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Botanica Collections
An Evening in Florence

Arna’s admiration of the ocean can be traced back to her childhood, growing up in a seaside town in the far south of Tasmania. Her father is an Abalone diver and he would bring home shells with mesmerising mother-of-pearl patterns in blue, green and pink tones. Her husband shares similar childhood memories. Jed is from the eastern suburbs of Sydney, close to the beautiful Clovelly and Coogee beaches.

To honour this shared love, Arna and Jed’s wedding took place on the coast of Tasmania, overlooking the tranquil waters of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island. Arna walked down the aisle in a pearl wedding veil, our exquisite pearl drenched Dewberry.

Setting the Scene

Both the ceremony and reception were held at Peppermint Grove, in Woodbridge, Tasmania. Arna and Jed wanted to create an elegant and warm atmosphere, and styled the venue with lots of candles, greenery and white roses.

“We both are very much family orientated and wanted to bring everyone together in a relaxed environment, which was made naturally easy with our gorgeous water-side venue nestled in a calm cove overlooking Bruny Island,” says Arna.

Arna’s Beautiful Bow Gown

Wedding dress shopping was both an enjoyable and eye-opening experience for Arna. Once they found her perfect dress, Arna and her mum were sad the experience was over!

“I had a style in mind and after trying so many dresses in that style, I realised they just didn’t suit me at all,” says Arna. “That’s when I started to wonder if maybe a simple, classic style would suit me better. After some research around the local bridal boutiques, Timeless Elegance said that they had just received some new designs that they thought might interest me and sent me a photo of ‘Lily’. At first I wasn’t sure as it was very figure hugging. I tried it on and it was an instant… “mm, yes!” It’s gorgeous bow fell perfectly over my shoulder without it being too ‘ bow-ie’ and gave the dress some simple interest, it just felt right.”

Arna’s advice to brides-to-be is to start dress shopping early (from when Arna ordered her dress to when it arrived, it was about 8 and a half months) and to not be afraid to try a dress on that isn’t your style – as you might be pleasantly surprised!

A pearl wedding veil

A testament to her love of the water, Arna styled her dress with our pearl Dewberry veil – a single tier veil in chapel length, featuring a beautiful sprinkling of crystal pearls.

“I originally wasn’t going to wear a veil… I personally thought it was too old fashioned and unnecessary. However, once I had decided on my dress, I thought maybe I’ll just try a veil on to see what it would look like… I fell in love again!” says Arna. “But I didn’t want just a plain tulle. I didn’t even research veils, I kept thinking about them for weeks until I thought – a pearl veil! I love pearls and so I started googling pearl veils and came across Tania Maras and absolutely fell in love with Dewberry.”

To complement her veil, Arna’s hair was styled side swept with a pearl hair clip and vintage waves.

Best Advice

“Have the wedding you want. It’s great to get other people’s opinions and ideas, but at the end of the day, it’s yours and it truly is one of the best times of your lives,” says Arna. “Take it all in and enjoy the process, it’s a lot of fun!”

Best Advice

“Have the wedding you want. It’s great to get other people’s opinions and ideas, but at the end of the day, it’s yours and it truly is one of the best times of your lives,” says Arna. “Take it all in and enjoy the process, it’s a lot of fun!”

SPECIAL THANKS TO…

Bride Pauline was in touch with us last year about commissioning a floral wedding headpiece for her wedding. Her ceremony and reception will be set in Old Westbury, Long Island in the USA, and she was after a headpiece that was a natural extension of her bridal aesthetic.

Pauline shared photos with us of her exquisite wedding gown, her half up hairstyle, and her favourite designs from our collection for inspiration.  And we swooned, oh how we swooned!

We see a lot of wedding dresses working with our brides. But the very moment we laid eyes on Pauline’s wedding dress we all gasped. Her chic gown burst with femininity, an abundance of lace details and an unforgettable silhouette featuring a full flowing skirt.

The inspiration

The FLORENCE headpiece was Pauline’s favourite from our collection. She sought a fuller headpiece in ivory, gold and subtle blush pink tones. Pauline loved the warmth of blush but didn’t want any dramatic pink elements, so we kept the blush tones to a minimum.

