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Finding the Perfect Accessories

Finding the Perfect Accessories for Your Wedding Gown

Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most significant moments in your life, and selecting the perfect wedding gown is a dream come true for any Ottawa bride. However, a wedding gown alone does not complete your bridal look; the right accessories play a crucial role in enhancing your overall appearance and adding that touch of elegance and glamour to your attire. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to trust professional stylists and conduct thorough research to choose the ideal bridal boutique that not only offers a great selection of accessories but also understands everything about wedding gowns.

  1. The Magic of Wedding Gown Accessories

Accessorizing your wedding gown can transform your entire look and make you feel like a true princess on your big day. The right combination of accessories can elevate even the simplest gown into a breathtaking ensemble. From veils and headpieces to jewelry, sashes, and shoes, each element contributes to creating a cohesive and personalized bridal look that reflects your unique style and personality.

  1. Trusting the Expert Stylists

While Pinterest and bridal magazines can provide inspiration, the process of selecting the perfect accessories can be overwhelming. This is where professional stylists in reputable bridal boutiques come to the rescue. These experts possess an in-depth understanding of the latest trends, timeless classics, and the nuances of different wedding gown styles. They can help you navigate through the myriad of options and find accessories that complement your gown’s silhouette, embellishments, and neckline, ensuring a harmonious and stunning look.

  1. Researching the Right Bridal Boutique

Finding the ideal bridal boutique in Ottawa is key to uncovering the best wedding gown accessories. Look for boutiques that have established a strong reputation in the industry for their excellent selection and exceptional customer service. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from recently married friends can be beneficial in making an informed decision.

A great bridal boutique should offer a wide range of accessories to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From classic and vintage pieces to modern and contemporary designs, having a plethora of choices ensures that every bride finds something that resonates with her vision.

  1. Understanding Wedding Gowns Inside Out

A knowledgeable bridal boutique team not only offers a broad selection of accessories but also possesses comprehensive knowledge about wedding gowns. Their expertise allows them to suggest the perfect accessories that complement the various gown styles, fabrics, and designs. Whether your gown is a mermaid silhouette adorned with lace or a minimalist A-line dress, these experts can guide you to the most suitable accessories that accentuate your gown’s best features.

  1. The Joy of Personalization

One of the most significant advantages of working with professional stylists at a reputable bridal boutique is the ability to personalize your accessories. They can customize certain pieces to align with your preferences or even create bespoke items if you have a specific vision in mind. Personalized accessories add a unique touch to your ensemble, making your bridal look even more special and memorable.

In conclusion, selecting the right accessories for your wedding gown is a delightful journey that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Trusting the expertise of professional stylists in a reputed Ottawa bridal boutique can make all the difference. Their knowledge, guidance, and wide selection will ensure you find the perfect accessories to create a captivating and unforgettable bridal look. Remember, your wedding day is all about you, and finding the right accessories will make you feel like the radiant and confident bride you deserve to be!

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Accessories

Everything you need to know about the wedding veil


So, you’ve secured your dream dress and are thinking it’s now time to accessorize. If you’re on the edge about whether a wedding veil could be right for you – don’t worry we have you covered! We are here to tell you everything there is to know about finding yourself the perfect veil for your special day.

BUT just like any good story, we should start at the beginning.

You might not be surprised to find that the reason behind wearing a wedding veil has had a bit of a… complicated history.

Traditionally, veils were thought to have been worn (over the face) to help ward off evil spirits from the bride. We aren’t sure how effective that was, but the thought is interesting. They have also been tied to traditions of ‘hiding’ the bride’s appearance from her groom as she walks down the aisle. Unsurprisingly, wedding veils have also been associated with maintaining a bride’s purity and even symbolizing her status to society.

However, in modern society, wedding veils are less about warding off spirits and more about adding the last touch to your wedding day attire.

So, you might be thinking… do I have to wear a veil?

The short answer is absolutely not.

That is what is so incredible about your wedding. You can do whatever and wear whatever feels most comfortable and authentically you. I mean, there are plenty of alternatives out there that can help you complete your look! Can we just drop some love for the stunning hair pieces and accessories that are on the market!?

But, before you go and drop the idea of wearing a wedding veil completely, hear us out. **

We have collected the top 3 things to consider about wearing a veil.

What types of wedding veils are there?

Let’s start here.

Choosing a wedding veil is much like any other element of your wedding planning, and it starts with your vision.

Are you having a traditional church ceremony? A beautiful candlelit aisle in your favourite art-gala? Barefoot beach vows with a hint of floral romance? All these elements can help you envision what style of veil might be a best fit for you and your vision.

Oh, and we can’t forget about the dress either.

Your wedding dress can also be a huge indicator of what veil style might be best for you. Maybe you’re thinking statement, statement, statement. Or perhaps simple and clear elegance if more your look.

While you have that vision loading in your head, let’s go over the different styles of veils you will come across in your journey.

Birdcage

If you’re looking for an incredible showcase of both style and personality without the hassle and weight that a longer wedding veil provides, then a birdcage could be a great option for you.

I mean, hello Reese Witherspoon Sweet Home Alabama vibes!

Covering just part of the face, a birdcage veil can sit either on the top of the head, or toward the side of the head and will measure about 45cm from its comb.

This vintage choice can be versatile enough for any style but is an excellent choice for shorter dresses.

Blusher

Certainly a look that nods to both modesty and purity, a blusher veil can both be a standalone statement, or an additional layer to a veil that will cover the bride’s face.

Traditionally, this blusher was thought to ward off the spirit of evils, however it later became known to ‘hide’ the brides’ face from her groom.

Despite neither of these being the common reason for a bride to choose a blusher wedding veil today, blusher veils are still a common addition for any bride that wishes to add that extra element of modesty and tradition to their special day.

Photo by Taralee Photography

Fingertip

Okay, this one might sound a little self-explanatory, but you guessed it, the fingertip-veil stops at just that… your fingertips!

I have to say, this style of mid-length veil looks incredible with just about any style of dress I’ve seen it on.

Why may you ask? Versatility.

Mikado to crepe, sequinned to beaded, a fingertip-length wedding veil adds the perfect highlight to any bride’s shape and style for their day.

Photo by Brittany Navin Photography

Chapel

If you’re looking for something with a little more drama, then a chapel-length wedding veil might be the right choice for you.

Without getting too much into the specific measurements (it’s between 90-120” in length if you’re wondering), a chapel-length veil typically falls just a few inches past a full-length wedding gown and provides a beautiful sweeping statement without being too overwhelming for the bride.

This might be the right choice for the bride looking for just that little bit of extra movement.

Photo by Rob Lloyd Photography

Cathedral

A cathedral-length wedding veil is one of the longest styles on the market, about 100-120” in length.

Depending on your dress, a cathedral veil could either meet at the end of your train or drape past it if the style you have chosen was not overly long. With that said, on average a cathedral veil will surpass the train by about 1-2 feet.

This might be a great length option for you if your veil has lace or appliques.

Why you may ask? Having that additional length on your veil will provide appropriate space at the end of your train to showcase the intricate details that many veils have.

Photo by Palm Tree Studio

 

 

Royal

A royal-length veil might not be the best fit for every bride, as it is what we like to think of as an all-or-nothing option. Flowing 120”+ in length, a royal wedding veil can fall significantly farther behind an average train.

This length of veil does not come without challenges, as it will be much heavier than any other of our previously mentioned options. 

BUT, with that being said, get ready for some drop-dead gorgeous photos with this one.

Go big or go home, am I right?

Photo by Laura Fenny Photography

Mantilla

Graced with Spanish-style and influence, a mantilla features a beautiful circular statement lace-trim that both frames and highlights the bride’s face.

Traditionally a mantilla is worn just behind the hairline on the top of your head and creates that beautiful dramatic draping. This style is common for brides holding their ceremony in the Catholic church, as it also provides a fuller coverage across your chest and shoulders.

One thing to keep in mind if this is a style for you is your lace pattern! A consultant can always be a great guide to making sure your lace of the veil and your dress (if you choose this gown style) are complimentary.

Photo by Taralee Photography

How much can a wedding veil cost?

This one is a little more complicated to explain, as the short answer is ‘it depends’.

In reality, a wedding veil can be as extravagant or cost effective as you choose it to be.

But now that you have a better idea of the different lengths and styles of wedding veils that are on the market, we should talk about some different style variations.

When you are shopping for your wedding veil, the options on style can be limitless. From beautiful and delicate lace applications, to scattered pearls, seed beading to the classic raw edge, your options are pretty incredible.

Keep in mind, the details on your veil will alter the cost significantly.

In its entirety, you could be looking at a price range of $150 to upwards of $1,500 CAD.

It’s important to make an appointment and work with your stylist when choosing what veil might be the best option for you, as they will be able to help you find the perfect details to help fit your vision.

Okay, I bought a wedding veil. What’s next?

YAY! You found the perfect wedding veil, and you might be thinking, what do I do now!? You’re going to want to keep it in pristine condition leading up to your big day. Just like when you pick up your wedding dress! So, there are a few things you should know to keep your veil in tip-top shape.

The first being storage.

Both the environment that you store your veil in, and how you choose to store it will play a large factor in keeping its condition.

When it comes to the environment, do your best to store it in a dark, cool, and dry place, away from sunlight, dust and pesky animal hairs. This type of environment will support safe and secure storage leading up to your big day. When it comes to how to store the veil physically, there are a few things you can do.

First, your veil may come with a hanging loop to help relieve pressure from the comb when hanging your wedding veil. If it doesn’t no worries, you can always make one by pinning a ribbon through the comb!

If you have a longer veil, you can also consider folding up the end and laying over the bar of a traditional hanger. This is again to help relieve pressure from the comb.

Awesome, you’re good to go for the weeks or months leading up to the big day!

Now, when the big day comes – you might be thinking your veil could use a quick… freshening. We totally agree. Remember though, the fabric is very delicate and so whatever you do, be gentle. Your wedding veil should need very little done to bring it to pristine condition.

If you have a longer veil, you should first unfold it from the hanger. Lay out the fabric in a clean and dry area, checking for any small creases or folds in the fabric. If any are found, use a very gentle steamer.

After that, you’re ready to go for the ceremony!

Bottom Line

The bottom line is a wedding veil is not a mandatory addition for marriage. You must go with your gut! You don’t get to experience this every day, and so if you want to wear a veil… wear it!

If you don’t, that is okay too.

The good news is that there are plenty of options available to make your day everything you ever wanted.

Until next time,

The Sinders Team

** We talk about estimated lengths of each style of veil, but it’s a personal preference. Each designer and vendor may refer to these lengths and veil names differently, so use caution when discussing these details. If you do choose to go with a longer veil, we recommend ensuring the veil you choose goes to the end (if not beyond) the end of your train. **

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Accessories

Tips for finding the perfect wedding veils to accent your dress

THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN SHOPPING FOR A BRIDAL VEIL

Once you’ve found the wedding dress of your dreams, now comes the fun part – finding the perfect wedding veils to go with it! Finding a veil to wear on your wedding day probably seems like a pretty easy and straightforward process, but with so many options and factors to take into consideration, finding the perfect veil to accent your gown can make your head spin. Fortunately, though, you’ve got us as your fairy veil-mothers (see what we did there?) to guide you through the decision-making process.

To help you understand all the various options you’ll have available to you when you start shopping for a veil, we’ll explain the different lengths and edging styles, along with all the many factors that go into this decision.

TYPES OF VEIL LENGTHS AND STYLES

Veils come in so many different lengths, not just short, medium, and long. And with so many terms for these different lengths, it can be confusing trying to differentiate them from one another.

Here’s a list of the most common lengths of veils, defined, along with their respective measurements.

CATHEDRAL

Measuring longer than 100 inches, cathedral veils are stunning and dramatic, and are perfect for brides with gowns that have a long train.

By wearing a stunning cathedral veil, you are bound to make an entrance that will wow your guests and your future spouse!

CHAPEL

Ideal for dresses with a train that isn’t too dramatic, this length of the veil is quite long and will cascade behind you beautifully, ending where your train does. The standard length for most chapel veils is around 90 inches.

WALTZ

This style is a longer veil that hits just above the floor, making it the perfect length for brides who want the look of a long veil without having it drag behind them on the ground. Measuring at around 60 to 70 inches, waltz veils are a great option for gowns that don’t have a train.

FINGERTIP

One of the most commonly worn veils, fingertip veils are incredibly popular as they provide a beautiful complement for many types of gowns – particularly mermaid silhouettes – without hiding or overshadowing the dress.

Hitting just below your fingertips and cascading down by your hips, fingertip veils typically measure between 38 and 42 inches.

ELBOW

Elbow-length veils are a great option for brides looking for a short veil that doesn’t make as much of a statement as a birdcage or shoulder-length veil.

These veils tend to measure around 33 inches and will hit right at your elbows.

SHOULDER LENGTH

After birdcage, shoulder-length is the second shortest length of veil, typically measuring around 20 to 22 inches long and hitting just below your shoulders.

This is a very traditional style that is short and sweet and won’t distract from your beautiful gown.

BIRDCAGE

The birdcage is a classic vintage style that is the shortest veil available, covering just the top of your head and part of your face.

Unlike most other veils made from a thin piece of sheer fabric, birdcage veils have a larger mesh-like diamond pattern weave.

These types of veils are sure to make a statement and can be a beautiful complement to a vintage style gown, or a sassy short or tea-length dress.

BLUSHER

Blushers are a traditional and ethereal veil style, which is a top layer added to the main veil that can be worn to cover the bride’s face as she walks down the aisle and can come in a variety of lengths.

While not nearly as common as they once were in years past, blushers are a great way to incorporate a bit of tradition into your wedding ceremony and build anticipation leading up to the I dos.

TYPES OF VEIL EDGINGS

Besides lengths, veils also come with a variety of different edging styles.

Here are some of the most popular options:

LACE

One of the most popular edging styles, this type of veil can be chosen to match the lace on your gown, or custom made by specially ordering the same lace used on your dress.

RAW EDGE

Simple, yet stunning is the best way to describe this veil. The fabric is simply cut and left as is, leaving behind a sleek, raw edge. Rather than having a seam or other detail lining the edge of the veil.

SATIN CORD EDGE

A common edging for shorter veils is a satin cord edge. These veils have a thin strip of satin resembling a ribbon sewn along the edge for a classic, vintage look.

HORSEHAIR

A very trendy option used for many styles of wedding dresses and veils of all lengths, horsehair edgings are not actually made from horsehair, but fine, synthetic nylon braiding. Horsehair edgings can come in a variety of widths but are typically between 1 to 2 inches thick.

BEADING

To add more sparkle and glamour to your bridal look, many veils have fine, intricate beading along the edge.

This is common in nearly all lengths of veils.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING WEDDING VEILS

Besides your own personal preference, how do you know which veil will best complement your wedding dress?

There are actually quite a few factors at play here.

YOUR GOWN

One of the most important considerations for choosing a veil is your gown and what it looks like.

For instance, you want the colour of your veil to match your dress, so you wouldn’t choose a pure white veil for an ivory or champagne gown.

Or, if you have a lace gown with a long dramatic train, you may want to choose a cathedral length veil with lace edging that matches your dress.

YOUR PREFERRED LENGTH

Do you want a long, dramatic veil to make a showstopping entrance, prefer a low-key short and sassy style to showcase the beauty of your gown, or something in between? Knowing what length of wedding veils you are most comfortable with is important to help narrow down your search.

YOUR HAIRSTYLE AND HOW YOU WANT TO POSITION YOUR VEIL

You may not realize it, but there are so many different ways to position a veil. From the top of your crown, all the way down to the nape of your neck!

Determining your hairstyle will also help in how you choose to position your veil.

For instance, if you are wearing your hair in a low updo, you may want to position your veil lower on your head, just above the updo, or underneath it at the nape of your neck. And for half-up hairstyles, veils look stunning positioned towards the middle of your head. If you are wearing your hair down, the crown of the head is a good position to allow the veil to frame your face.

The placement wedding veils can also affect the length, so it’s important to have a rough idea of how you will be wearing your hair on the big day when you go shopping, so you can choose the perfect positioning and length.

When shopping for a veil, although there are many factors to take into consideration, it’s important not to stress too much about this decision. At the end of the day, you’re bound to look beautiful in any veil – and gown! – that you choose. So, relax, think about what it is you want in a veil and how you want to look like on your wedding day, and most importantly, get yourself married!