I hear alot of brides say that they aren’t a veil type of bride.  Then, they find the dress of their dreams and the dresser says, “come on, just pop it on to see what it looks like.”  And, the tears flow.  They feel like a “bride”.

There are countless styles of bridal veils to choose from.  I hope this list of the most popular styles helps you find the “inner bride” in you!

The length of your veil, the number of layers, fabric, trim and shade you choose should all depend on the style of your dress.  Among the options:

• Angel: Long, straight veil cut wide at the sides like angel wings.
• Ballerina (or waltz): Ends just above the floor.
• Birdcage:  A short veil that covers the bride’s face, falling just below the chin, as she enters the ceremony.  This is a popular choice with brides who don’t want a full veil but would still like the elegance and mystery of a veil. It can tie in with a vintage look and can be worn on the back or front of the head.  Often worn with a small hat.
• Blusher:  The blusher is a short veil of two or more layers. It usually ends between the bride’s collarbone and bust, and a layer is worn over the face and is normally lifted before or after the ceremony for the newlyweds’ first kiss. Strict etiquette experts consider veils, particularly blushers, inappropriate for second-time or pregnant brides.
• Butterfly: Oval-shaped and folded in half. Ribbon edging follows a crescent rather than straight line.
• Cascade (or waterfall): Two or more layers of veil in various lengths (some of which can be removed).  A cascade veil can also work as a blusher. 
• Cathedral: A cathedral length veil is as long as bride wants it to be and creates a sea of tulle or lace behind the bride as she walks. Usually worn at formal weddings
• Chapel: The chapel length veil trails behind the bride as she walks. It hits the floor or bottom of the bride’s gown and is often worn with a sweep train to give the illusion of a longer train.
• Elbow:  This is essentially a blusher that reaches the bride’s elbows and creates a soft frame for the upper body and face.
• Fingertip: This style is the most common veil length. Touching the bride’s fingertips, the veil falls in soft folds and adds to the elegance of the dress.  This length works well with ball gowns and so is one of the most popular styles.
• Flyaway: Touches or just covers shoulders. Sometimes called a Madonna veil, this style is made from more than one layer of fabric to create a bridal look. Perfect for an added sense of drama or paired with a tea length gown for a fifties look.
• Mantilla: A long, Spanish-style, circular piece of lace that frames the face.  Its distinguishing features are the lace decoration and placement on the head. The veil is not placed at the back of the head, but is draped over the crown. Its length and placement means the veil falls over the shoulders and down the back.
• Waltz: The waltz length comes to around mid calf and is a graceful addition to the bridal outfit. Also known as ballerina or walking length, it gives the bride a longer veil without the worry of tripping or damaging the veil by stepping on it.

Australia’s number one online wedding shop, Pink Frosting, has a stunning range of wedding veils to choose from.  I hope you find your inner bride with your veil.  Every bride should wear one just for the feeling it gives!

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

Caterina and Joe are one very stylish Canberra couple who tied the knot on Saturday 18th April 2009.  My involvement in their day was to style their wedding and honestly, with Caterina at the helm, they really didn’t need much help.  This is one glamorous lady.

Here are the gorgeous photos from Caterina and Joe’s wedding, styled by Pink Frosting and photographed by the very clever Steven from Creative Image.

Caterina and Joe were married at St Christopher’s Catherdral in Manuka, followed by a stunning reception at Rydges Lakeside Ballroom in Canberra City.

Caterina’s hair and makeup using Napoleon Cosmetics were by Bentley’s Bridal at the Jamison Centre, Canberra.

Caterina’s stunning gown is by Arushie Bridal Couture in Leichardt.  The ruffles and boning are so gorgeous.  When I first saw Caterina, she took my breath away.

Bridesmaid gowns in a soft mushroom latte colour, accented with black netting by Park Avenue Bridal Parramatta.

Yes, Joe and the boys also look great…  What a handsome bunch of Canberra boys!

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And the Pink Frosting team download underworld rise of the lycans movie did a wonderful job of styling the reception.  The Rydges Lakeside Ballroom has never looked better!  The team at Rydges loved it so much, they’re using our glamorous images in their advertising…

Caterina and Joe, thank you for letting us be part of your amazing day!

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

One of our wedding planners, Samantha, is being married today in Canberra.  I am so excited to be attending a wedding as a guest rather than the girl running around like a headless chicken making everything look beautiful.  Samantha has insisted that she style and organise the wedding all herself, which she will have done spectacularly, I have no doubt.  However, with no centerpieces to fluff, no aisle runners to smooth and no flowergirls to chase, this leaves me in a position I rarely find myself in.  What do I wear as a wedding guest rather than the wedding planner?

The invitation says formal, which is always a little difficult to guage.  My wedding planning uniform of super-wide black pants and tuxedo jacket are out.  I want to feel feminine.  I want to feel different to the weddings I attend as a worker bee.  I want to feel gorgeous!

I have a wardrobe full of 70’s style maxi dresses.  Long before the fashion came back, my height and shape has dictated that this style is the best look for me.  I am leaning towards a gorgeous Leona Edmiston dress I have stashed away that I last broke out for my brother’s wedding.  But as the wind is incredibly gusty and the chill factor is likely to head well below zero, I need to be wary of staying warm… aaah, what is a girl to do?

Off to The Knot for their guide on wedding guest attire:

The invite says: “White Tie”

This is the most formal of all wedding dress codes (think state dinners and the Oscars).
He should wear: A tuxedo, a long black jacket with tails, a white pique vest, and a bow tie. Black, formal shoes and even white gloves for dancing are appropriate.
She should wear: A formal, full-length ball gown in a neutral color like dark brown or black. Glamorous makeup and dramatic jewelry and hair are appropriate.

The invite says: “Black Tie”

This is the next most formal wedding dress code and usually means the wedding is an evening affair.
He should wear: A tuxedo. A black bow tie, cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are also suggested.
She should wear: A chic cocktail dress or a long evening gown in a dark, neutral color like brown or black. The bride, wedding party, or friends can help answer questions about the appropriate dress length.

The invite says: “Formal” or “Black Tie Optional”

The wording here suggests something slightly less formal than black tie. This means that a tuxedo isn’t required but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate.
He should wear: A tuxedo or a formal dark suit and tie.
She should wear: A long dress, a dressy suit, or a formal cocktail-length dress in a dark, neutral tone like brown, gray, or black.

The invite says: “Beach Formal”

This suggests an elegant beach wedding — so dress to impress, but also dress for the elements (sun, sand, and water). Anything you’d wear to a nice restaurant on a summer day is appropriate.
He should wear: A summer suit with a linen shirt (no ties required), linen pants or khakis, and sandals.
She should wear: A formal summer sundress at tea- or knee-length with flat sandals. Makeup and hair can be natural and everyday.

The invite says: “Semiformal” or “Dressy Casual”

Depending on the time of the event, you’ll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime wedding.
He should wear: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on the season and time of day.
She should wear: A cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top.

The invite says: “Casual”

Generally, casual means anything goes. That said, jeans, shorts, and tank tops are probably not appropriate unless they’re specifically noted as acceptable. For the purposes of wedding wear, assume business casual to be on the safe side.
He should wear: Dress pants with a button-down shirt or polo.
She should wear: A summer sundress or a skirt or pants with a nice blouse. Makeup and hair can be natural and everyday.

Stay tuned. I think the Leona is the key, but I may have to scrounge through my grandmother’s amazing coats and shawls to find something to keep me warm enough to brave this chilly Canberra weather.

Whatever I decide, I’m so excited for Sam and Jon.  I know this day is going to be one never to forget.  Gorgeous people completely besotted with one another… a wedding should be about nothing else.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

And, especially for Claire, here is Katherine’s response to Claire’s plea:

Claire- if you have not yet found help-please let us help you! You need to come & see us at Boutique 88. We so far have 3 retail stores (in Morley, Mandurah & Geraldton) as well as an online shop & specialize in sizes 16-30. Everything from chic & stylish day wear, cocktail & yes- Beautiful, affordable & simply divine bridal wear. We stock I Do, Paco, Gerry Shaw & yes the ever stunning Henri Josef Bridal collection-available to size 30. Seeing as though your wedding is in September, we can order in whatever you like out of their current season books (which we have just received) in a great array of colours and fabrics.

I hope this reply finds you so you can come in and try not one- but many beautiful gowns & that we can help you find something perfect for your very special day. Please don’t hesitate to email me more of what you are looking for to katherine@boutique88.com.au & hopefully our friendly & supportive team at Boutique 88 can be of assistance.

All the best & hope to hear soon, Katherine@ Boutique 88.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

“I have been designing simple, elegant, classic gowns for women.” Jane says. Jane has an enviable reputation for her innovative ideas and her outstanding workmanship has been applauded by many brides. 

Jane’s studio was teaming with feathers, faux fur trims (so divine I had to ask if they were real…), the most exquisite boning, draping and spectacular accessories such as the ostrich fur stole which I am dying to show my best friend.  I think it is perfection for her wedding in August in Tasmania. 

Here are some of the designs from Jane’s 2009 winter collection available now for Kiwi brides:

It doesn’t seem as though Jane’s designs are available in Australia (I hope I am wrong).  But with flights across the Tasman so cheap right now and the Aussie dollar strong against the Kiwi dollar – thank goodness it’s strong against something :) – it might just be worth the effort to secure yourself a unique design for your big day.

Now, I wonder if that ostrich stole comes in black so I can wear it as the matron of honour?

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

Tulle, layers and pretty fullness take centre stage:

Goddess-like draping is a key element:

A little bit of embellishment takes simple to sensational:

Overall, I loved the bridal fashion on show yesterday; although it’s very clear that our Kiwi sisters aren’t a straight up and down lot.  There weren’t many options for the simple, Caroline Kennedy inspired bride.  But then, I never was one for contemporary minimalism in bridal fashion.  The gowns on show were stunning examples of how a contemporary princess bride can look on her Kiwi wedding day.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

The ever popular frou frou waterproof parasol umbrellas in black, red, blush and vanilla now have white and candy pink sisters which are just simply divine!  Wedding parasols are the perfect practical and decorative accessory for a modern wedding or gift for a special friend, and the truly remarkable Frou Frou waterproof parasol umbrella range is also suitable for rain or sunshine.

Ultra feminine, the Frou Frou parasol umbrella features a pagoda domed canopy, decorative ruching, a bamboo tip and carved handle. This parasol is made with a sturdy metal frame and waterproof nylon fabric. It also features a matching fabric wrap-around fastening strap.

Aaaagh, everyone here at Pink Frosting is just in love… so happy that this best selling wedding parasol is now available in white too!

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

Glamour Plus

A Bridal Affair

Legends Bridal

Henri Josef

Claire, even looking around the beautiful websites for plus-size bridal fashion, it is hard to find models that are larger than a size 10.  I understand a little of your frustration, but hope these gorgeous Australian sites give you some ideas for creating the perfect wedding day.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

I received this heartfelt email today from a plus-size Perth bride to be struggling to find a beautiful gown for her upcoming wedding.  If you have any suggestions, please let me know and I will pass them on to Claire…

I am writing to you as I hope you can help me. My partner Daniel proposed to me in the most beautiful way. I am a massive fan of butterflies and he proposed to me in our back garden. Daniel got real butterflies sent over from the eastern states and asked me to open a package with the butterflies while he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a brilliant romantic day. I had hoped that my wedding journey would be that perfect. 

Our wedding is planned for September this year in Bali. We are both simple people so we wanted to have an intimate wedding in a tropical location with close family and friends. I have been lucky to go over with Daniel to plan the wedding and I am going back this Friday with mum to finalise everything. 

I thought one of the easiest tasks would be to find a dress in a variety of styles colours from elaborate gowns to simple but elegant dresses. Looking in your magazine it certainly seemed that way as nearly all of the advertisements said they had sizes from 4-34 or there abouts, so I just assumed the dress task could easily be crossed off my wedding things to do list. Boy was I in for a rude awakening. Especially when money wasn’t even an object as long as I found a dress that suited my body type.

I’m sure you would agree with me that all brides should be able to try on dresses in their respective size to ensure that the dress looks good on before having to commit to one. As the cliché goes “you only get married once”. Whilst I understand that it might not be possible  to carry every single size in every single style. I believe at least having 5-6 styles that’s not a lot to ask and its fairly reasonable. 

In my opinion it is false advertising when shops advertise claiming that they have plus size dresses, even more so when you ring these stores to ask if they have a specific size in store. It is especially frustrating not to mention depressing when you take the trouble to go to these stores only to find that they had mislead you and were only interested in luring you into their stores to show you jewellery etc that doesn’t come in sizes. Why would any one want to give them your business? This is not just one store in Perth I am talking about either. My best friend and I have been to approximately 12 stores in Perth and have been unfortunate enough to be faced with the same scenario.

I know that I’m not the biggest women in Perth as I am a size 20-22. So I am sure that there are other plus size brides to be that feel the same way. A wedding is stressful enough to plan without having to go through the hassle of making enough time to travel around Perth to bridal shops who don’t live up to the advertisements in your magazine.

I’m sure if it would be that hard in other states, but unfortunately I don’t have the time to be able to go to the other side of Australia to find a dress and be able to try a variety on. I did notice whilst browsing over the internet that Melbourne has a plus size bridal shop so I’m sure the Melbourne brides stand a chance to try and buy. 

 To be perfectly honest I’m sick of being told to squeeze into a size 16 where the back wont do up and forced to come out of the change room with the other brides to be staff in the store making comments such as, “I don’t know how she found a husband being that size”, ” That poor girl is never going to find a dress”, “I would be so embarrassed having to come out of the change room with a dress that doesn’t fit.” it is disgusting and highly offensive, even when you think the majority of these comments are coming from staff that work at these stores. Who hires these people? More to the point shouldn’t they be trying to sell dress and make people feel good about themselves? I didn’t see many rings on their fingers…. I think I may have found the reason why. 

I even thought going to the Perth bridal expo would be different as they also advertised plus size models modelling dresses. Again I was disappointed when there was only one girl who modelled 2 dresses. I felt for this girl as she basically ran up and down the cat walk so as she could get off the stage as quickly as possible. It is horrible to set yourself up for disappointment. 

I am writing with the hope my letter finds more of these retail shops and your magazines catering for plus size brides, so that we can share the same experience as non plus size brides to be. Why should they have all the fun? Maybe doing a special on a plus size brides wedding, or some ones quest to find a dress, or even a lift out on places that do actually stock and sell larger size bridal gowns. 

It would be a dream of mine to be able to try on a dress and see the tears in my mothers and best friends eyes, when  they tell me don’t try on any more dresses that’s the one. I have seen this so many times since my journey to finding the perfect dress began. Unfortunately I have had rude comments and have retreated to not going to any more stores. I shouldn’t have to pick one off the shelf get measured up and ordered in my size. lets face it if you were making a big purchase of say a car you wouldn’t just look at lots in a car yard and choose one without test driving or sitting in it to see if it is comfortable and suits your needs.

It has broken my heart when I have seen other plus size brides in these shops try on dresses and look so disappointed. 

It would be appreciated if you could acknowledge my letter. I’m sure that if bridal magazines had pictures of plus size brides in dresses that we can buy off the shelf or try on one of them from stores they advertise, I am confident that it would boost the sale of the magazines and make people like me not feel so isolated and disadvantaged because of our size. I appreciate you taking the time to read my email and I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Claire 

If you have any suggestions for great plus-size bridal fashion in Australia, please let me know… I will plug, plug, plug it here at Australia Entertains.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

The little birds nests on top of the cake are spectactular!  I had never imagined using them in this way.  You can buy these in Australia here.  The tins are also a gorgeous favor idea, with a personalised sticker and two simple ribbons – gorgoeous!

I just adore the new little bird houses at Pink Frosting and think these would look amazing with this theme. 

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn