Most people have come to associate the word “bride” to a picture of a woman in a white gown, her face silhouetted by a translucent veil while making her way down the aisle. Wearing a bridal veil goes back as far as the ancient times, and it is steeped in symbolism and tradition.

The Greeks and Romans used it to conceal the bride’s face from her groom until the wedding ceremony. In Europe during the Middle Ages, the veil was believed to protect the bride against curses and evil spirits. Most other cultures have a superstition that it is bad luck for the bride to see herself in full attire until the time of the wedding, thus a veil is necessary to ward off misfortune.

These days however, the veil is no longer just an excuse to conform to tradition. It has become a fashion statement and an essential accessory that completes the overall look of the bride. It adds a touch of romance and formality to the occasion and lends more style and elegance to the wedding dress. It is usually worn over the bride’s face during the formal ceremony. However, in many modern weddings, the veil does not cover the whole face, rather just a portion of the head or even just attached to the back of the head.

When choosing the veil, it is necessary to consider the style of the wedding gown, the bride’s hairstyle, and the location of the ceremony and reception. Here are some of the most popular choices of modern brides when it comes to bridal veils.

• Birdcage veil

This super chic veil was very famous during the sixties, and now it is making a huge comeback. It is made from tulle or French netting and is often embellished with crystals, feathers, or flowers. Its style is very short, often just covering half of the face. The actual comb of the veil can sit at the back of the head, or to the side for extra drama.

The veil itself can fall just up to the chin, lips, nose, or under the eyes. It can even cover only the forehead! This type of veil will look gorgeous with your hair held up in a half-bun, but it also works well with short hair. It is sure to lend a classy and sophisticated beat to just about any kind of wedding look.

• Blusher veil

The blusher is not the actual veil itself but just the shorter layer of the veil that falls over the bride’s face. You can wear it during the wedding procession but it is usually lifted up from the face during or after the ceremony.

• Flyaway veil

This multi-layered veil falls just up to the shoulders to give an unobstructed view of the back of your gown. It is great when you want to show off the details behind your dress. It goes best with an ankle-length gown at a less formal wedding.

• Fountain veil

This veil sits at the crown of the head and cascades around your face. It is usually shoulder or elbow length and complements a semi-formal gown.

Whatever kind of wedding veils you decide to have on your wedding, it will surely add more style and personality to your bridal look, as long as you choose wisely. So what is the best part about wearing a veil? Of course, it is the time when it will be lovingly flipped back by your groom, to share your first kiss as husband and wife.

Black or White Just Married Sandals

If you would take a survey on the most popular wedding themes, beach wedding would probably top the list. This is because many couples love the vast expanse of beautiful ocean that can serve as the backdrop, the romantic ambiance of the beach scene, and the fact that beach weddings are beautiful and inexpensive at the same time.

Since there are now many couples who get married on beach wedding settings, some exotic couples want to take it a step higher in order to have a unique kind of matrimonial ceremony at the beach. One way to achieve this is to wear one-of-a-kind beach wedding accessories that would complete their look for their big day. Here are some fantastic ideas on wedding accessories that any couple would surely love.

Lei or Flower Garland

A tropical flower garland is one of the first things that will come into your mind upon the mention of the words, beach wedding accessories. Whether you are getting married in a beach in Hawaii or in any other part of the world, a lei of beautiful tropical flowers around the necks of the bride and groom can surely be a memorable embellishment for the event.

Seashell Jewelry

It is very common to find seashells in any beach, which is why this element is always present in many beach weddings. Incorporate seashells into your wedding attire by donning accessories made from terrific beach finds. You and your spouse-to-be can wear seashell necklace, seashell bracelet, or a seashell anklet. Since there are many colors and styles to choose from, it is a good bet that you would end up with a unique looking accessory that would certainly wow your guests.

Beaded Accessories

Aside from seashells, beads are also a staple when it comes to beach or summer accessories. Beaded necklaces, beaded bracelets, and beaded earrings can add a touch of creativity and exotic appeal to your and your partner’s beach wedding attire.

Flower Headdress

For the bride, instead of wearing the traditional veil, you can choose to have a flower headdress made of tropical flowers such as sunflower or hibiscus. Just remember that if you are going to wear the headdress, you should skip the flower garland (or the other way around, depending on your preference) because wearing both would be overdoing it.

