two or more and experiment until you find the best look.

However you choose to wear your bridal tiara, consult others throughout the process. Ask your hair stylist and those who know you, but will be honest with you about their opinions. Do this and you will find a tiara the looks fabulous and reflects your personality.

Wedding Accessory

Bridal wedding accessories are one of the most important parts of the wedding preparation for a bride. This is a day when the bride wants to look most beautiful. All the bridesmaids and maid of honour accompany the bride like fairies escorting their queen. But to make the dream come true, you need to be extra careful to plan everything beforehand. From the smallest detail of a hairpin to major important elements like the wedding ring - everything contributes to the orderly presence of the graceful lady of the day.

But before you organize, you need to know about different types of wedding accessories for brides. Without a detailed list of everything you need for the bridal party, you will not be able to make the day perfect. So here is little help and information on wedding accessory for a bride that will help you truly enjoy the most beautiful day of your life.

· Accessories for the brides

The list of wedding accessory for brides is long and full of small and intricate details. It starts from the beautiful bridal gowns, which is considered among one of the most unique wedding accessories for the bride. The fine satin white dress draping the beautiful lady comes decorated with fine lace and silver works. It is accompanied with bridal veils of lace and shiny stone works. The white satin gloves or the lace gloves cover the hands which will be embraced with the eternal ring. The bridal hair accessories include bridal tiara, designers' hair pins and clips.

These wedding accessories also incorporate bridal shoes, which are available from branded designers in a wide range of colors, size and styles. One can access online wedding accessories sites to find suitable bridal wedding accessory quite easily. The wedding jewelry set for the bride is also another important part of the accessories. The smaller elements like garters, handkerchiefs, fashion accessories, purse and bags should not be overlooked either.

The arrangement becomes complete with a ready at hand bridal emergency kit. This kit should be prepared with an additional set of tights and stockings, needles and strings, make - up set, tissues, safety pin and scissors, tampon, flip-flops, comb, hair pins, hairspray, perfume , etc.

· Accessories for the flower girls and for showering

The flower girls carry flower petals in beautiful baskets. So you can go for pink or red rose petals and a set of cute and glamorous flower baskets. You can always go for personalised wedding accessories in case of designing your own custom flower buckets. For the showering tradition you can use confetti, confetti cones, flower petals, bird seeds, bubbles etc.

· Accessories for the ring bearer

Selection of the ring is very important. Choose the ring with all your love, passion and taste for style and elegance. This is a part of the accessories that will remain with you all your life. Also do not forget the ring bearer pillow to carry the ring in a graceful manner. The ring bearer pillow should also be chosen keeping in mind the design and appeal of the ring.

· Accessories for the bridal party

The bridal party accessories include special gifts for the maid of honour, bridesmaid, flower girls and every one accompanying the bride. The wedding accessories for a bride remain incomplete without the expression of her warm appreciation for the bridal party guests. Make a bridal party itinerary to keep everyone aware of the marriage programs taking place and their role in it.

With this basic information you can now plan your purchases and look for affordable wedding accessories. Careful planning and research will help you gather the right bridal wedding accessories that will make your day perfect.

Ivory Veil

To the uninitiated, veil color seems a non-issue: white. In reality, the choice is much more involved. White is actually one of several colors: pure white, winter white, and ivory. Each white has its own variations, but you needn't match your dress perfectly. Allow for some color variation, which will better show off your veil's detailing to guests. If you do vary the color, most experts recommend wearing a veil a shade or two lighter than the gown for a put-together look. Also, choose similar tones and intensities for your gown and veil. If you have a champagne gown, for example, opt for an ivory veil with similar yellow undertones, rather than pure or diamond white.

The Pure White Wedding Veil

This is the true "stark" or bright white with no tinting. Experts generally recommend wearing it only if your gown is simply white. If you like the way pure white contrasts with your not-pure-white dress, get the honest opinion of trusted friends and family before purchasing. This color looks beautiful with a white satin gown but also goes well with white lace, cotton, or chiffon.

Diamond, Winter Silk or Off-White

This shade has a different name depending on the material or designer. Diamond, winter silk, off-white, and light ivory are all names for similar shades. Whatever the name, it is a soft white, between pure white and ivory in color. This white goes best with white silk and other gowns with a natural or lightest ivory appearance.

Ivory Veils

Ivory is an off-white, yellow-tinted hue. Variations range from light eggshell to a cream color. Lighter shades go well with light ivory gowns, while creamy ivory or champaign gowns look beautiful under the darker shades.

Colored and Blush Veils

The traditional shades above are most common, but you have other options, such as light blush tints and darker colors. You can even order black and red bridal veils online! Some other, less intense shades you might consider include:

* Peach Blush. This veil color has a hint of peach tint

* Pink Blush. Tulle in this color is a very light pink

* Taupe. Taupes range in intensity from light oyster to creamy mocha and go well with ivory or champagne tone wedding gowns.

* Rum Pink. This is a bit deeper color than blush and is a recommended for oyster gowns.

* Champagne. Experts often describe champagne as a creamy, color more intense color than ivory.

* Light Gold or Honey. These veils are golden-toned and work will with cinnamon or the darker gold gowns.

While experts will have certain recommendations for what shade of ivory or white veil to wear with your gown color, the choice also depends on your personal preference, the look you want to project, and if you want to follow current fads or trends. Any or all may impact your final veil color choice.

The number one rule to follow is do not make the decision in a vacume. Choose your gown first and consider how the veil will look with it. Visit bridal shops and hold different color veils against your gown shade to see the effect. And ask those you trust. Only then are you in a position to choose your most fabulous veil color.

Bride Veil

Brides have been wearing veils for thousands of years. It is an ancient tradition, but one that is still very popular with brides today. Just like wedding gowns, veils also follow fashion trends. Here is a look at some of the most current ideas in veils.

There is something about a veil that just says, "Here comes the bride!". That is why even the most modern of brides will still usually choose to wear one, at least for the wedding ceremony. Of course, you can never go wrong with the classic plain tulle veil, but designers today are also offering veils with some very special and unique details.

A simple gathered piece of tulle can be dramatically transformed with a trim or ornament. Adding a decorative border to the outer edge is one of the most popular and versatile ways to finish a veil. Ribbon borders are one of the most classic veil edges, but there are some additional new and interesting options. Some designers are using three narrow pieces of ribbon to create a more dynamic ribbon edge. Others are using ribbon in a pale color, like blush pink or baby blue.

A border on a veil does not have to be a piece of ribbon, either. For today's romantic and ethereal gowns, veils with ruffled or pleated edges are a beautiful choice. A soft sheer ruffle or pleat on a veil will also soften a more architectural style of wedding dress. It is one of the prettiest trends in bridal veils.

Other bridal veil trends are in keeping with some ideas that are popular throughout weddings. Just as monogrammed everything is one of the hottest things at weddings, you can carry this concept into your veil. You can order a veil that is customized with your monogram on the back in an elegant script and scroll design. This veil would make a very special wedding keepsake.

Swarovski crystals are another big wedding trend. Brides love crystal bridal jewelry, crystals in their bouquets, even crystals in the vases of the centerpieces. Many brides simply cannot get enough sparkle! If this sounds like you, you will be happy to hear that you can even get crystals on your bridal veil. A dazzling veil is the perfect complement to sparkling Swarovksi crystal bridal jewelry. Tiny crystals can be applied to the body of the veil, or they can be used along the edges to create a beautiful border. One really stunning effect is to have large crystal briolettes stitched to the veil. The way they catch the light as the bride walks down the aisle is incredible.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more old fashioned look, you can also find that in a veil. Very traditional laces, such as Belgian lace, are coming back in style for the bride. You can choose a veil made entirely of a fine Belgian lace (which has a lot of open net areas, so it will not look like you are wearing a tablecloth!) or one with a lace applique just at the edges. If this vintage look appeals to you, be sure to check your attic; some lucky brides may be able to wear the same lace veil as their mother or grandmother.

Tradition and custom play a very strong part in weddings. This is certainly true of the bridal ensemble. The wonderful thing for today's brides is that you can enjoy following some of the wedding traditions while still adding a modern and personal twist to them.