Are you thinking of wearing a bridal veil? Get to know their styles, lengths and tips to pick “the one” in this complete guide to wedding veils!
Historically, the bridal veil was used to protect the bride from evil spirits. Today’s brides can choose the type of veil they want or, no veil at all.
Still, it’s important to understand that the veil is only an accessory, and as such, it has to match your look. Consider how it fits with your dress, with the shape of your face and body, your hairstyle and your wedding venue. Yep, we bet you did not think of that one!
All of these factors need to be considered when choosing your veil: length, width, color, number of layers or tiers, and decor.
So, without further ado, here’s all you ever wanted to know to help you choose your perfect bridal veil!
One tier flyaway wedding veil.
Wedding Veils Guide to Style
Wedding dresses have a variety of styles and they need a veil to match. There are four basic wedding veil styles: classic, romantic, sophisticated and eclectic.
Classic wedding veils are formal, symmetrical and sometimes have a lot of detail.
Romantic wedding veils have an element of softness and generally incorporate a lot of detail.
Sophisticated bridal veils are discreet, free of ornate detail.
The eclectic veils are creative with unexpected details.
If your dress is classic and romantic, the veil may be embroidered or have lace detail to highlight and complement the dress. On the other hand, if you have chosen a more modern, sophisticated gown or with an elaborate fabric, go for a more casual, subdued and simple veil.
Let the dress be the protagonist.
How to Choose the Perfect Bridal Veil for your Hairstyle
The choice of hairstyle plays an important role in determining what type of veil to wear.
A heavy hair accessory, a long veil or a one with several layers needs an updo hairstyle.
A half up, half down updo will do well with moderate weights and lengths.
If you want to sport a more casual look and wear all your hair down, it’s probably best to wear short or light veil designs.
You also need to consider where on your head the veil will be placed.
Some hairstyles go well with a veil that fastens to the front of the head. Others look good with a veil that is fastened to the back or to the side.
A half-up hairstyle offers the best of both worlds- you get the look of lush and romantic curls. Pair it with a fingertip veil.
Wide veils usually need be fastened towards the forehead. Your veil can be fastened with a comb or pins, or be combined with a tiara, a crown or headband.
Pick or buy the veil well in advance so you can try it on with the hairstyle you have chosen.
Most veils work well with down hairstyles. But if you’re planning on a more elaborate hairstyle, choose a thin or sheer veil that won’t completely hide your hair.
Choose medium-length or long wedding veils for a high updo.
If you plan on wearing your hair loose or a low updo, the wedding veil must be shorter. But if you have long hair, your hairstyle is very elaborate and you want to show it off, go for a long veil tied underneath it.
Wedding veils guide: How to choose the perfect veil for your hairstyle. A timeless 1920s wedding headpiece by EricaElizabethDesign.
This amazing roundup of wooden ladder wedding decor ideas will get your creative juices flowing. Be it as hanging centerpieces, food displays, backdrops or wedding arches, these top wooden ladder decorating ideas are fast, affordable and ultra chic!
Wedding wreaths and a gorgeous vintage wooden ladder to decorate your reception space.
Start browsing through these amazingly creative wooden ladder wedding decor ideas and pick yours! I can assure you it won’t be as simple a choice as it will be turning them into a reality.
Ladders adapt to any wedding style. Indoors, outdoors, vintage, industrial, rustic and even glam! Yes, glam wedding decor with an old wooden ladder!
Lucky for you, decorating doesn’t have to be expensive if you are willing to get crafty and repurpose a couple of ladders. Get inspired by these top wooden ladder decor ideas, DIY a few and impress your guests with your amazing taste!
Wedding Ladder Table Plan Inspiration
Garden and backyard weddings are oh so trending but you still need to show your guests where to sit. Why not repurpose an old 6 foot leaning step ladder to create a totes unique wedding table plan? Or maybe use the ladder to hang the Polaroid vintage guest book, amiright?
Show your guests to their tables with this rustic leaning ladder wedding table plan. Photography: Amie Schroeder Photography.