Barefoot Bridal Sandals

Barefoot bridal sandals are becoming a hot fashion statement for brides who want to walk down the aisle with bare feet. Barefoot bridal sandals can be made of beads, rhinestones, or leather straps that accents the top of the feet without a covering for the sole.

Shell tiara or headband

In lieu of the flower headdress, a bride can also wear a seashell tiara or headband as a hair accessory. This is suitable for simple hairstyles like a classic bun, ponytail, or hair let hanging down on the shoulders.

Beach weddings have that unique romantic feel and creative look that many exotic couples love. Complete the special occasion by wearing one-of-a-kind beach wedding accessories that you can use even after the wedding day.

Most women love to shop for shoes. Brides are not an exception. In fact, many women believe that a wedding is one of the most important events that require shopping for a pair of beautiful and exquisite shoes. Even though the shoes will hardly be seen due to the length of the bridal gown, many brides opt to buy elegant designer shoes that would complete their look for that special day.

If you are looking for a pair of designer shoes to wear on your wedding event, it helps to know who the top wedding shoe designers for this year are. These bridal designer shoes are the top in the industry and many brides would be more than excited to walk down the aisle in these fantastic creations. Here are the top wedding shoe designers for the year 2009 in no particular order.

1. Vera Wang

Vera Wang’s bridal shoes are some of the most sought after wedding shoes not only in this country but in other parts of the world as well. Vera Wang shoes are described to be glamorous and ultra-feminine. The trademark shoes from this line are the t-strapped shoes with leather uppers and 3.25” heels adorned with glimmering glitters.

2. Kate Spade

Shoes by Kate Spade are known for their charm, elegance and traditional style. One of the most popular shoes from this designer is the Gali shoes, which are open toe white silk satin sling-back wedding shoes. This pair comes with a superb decorative bow with a rhinestone-studded brooch that certainly adds visual appeal to the already gorgeous shoes.

3. Delman

Delman shoes are all about beauty, style and unique quality. Selma shoes, one of the well-known pairs from this designer, comes with a delicate lattice design, and metallic silver leather accents. It is a nice break away from the norm in wedding shoes and is the perfect pair for a bride that is looking from something that is out of the ordinary and yet is beautiful and elegant.

3. Stuart Weitzman

Decopauge by Stuart Weitzman is another popular pair of wedding shoes that many brides want to get their hands on. This pair is made in Spain and it features 3.5” heels, two-piece uppers, Swarovski adornments and one large stone. This is truly the ultimate pair to complete your elegant ensemble.

4. Manolo Blahnik

One thing distinct about shoes from Blahnik is that they are not the typical wedding shoes. Manolo Blahnik shoes are more than simply stunning; their fabulous t-straps sandals are made of silver chainmail, metallic leather, and many rhinestones. They are so gorgeous you can wear them even after the wedding is over.

6. Benjamin Adams

Another household name in wedding shoes industry is Benjamin Adams, whose shoes are mainly described as stylish and comfortable. His shoes are available in a wide variety of unique designs that sets his shoes apart from the rest. Dyeable classic ivory satin and simple white satin are just some of the many colors available.

With so many brands to choose from, you can easily find one that fits your style. However, keep in mind that the designer’s name is just one among the many factors to consider when buying bridal shoes. More important than the name it carries are comfort and fit, to ensure that you find the perfect pair for you to use on big day.

Question from Shirley:

I am divorced and legally use my married name. I am getting married again so, will I use my married name on the wedding invitation?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Shirley, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  Yes, you would use your legal name on the wedding invitation.  This video on how to word wedding invitations will help you with the wording of your wedding invitations. 

As an ‘encore bride’ —someone who has been married before—there are etiquette rules for you that do not apply to a first-time bride.  For example, although whomever is invited to your bridal shower must be invited to the wedding, you would NOT invite people who attended your first bridal shower to your second bridal shower.  They have already given you a wedding shower gift.  You can, of course, still invite them to your wedding.

Although, at an encore wedding, you can have a wedding dress, it is usually more subdued and less flamboyant than at a first-time wedding.  Most encore wedding dresses tend to be cocktail length dresses, or a classy couture suit that can be worn again.  Although blusher veils (over the face) are not used at an encore wedding, a short veil is acceptable.  An encore bride usually wears a hat, hair ornaments or fresh flowers in their hair instead of a veil. 

