2010 TREND: THE MANTILLA

Flowers by Victoria's Florals Gown and veil by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal /Photos by S1 Studios

One real hot look for 2010 is the drop veil–or to be more preciese–the mantilla. . . There are actually a few ways of wearing a mantilla. Because this veil lacks density, you can fold it over into a layer and tack it to the back of a bun. You can also literally drop it atop your head and wear it over the face or further back with or without a headpiece. Plastic or metal combs sewn to the center can secure the veil in place. How about an alternative to a traditional mantilla? Try a mock mantilla veil, which has low dense gathers and is cut into one or two tiers. Lace is then added to the edges. A cascading mantilla is another option and has a top layer worn over the face. For a really extraordinary effect, Alencon, Chantilly or Venise lace can be hand beaded. The above version is a square of tulle bordered with Chantilly lace . . .

VEIL PRIMER

Think about it: you'll probably wear a knock out gown again sometime in your life but when will you ever get the opportunity to wear a veil? That's something to ponder when you're weighing out the, "Will I or won't I veil?" question. The gorgeous board above was put together by Liane Roy of Forget Me Not Details in Buffalo, NY. It has just about every veil you can think of starting off with the smallest wisps of chic birdcages and poufs to sweeping cathedral lengths in tulle, lace, netting and organza.

VEIL LENGTHS
Bird Cage or Net Pouf-Made of either netting or tulle, this veil falls above the shoulder line. Since it’s a shorter style, it tends to look structured, more hybrid of headpiece and veil. Great for fashionistas.
Blusher or Flyaway-a fly away is typically attached to the back while the blusher is a short veil worn over the face during the ceremony. Can also be worn shoulder length in layers. Although considered informal, this is the choice of some chic, formal-gowned brides.
Elbow-Extends to the elbow or a couple inches below.
Fingertip-Most popular length; can be worn by nearly every figure type with most silhouettes.
Waltz-Falls anywhere between knee and ankle.
Chapel-Considered formal. Extends about a two feet beyond the hemline.
Cathedral-Most formal. Extends three feet or more beyond the hem.

Double Tier-Two layers, typically the shorter one a blusher but not always.

STYLES

Top photos: Variations on the birdcage and pouf veils

Middle photos: Short pouf and blusher veil

Bottom photos: mantilla and scarf veil

Pouf-Opposite: Width of veil is gathered at the crown and can be attached to a headpiece. Generally made out of tulle or English netting.

Dropped-Yes, actually dropped onto the head in a single layer of tulle or lace; often bordered with lace or ribbon. A Mantilla is a type of dropped veil.
Long Scarf-Considered more an option in head wear than veil depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length
wrapped around the head framing the face creates a long band of train that works as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for Mosque weddings.

All veils above available through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/ amyjotatum@gmail.com

415.258.8204

SPRING POTPOURRI

From sophisticated to romantic, this is all about accessorizing--adding those little touches here and there that make a look very special and all your own.

LAST MINUTE HEAD CHIC FOR THE HOLIDAY BRIDE

Maybe you're one of those brides who got the gem of a dress and put off getting your veil or head wear till later. Surprise! Tigerlilly has some magnificent head chic for winter. Check out the tarnish resistant rose petal hairpins above made out of Swarovski crystals. Sterling silver or gold with various colors available.

Below are just a few of Tigerlilly's headpieces and head jewelry. Notice how some look like clusters of snowflakes?

Birdcages are so in vogue now right now. These veils are easier to wear than the chapel or cathedral veils. Short and compact, a Birdcage can carry you through ceremony to reception to dancing till the wee hours of morning with little or no adjustment. . .

More Swarovski snowflakes . . .

Who says you can't wear brown netting if you're a bride? Darker colors pick up and compliment your complexion in the winter night light.

SMALL VEILS FOR FASHIONISTAS

Smoot Photo
Hair by Gayle Parker

Short Petal Veil /Henley Photography

There’s no rule anymore about pairing short veils exclusively with street length dresses. Whatever guidelines exist these days have more to do with following your proportions and sense of style. The shorter ‘fashionista' veil is gaining in popularity. Why? Short veils are out of the ordinary –very outside the traditional bridal box right now. There's something chic, even edgy about a bride sporting one. As early as the 1990s, Vera Wang reinvented pairing short, pouf veils with very formal gowns. Whether she wanted to show off the extraordinary back details of her gowns or usher in a new look, I don’t know; I only know the juxtaposition this duo created worked.
Brides say the best thing about wearing a shorter veil is, they don’t have to do any adjusting in that switch from the solemnity of ceremony to big time partying hearty. Short veils are easy to maneuver around in and stay put whether you’re exchanging vowels, cutting cake or dancing,
Typically they are made out of either tulle, the standard light weight bridal veiling, or, netting—wider and crisper, offering a more structured and chic look

STYLES

Bird Cage or Net Pouf-Made of either netting or tulle, this veil falls above the shoulder line. Since it’s a shorter style, it tends to look structured, more hybrid of headpiece and veil. Great for fashionistas.

Net Pouf below and opposite
Photo by Ron Greystar





















Blusher or Flyaway-Typically the length veil worn over the face during the ceremony. Can also be worn shoulder length in layers. Although considered informal, this is the choice of some chic, formal-gowned brides.
The Petal Veil-Pictured right is above the shoulders and the front curves something like flower petals opening.


ejones photography

Scarf-Great option for the bride going informal. Some scarves though would pop and rock with the right formal gown as well.
Nose Veil-Typically worn over the face and attached to a headpiece or hat like the one pictured below.

Henley Photography Hair by Kathie Rothkop Make-up by Rob Ward