Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Sweet Candy Buffets

A candy buffet is the perfect addition to a 50s style wedding reception. We had a candy buffet at our own wedding instead of favours, and it was a huge hit with kids and big kids alike!

Candy Buffet
Image credit: Gemma Comas/Amy Atlas Events

By their very nature, candy buffets have a retro feel and bring back childhood memories of visiting the sweet shop for a quarter of Rhubarb & Custards. Consider giving your buffet a retro sweet shop feel with glass jars, scoops and paper bags, or choosing colours to match your scheme.

Candy Buffet
Image credit: Gemma Comas/Amy Atlas Events

The fabulous candy buffets featured in this post where designed by Amy Atlas Events. The New York based events company create the most amazing customised tables for weddings and events, you can see more eye candy on their website.

If you want to have a go at creating your own candy buffet here's what you'll need (click on the links for examples):
1. A table and some boxes to create different levels
2. Table cloth or fabric to match your colour scheme
3. Glass jars, bon bon jars, vases and cake stands
4. Metal sweet scoops
5. Small paper bags
6. Bunting to match your theme
7. Sweet jar labels
8. And lots of sweets of course!

You can also find some of the things you will need in the candy buffet category in our blog shop!

Long Wedding Veils


If you have long hair, you are in luck! There are numerous great looking ways in which to wear your hair for your wedding day. To help you narrow down the options, check out these gorgeous wedding hairstyles for long hair.

The key with long hair is to select a style which will keep your tresses under control all day long. You also want to take your veil and bridal hair jewelry into consideration when meeting with your stylist for a hair trial. By pulling back at least the front of your hair, you will give your veil a secure place to anchor so that it does not simply slide down the back of your head as you glide down the aisle. The more elaborate your hairdo, the more options you will have for bridal hair jewelry, as you will be able to fasten any type of comb, hairpin, or headband somewhere into the hairstyle and know that it will not move around.

One of the top trends in wedding hair right now is asymmetry. This is in keeping with the current obsession with asymmetrical wedding gowns, such as the glamorous one shoulder style. Just like the one shoulder gown, the prettiest off-center bridal hairstyles are chic and elegant. It needs to be polished enough to show that the hair is intentionally left-of-center; a messy 'do will just looked like you put it together in a hurry and misplaced your bun or twist!

Low twists are among the most fabulous asymmetrical wedding hairstyles for long hair this year. Have your hairstylist gather all of your hair near the nape of your neck. Let the pulled back part be smooth and tidy, which allows you to tease the twist part without getting that overall messy appearance. The gathered section of hair at the nape of the neck can either be arranged into a loose twisted bun or a more polished smooth spiral. Complete the effect with a glamorous feather headpiece or a cluster of Swarovski crystal hairpins.

A ponytail can serve as the basis for several other stylish hairdos for long hair. A high ponytail wrapped in a piece of your hair is a fetching style that can look surprisingly polished and elegant. Somehow, in the hands of a professional, a bridal ponytail will look nothing like the casual pony that you throw together at the gym. The key is backcombing the top of the hair before pulling it back and smoothing it out to get a little lift off of the crown of your head. Leave the pony as is, or have it worked into a chic chignon.

Soft curls can be created to make a romantic wedding hairstyles with long hair. Loosely pinned curls and waves are soft and feminine for an "undone" updo. Or pull back the front of your hair, and allow cascades of soft curls to flow down over your shoulders. One caution: this style can quickly turn into a frizzy mass on a humid day, so it is a bridal hairdo best reserved for indoor or cool weather weddings.

There are so many fantastic options for long wedding hair that you will be able to find the perfect one. The best bridal hairstyles complement the style of the gown, the texture of your hair, and the shape of your face. Work with your favorite hairstylist to design the hairdo which will make you feel absolutely beautiful and chic on your wedding day.

Short Wedding Veil


Ah the wedding veil... the ultimate accessory in the transformation from engaged girl to blushing bride. Though steeped in tradition as it is, unless required by your religion, a veil is strictly optional. Today wedding veils are more of a style statement than a symbolic gesture. Thus, the ideal veil depends largely on the style of your wedding gown and the overall look you want to create. Here are four easy steps to finding the right bridal veil to complement your wedding dress and bridal look.

Learn The Basics:

Tulle is the classic veil material, although lace, silk, and satin are also options. Veils can be embellished with embroidery, pearls, or sparkly stones. Lengths run the gamut from short blushers to elaborate cathedral-length jaw droppers.