Ladder Wedding Decor Ideas for Killer Photo-Booth Backdrops
If you are still trying to figure out what to use as a photo-booth backdrop, go no further! Cover an old wooden stepladder with blooming flowers, greenery, fairy lights or use a rustic ladder shelf to place the props.
These ladder wedding decor ideas will make for a gorgeous and unique backdrop for your pre-ceremony photoshoot session as well.
Triangle backdrop at a Yosemite bohemian-inspired nuptials.
Stunning photo booth backdrop with a white vintage ladder and a fairytale feel. Who said Alice in Wonderland?
Old wooden ladder decorating ideas for a backyard tented reception. Roses and a few lovey-dovey knick-knacks decorate this gray folding ladder.
Vintage Wooden Ladder Wedding Decor Ideas
Repurposing projects can make your vintage wedding rock. Get a hold of some paint, sponges for whitewashing (optional) and at least one step ladder. Use the ladder shelves to place family portraits, greenery wreaths, lavender and if the shelves are wide enough, a few antiques.
Decorative vintage wedding ladders. Make it yours! Maybe use it as a welcome sign. 😉
Love this flower entwined leaning rustic wooden ladder wedding decor for an industrial venue. Photo: Shanna Melville Bridal.
How To Make A Wooden Ladder Wedding Arch
To build your own wedding arch you will need at least a couple of ladders and a two by four or a wooden pole. If the arch is not to wide, you can use a broomstick. Nifty way to save, right?
If you are using folding ladders, the first step is to nail the extensible shelf so the ladder won’t close. Now, nail the piece of wood to the top of both ladders. Finally, decorate the arch with light fabrics, eucalyptus and budding and exploding florals.
Give free reign to your imagination and turn these ladders into the most beautiful wedding arch ever!
Exchange your vows under an original wedding arch made with ladders.
Jaw-Dropping Hanging Ladder Wedding Decor
This might require a little bit of help, but don’t worry, it’s still pretty easy to do. You could paint the ladder to match your wedding colors, hang them above your wedding tables and decorate them away! This idea takes romantic boho-chic ladder decor to a whole new level!
Florals in bottles and mason jars hanging from a ladder above the wedding tables.
Twigs and Edison lightbulbs for a fall wedding. I’m in love!
Amazing Ladder Food Bars, Favors & Candy Stations
Add some wooden shelves to your good old ladders and boom! You’ve got yourself the coolest food bars ever.
Even better, you can turn them into an appetizer, candy station, or a wedding favor display. Really, there’s so much you can do with just a couple of ladders and some wood.
Green and gold vintage dessert ladder. Remember to nail the shelves to the ladder steps!
Fab and simple way of displaying drinks for your outdoor wedding reception.
Turn an old wooden ladder into your candy bar.
Top Wooden Ladder Wedding Decor Ideas
Yes, that’s right, you can turn your old ladders and repurposed them into cutting-edge wedding furniture and decor! Not only are they going to look unique but this is going to save you beaucoup des bucks to your wedding budget. Word!
Adore the glamor of yesteryear? Go retro with romantic and floral vintage wedding cakes. This is a great idea if you are rocking the pearls or lace on your dress on your wedding day.
A twist on the classic wedding cake, just two tiers! Monogrammed vintage wedding cakes by Whipped Bakeshop.
Vintage wedding cakes can easily turn into the center of attention at a reception. Hand-painted, romantic, adorned with lace, or with brocade details that evoke old memories from our grand-parent’s times.
Let’s delve into the world of vintage cakes loaded with fondant, buttercream, pearls, sugar roses and antique decor.
What Makes a Wedding Cake Vintage Inspired?
There are thousand of different ways to achieve the timeless vintage look for your cake. The classic elegance of pearls is often found in the details of the vintage cake. Actual lace can be placed on the cakes or even piped lace. You can mimic your wedding dress’ lace design, add a cascade of fresh flowers or sugar flowers in pink, lilac, green or beige. If you are using bird cages on your decor, crown your vintage wedding cake with a cage filled with baby’s breath.