This floral wedding headpiece was inspired by the delicacy and beauty of baby’s breath and featured Pauline’s favourite elements from the Florence crown. While her headpiece is a full halo, we ensured it felt and looked lightweight whilst still bursting with floral elements.

How to style this floral headpiece

We love this crown because it suits perfectly imperfect loose curls, romantic updos and fuss free hair. This headpiece was designed to fit the circumference of Pauline’s head, and also allows for volume for when her hair is professionally styled. It secures to the hair with bobby pins which can be easily threaded through the loops at the ends of this headpiece.

This headpiece can be worn with or without a wedding veil. Pauline will be wearing our DAHLIA chapel veil on her wedding day so we ensured they would fit snuggling and seamlessly together.

If you love this crown, or if you would love a wedding headpiece custom made just for you, get in touch. Let’s create something beautiful.

We'll discuss what to consider when choosing a birdcage veil for your wedding day. The subtle differences between birdcage veils impact how they look and feel.

It sometimes feels like there are just as many birdcage veils on the market as there are white t-shirts.  Figuring out how to choose a birdcage veil can be tricky when the options are endless. From short angled veils that are perfect for mid length vintage dresses to more modern cage veils for sleek silhouettes, there is a style for almost every dress. You may have also heard different names used to describe this veil style: a blusher veil, cage veil, bandeau veil, angle veil, wedge veil or a venetian veil. Other names include Russian, French or English Merry Widow birdcage veils.

Not all birdcage veils are created equal and the variations impact how they can sit, feel and look when positioned in your hair. The key differences relate to how the veil is cut and shaped, the width of the veil, the type of netting and where the gathering is placed. All of these details will impact how it moulds around your face and the aesthetic it creates.

The right veil for you will depend on a number of factors. It’s important to consider your bridal hairstyle, face shape, dress style and embellishments.

1. Consider the style of your wedding dress when choosing a birdcage veil

The style of your wedding dress is the first thing to consider when choosing a birdcage veil.  A birdcage veil is a defining accessory so it will set the tone for the mood you wish to capture.

  • Short wedding dresses: A vintage-inspired tea dress or a mini dress pairs best with shorter birdcage veils at 9 inches wide. Your birdcage veil should be proportional to the shape and length of your skirt. A short dress and a bigger birdcage veil may look top heavy, disproportionate and unbalanced.
  • Playsuits and wide leg pants:  This ultra chic look can be styled with short or large birdcage veils ranging from 9 inches to 18 inches. The best size will depend on the shape and width of the pant leg. A cigarette pant that’s narrow at the ankle will style better with a shorter veil or a sheer veil made from bridal illusion tulle. A wide leg pant can be styled with a larger or smaller birdcage veil.
  • Traditional wedding gowns: A birdcage veil is a beautiful way to capture the mood of your look. If you wish to capture vintage vibes or maybe you wish to create a contemporary mood, the style of your birdcage veil is important. Factor in the neckline of your dress and the size and shape of your skirt so your birdcage veil is proportional overall.

Sometimes contrast is better than matching details. If your dress features a fine lace pattern, contrast it with a birdcage veil with larger lace appliques which can pull together your look. Add detail to a modern and sleek plain gown by styling it with pearl, floral or crystal accents. A traditional lace dress with ornate lace patterns can be contrasted with pearl or 3D floral details for a next level look.

2. Your face shape is important when choosing a birdcage veil

As a birdcage veil frames the face, it makes sense that your face shape will be an important consideration when choosing your birdcage veil.

When it comes to finding the perfect birdcage veil, it’s all about accentuating your finer features while drawing attention away from the areas you don’t want to focus on.

The first step is to determine your face shape as this will impact the angle you will wear the veil, its width and the overall shape. So decide whether your face shape is oval, heart, triangle, square, round or long by reading our related post.

It’s also important to consider your head size, factoring in your forehead height and width. If you have a small face or head circumference, a smaller veil will look more proportional. By contrast, a wider or taller forehead or a larger head size will suit a wider veil as you will need the extra length to offer more coverage. Keep in mind if you are self conscious about a wide forehead, your birdcage veil should offer height to lengthen your face. If you’re worried about a tall forehead, consider a veil which features volume at the sides.

