Style Spotlight: Venise Lace Veils

Classic romance. Graceful beauty. Sheer style.

These aren’t taglines for an Audrey Hepburn movie—this is what we think of when we see bridal veils made with exquisite Venise lace!

Originally crafted in Italy, the Venise lace design is more structured than other flowery laces such as Chantilly lace. It is also more beautifully detailed than modern cut-out laces. Embroidered flowers create a striking pattern so gorgeous, it could only be used for an occasion as special as a wedding.

Take a peek at these timeless, heart-fluttering designs and get inspiration for your wedding day look!

Flowers in the Meadow

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Some styles are just dreamy. Celebrate your wedding with the beauty of wildflowers by borrowing inspiration from nature’s bounty. This lovely fingertip lace veil features tiny flowers and shimmering beadwork beneath a simple rolled edge. Decorate your neckline with delicate jewelry for a lighthearted, pretty outfit.

You might like My Bridal Style: Destination

Kissing Beneath the Waterfall

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Lavish yourself with romance on your special day. Stunning floral lace cascades gracefully down your silhouette to waltz length. This incredible design of bold, feminine flowers enhances any wedding outfit. Beautifully complementing lace gowns, this ravishing veil may be paired with shimmering jewelry for a swoonworthy, personalized look.

You might like My Bridal Style: Romantic

Blooming Bridal Lilies

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Style an elegant, formal look with lovely lace lilies for your once-in-a-lifetime moment. Graceful and utterly glorious, this beaded lace veil celebrates your beauty with a frame of classic bridal flowers. Pair this flowing fingertip design with a complementary lace headpiece or lustrous pearl jewelry. Create a radiant ensemble that will leave your partner breathless.

You might like My Bridal Style: Classic

Forget-Me-Not Kind of Love

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Sweet as blooming forget-me-nots, this lovely veil features a narrow trim of small flowers. Dotted with tiny rhinestones, this fingertip length style evokes heartfelt love and fidelity. Combine it with a bridal wreath or halo for a totally rustic-chic look. Equally perfect in a meadow or in a church, this refreshing design exudes bridal beauty.

You might like My Bridal Style: Bohemian

The Princess Factor

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Be a princess for a day. Commemorate your wedding with timeless beauty and unforgettable style. Narrow lace in cascading scallops in a romantic foldover design creates a dreamy look fit for royalty. Pair this formal, elegant veil with a shimmering tiara or decadent jewelry. Add sparkling accessories and bring your fairy-tale vision to life.

You might like My Bridal Style: Glamorous

Meeting in the Garden

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Love grows over time. Celebrate this memorable milestone with a beautiful veil featuring flowers in full bloom. Gorgeous as a garden kissed by the sun, this lovely lace design enhances your look with delightful charm. Pair it with a floral dress, vintage jewelry, or tea-party style accessories to create a bridal ensemble as special as your love.

You might like My Bridal Style: Vintage  

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Want to see more? Check out our lace veils and cathedral veils pages for beautifully romantic styles.

Choose the Perfect Veil in 5 Easy Steps

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Romantic. Iconic. Once-in-a-lifetime.

Yes, a bridal gown should be all of these things—but what about your veil?

Your veil is the finishing touch of your bridal wardrobe. Think of it as the chocolate on your ice cream sundae—it makes everything else so much better!

It’s tempting to pick the first style you try on. Just as with gowns, there are actually about a thousand veil options, with different lengths, styles, and materials. Follow these five easy steps to discover a design that is right for you!

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#1: Pick a Theme

First, your whole bridal wardrobe should vibe with your personal style. Figure out if you want a vintage-inspired look, a traditional outfit, a glamorous wardrobe, or an extra-trendy ensemble. Match your gown and veil to that theme.

If you’re laid-back, a full-on lace cathedral veil might not feel right to you. If you’re styling a retro look, you might be charmed by a short veil. Romantics tend to love lace.

On the other hand, some brides like going the opposite way. Tomboys can wind up loving completely feminine styles, and girls who normally lay on the bling might keep things simple and sweet. Your wedding is a special day and it’s totally acceptable to explore different themes!

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#2: Short or Long?

If you’re wearing a formal gown, get a long veil. If you’re wearing a short or casual dress, pick a short veil. There are also a variety of in-between lengths you can try.

