Ivory Veil

To the uninitiated, veil color seems a non-issue: white. In reality, the choice is much more involved. White is actually one of several colors: pure white, winter white, and ivory. Each white has its own variations, but you needn't match your dress perfectly. Allow for some color variation, which will better show off your veil's detailing to guests. If you do vary the color, most experts recommend wearing a veil a shade or two lighter than the gown for a put-together look. Also, choose similar tones and intensities for your gown and veil. If you have a champagne gown, for example, opt for an ivory veil with similar yellow undertones, rather than pure or diamond white.

The Pure White Wedding Veil

This is the true "stark" or bright white with no tinting. Experts generally recommend wearing it only if your gown is simply white. If you like the way pure white contrasts with your not-pure-white dress, get the honest opinion of trusted friends and family before purchasing. This color looks beautiful with a white satin gown but also goes well with white lace, cotton, or chiffon.

Diamond, Winter Silk or Off-White

This shade has a different name depending on the material or designer. Diamond, winter silk, off-white, and light ivory are all names for similar shades. Whatever the name, it is a soft white, between pure white and ivory in color. This white goes best with white silk and other gowns with a natural or lightest ivory appearance.

Ivory Veils

Ivory is an off-white, yellow-tinted hue. Variations range from light eggshell to a cream color. Lighter shades go well with light ivory gowns, while creamy ivory or champaign gowns look beautiful under the darker shades.

Colored and Blush Veils

The traditional shades above are most common, but you have other options, such as light blush tints and darker colors. You can even order black and red bridal veils online! Some other, less intense shades you might consider include:

* Peach Blush. This veil color has a hint of peach tint

* Pink Blush. Tulle in this color is a very light pink

* Taupe. Taupes range in intensity from light oyster to creamy mocha and go well with ivory or champagne tone wedding gowns.

* Rum Pink. This is a bit deeper color than blush and is a recommended for oyster gowns.

* Champagne. Experts often describe champagne as a creamy, color more intense color than ivory.

* Light Gold or Honey. These veils are golden-toned and work will with cinnamon or the darker gold gowns.

While experts will have certain recommendations for what shade of ivory or white veil to wear with your gown color, the choice also depends on your personal preference, the look you want to project, and if you want to follow current fads or trends. Any or all may impact your final veil color choice.

The number one rule to follow is do not make the decision in a vacume. Choose your gown first and consider how the veil will look with it. Visit bridal shops and hold different color veils against your gown shade to see the effect. And ask those you trust. Only then are you in a position to choose your most fabulous veil color.

Bride Veil

Brides have been wearing veils for thousands of years. It is an ancient tradition, but one that is still very popular with brides today. Just like wedding gowns, veils also follow fashion trends. Here is a look at some of the most current ideas in veils.

There is something about a veil that just says, "Here comes the bride!". That is why even the most modern of brides will still usually choose to wear one, at least for the wedding ceremony. Of course, you can never go wrong with the classic plain tulle veil, but designers today are also offering veils with some very special and unique details.

A simple gathered piece of tulle can be dramatically transformed with a trim or ornament. Adding a decorative border to the outer edge is one of the most popular and versatile ways to finish a veil. Ribbon borders are one of the most classic veil edges, but there are some additional new and interesting options. Some designers are using three narrow pieces of ribbon to create a more dynamic ribbon edge. Others are using ribbon in a pale color, like blush pink or baby blue.

A border on a veil does not have to be a piece of ribbon, either. For today's romantic and ethereal gowns, veils with ruffled or pleated edges are a beautiful choice. A soft sheer ruffle or pleat on a veil will also soften a more architectural style of wedding dress. It is one of the prettiest trends in bridal veils.

Other bridal veil trends are in keeping with some ideas that are popular throughout weddings. Just as monogrammed everything is one of the hottest things at weddings, you can carry this concept into your veil. You can order a veil that is customized with your monogram on the back in an elegant script and scroll design. This veil would make a very special wedding keepsake.

Swarovski crystals are another big wedding trend. Brides love crystal bridal jewelry, crystals in their bouquets, even crystals in the vases of the centerpieces. Many brides simply cannot get enough sparkle! If this sounds like you, you will be happy to hear that you can even get crystals on your bridal veil. A dazzling veil is the perfect complement to sparkling Swarovksi crystal bridal jewelry. Tiny crystals can be applied to the body of the veil, or they can be used along the edges to create a beautiful border. One really stunning effect is to have large crystal briolettes stitched to the veil. The way they catch the light as the bride walks down the aisle is incredible.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more old fashioned look, you can also find that in a veil. Very traditional laces, such as Belgian lace, are coming back in style for the bride. You can choose a veil made entirely of a fine Belgian lace (which has a lot of open net areas, so it will not look like you are wearing a tablecloth!) or one with a lace applique just at the edges. If this vintage look appeals to you, be sure to check your attic; some lucky brides may be able to wear the same lace veil as their mother or grandmother.

Tradition and custom play a very strong part in weddings. This is certainly true of the bridal ensemble. The wonderful thing for today's brides is that you can enjoy following some of the wedding traditions while still adding a modern and personal twist to them.