The soft pastel vintage colors, the opulent juxtapositions of lace and pearls, hand-painted masterpieces will add a layer of sophisticated elegance and beauty to your wedding cake.
Go fancy with playful black and white polka dots or give a nod to the lace. Incorporating jewelry – like brooches or beads and even more fashionable than lace – is what really adds that touch that sets it apart from other vintage designs. If jewelry on the vintage wedding cake is not really your thing, subtle and glossy edible pearls may be just what suits your style. A gold leaf finish over the wedding cake adds a refined elegance and takes it all the way to the Gatsby era.
Wanting to put your own stamp on a traditional style? A modern twist on a vintage cake may be just for you.
Vintage wedding cakes can also be on trend. Check out this dark chocolate brownie salted caramel floral drip cake with coconut and pistachio.
A blast from the past! Steampunk wedding cake.
Rustic vintage wedding cake featuring colorful floral decorations and greenery.
These incredible vintage wedding cakes are very well suited for boho, country and even with industrial wedding themes. Besides, cakes are getting smaller, so indulging in one of these romantic creations will not blow your budget too much.
Is your wedding an all-out glitz and glam affair to be remembered? Make sure your cake stands out too! Multiple tiered vintage wedding cakes are decorated with eye-catching details, such as bright colors and even glitter (edible, of course!) Silver and gold may adorn the cake as ribbons. Expect a bold statement with a glam cake. A glamorous bride deserves a cake to match.
Contrasting roses against a superb gold foil wedding cake atop a band cake plate.
Such a stunning wedding deserves an insane five-tier cake.
Simple elegance almost on the side of dreamy and nostalgic romance with lots of small glamorous details.
Ruffles, satin and edible roses are indicative of vintage wedding cakes. Perfect for a Paris-themed wedding.
Simple and decorated with jewelry and an adorable “She’s Her Lobster” cake topper.
Vintage Wedding Cakes for Traditional Couples
A traditional cake is generally round or square with multiple tiers. They’re generally covered in white fondant or cream, with sometimes some color added with fondant flowers or other small details. There are often white piped details as ribbon or beautiful lace along the edges. Wedding cakes traditionally used to be fruitcakes in the United Kingdom and America. This was due to how long they could last without needing refrigeration. If you’re having a classic white wedding, a traditional wedding cake will go perfectly. It’s very classy and would look elegant on any cake table.
Delicate vintage wedding cake in blush and blue with lace details inspired in the bride’s gown by Cotton and Crumbs.
Intricate lace design gives an impressive look to a completely white wedding cake.
Roses and baby’s breath featured on this naked wedding cake.
If you are all about sticking to traditions, especially when it comes to grandma’s secret chocolate chip cookie recipe, opt for classic vintage wedding cakes that feature a simple flavor like vanilla, buttercream frosting, and a little to no add-ons except florals.
Big flowers adorn the cake from all angles on every tier. It’s all about the details, amiright?
Heads over heels for these glam vintage wedding cakes by Bliss Pastry.
A modern twist on vintage wedding cakes. Gold bands, hand painted floral patterns and black and white stripes. Don’t forget the flower!
Vintage Wedding Cakes to Delight your Eyes and your Tastebuds
Grab a fork and spoon because you’re going to want to eat these cakes already. Seriously, all the way to the last bite! Lace vintage wedding cakes are some of the most striking details you can add to your nuptials. These confections are romantic, elegant and can give a beautiful touch of vintage charm to your wedding day.
Creativity, classic color and traditionally styled detail is key to vintage wedding cakes. They will transport you and your guests into a world of charm, elegance and romanticism. Now, take a look at these 45 classy & elegant wedding cakes, graceful inspiration tier by tier.
This five-tiered cake stood six feet tall and had over 4,000 Swarovski crystals!
If you are decorating your own cake, here is a simple way to create some fab quilted effects.
Discover how to choose the right color and style for the groom’s tie and have him look picture perfect on your big day!
Floral groom’s tie, perfect for a modern or boho wedding.