Long veils can be cathedral length (108”), chapel length (90”), or floor length (68”). This typically will match or exceed the train of your gown.

Short veils hit above your waist. Common lengths include a birdcage veil or net just (covers your face), shoulder length (26”), and elbow length (32”). These veils pair well with tea or knee length dresses and/or full skirts.

If you’re not sure on length, start long and work your way shorter. Cathedral veils are easily the most romantic, while short blushers tend to be flirty and fun. Fingertip length (38”) and waltz length (54”) are probably the most figure-flattering as they elongate your torso.

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#3: Trim Type

Few brides pick a veil before they’ve chosen a gown. The key here (and it’s pretty easy) is to match or complement your gown. So if your gown has beading, pair it with a beaded veil. If your dress has lace, you can choose a lace-trimmed veil. Simple, right?

An alternate strategy is to focus on your overall style. A satin ribbon edge gives your outfit classic, traditional elegance. A simple rolled or cut edge is more minimalist. Embroidery gives you a rich, luxurious look. Try on a few designs to see what looks good with your gown.

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#4: Number of Layers

The number of layers on the veil just depends on how you are wearing it. These tiers can add lovely shape and volume to your silhouette.

Want the veil to drift behind you? Are you interested in a sleek, modern look? = 1 tier.

Are you going to wear the veil over your face for the walk down the aisle? Do you want added sparkle or trim to dress up the back of your dress, when the veil is flipped back? Would you like the veil to cascade down in waves? = 2 tiers. (You can also just add a blusher.)

Do you want over-the-top drama? Are you flaunting a dramatic skirt, or do you need more volume to balance out your silhouette? = 3+ tiers.

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#5: Pairing

Just as you might pair wine with dinner, what you wear with your veil can completely change its style. This is where your other accessories come in!

A drop veil paired with a shimmering halo, for example, looks beautifully boho-chic. A stunning rhinestone fascinator with a face veil gives a striking, vintage-inspired impression. A long lace cathedral veil with a flower comb tucked underneath appears sweetly romantic.

Your jewelry and/or headpiece should complement your veil, and vice-versa. Get on Pinterest or browse bridal blogs to choose the overall style you want to achieve. Keep in mind that you can wear your accessories together or one at a time for different ceremony and reception looks.

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And that’s it! Now you’re ready to choose the perfect veil for your big day. Try on a few before you make a final decision, and have fun! Remember that no matter what, you’re going to look beautiful.

Need inspiration? Follow us on Instagram and browse our Pinterest pages to get you started!

Something Old, Something New: 5 Items for a Lucky Wedding Day

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Every bride has heard the rhyme. What does it mean to you?

Incorporate symbolic elements into your wedding day by choosing items that are personally meaningful. Read on for ideas about how to make your once-in-a-lifetime moment even more special!

Something Old

The idea behind something old is that your past identity comes with you into the marriage. Many brides play up a vintage theme, wearing heirlooms, old-fashioned accessories, or Art Deco clips and combs. Whether it’s your grandmother’s brooch or a dazzling beaded purse, you can choose an item that works with your wedding style/theme.

Something New

Selecting new, special items just for your wedding is super fun! Your something new represents starting a whole new life with your husband-to-be. Many brides check off this item with their wedding gown (unless they are altering a used dress). Other new bits of pretty can include jewelry, a sparkly headpiece, or fabulous shoes. It’s ok to splurge a little on this one.

Something Borrowed

You’re supposed to borrow something from a happily married woman to ensure that your own union will be lasting and blissful. Wedding shopping can get expensive, anyway, so borrowing a pair of shoes or wearing your mother’s earrings will help ease wallet worry. Just like a gown, an heirloom veil can be passed through the family, featuring in more wonderful wedding memories.

Something Blue

Blue (which, by the way, is one of Pantone’s colors of 2016) is serene and symbolizes fidelity. The most obvious way to incorporate something blue is by dressing your bridesmaids in this lovely hue, but you can use a blue sash, wear blue shoes, show off blue jewelry, or choose a blue garter or petticoat! Create a stylish reception look with a colored wedding outfit like a cute blue tulle skirt and lace top.