You might be wondering how to measure a birdcage veil?

The width of the veil refers to the distance from the top of the head, where the veil sits in your hair, down to where it falls across your face. On a centre gathered birdcage veil, a 9 inch width works best positioned at an angle so it sits about 2 inches above your hair line, covers your forehead and extends to cover an eye/eyebrow. On a bandeau birdcage veil, a 9 inch width will fall a little further down to touch your nose. If you wish for more coverage, a 12 inch birdcage veil can be placed further back at the crown of your head and will fall to the tip of your nose.

If you have a tape measure handy, determine where you want your veil to sit and measure from that point down to where you want the veil to fall across your face.  As a birdcage veil is often worn for the ceremony, it’s best to have the veil fall to the nose or above the lip so it doesn’t get in the way of the ‘you may now kiss the bride’ moment.

A bandeau veil is where the veil has been gathered at the sides near the ears and features two separate combs. A bandeau veil is best measured across its length so from the two gathered points (ear to ear).

3. Your bridal hairstyle will impact your overall silhouette

Your bridal hairstyle is important for a few reasons. It will dictate the vibe of your look and it will also impact your overall silhouette.

Pairing a birdcage veil with an updo does create a more traditional look. If you’re hoping to update the look with a more contemporary aesthetic, consider loose curls or a sleek low set bridal bun.

When styling a bridal hairstyle, keep in mind your overall silhouette. Long loose hair with a birdcage veil can appear top heavy if your hemline is short or your dress features a minimal silhouette.

If you have short hair or extra fine hair, consider a birdcage veil that has been sewn directly onto a headband for a secure fit.

As you can see below, long sleeves and long hair pair perfectly together and we’ve styled this with a sheer birdcage veil made from bridal illusion netting to soften the look.

4. Consider an embellished birdcage veil for drama

By its very nature, the diamond shaped patterns that are formed on a birdcage veil are decorative. So a simple birdcage veil can easily be worn on its own.

If you would like to pair it with an additional piece to finish the look, a birdcage veil can be worn with a feather or crystal comb positioned to the side.  For a more contemporary finish, style the birdcage veil with a thick headband to define the look.

Another option is to choose a birdcage veil with embellishments applied directly onto the veil as seen on our PRIMAVERA and NOUVEAU and STAR GAZER styles.

More styling tips

  • Bobby pins are your friend. And practice. It may take a few goes before you’re happy with how your birdcage veil sits in your hair.
  • It’s always disappointing when you order something online and it arrives flat in an envelope. It’s especially disappointing when it’s your wedding veil. A birdcage veil should arrive in a box to maintain its shape and also to avoid strong creases and folds.
  • If your birdcage veil does arrive flat, you will need to mould it in your hands to give it shape. Steam can also be used to remove the creases however this does take time and a few steam sessions.

Our recommendation is to always try to avoid creases in the first place. All accessories from our collection arrive in beautiful gift boxes, perfect for gift giving and safe keeping.

SHOP BIRDCAGE VEILS

Discover our collection of simple and embellished birdcage veils, customisable to suit you.

From subtle to bold, fall in love with these stylish bridal accessories that pay homage to the 'something blue' wedding tradition.

The phrase ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe’ has been a long-standing tradition in weddings, symbolising good luck and prosperity for the bride. We delved into the origins of this wedding tradition and discovered that this tradition dates back to ancient times from ancient Rome to the Middle Ages, and is rooted in several cultures and customs. Blue has been long associated with purity, fidelity and love. All qualities that are ideal for a marriage. It was believed that the colour blue, particularly in the form of blue sapphires, would protect the bride from evil spirits.

While this tradition has ancient roots, modern brides have creative and beautiful ways to incorporate something blue into their wedding day ensemble. From exquisite blue bridal shoes to blue bridal clutches or blue wedding earrings, there are many fashion forward ways to pay homage to this tradition.

1. Timeless pearl drop earrings with blue accents

Subtle and chic, we love the idea of incorporating blue accents with pearl drop earrings. This classic combination with an elongated silhouette adds an elegant touch to your look and can be worn after the wedding day.

Shop this look: ORION pearl drop earrings, AZURA earrings, VALLI pearl drop earrings

2. Blue bridal clutches

A fresh take on decadence, a bridal clutch adorned in blue accents is a unique and stylish way to make bridal opulence feel effortless. Perfect for storing your wedding day essentials, these clutch purses are customisable and can be modified to suit your wedding dress and bridal style.

Shop this look: MIDAS bridal clutch, MIRELLA grey and blue clutch, ISABELLA floral bridal clutch

3. Unique blue hair accessories

In honour of the wedding tradition, we love to incorporate textured and nostalgic pieces into our bride’s bridal looks. Our favourite styles include the minimally chic with a nod to antiquity. 

Shop this look: ARTEMIS hair comb

4. Blue wedding veils

If you’re looking to make a bold statement, a blue wedding veil is guaranteed to turn heads – and make for some exquisite wedding photos. Sheer and lightweight, the Lavina and Star Jasmine veils will add a whimsical and sophisticated touch, while paying tribute to the something blue tradition.

Shop this look: LAVINA blue floral veil, STAR JASMINE blue short veil

5. Bridal gloves in blue

For a more fashion forward look, contrast a classic wedding dress with statement gloves. The sheer sleeves of the Pascale tulle gloves are accentuated with blue florals for a look that’s next level chic.

Shop this look: PASCALE tulle bridal gloves in blue

Want more bridal inspiration and tips?

For more bridal inspiration and tips, explore the Style Journal on our blog, and follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. We’re here to help you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day, and create the wedding of your dreams.

From the moment we stepped onto the beautiful grounds of Milton Park we were captivated by this magical venue. From the ivy-covered pool house, to the ornate fences and hidden archways, it was as though we had entered the set of The Secret Garden. Located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, the grounds of Milton Park were the perfect backdrop for our new collection of floaty veils, regal crowns and statement earrings.

Designer and Creative Director, Tania Maras, was inspired by the art and sentiment of the Renaissance era when creating this new collection.

“The relevance of Renaissance is that of rebirth which felt timely with all things pandemic and the many changes around us,” says Tania. “It plays on the ‘renaissance’ style/aesthetic but also the deeper meaning of rebirth, innovation and change that came from the renaissance era.”

The Renaissance collection is a tribute to strength, femininity and possibilities. Featuring rich gold, silver and blush tones, lush florals and intricate beading, these designs have been handcrafted for ultra-romantic bridal looks.

Let’s take a closer look at the collection.

Shop this look: LADY GREY headpiece

Headpieces

We’re introducing fresh approaches to crowns and combs in this collection – adding new textures, new soft blush tones and crowns in new heights.

DUET is a decadent double crown design, featuring pearl scallops and a gold vine dotted with delicate ivory roses. We’re also releasing beautiful pink floral headpieces in this collection. The MONET hair piece is composed of golden leaves and blush fabric flowers with beaded centres. For a bolder look, the FRANCA features an abundance of handcrafted blooms to form the ultimate floral crown.

These headpieces also pair beautifully with our new line of veils.

Shop this look:  LOVERS headpiece, BLANCHARD earrings, REMBRANT headpiece, FRANCA headpiece, DUET headpiece, SOPHIA headpiece, CASPIAN headpiece

Veils

Our new embellished veils are designed to suit a range of styles, dresses and personalities. With dramatic florals, magical detailing and new silhouettes, these veils are designed to elevate your bridal look.

The dreamy DOLCE veil is created with the perfect balance of textural lace motifs, fabric flowers and sparkling crystals. This veil pairs beautifully with simple wedding gowns. AUGUSTINE is a Juliet cap veil with a halo of beautiful blooms and laces that trickle down the back of the veil. One of our new blusher veils is REMY, featuring bold floral and sequin lace motifs to frame your wedding dress.

If statement earrings are more to your taste, we’ve also designed a whole range of styles to fall in love with.