There is a fair amount of time spent picking out what the bride will be wearing on the big day, but it is important not to overlook the groom’s style. Let’s be honest, we know the bride is going to get the majority of the attention here, but the groom is going to want to look and feel great too, after all.
How To Choose the Right Color and Style for the Big Day
Sorry guys, when it comes down to the color of your tie, I’m sure the bride will have a say. But if your wedding palette has two colors, the groom can wear one of the shades while the rest of the guys wear the other.
Now that the color has been decided, let’s move on to picking the right groom’s tie. Many grooms email us asking about the fabric of a particular tie so I decided I could give a little rundown of the most common fabrics for ties.
The Groom’s Tie: How to Pick the Fabric
It’s best to start with the month the wedding will be held. Fabrics like cotton and linen who are light and breezy are perfect for summery weddings. Other fabrics like wool, tweed, cashmere and different wool blends are more suited for the winter.
Rayon, polyester and silk wear well all year round. But buyer beware when it comes down to silk neckties! There are many kinds of silk out there and the quality varies. The most commonly used for men’s ties are doupioni silk (its threads are uneven and irregular), shantung (very smooth and has hardly any slubs), silk linen (it actually has the look of linen) and satin which is glossy and smooth on one side and matte on the other.
Peach textured groom’s tie. Always consider the collar width before picking the tie style! Photographer: Kristen Weaver.
Blue tie fit for a civil ceremony, a daytime wedding or an elopement by zeusfactor
The Groom’s Tie: Let’s Get To Know Their Styles
What to wear? What to wear? Depending on the formality of the affair, you may want to take your pick of the following types and styles of groom’s ties. But you must also consider the collar style and width before picking the tie! Let’s review some of the groom’s tie styles.
The Necktie
A classic. This is the long tie most commonly associated with working in an office. But, that’s not to say it should not be worn for a wedding. Match the tie to the wedding colors to give a splash of color and fun to the groom’s look.
Love this handmade cotton floral tie for the civil ceremony. The groom will look so modern! (Get it here)
The Ascot
If your groom has been searching his entire life for an excuse to wear an Ascot, now is the time. An ascot is much more formal and is a folded tie that is wider than a necktie and usually won with a stickpin or tie tack. Typically, Ascots are a patterned material, but they can be neutral, think blacks or grays, or the wedding colors to match the décor.
Bow Tie
Bow ties are a symmetrical ribbon of fabric that tie together to form two loops that sit at the collar of the groom’s dress shirt. Most commonly, bow ties are worn with tuxedos, but fun, patterned bow ties also pair well with suits. Grooms can wear black bow ties for very formal looks or match the bridesmaid’s dresses when wearing a tuxedo.
Modern black suit with velvet bow tie, shawl collar, and “crown folded” pocket square.
The Euro Tie is a middle ground between the necktie and the Ascot. Gold orange paisley silk cravat.
Euro Tie or Cravat
The Euro Tie is a middle ground between necktie and Ascot. It’s a long tie with a square bottom, knotted at the beck and worn with a spread collar shirt. It’s formal but not quite Ascot-level formal.
Here is a great tip for grooms to look great on your big day. Make sure the widest part of your tie matches the width of the lapel chosen for your wedding.
Photo Gallery to Help you Pick your Most Fabulous Groom’s Tie
There are many ways to tie a knot (pun intended) 😉 but today we will share how to tie the Half-Windsor knot! Medium to light thickness for ties are this year’s trend. Therefore, the half-Windsor is easier and more fitting. It is also nice and symmetrical but not quite as bulky as the Windsor knot.
Modern groom’s tie in gray with a Half-Windsor knot. Brooklyn Wedding by Lauren Balingit Photography.
Remember that your body type matters when picking a tie. The half-Windsor is narrower and longer and looks best on slimmer taller guys.
Lay the tie around your neck and stand in front of a mirror. The wide end should be on your right and the small or narrow end should be on your left when looking into the mirror. The wider end should hang about 12 inches lower than the smaller end.
In front of you, cross the wide end over the narrow end, making an “X.”
Still holding the wide end, go under the small end and to the right
Now, pull the wide end up to the center towards the necktie
Bring the wide end through the neck loop from the front towards the back and left.
Cross the wide end over the narrow end to the right
Now bring it upwards again, this time from beneath the neck loop
Pull it through the loop you just created in the front and then straight down
Use both hands to adjust the tie until it sits tight under your collar.
You look terrific!! 🙂
Grooms now is your time to shine as brightly as the bride. Ok, maybe not as brightly, but don’t miss this chance to show off your personal style when picking your tie! Most of the groom’s ties can be found and shipped worldwide at Dessy. Check them out! Now back to the brides! Discover these Timeless, Elegant and Sexy Wedding Dresses for the Modern Bride!
How good are you at tying the knot? Discover how to tie a half windsor knot! (Don’t worry, this is not it) 😉 Wearing a tie makes you look confident.
Match the tie to the wedding palette to give a splash of color and fun to the groom’s look. Wedding photography: Claryphoto.
Matte satin bow tie and pocket square. Dessy.
There are so many ways to wear a tie… Check out this Cat Greek Ascot by Boris Mocka.
The tie patch is a wonderful keepsake that will add to the love, happiness, and remembrance of your big wedding day! (Get yours here!)
Check out these awesome French wedding ideas and say ‘oui oui!’ to this 2017 wedding trend!
So, what’s not to love about French weddings? Beautiful locations, all night partying and family and friends coming together over lots and lots of champagne.
Don’t you just love France? I mean really, who doesn’t… But having your wedding in France is a hassle and an outrageously expensive one to boot! That’s why we decided to help bring France to you! From Parisian style weddings to French country wedding theme all the way to the glamorous French Château wedding, French cuisine and a few French customs! Allons-y!
Some Typical French Wedding Traditions
Feel free to incorporate some of these French wedding usages and traditions for the extra French touch to your special day.
Switch your bridesmaids and best men for “temoins” or witnesses. This is a legal requirement for civil ceremonies which are the only way to be legally married in France. Religious ceremonies are optional.
This is a pretty cute French wedding tradition called “La noce”. Nowadays, the guests follow the couple’s car all about town making as much noise as possible.
If you want to stay within budget, adopt the cocktail reception o vin d’honneur tradition. Treat all your guests with mini-foods or canapés and drinks. The true reception dinner is held later just for family and for your closest friends.
Drageés or sugary coated almonds as wedding favors. Also a custom in Italy. A traditional treat of five white almonds symbolizing five wishes for the bride and groom. includes tag with traditional wedding wish: “Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat Reminds us that life is both bitter and sweet. Five wishes for the new husband and wife: Health, wealth, happiness, children, and long life!”
French château weddings, timeless romance. Photography: magnolia rouge.
Modern French wedding ideas. Photo wedding invitation with foil-stamped gold lettering. Get them here!
Onion soup or soupe a l’onion is at the core of French cuisine, no wonder that on the wedding day (wedding night is more accurate) it takes a special place. It is served in the early hours of the morning to help recover from a long night of partying, as French weddings tend to finish around 5-7am!
The Modern Romance of Parisian style weddings
To achieve a Parisian styled wedding the key is choosing romantic details. Keep it chic and simple, city-like and lovely vintage decor like distressed birdcages filled with fresh blooms for your centerpieces. To go the whole way on your Parisian-themed wedding, just any tableware won’t do. Make sure you use real silverware, as well as classic french porcelain plates! Add a touch of glam with flimsy gold fabrics and delicate chandeliers and voilá!
The elegance and simplicity of a Parisian wedding reflected on the bride’s veil.
Romantic Parisian styled wedding theme in rose blush and gold.
French Wedding Ideas: French Country Wedding Theme Decor
European elegance weaved in homespun comfort give birth to the rustic French wedding decor. The French Country wedding theme is soft and simple, elegant, sweet, warm, and loving. It has gorgeous details such as wooden reception tables, freshly cut flowers, olive branches natural burlap, large hurricane candles, tea lights, and signage calligraphed in French. Of course, you score bonus points if the venue has brick walls, red tiled roofs and old-style French furniture.
Fabulously chic French wedding ideas. This backdrop is perfect for wedding photos. Ooh! lala! indeed.
A fresh green summer wedding on the French Riviera. A perfect place to enjoy your celebration with family and friends. Photography: Greg Finck | Wedding Photographer Provence, French Riviera, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Ibiza, Formentera.
Glamorous French Château Weddings
If you are a bride that dreams of a fairytale wedding, nothing beats French Château weddings! If you want to incorporate this look into your wedding but are missing the Château, you can still add some details to make your fairytale come true. Decorate the backs of your chairs with bows, sashes, flowers, or faux jewels. Rich reds, gold and browns will enhance the warm and rustic look of a château-themed wedding. Think candlesticks, floral tapestries on walls or as table runners to finish the look.
Fairytales are made of this..wedding in a château in France.
Dreamy destination wedding at Château de Varennes. Photo credit: Amy Faith Photography.
French wedding delicacies: Madeleines, Macarons, and More!
I’m biased on this one, I must admit… I love madeleines, and if I could eat them every day you’d never see me out of the nearest bakery again! These delicious baked goods are absolutely essential to any French-themed wedding and they scream sophistication! And while you’re at it, make sure you serve macarons as well – this increasingly popular and delicious little treats are a staple for anything French-inspired!
Decorative and yummylicious tower of madeleines. Photography: monikahibbs.
Macaron wedding cake at a French Château wedding. France is a popular wedding destination with beautiful wedding venue, lovely weather, romantic location, and delicious food.
Ohhh yes! No French wedding can officially hold that title without a champagne fountain. The champagne is poured into the top glass and from there fills all the glasses below. Avoid the flutes… Aside from being a logistical nightmare, they’re a relatively recent addition to the table. Opt instead for the classic, elegant and always reliable coupe glasses!
La fontaine à champagne or champagne tower. Whether planning a wedding in France or looking for French wedding ideas, our guide to top French wedding traditions will help you add you favorite French wedding touch.
French Wedding Ideas That Will Get You Hooked: Profiteroles o Croquembouche
Yes, yes, this could fit in the French baked goods recommendation above, but we felt this merited it’s very own honorable mention. If you’ve ever had a profiterole you’d know why! Those delicious little pastries are comparable to eclairs: drizzled in chocolate, these sweet dough balls are filled with either cheese or cream and are totally edible in one bite or less! You can even make a cake by piling them up on top of one another in a circular pyramid and then drizzling melted chocolate onto the entire thing. It’s the traditional French wedding cake and it’s guaranteed to get your guests hooked – so use with care!
Croquembouche or tower of profiteroles with pink and white flowers for a shabby chic vintage style wedding.
Last but not least, this wouldn’t be a French event without an abundant variety of cheeses and meats. Instead of finger-foods and hors-d’oeuvres, go for a large platter of charcuterie. For some extra brownie points, try to pair the platter with corresponding wines – something even the snobbiest of Parisians will applaud you for!
Last but not least, this wouldn’t be a French event without an abundant variety of cheeses and meats Wine, cheese and everything French!
Photo Gallery of Ultra Romantic French Wedding Ideas
French themed weddings.
A few French wedding ideas with elegant sophistication.
Classic and elegant French wedding ideas. Photography: Paul Francis Photography.
French-themed New England wedding in white gold and filled with greenery.
French vintage wedding inspiration.
Chic modern wedding reception table setting in dusty blue and lavender.
Cut glass drinks dispensers for the reception.
French wedding ideas trending and fabulously chic.
So what’s not to love about French weddings? Beautiful locations, all night partying and family and friends coming together over lots and lots of champagne. We hope these French wedding ideas have will help you throw the French wedding of your dreams!
Channeling old world charm right in the heart of Hollywood, this elegant and romantic wedding features luscious ivory blooms, gold cutlery and pastel tones.