Sixpence In Your Shoe

Back in the day, English women would slip a silver sixpence coin inside their shoes to ensure good luck and/or a financially prosperous marriage. More couples are incorporating honeymoon funds into their registries or performing money dances at the reception. After all, why not start off your marriage with a bit of extra cash?

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Which wedding traditions are you incorporating? Share your ideas!

5 Reasons You Should Have a Spring Wedding

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Trying to set a date? Say “I do” to a gorgeous spring wedding! We are absolutely in love with the romantic stylings available to spring brides. Here are our five favorite reasons for kicking off your marriage between March and May!

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Pretty Flowers Everywhere

We’re talking flower petals in the aisle, flower curtains adorning the walls, tall vases of flowers, flowers hanging from the ceiling, flowers overflowing from your bouquet. Spring is naturally the best season to use fresh blooms in your décor. You can choose seasonal varieties to keep costs down (as much as possible) and indulge in a sensationally romantic ambiance.

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Precious Flower Girls

There’s nothing cuter than a little flower girl in her princess-style dress, sporting a halo of tiny flowers in her hair! (Unless, of course, you tie a floral wreath around your dog and parade him/her down the aisle as the ring-bearer.) Flowers as adornments go back centuries, and this lovely little touch adds fairy-tale charm to your theme.

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Beautiful Bridesmaids

Can this year’s floral gowns be any more romantic? We’re swooning over the incredible floral bridesmaids’ dresses popping up in spring weddings. You can mix and match pretty pastels and flower patterns for a coordinated yet stylish look that will be unique to your wedding.

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Romantic Color Schemes

Soft pastels paint a picture of subtle elegance and feminine beauty. Serenity, blush, champagne, peach, nude, lavender, and sage are perfect for spring weddings. Add a pop of bold color such as marsala or navy for a striking effect, or go for a romantic watercolor look with mostly neutrals.

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Amazing Bridal Florals

Spring is the time to indulge in flower accessories. Options abound for a stunningly romantic look: style your hair with a pretty floral halo, soft petal comb, golden metallic bloom, or sparkly rhinestone design. Consider pairing a veil embroidered with floral designs or edged with lace for a head-over-heels gorgeous ensemble.

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Are you planning a spring wedding? Let us know your styling ideas!  

3 Ways to Style a Boho Wedding Look

Do you love the outdoors? Are you into sunshine, soft flowers and breezy skirts? Do you adore the idea of a wedding on the beach or in a garden? You might be a bohemian bride!

Nature-inspired accessories, untraditional gowns, and off-the-beaten-path venues are the hallmarks of the whimsical bride. Go boho-chic for your spring or summer wedding with just three items.

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Get a dreamy veil. A soft Chantilly lace veil like V7309 or a breezy cut edge design like V7234 creates a stunning bridal accent that sets your style apart.

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Wear a nature-inspired headpiece. Floral headbands like 6588 with metallic flowers or 6571 with soft blooms add lavish romance. Designs with vines or leaves such as 6628 and 6634 grace your locks with glittering bohemian glamour.

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Carry a messy bouquet. Free-flowing, trailing, cascading, overflowing—anything but a prim and proper bundle of roses. Incorporate local plants, wild flowers, succulents, grasses, or even feathers for true bohemian beauty.

How are you styling your bohemian wedding? Share your ideas!

Green Wedding Inspiration

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Going green for your wedding? There’s nothing like this fresh, nature-inspired hue to invigorate your whole look. Check out our lovely Pinterest boards for some styling ideas and ways to add a tasteful splash of color into your big day!

Beautiful Bridesmaids

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Photo Credit: BHLDN

The easiest way to tie in your chosen color is with your bridesmaids’ attire. Beautiful pairings include blush or lavender with sage green (spring-summer), burgundy or gold with emerald green (fall-winter), and navy or white with mint green (summer).

Fabulous Floral Accessories

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Spring pastels, fabulous floral prints, and gorgeous flower accessories go great with green. You can deck yourself or your maids with laurel wreaths, botanical headpieces, or floral combs for a pretty touch of romance. After all, weddings are all about love!

Fairy-Tale Flowers

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If you’re getting married in a garden or woodland setting, use your natural surroundings and play off the vibrant colors around you. For a summer wedding, lavender flowers add lovely fragrance to your décor, while bold burgundy peonies look great in the summer or fall. Peach roses tie in beautifully with an autumn backdrop, while romantic red roses add a festive element to winter celebrations.

Eco-Friendly Greens

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Photo Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography for Sweet Caroline Styles

As always, the eco-friendly bouquet with succulents enhances your wedding theme with fresh greenery. You can offer potted plants as wedding favors or use them as centerpieces and save on cut flowers. Leafy garlands and aisle runners bring the outdoors inside and make your wedding feel naturally fresh.

Lucky In Love

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Get lucky! Check back for our Irish Wedding Traditions post later this month for some seriously steal-worthy ideas that will look totally gorgeous. Hint: handfasting, four leaf clovers, and Claddagh symbols definitely up the romance factor of your wedding.

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Are you going green for your wedding? Tell us how!

6 Creative Color Options for Spring Brides

iStock_000038437790_MediumThe first day of spring isn’t until March, but we couldn’t wait! Get a jump start on planning your spring wedding with these gorgeous color pairings.

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Serenity & Rose Quartz

The Pantone Colors of 2016 are making waves in a big way. These two opposite tones are a symbolic blend of love and peace—combining subtle, soothing blue with flirty, feminine pink! Tie these into your wedding to convey a modern yet romantic vibe.

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Yellow & Green

Nothing says growth, life, and fresh beginnings like sunshine yellow and grass green. This scheme is perfect with daffodils, bright bridesmaids’ gowns, and dashes of color in your ensemble. Carefree and fun, this theme expresses pure happiness.

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Blush & Marsala

The most popular wedding colors of 2015 are still going strong. Light pink and deep raspberry dovetail in a boldly beautiful theme. Show off colored belts or sashes, mixed peonies, and bright shoes! This pairing says you’re a romantic who also loves to have fun.

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Lilac & Grey

Light purple and soft grey create a gorgeous scheme for spring weddings! The bride who chooses lilac is calm, laid-back, and delicately feminine. Hanging wisteria, succulent centerpieces, and lavender potpourri set a sweet and relaxing tone.

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Robin’s Egg Blue

Not just for summer, “Tiffany Blue” is the perfect hue for a carefree spring bride. Sequin table runners, aqua bridesmaid gowns, and tropical flowers tie into this theme. If you’re outgoing, love sparkle, and are excited to get married, this theme is for you!

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Ivory & White

Stylish in any season, the pure ivory/white color scheme says bridal with effortless beauty. Formal or fun, you’ll look fabulous with monochromatic peonies or roses! Plus your guy will look amazing in a white tux. This look says elegance and class, all the way.

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What color scheme are you using for your wedding day? Check out our Pinterest boards for some gorgeous color inspiration, and follow us on Instagram for seasonal style updates!

5 Ways to Style a Romantic Bridal Outfit

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Trying to dream up the perfect outfit for your big day? Coordinate these 5 items to style a beautifully romantic bridal look!

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A Dramatic Veil

If you were considering skipping this bridal tradition, think again. Incredible photo opportunities aside, the moment when your groom or father flips the blusher can be extremely emotional.

In the world of bridal fashion, a veil customizes your whole look. You get multiple tiers or just one; wear it trailing down your back or lightly angled over your face. A cathedral veil is the most romantic style you can get!

A lace or embroidered veil enhances your look with regal elegance. Alternately, select a cut edge veil with lots of length and volume if you want something airy and graceful.

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A Floral Headpiece

Your accessories play a large role in styling a romantic, feminine bridal look. It’s ideal to choose a comfortable headpiece that you can keep on for the reception (especially if you’re removing your veil after the ceremony).

Delicate floral pins, a soft flower comb, or a full-on floral wreath offer plenty of nature-inspired options. For a bit of fairy-tale sparkle, try a shimmering metallic flower headband!

Tip: If you’re down to a couple styles and just can’t decide, style your hair the way it will look on your wedding day—or buy both. One for the ceremony, one for the reception. (Hey, it’s still cheaper than a gown change.)

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The Right Gown

Go with a silhouette, color, and style that will flatter your body and make you feel beautiful. Try out floral patterns or romantic hues such as soft champagne and blush.

Common romantic gown types include a princess-inspired tulle ball gown; a flowing A-line or sheath; or a fit and flare lace dress with exquisite back detail.

Need ideas? Check out our Pinterest boards for incredible designer gowns.

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Understated Sparkle

The main difference between a romantic and glamorous bridal look is the amount of bling. You’ll want to look extra-pretty but not overdone, so keep your jewelry subtle.

Dying to wear chandelier earrings? Maybe skip a necklace. Don’t want jewelry at all? Add a floral or beaded belt.

Tip: Give your look personal charm by choosing jewelry you’d like to wear again, whether it’s every day or on your anniversary!

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A Gorgeous Bouquet

You know a romantic bouquet when you see one.

We used monochromatic red roses to convey a passionate, elegant, and totally classic look. This budget-friendly choice is perfect for a Valentine’s Day wedding, Christmas wedding, black-and-white wedding, or black-tie affair.

Alternate floral ideas include trailing flowers, soft pastels, or lush peonies. Check out our Pinterest boards for bouquets to perfectly match your color scheme, theme, and season.

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Want more romantic wedding ideas? Check out our My Bridal Style Romantic for accessories options, and head over to our Lace Veils and Cathedral Veils pages to start building your look.

Photography: KT Merry

Stylist: Joy Proctor / Kelly Oshiro

Hair / Makeup: Team Hair & Makeup

Location: Sunstone Winery

Accessories: Bel Aire Bridal

Styled Shoot: Autumn at the Beach

We are so excited to be included in this lovely styled shoot by Jessica Cooper Photography, featuring Sweet Caroline Gowns and our very own accessories!

Feast your eyes on these gorgeous pics incorporating a wild bouquet with marsala flowers, creatively styled driftwood branches, and a ruffled, utterly swoonworthy dress. Check out the romantic moments beneath the veil—you can almost feel the love and serenity.

Who knew a day at the beach could be so classy?

This styled shoot featured our dreamy, cascading cathedral veil V7234 and our pretty pearl and rhinestone halo 6510. Check out our Store Locator to find these items in a bridal boutique near you!

Credits-

Florals: Pink Dahlia Vintage
Cake: The Cake Studio of Ocean City
Dress Designer: Sweet Caroline Styles
Bridal Accessories: Bel Aire Bridal
Hair/Makeup: Belles & Grooms
Calligraphy: Parris Chic Boutique
Photography: Jessica Cooper Photography

Top 5 Reasons to Love Fall (Weddings!)

Bright Colors

There’s something magical about autumn. As we leave the green fields and glorious languor of summer behind, we look forward to crisp, blustery days that send gold, brown, red, and orange leaves rustling on dark branches. Incorporate seasonal touches into your bouquet, flower girls’ dresses, and even your bridal ensemble! Bright shoes or snazzy earrings mirror the fun, vibrant colors of fall.

Comfort Fashions

Don’t you just love throwing on a pair of boots, a soft scarf, and some mittens after the heat of summer dies down? Autumn brings still-sunny days and quickly cooling temperatures, mingling the two in a glorious marriage of stunning beauty. Be ready for anything—bring umbrellas for your guests and wrap up in a scarf or shawl to stay cozy on your big day!

Bold Jewels

Fall is the time of harvest, bounty, and fruition. Bold gold jewelry celebrates the season with warmth and vigor. Enliven your wedding look with autumnal statement pieces in hues of rich marsala, vivid plum, dried apricot, deep gold, and forest green. Visit our headpiece page and find fall favorites in lovely gold tones to enrich your ensemble.

Warm Drinks

After a long day of celebrating, or perhaps a rainy afternoon (which is good luck for your marriage, by the way), nothing beats a hot drink. Serve seasonal favorites to your wedding guests! Get inspired by decadent hot chocolate bars, fancy ciders, and your preferred mixed drinks to keep the chill away.

Snuggle Weather

It’s nice to relax after a day of crazy errands out in the cold. Snuggle up to your honey, sip a hot drink, and dream about how you’ll feel on the day you say “I do.” You might even bust open a bridal magazine or browse Pinterest or Instagram for ideas about how to personalize your wedding. You’ll only be engaged once—enjoy your journey!