Shop this look: MATISSE veil, AUGUSTINE veil, AVA veil, FLORENCE veil, MIRA veil, CAMILLE veil

Earrings

In longer lengths and bolder designs, these new earrings will have a starring role in your bridal look. VALENTINA is golden drop earrings with a touch of empire blue, for a strong and feminine look. BLANCHARD features vines of beads and blooms that cascade down the neck. For a splash of pink, the DARLING earrings add colour and sparkle with handcrafted blooms and crystal stamens.

Shop this look: BLANCHARD floral earrings, ELISABETTA earrings TEARDROP earrings, DARLING blush earrings, VALENTINA empire blue earrings

We hope you find something special for your wedding day in the Renaissance collection. For help pulling together your bridal look, please get in touch.

Special thanks to:

The new season brings a fresh wave of inspiration for bridal updos. We share our favourite updo hairstyles and how to accessorise them for picture perfect hair.

As the new wedding season approaches, brides everywhere are looking for the perfect hairstyle to complement their bridal look. Updo hairstyles remain a timeless and elegant choice, offering versatility and sophistication for any wedding theme or dress style. From classic chignons to modern textured buns, there’s an updo to suit every bride. 

Here are our favourite updo hairstyles for the new wedding season, along with tips on how to accessorise them for the perfect finish.

Tips for choosing the perfect updo

  • Consider your wedding dress: Your hairstyle should complement the style and neckline of your wedding dress. For example, an intricate updo pairs well with a detailed gown, while a simple, elegant dress might look best with a classic chignon or sleek bun.
  • Think about your venue: The setting of your wedding can influence your hairstyle choice. Outdoor weddings might require some secure styles to withstand the elements, while indoor ceremonies offer more flexibility.
  • Work with your hair type: Choose a style that works well with your hair type and texture. Consult with your hairstylist to find the best updo that suits your hair and holds up throughout the day.
  • Trial runs are essential: We always recommend brides schedule hair trials with hairstylists to ensure they’re happy with their chosen upo. this allows them to make adjustments and see how the hairstyle holds over time.
  • Hair health: Keep your hair in good condition with regular trims and conditioning treatments leading up to your wedding.
  • Emergency kit: Have an emergency kit with extra bobby pins, hairspray, and a comb on hand for any last-minute touch ups.

1. Elegant polished updos

A simple updo doesn’t need to feel boring. Balance a small tight bun with volume at the crown to give your hairstyle height and dimension. If your hair is on the thinner or shorter side, consider working a hair donut or hair extensions into your look to add bulk.

A polished updo can be worn with almost any wedding dress. Depending on your face shape and personal preference, you might prefer some soft tendrils around your face and neck to soften the look.

How to accessorise:

  • Style your updo with a pair of statement earrings or simple pearl drops.
  • A classic drop veil can look just as beautiful as a fully embellished veil with this hairstyle. Consider the amount of drama and grandeur you wish to create and let this dictate how you accessorise this look.
  • Scattered bridal hair pins will add a touch of detail or a thin bridal headband will frame your face beautifully.

Photo credits: 1. Morgan Oreeda | 2. Tonie Christine | 3. Anita Bauer Hair | 4. via Ivory Tribe | 5. via Karen Willis Holmes | 6. via The Anti-Bride | 7. via Wedding Forward | 8. Elle Quebec

2. Romantic loose updo hairstyles

A relaxed updo isn’t just for weekends or casual get togethers with friends. Tousled wavy updos have found their way down many wedding aisles over the years and the new season won’t be dissimilar. We love to style this look with more relaxed wedding venues and bridal gowns.  This soft and romantic look suits almost all face shapes and hair lengths.

How to accessorise

  • A relaxed updo is often characterised by texture through soft waves, curls or twists. Complement these details with small bridal hair pins in your hair or a larger bridal headpiece to sit above your bun or along your hairline.
  • Opt for soft and romantic makeup – accentuating your cheekbones, lips and eyes.
  • Some simple floral sprigs might be all you need to complete your relaxed and romantic look.
  • Romantic loose updos pair beautifully with a wedding veil. Whether a minimalist veil to let the details and texture of your hair show through, or an embellished one, wedding veils are the perfect accompaniment.

Photo credits: 1. via Pinterest | 2. Ash and Co Bridal Hair | 3. Mikaella Bridal | 4. Sarah W Hair | 5. via Pinterest | 6. via Pinterest | 7. Becca Hunton | 8. via The White Files | 9. Sarah W Hair

3. Elegant French twist updo

The French twist is a chic and sophisticated updo that adds a touch of Parisian glamour to any bridal look. It’s ideal for formal and black-tie weddings.

How to accessorise

  • Pair the French twist with a jewelled bridal hair comb, vintage inspired hairpins or a statement veil for added sophisticated.
  • Classic pearl drop earrings are a beautiful way to frame your neckline.
  • Finish your look with bridal wings or a cape to let your French twist take centre stag.

Photo credits: 1. via Pinterest | 2. Ash and Co Bridal Hair | 3. Mikaella Bridal | 4. Sarah W Hair | 5. via Pinterest | 6. via Pinterest | 7. Becca Hunton | 8. via The White Files | 9. Sarah W Hair

Need personalised styling advice?

We work with brides worldwide and we would love to offer advice and recommendations to finish your bridal look. Our wedding accessories collections can be customised to suit your dress and hairstyle. Feel free to send across photos of your wedding dress, face shape and preferred bridal hairstyles and we can get back to you.

SHOP JEWELLERY + HEADPIECES FOR BRIDAL UPDOS

Discover bridal headpieces, jewellery and veils for wedding updos. Customisable to suit you, your wedding dress and bridal hairsyle.

Dandelions and oak leaves held a very special meaning to bride Anna. We loved infusing her bespoke crown with these sentimental symbols.

We first started chatting to Italian bride Anna in January 2020 about an antique silver and sparkly crystal wedding crown for her wedding day. Anna had fallen in love with the idea of a crown that represented her grandmother, that she could wear on her wedding day and keep for years to come. She chose the dandelion and oak leaves as symbols of her. Dandelions: delicate and whimsical by nature. Oak leaves that they create the perfect contrast: solid leaves that grow from strong, woody branches. We loved the sentiment behind her vision and were excited to help her bring this vision to life for her.

A crystal wedding crown for Anna

We got to work sourcing components that would be suitable to create her bespoke crown. By March 2020, we had sourced components and were ready to start work on her delicate headpiece. And then the pandemic hit. The world started to change, especially in Italy where numbers of infections started to rise quickly.  We always loved receiving emails from Anna but from March, each time she responded, we waited with baited breath hoping for the news that she, and her family, were safe and well. Unfortunately, we later received a heartbreaking email from Anna that her grandmother had passed away. Not from the virus but from another condition. Our hearts broke.

We were honoured to have the opportunity to create this crown for Anna. We were thrilled she loved her piece was able to finally wear her crown at her rescheduled wedding day in 2021.

A peek at Anna's beautiful wedding day

Need personalised styling advice?

Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and hairstyle. We love to work with our brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day. Get in touch with us – we would love to hear from you!

5 things to consider when choosing a veil for a short wedding dress

It goes without saying, Covid took us all for a spin. During 2020 and 2021, we worked with many brides who found themselves needing to change their original plans, and with that, their bridal vision may have also been flipped on its head. Since then, we continue to see countless brides who have pivoted from a dramatic classic ballgown to a sleek mini or midi dress for their wedding day or elopement.

If you find yourself wearing a short wedding dress on your wedding day—whether it’s a mini, knee length or a midi that skims the ankle—accessorising these lengths with a wedding veil will elevate your bridal look.  A short dress doesn’t mean you have to compromise on glamour or drama and a bridal veil is the quintessential piece that can transform your simple dress in an instant.

And, we must say too, a wedding veil with a short dress also makes for some beautiful keepsake photos to share with loved ones after the big day.

1. Formality

Who says a short dress can’t be worn for a formal wedding? The key is to choose accessories that captures the formality that might be lacking from your short wedding ensemble.  If you’re looking to add a touch of the traditional to your modern cropped dress, a long trailing veil with a blusher is a great choice.

If formality is the last thing on your mind, experiment with cropped birdcage veils, a statement headband or even a short blusher veil that skims the shoulders and accentuates your waistline.

Photo credits: 1. Hello Chloe May | 3. Linas Dambrauskas | 4. via The Dress Tribe 

2. Style and silhouette

A vintage-inspired tea dress exudes a very different vibe to a 1920’s flapper dress finished with feathers or a refined knee-length shift dress with cap sleeves. Consider the style of your dress and the vibe it creates: is it playful, flirty, traditional, modern, refined or fashion-forward? Choose a veil which captures and enhances this mood. Or, if you feel your dress is lacking in any of these ways, this could be a great opportunity to transform your look by contrasting it with a veil that adds drama or interest such as through floral embellishments or a dramatic train.

Styling tip:
If your dress has a defined waistline, consider pairing it with a waist length veil or a long veil with a blusher that falls to the waist. Alternatively, if your mini dress falls to your mid-thigh, consider pairing it with a veil that falls the same (or similar) spot with a blusher that falls to your waist or onto the floor.

Photo credits: 1. Megan Kelly Photography | 2. Julien Macdonald 

3. Your height

Long veils have the effect of elongating your silhouette which can work wonders for cropped wedding dresses. Interestingly, a short veil that falls to the natural waistline is also a great way to elongate your silhouette as it brings the eyes upwards. Avoid a veil length that cuts you in half (hip length) if you’re looking to lengthen your frame.

Styling tip:
Like a wedding dress, there’s no one-size-fits-all wedding veil. We customise all of our veils to suit our brides. Share your height, heel height and photos of your dress with us and we’d be happy to tweak our designs to better suit your look.

Photo credits:  1. Sarah Seven

4. Drama!

Sometimes a dramatic long veil is what it takes to get a bride excited about her wedding day again. You can add drama to a look through colour, length, fabric, fullness or embellishments.

A great way to add drama is through contrast so a short dress can look incredible when paired with a full and frothy veil. Alternatively, if you have chosen a cropped A-line dress, pair this with a short simple veil or a birdcage veil to balance out a full skirt.

Photo credits: 1. Sarah Seven 

5. Opt for a short blusher, if you decide you want a blusher layer

A beautiful way to break up the silhouette of a long wedding veil is to add a blusher layer. A blusher layer can add formality and drama instantly – and makes for some beautiful photographs!

A short veil with a blusher will add a traditional element to your look. Classic and chic. We recommend blusher layers to fall to the inside of your elbow for a balanced and proportional look overall.

Notes from our bridal stylists

  • Take advantage of custom made veils to ensure your veil falls to a nice spot and factors in your height, hairstyle, dress length and shoe height.
  • There are no rules with styling a short dress. Walk with your head high, choose accessories that make you feel like ‘you’ and you will look and feel incredible.

Want more bridal inspiration and tips?

For more bridal inspiration and tips, explore the Style Journal on our blog, and follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. We’re here to help you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day, and create the wedding of your dreams.

Need personalised styling advice?

Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and hairstyle. We love to work with our brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day. Get in touch with us – we would love to hear from you!

Two weeks before Gwen and Sean’s wedding date their careful planning was given a shakeup. As restrictions came into place, they had to quickly rethink and adapt. Although different to the wedding they originally envisioned, their day turned out even more perfect than they could have imagined. As a last-minute venue swap, the ceremony took place at Gwen’s childhood backyard and was followed by a family-style dinner on farm tables. At Gwen’s childhood home with a handful of their closest friends and family, the wedding was intimate and sentimental.

To complement the magical woodland setting, Gwen searched for a suitably whimsical dress and accessories. A floaty gown with ruffled sleeves and a cluster of delicate WHISPER hair pins scattered to the side of a bun, beautifully captured the garden wedding vibe.

Woodland Bliss

Gwen envisioned her wedding surrounded by greenery or trees with neutral coloured flowers and simplistic décor. Sean described the look they were going for as “modern, chic, woodsy wonder”.

“We ended up getting married in my parent’s backyard next to a creek, with trees everywhere. It was even more perfect that I envisioned, and would have had at our original venue. It was the perfect romantic mood that I was hoping for,” says Gwen. “Our vendors went above and beyond to make sure the backyard transformed into a woodsy wonderland.  One of my favourite aspects of the wedding was the little round glass terrariums with LED tea lights hanging from the trees above us, and a chandelier over our dinner table. It was so incredible.”

A magical bridal look

Although originally picturing herself in simple, romantic wedding dress, Gwen ultimately decided on a design that was a little outside her comfort zone – Alexandra Grecco’s Elodie gown featuring a ruffled bodice and embroidered details.

“When I saw myself in the mirror, I knew this was the one. It had the perfect balance of elegance and romance, but a touch of flirty. The ruffle sleeves are what sealed the deal for me. I love to be different in a subtle way, and this dress did that exactly for me, and I felt so sexy, and comfortable.”

Gwen fell in love with the delicate beauty of the WHISPER hair pins and their styling versatility. They can be scattered across an updo, clustered at the side of a bun or arranged in a row along a half up hairstyle.

“I loved being able to place the WHISPER hair pins in a small bunch in my hair, then a few farther away. It felt so natural, and romantic.”

Go with your heart

When it comes to planning your dream wedding and bridal look, Gwen’s advice is to go with your heart.

“It is always so wonderful to have your loved ones opinions, but it is your day. Wear the dress that you felt amazing in, the one you loved.  Have the same approach with your accessories. Take your loved ones opinions with a grain of salt, and choose what makes you happy, and makes you feel beautiful.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO…

We’d like to do all we can to show our appreciation of our healthcare workers. Not only are they treating patients affected by an unfamiliar virus, but they have the extra challenges that come with being fully gowned, with face masks and visors, and caring for patients at a time when they’re isolated from loved ones.

As thank you to some soon-to-be brides who are contributing to the community and dealing with the heartache of postponed or modified wedding plans, we’re gifting them with a special piece to wear on their wedding day. Last month we shared Gillian’s story and today we’d like to spotlight the wonderful Maria, a Dublin nurse who has been relocated to the COVID-19 wards.

Challenges in the ward

Maria is normally based in the surgical wards looking after patients who are recovering from surgeries, but she has now been moved to an increasingly pressing area of treatment. “My usual routine had to change rapidly to care for COVID-19 patients,” says Maria. “In surgical nursing you generally expect the patient to make a good recovery and be discharged as long as there are no complications but on a medical ward, especially COVID-19 wards, it can be very different. You sometimes care for end-of-life patients, which can be quite upsetting especially knowing that their family cannot always be by their side. I used to work on a respiratory ward so thankfully I had some experience in this area to look after COVID-19 patients, but it is still a completely new side to nursing that we have never experienced before.”

Looking after COVID-19 patients is a new and unfamiliar territory and Maria says it’s important to be on the lookout for any changes in symptoms. “Like any respiratory illness, COVID-19 patients can get very sick very quickly so you have to be on alert at all times and pay attention to any little change in the patient’s symptoms.”

To help counteract the stresses at the hospital, Maria is keeping physically and mentally active. “Switching off from social media now and again and reading a book instead, has definitely brightened my mood,” says Maria. “I’m also doing a lot of online yoga classes that my cousin (@yogawithmaura) teaches. Getting out for walks and exercise make such a difference too.”

Love outside the hospital

The proposal to her fiancé Dave was completely unexpected; it began with a casual walk around their local park. “We watched the sunset and when I turned around Dave was down on one knee. I loved how natural it was, away from any crowds, where we could enjoy the moment ourselves,” says Maria.

Planning her upcoming wedding with Dave has given Maria something positive to look forward to. “Once I found my dress, I knew my theme was going to be quite classic and understated with a little bit of vintage thrown in.”

We’ve given Maria the antique silver FLEUR crown, featuring floral details and ivory pearls, to enhance her classic style. “I had been browsing for so long for the perfect headpiece and couldn’t find anything I was looking for,” says Maria. “I wanted something delicate with a vintage style to it, so once I found Tania Maras and saw how beautiful and intricate the designs were, I knew it was the perfect place for me.”

For our next ‘Weddings and Pandemics’ feature, we’ll introduce you to Claudia. She’s been doing lab work in Germany – studying the COVID-19 virus and finding ways to prevent its spreading. Claudia and her partner Andres also have a very sweet ‘meet cute’ story to share.

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