Determine Your Overall Bridal Style:

Hair Apparent:

To showcase your hairstyle, choose a veil that fastens underneath your 'do or one you'll remove for the reception. Otherwise, you can opt for a veil that you'll wear throughout the event. In this case, your hair will simply support the veil.

What's Your Function:

How long you plan on wearing your veil can dictate how long it should be. Wearing it for the ceremony only? Go ahead and get one that rivals Princess Di's. But if you want to wear your veil until the party's over, you'll need a more functional approach - either a shorter veil or a multi-layered one with a top layer that can be worn on it's own during the reception. You can also ask your seamstress to create a bustle for a longer veil (that's right, your train and your veil can be bustled!).

Picture Perfect:

If you plan to remove your veil immediately after the ceremony, keep in mind that it won't appear in post-ceremony or first dance pictures. To ensure this classic accessory is adequately documented, many brides wait to remove the veil after the first dance.

Jazzing it Up:

Your veil should not compete with your dress, so if you're donning an elaborately embellished gown, keep your veil clean and simple. Also, any ornamentation on your veil should start below where your dress embellishments end.

A Question of Formality:

Your veil - like your gown - should remain consistent with the formality of your wedding. In other words, lose the cathedral-length veil if yours is a simple beachside ceremony.

Matchy-Matchy:

Monday, February 22, 2010

Long Wedding Veil

Long Wedding Veil
Long Wedding Veil
Long Wedding Veil
Long Wedding Veil
Long Wedding Veil
Long Wedding Veil
Long Wedding Veil
Long Wedding Veil

How to Choose Your Wedding Veil

If you are about to get married within a couple of months or even just a year, you might want to consider choosing your own wedding veil now while you still have the time. Of course you need to be very particular with the details of your gown and wouldn't want it to look any less than the best you can ever find so it is very ideal for you to spend time on it now.

There are some things you need to take into consideration when it comes to choosing your wedding veil. Although some brides think that veils are not important, a wedding wouldn't actually be complete without it. It is therefore important for you to think things through when it comes to your wedding veil.
Your Wedding Veil
How to Choose Your Wedding Veil
Choosing your veil could be difficult but you can make it easier if you have your own design and idea of how you want your wedding veil to look like. If this is the case, you might want to consider having your wedding veil designed to your actual specifications.

There's no need for you to worry because although you will have to pay a higher amount by having your own wedding veil designed, it also means that you can be assured of a one of a kind wedding veil that is indeed priceless. It would also be best for you to choose wedding veils that are not too dark or irritating on the skin and make sure that your wedding veil of choice is something that could still show off your beauty and radiance.

Vintage Wedding Veil

Vintage Wedding Veil
The bride's veil is an integral part of the entire wardrobe. It has been in existence since time immemorial which symbolizes the purity of women. However, looking back at the rich history of wedding veils, they symbolize and represent an array of cultures and beliefs which are as diverse as the countries all over the globe.

Modern veils have evolved but still carry their symbolism as part of the entire ensemble. You may notice that wedding veils of 2010 are reminiscent of some of the styles of the previous decades. Nevertheless, since fashion is ever-evolving, you will certainly find these hottest styles for this year very fashionable and classy.

* Birdcage wedding veils
Vintage Wedding Veil
One of wedding fashion's major comebacks is the birdcage veil. The industry has seen a huge comeback since last year because many brides have opted to use them not just as veil but also as a fashion statement during their walk down the aisle.

The diamond-shaped netting is a signature for birdcage veils but the ornaments that you can use are endless- from Swarovski crystals, to feathers and flowers, to pearls and small ribbons. And also, if you wish to have a vintage theme, using a birdcage veil can put some magic to your wardrobe.
Vintage Wedding Veil
* Colored wedding veils

Having colored veils seems to be a break from the traditional white that most brides opt to wear. You can choose from white veils with colored edges or a full-colored veil according to your motif. This is quite a daring move especially if you are traditional, but if you love to experiment with color, it's best to start with the veil that has very light shades of pink, yellow, green, blue and mocha.

* Mantilla wedding veil

This type can range from short to long [e.g. cathedral veil]. Traditionally mantilla veils are used by women during ceremonies like Sunday mass or when attending baptism. Today, the mantilla veil can be used for weddings to deviate from its traditional purpose.

* Lace wedding veils

For some women, lace is only best to use on the wedding gown. But since last year, lace veils have a following amongst the younger generation of brides simply because of its elegance and beauty. However, it's best to use lace veils that are simple and won't overpower the beauty of the wedding gown.

Scallop-edge lace for the wedding veil is also a good choice so as to accent the veil itself and to beautify the whole ensemble without overwhelming it.

* Swarovski wedding veils

The addition of Swarovski crystals on wedding veils is a good way to remove the dull and simple fabric that covers the head and face of the bride. A simple tulle or sheer veil can look magnificent when studded with sparkling Swarovski crystals. The crystals are also great to use on the edges of the veil for that added sparkle.

Whichever wedding veil style you choose will depend on the style of your gown. If you wish to experiment with a combination of styles, you may ask your local designer to make a veil that will suit your wedding gown perfectly.

Make a Wedding Veil

Brides should keep several factors in mind when shopping for a Wedding Veil.

First, your veil must remain in harmony with the style of your wedding (party, an official reception, wedding in the church. Pick something bold to fit your theme, or something softer to be more conventional.
Make a Wedding Veil
Make a Wedding Veil
Second, you want a veil that really compliments your wedding dress. Remember, veils should merely complement wedding dresses, so don't be overly obsessive about finding a perfect match.

If your dress has a lot of elaborate details, you want to select a wedding veil that has little or no embellishment. Cut edge, pencil, satin cord, or satin ribbon edge veils will be perfect as they will not hide the beautiful details at the back of your wedding gown.

Elaborate veils look best with simpler wedding gowns. Lace veils and mantilla style veils will embellish the plain back of the wedding gown. Veils with scattered Swarovski pearls or rhinestones will add a beautiful sparkle to your dress.

54" or 72" wide veils are perfect for detailed full skirt gowns whereas full 108" wide veils go better with slim simple gowns.
Make a Wedding Veil
Make a Wedding Veil
And thirdly, you have to take into account your hairstyle. The two main ways of wearing a veil are on the top of the head, over your hairdo and just behind the tiara, or at the back of the head, under your hairdo. In the first case, the veil will drop around your shoulders, and in the second case, the veil will drape behind you.

Our bridal veils come attached to a Tulle-wrapped clear "hidden" plastic comb. This Comb is perfect for any bride as it will not be a visible part of your veil or hairstyle. The comb can be effortlessly placed in the hair in the desired area and makes the veil ready to wear. The advantage to using this type of comb with your veil is you can remove the veil after the ceremony while leaving your headpiece intact for the reception.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

How to Make Wedding Veil

What highlights the wedding gown of every bride is the wedding veil. A veil has a great symbolism such as the woman being submissive to the husband. Years back, the veil has been a required piece of clothing a wedding but as the years pass, veil has just been an optional accessory for every wedding gown. Traditionally, wedding veils are made from nylon or silk and comes in colors white, ivory or off white.

This is because the veil is being matched with the wedding dress. There are also colored veils that are available to fit the other gowns with different colors other than the shade of white. These veils also come with a wide array of designs and cuts that would give you a very defined look with your gown. Modern wedding veils now vary in length and tiers. Long veils would not always fit every wedding gowns. So if you do want to have an idea on how to choose the proper wedding veil for your gown then consider the following steps. There are regular long veils which makes a statement when used in wedding gowns.
How to Make Wedding Veil
A long veil can have a length of up to 10 feet long. This is called the cathedral length. This would be a long enough to walk down the aisle with you. This type of veil would work best with every dress. Mid-length on the other hand are the ones that would reach up to the hips. This type of veil would fit the short dresses. The mid-length veils would have circular, fingertip and blusher designs. Lengths that reach up to the shoulder length are the short veils. These would give you a sort of minimalist look on your wedding. The perfect gown that would fit this type of veil is the one with a detailed design at the back. The design would be emphasized because of the short length of the veil.
How to Make Wedding Veil
Usually, gowns and veils are bundled together when you buy it but there would be instances when the wedding veil is not included with the gown itself so how would you be able to find a perfect veil for your gown? What you can do is that you can bring the gown to a wedding dress store and try to mix and match veils with the gown. By comparing, you would have something that is going to compliment your gown.

Now, there are a number of veils available in the market today. You need not to stay with the veil that is included in the package. There would be some veil suggestions available online from which you can choose from and apply to your gown. Wedding veils are gown accessories that would give you elegant and class look. By taking this in mind, you would definitely like how you look on your gown and your veil on photographs during the wedding. In this manner, you would definitely love the day you tied the know and looking at your best while doing so.

Discount Wedding Veils

Discount Wedding Veils
There has never been a better time to buy a wedding dress. As couples are moving away from the age-old church white wedding and getting married in ever more varied and unique locations, the whole style of weddings is changing and along with it brides are choosing just about every style of wedding dress imaginable. Not only does this allow you to bring out your true personality in your choice of dress, but it also allows you, in a world of ever growing costs, to take advantage of the many discount wedding dresses on offer today.
Discount Wedding Veils
Brides are no longer tied to their local bridal wear store, or to ordering through a bridal magazine, and can take advantage of a wide variety of stores including the burgeoning number of outlet stores. Outlet stores are great and you'll find a super selection of discount wedding dresses. In many cases you can find some amazing offers on last season's dresses and, let's be honest about it, how many people are going to know whether your dress is from this season, last season or even the season before last! At the end of the day the only thing that really matters is that you look stunning and feel great in the dress that you choose.
Discount Wedding Veils
Talking about last season's dresses, you'll also often find some fabulous offers at your local bridal wear store from time to time as they clear out and make way for new stock. This can be a good choice if you decide that you don't want to depart too much from tradition and feel that a white gown, complete with veil and train, is the route you'd like to take.

Another great place to find discount wedding dresses is through your local newspaper, or even at garage sales. Many brides decide that they do not wish to keep their wedding dress and will often re-coup some of the cost of their wedding by selling their dress privately. In this case you can often pick up an expensive designer dress at less than half its original price.

One idea would be to opt for your mother's, or even grandmother's dress, where these are available. Apart from the pleasure that this can often bring both to the bride and her mother or grandmother, this option can bring the cost of your wedding dress down considerably. Professional cleaning, alteration and perhaps some additions to the dress to update its style and look including perhaps adding some lace, beading, trimming, studs or sequins will come in well under the cost of buying a new or worn-once dress.

One final, but excellent, option is to find your perfect wedding dress on the Internet. The Internet is fast becoming the world's biggest shopping mall and the lower overheads for many businesses selling online often means that they can pass on some terrific discounts to their buyers. Of course you'll need to check out any online supplier carefully and, in particular, read through their terms of business including their policy for returns and refunds, but shopping online nowadays can be a great way to find discount wedding dresses.

Lace Wedding Veils

Lace Wedding Veils

The bride's veil is an integral part of the entire wardrobe. It has been in existence since time immemorial which symbolizes the purity of women. However, looking back at the rich history of wedding veils, they symbolize and represent an array of cultures and beliefs which are as diverse as the countries all over the globe.

Modern veils have evolved but still carry their symbolism as part of the entire ensemble. You may notice that wedding veils of 2010 are reminiscent of some of the styles of the previous decades. Nevertheless, since fashion is ever-evolving, you will certainly find these hottest styles for this year very fashionable and classy.

* Birdcage wedding veils
Lace Wedding Veils
One of wedding fashion's major comebacks is the birdcage veil. The industry has seen a huge comeback since last year because many brides have opted to use them not just as veil but also as a fashion statement during their walk down the aisle.

The diamond-shaped netting is a signature for birdcage veils but the ornaments that you can use are endless- from Swarovski crystals, to feathers and flowers, to pearls and small ribbons. And also, if you wish to have a vintage theme, using a birdcage veil can put some magic to your wardrobe.

* Colored wedding veils
Lace Wedding Veils
Having colored veils seems to be a break from the traditional white that most brides opt to wear. You can choose from white veils with colored edges or a full-colored veil according to your motif. This is quite a daring move especially if you are traditional, but if you love to experiment with color, it's best to start with the veil that has very light shades of pink, yellow, green, blue and mocha.

* Mantilla wedding veil

This type can range from short to long [e.g. cathedral veil]. Traditionally mantilla veils are used by women during ceremonies like Sunday mass or when attending baptism. Today, the mantilla veil can be used for weddings to deviate from its traditional purpose.

* Lace wedding veils

For some women, lace is only best to use on the wedding gown. But since last year, lace veils have a following amongst the younger generation of brides simply because of its elegance and beauty. However, it's best to use lace veils that are simple and won't overpower the beauty of the wedding gown.

Scallop-edge lace for the wedding veil is also a good choice so as to accent the veil itself and to beautify the whole ensemble without overwhelming it.

* Swarovski wedding veils

The addition of Swarovski crystals on wedding veils is a good way to remove the dull and simple fabric that covers the head and face of the bride. A simple tulle or sheer veil can look magnificent when studded with sparkling Swarovski crystals. The crystals are also great to use on the edges of the veil for that added sparkle.

Whichever wedding veil style you choose will depend on the style of your gown. If you wish to experiment with a combination of styles, you may ask your local designer to make a veil that will suit your wedding gown perfectly.