The size of the bridal party is usually smaller at an encore wedding.  In addition, when it comes to the receiving line, the parents are not usually included (unless they are paying for the wedding) and any children the couple may have are included in the receiving line. 

Just because you are having an encore wedding, it does not mean you cannot have an elegant, and sophisticated affair.  It just is smaller in scale than a first wedding. 

Enjoy!  and if you have further questions, feel free to email again, or comment below. 

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Andrea:

What’s more in style these days for bridesmaid dresses, short or long?  Our wedding will be in July 2010.  Thanks.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Andrea, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  It is more common ‘these days’ for bridesmaids to wear T-length (short) dresses.  Why?  more and more weddings are informal or contemporary, and long dresses are for more formal weddings. 

If you are having a sophisticated, formal, elegant wedding, long dresses are much more suitable than short ones.  If you are having an informal outdoor wedding, short dresses are more suitable.  It really depends upon your wedding theme. 

So, it depends, really on the vision for your wedding.  The type of wedding you choose is really a reflection of your personality as a couple.  Are you an upscale kind of couple?  Then your wedding choices should reflect that.  If you are a casual couple, your wedding choices should reflect that.  The length of dresses you choose for your bridesmaids will also be a reflection of your style as a couple.

Take a look through the bridal magazines to see the major trends in dresses.  It will give you an idea of what is "in" and what is not.  Good luck, and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Susan:

Hello and thank you -  This is a good friend and co workers wedding.  It is at 5:00pm with a sit down dinner reception at another location which is an exclusive plantation clubhouse.  Would black slacks and a very nice silk top be appropriate for this?  I am a 43 yr old single mom in South Carolina, Beaufort. Thank you.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Susan.  Yes, your attire sounds appropriate.  Ensure you have a nice pair of heels (no flats) to keep the look upscale.  Nice bridal accessories like jewellery or a scarf will complete the look.  Enjoy!

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Amy:

Can you help me find white bridesmaid dresses with multi colored flowers at bottom?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Amy.  I have never seen a bridesmaids dress like you are describing.  That is not to say it doesn’t exist.  There are thousands of dress manufacturers all over the world, and depending where in the world you live, you will have access to different dress lines and designers than someone in another part of the world. 

Finding a nice white bridesmaid dress is easy.  In fact, some brides who are having an informal wedding often choose a nice bridesmaids dress for their wedding dress.  Flower appliques are numerous—check your local sewing shops.  Having them applied to an existing dress is a nice option if you cannot find a ready-made dress to your liking.  Just "google" flower appliques for a wide variety that you can choose from.

If you have any other questions, feel free to email again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Annie:

Hi there, I’m getting married next year and I have no idea what kind of dress would look good on me.  I’m only 5′ tall and I’m really worried that I will look funny in a real, long wedding gown. I’m also an XS and for a petite person, my chest is really big.  I just don’t want to look like I’m drowning in my dress.

Thank you for your help!

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Annie, a long gown will actually elongate your body and make you look taller—especially an A-line style or something that doesn’t visually "cut you off" at the waist.  What you need to do is pick a dress that balances your upper and lower torso so they look balanced.  If you are top heavy, choose a more flared skirt to balance the top.  A fitted waist will give your body definition and shape. 

Since you are short, you won’t want the big, flared princess style dress, but something with a more fitted shape, and a nicely draped skirt with some flow.

If you are unsure of being able to pick out the right dress, ask a friend or relative whose fashion sense you admire to help you pick out your gown.  The real trick is to have a balanced look to your body—upper and lower halves.  Many styles will do this, so try on lots of dresses.  If you sign up for my free wedding newsletter, you will receive the .pdf How To Dress Your Body Type which you might find helpful.

Good luck, and if you have further questions, please feel free to ask.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Barbara:

My husband and I will be renewing our 30th Wedding vows on the Carnival Valor cruise 12/06/2009, by the cruise Captain and I was wondering if you feel this dress would be an appropriate dress.

Would you suggest something more simple or another color? I was wondering if it is ok to wear white again? any advice would be appreciated.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Barbara, the dress is beautiful, and is entirely appropriate for a cruise wedding renewal of vows.  A renewal of vows can be either extravagant or simple depending upon the couple.  Many couples never had much of a "real wedding" when they first got married, so like to have a more extravagant renewal of vows.  

What you are planning sounds very appropriate.   A renewal or second wedding should be more subdued than a first wedding from an etiquette point of view.  A cruise renewal of vows is very popular choice.  Yes, it is perfectly fine to wear white again, but know that it is a more modern choice.  The traditional choice is to go with ivory, pale yellow or other soft colour.  The choice is yours. 

I think you choice is perfect.  Enjoy! and congratulations!

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Diletta:

Hi Angela.  I chose for my wedding a color theme: red and cream.  I told my bridesmaids that as long as their dress will be red and long I am happy.  Yes, I am not going to pick a style or material, I want them to feel comfortable with the outfit.  One of them already bought hers…and the wedding won’t be until next June (2010)!  Do you think I took the right decision?  Everybody told me yes, but I want the expert opinion!!!   Thank you,

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Diletta, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  The only concern I have is that not all reds are the same.  Some reds are quite bright, and some have a grey undertone, and not every person sees the same color or shade of color.  People are different, and how we see colour differs.  So, my question would be:  Do you want different shades of red for your bridesmaids?  If so, then yes, you have gone about it the right way.  If you want everyone to be the exact same colour, then you need to define the exact colour. 

Having everyone choose their own red colour and their own style is very "European"—the American style being more rigid in having everyone in the exact same dress. But you wanted my opinion.  Yes, I think you made the right decision in allowing everyone their individuality.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Brit:

My wedding gown is red.  What colors should I use for Maid of honor and Bridesmaids?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Brit, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  You have a number of choices for your MOH and bridesmaids.  You can go with lighter shades of red, or into the pinks.  Any of the yellow or green family of colours would work well with red.  Brown and black go well with red also—-although black is a pretty strong colour for a wedding, but it doesn’t seem you are afraid of colour!!  So, those are the usual colours that go with red, although purple works well with red it is not a combination that is often seen. 

Those are the basic choices.  Good luck and if you have further questions, feel free to ask.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Lynette:

I am in my 40’s and this is second wedding for me and first for the groom.  Our wedding party ages range from 35 – 50 years old, and they have everything.  Any suggestions on unique gift ideas and what is the appropriate amount to spend?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Lynette, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  The classic gift for the bridal party is jewellery.  The jewellery is usually worn on the wedding day to give a consistent look to the bridal party.  The ladies usually get necklaces, and the fellows often get tie pins or tie clips, or watches. 

The bridal party spends a lot of money on their attire, and paying for the costs involved in the bridal shower and stag party.  So the gifts for the bridal party should roughly equal what they spend.  Of course, a gift is given based on what the giver can give, so this could vary. 

These links should give you some great ideas.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Denis:

Hi Angela, I need your help.  I would like to give my groomsman and dad and father in law, pocket watches but can’t seem to find any canadian company (online).  I found some on The Knot but they do not deliver in Canada.  Can you please let me know if you know of any website where I could find some? Thank you.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Denis, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  You can find a lot of gifts for groomsmen and family on this site.  There is not a lot available on-line, shipping from Canada.  The link I’ve given you gives you a large selection of jewellery gifts, shipped from Canada.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Madiha:

Hi.  I want to wear some skirt or frock on my marriage but I don’t know which kind of dress suits me.  Please help me.  Waiting for an answer.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Madiha.  I can’t tell you what kind of wedding dress suits you without knowing what you look like.  The real key is choosing something that  gives your upper and lower body a balanced look.  If you sign up for the free SmartBrideTM Newsletter, you will receive a free .pdf called The Secret of Dressing Your Body Type.  Another way to figure it out, is to take a family member or friend with you to a wedding dress shop and try some dresses on.  Get their opinion, and the shop keepers will help you also.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Question from Mary:

Hello, we are having an evening wedding at a restaurant. We don’t have a bridal party but my niece really wanted to be a flower girl. She is 8 years old. My dress is a Nicole Miller Sheath Ivory dress. Should the flower girl be wearing something similar? I can only find fluffy dresses. Thanks

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Mary.  The flower girl does not need to match you.  In fact, if she matched you too much, it would take away from the statement you make with what you are wearing.  If the dresses are too fluffy for your taste and the overall look of your wedding, consider non-flower girl dresses, and choose just a nice white (or ivory) dress from a nice children’s clothing store. 

Good luck, and if you have further question, feel free to email again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert