Thoughts for the Fashionable Bride

Here are a few thoughts for the fashion forward bride that is intended to inform and inspire readers. Including advice on new styles and longstanding traditions of western society, with a few interesting quotations.

BAGS

Not all brides choose to carry a bag on their wedding day. Sometimes this is because it is not practical due to already holding a bouquet. Other times, it could be that it is not part of their overall look for their wedding day. Often, it falls on the Maid of honour to look after all the personal items that the bride may need, close to hand.

SHOES

Bridal shoes become a staple of the bridal ensemble in the 1920's when fashion trends led to wedding gown hemlines rose above the ankle. Since then, wedding shoes have garnered a special significance where some brides will regard their wedding day as the perfect reason to indulge in a pair of statement designer heels. But be weary of the killer heels. Named due to the amazing appearance they give by elongating the leg, but also due to the fact that they a characteristically uncomfortable to wear.

GLOVES

Gloves are practical as well as decorative and are a perfect addition to any formal event. Traditionally, the length of the glove is determined by the formality of the occasion. There is wrist, elbow or opera and are generally made in silk or lace.

COATS

A wedding dress is not the only choice. When Sophia Loren married in 1966, she wore a wool cost. Queen Consort Camilla also wore a floor-length coat for her wedding to King Charles III. But if you are planning your wedding in the colder months, then you may need to consider how your dress will look with a jacket, cape, wrap, shawl or bolero.

HAIR

There is a never-ending list of options when it comes to hairstyles for your wedding day. Historically, brides would wear their hair loose as symbol of virginity. Nowadays, the major consideration is how the style will fit with the chosen headpiece, weather that is a tiara, ornamental hairpin, or fresh flowers.

I really like this quote from Jenny Packman, and I think it is a great thought to keep in mind when deciding on your hair -

"I always think of the groom, turning around and someone with curly hair who's always got straight hair, you know? Must be a bit of a shock."

VEIL

The veil predates the wedding gown by approximately 1,000 years. This was used to conceal the brides face as symbolism of her purity and innocence when being delivered to her groom. Modern brides no longer use the veil to cover their excitement whilst walking down the aisle, but instead use the veil as a unique hair ornament worn exclusively on her wedding day.

Typically, the length of the veil starts at around 50cm for shoulder grazing, to 365cm of the cathedral length which is usually reserved for the most formal of church weddings.

'Vogue suggests that the bride study very carefully the effect of her veil in relation to her height before she determines its length, as a very long veil on a very short bride, or a very short veil on a very tall bride, gives an unbalanced and asymmetrical effect that is most unfortunate at this time.' - Vogue, February 1930

HATS

Hats are a great choice for any fashion conscious bride. (My mother wore a beautiful navy hat to her own wedding in 1988) In times of ethical and sustainable fashion, hats can be thought as more pragmatic as they can be worn again. Women do not need to remove their hats when indoors, as the hat is seen as part of the outfit and in most cases is pinned into the hat so that it does not move.

"Make sure you don't just wear a hat, but that your hat is part of your outfit." - Stephen Jones, Milliner

CASUAL

Bridal wear does not have to be formal. During recent years, many brides have chosen to go low-key with their wedding attire, opting for mini-dresses, tailored suits or even bikinis. Whatever you choose to wear on your wedding day it should be something you love and feel like the best version of you.

UNDERWEAR

Many wedding dresses require a particular type of underwear to be worn in order to achieve the desired silhouette. Although many brides view their wedding as a day to indulge in new lingerie, thought needs to be given to whether it is appropriate for the dress to be worn over it. Fitted silhouettes tend to require full commando.

GARTER

Traditionally, garters are blue to symbolise the Virgin Mary and many brides continue this this custom to incorporate the something blue element of the brides attire. But the garter can sometimes be an impracticable addition to your wedding wardrobe, so if you are keen on having a garter, maybe save it for honeymoon!

PRACTICALITY

When thinking about your wedding dress design and style, you need to think practically. If you get a dress that is too tight, like actress Jayne Mansfield, you are going too struggle to walk or sit down comfortably.

If you get a dress that is heavily adorned in jewels and beads, similar to Kim Zolciak, it is going to be very painful and restrictive.

And finely, if you choose to have an extremely long veil just like Priyanka Chopra, be prepared to feel the weight of it as well as causing your bridal party an immeasurable amount of stress.

HANDS & NAILS

The one part of your body that you will want to look their absolute best from engagement to wedding is your hands. Regular manicures and moisturising before bed can ensure the softest of hands for your wedding day. Another absolute must is putting sunscreen on your hands daily. Hands are the first part of the body to show signs of aging, so look after them from the outset.

The preferred nail colour of brides is neutral, pale pink, or French tips. This is not the moment for your fingertips to be the star of the show.

JEWELLERY

Here is some wedding advise from Marianne Ostier, a very famous jewellery designer (1902-1976)

"The bride, and especially at the formal evening wedding, will wear jewellery only in white: diamonds or pearls. Jewels should be modest and few.

"If a bracelet is worn, it should be on the right arm. The left arm and hand should be bare of ornament, the engagement ring being transferred, before the service, to stay on the right hand, before the groom has slipped the wedding band on his bride's finger.

"No wrist watch should be worn; on this night the groom is the guardian of the hours"

POSTURE

Practice your posture. The brides image is significantly influenced by how she stands and carries herself down the aisle. Good posture enhances self-confidence and grace, so a few practice sessions is worth bearing in mind.

'Poise is all important. A girl who habitually stoops and slouches will shuffle down the aisle: correct posture, therefore, is the first thing to cultivate.' - Harper's Bazaar, May 1952

'Remember to hold your flowers low. Remember to take three deep breaths before you start - it will keep you knees from wobbling. Remember to lift your head behind your ears, even if you are looking down; it accentuates that long slender throated look.' - Vogue, April 1940

ANYTHING BUT WHITE

Wedding dresses were not always white and it would seem that there are a lot of brides looking for an alternative colour to walk own the aisle in. Here is a little old proverb that makes for an interesting superstition

Married in white, she's chosen all right.

Married in grey, she'll travel far away.

Married in black, she'll wish herself back.

Married in red, she’ll wish herself dead.

Married in blue, her love will be true.

Married in green, she'll be ashamed to be seen.

Married in yellow, she'll ashamed of the fellow.

Married in pink, and her spirits will sink.

But if you are looking for a white dress, remember, not all whites are created equal. Pure white tends to suit more rosy skin tones, whilst whilst warmer white flatters darker complexions. Ivory and off-white give an air of sophistication in winter light.

Information from several sources. Please contact if you believe there to be a mistake or error in this post.