Inspiration

Wedding Veils and Why A Bride Might Wear One

TO VEIL OR NOT TO VEIL, that is the question!

Let’s talk about why brides wear wedding veils on their big day and if you are wondering whether you should, then this may help to consider whether you want to wear a wedding veil on your special day. So, first up, let’s delve into the history of the veil and why this particular bridal accessory is still popular today.

The wedding veil is one of the oldest parts of a bridal ensemble. It dates as far back to Greek and Roman times with most experts agreeing that you can trace its roots back to Rome. This was where a bride used to walk down the aisle with a wedding veil over her face in order to hide from evil spirits who might want to thwart her happiness or to frighten spirits away. Or another theory it has been said is that by wrapping her from head to toe, the look represented one of a modest and untouched maiden. So, with this tradition being carried through to the present day (whilst other bridal trends have come and gone), the wedding veil remains a must have accessory for many brides for many different reasons.

Ivy Lace Chapel Wedding Veil
Photography by Natalie Stevenson Photography

When it comes to unveiling the bride, there are no real rules although tradition suggests that it is the father of the bride (or the person who walks the bride down the aisle) who lifts the veil, right as the bride arrives next to her groom at the ‘altar’ and just before the couple starts to take their vows.

Alternatively, as in more modern times, the groom may lift the veil at the moment before the first marriage kiss is exchanged.

Candy Blusher Wedding Veil
Photography by Natalie Stevenson Photography

Now, whether you are a traditional bride or love a more modern look, there is a wedding veil for everyone and they really can add that all important finishing touch and transform your bridal look.

Your wedding veil, like your bridal headpiece and/or jewellery, should complement and enhance your overall bridal look, so if you have chosen a wedding dress that is oozing embellishment and detail, then a paired back, simple wedding veil could be the perfect accompaniment. However, if you have chosen a more simple, timeless gown, with very little detailing, then why not add a touch of extravagance with your veil and choose 3d florals, lace or even some sparkles and let your personality shine through.

So, whether you are having a bohemian wedding under the stars or an elegant affair in a stately home, wedding veils can adapt to any type of wedding and with such a vast array to choose from, there should be something that makes you feel like the most amazing version of you and that really epitomises those bridal feels.

Here’s a few beautiful images of some of the bridal veils available…

Lily Fingertip Lace Wedding Veil
Photography by Natalie Stevenson Photography

Hepburn Pearl Wedding Veil
Photography by Natalie Stevenson Photography

Ellie Single Tier Wedding Veil
Photography by Natalie Stevenson Photography

Ivy Lace Chapel Wedding Veil
Photography by Natalie Stevenson Photography

With a plethora of stunning wedding veils available to give you all the bridal feels, it is one bridal accessory that should be a strong consideration. Even if you are adamant it’s not for you, I urge you just to try one on. You’ll never get this opportunity again and if it’s not for you, at least you can say you tried.

Hepburn Pearl Wedding Veil
Photography by Natalie Stevenson Photography

And ultimately, if you do choose to wear a wedding veil on your wedding day, whether that be for traditional reasons or simply because you are a style conscious bride, the most important thing to remember is how it makes you feel.

If you need any help or style advice in choosing to wear a veil and what might work with your bridal gown, please drop me an email on [email protected] and I’ll be only to happy to help.

Rachel xx

Inspiration Tips/Advice

Chic Bridal Hairstyles for Short Hair

As a bride with short hair, you may feel a little forgotten in the world of Pinterest inspiration. It’s full of images with tumbling curls and boho waves but contrary to popular belief, you can style short hair in the same way as you can long hair.

Every single bridal accessory, including bridal hair pins, bridal hair combs, bridal hair vines and bridal headbands are all a possibility with short hair. It’s just a case of knowing the right techniques to ensure they all secure properly to stay put.

Let’s focus on hair combs first. The image below is my most pinned image ever on Pinterest, likely because it shows what can be achieved in short wedding hair. If a bridal hair comb is your first choice, then it should be secured by kirby grips through the ‘teeth’ in the comb. Your stylist would also use these to keep a bridal hair vine in place by interlocking one across the other, whilst securing the vine to the hair. This technique will keep it securely in place.

HMUA – Make Up by Sam Bridal
‘Diana’ gold bridal hair comb

Hair by Kim Sandford featuring my ‘Honor’ bridal leaf headpiece
Photography by Natalie Stevenson

Pretty bespoke hair vine by Rachel Sokhal Bridal Accessories –
Email [email protected] for details

Next up, headbands. There’s no denying that a headband or side tiara is a perfect choice for short haired brides. It sits effortlessly on the head and will remain in situ with ease, meaning you can dance the night away until the small hours.

This option would work particularly well if you wanted a statement headpiece like the one pictured below. No amount of pins, grips and spray would keep a larger hair accessory secured into a short pixie style.

Photography by Natalie Stevenson
Bespoke Headpiece by Rachel Sokhal Bridal Accessories –
Email [email protected] for details
Bridal Gown by James Clarke Couture London

Image from Pinterest

Using a professional hairstylist will ensure you really can achieve anything with short hair. One of the techniques I haven’t touched on yet is texture spray. This is a godsend for adding texture and thickening the hair and a must when styling short bridal hair and especially when adorning bridal accessories too.

Imagine the most stylish, wavy, soft and romantic updo. The style that you’ve often seen on Pinterest and thought, I’ll have to grow my hair or more likely have hair extensions to achieve that, well think again. You only have to look at the stunning example below to know that an experienced stylist can really weave their magic and make you look a million dollars, literally!

Bridal accessories would only enhance this beautifully styled hair to create an exceptional look.

Image from Pinterest

If you are looking for subtle wedding hair accessories, pins can be the perfect solution. They can be added to a short wedding hairstyle with ease by being made on kirby grips. This of course allows the benefit of bespoke bridal accessories to shine through, as any style of pin can be put onto grips instead.

Image from Pinterest

I love nothing more than styling short wedding hair because as you can see, the options are endless. But, if after all this inspiration and advice you are still doubting what you can wear in your hair, email me for a free consultation at [email protected].

Until next time,

Rachel xx

Inspiration

Timeless Classic Wedding Inspiration

Us creatives in the wedding industry love nothing more than to collaborate and create incredible ‘styled shoots’ in order to inspire you to plan the wedding of your dreams, and the shoot that I’m showcasing today was no exception.

Today’s blog offers some of the most beautiful timeless, classic wedding inspiration you’ll want to see. Last year, a wonderful team of wedding suppliers came together to capture that quintessentially British wedding, one that’s enchanting and abundant with romance and elegance.

Think lush heavenly florals, enthralling bridal gowns, luxe styling and impeccable details that are sure to seduce and charm.

Trends may be fun and of the moment but a timeless wedding will ensure you won’t look back at your wedding photos and question what you were thinking. Of course, time moves on and fashion and styling changes but keep it subtle and the details will speak volumes in their simplicity. Soft or neutral palettes, greenery and florals, elegant calligraphy and romantic lighting will all go some way to create a beautifully classic wedding.

There are plenty more ways to add to your timeless wedding theme. Grand historical venues, the groom dressed in a black tux for maximum effect, recite traditional wedding vows at your ceremony to add formality to the whole affair and dance the night away to classic wedding songs such as Etta James’ “At Last”. Including elegant gold or silver details throughout your wedding decor is one trend that will continue to remain stylish for years to come. Even the most subtle details like your cutlery or floral vases can be transformed into something truly beautiful by introducing metallics. Subtlety is best though, so use these tones sparingly for a more refined look that doesn’t overwhelm.

Scroll your way through all the inspiring imagery and I’m sure you’ll be pinning some of them to your own Pinterest wedding boards for inspiration.

The all important details from the wedding day are captured exquisitely in this stunning flat lay. Exquisite handmade paper, beautiful wax seals (perhaps with a monogram of your initials) and artisan bridal accessories and jewellery that you want to remember fondly can be effortlessly assembled and captured by your photographer. Along with ribbons, petals and any other pretty elements, these can be scattered on your veil to create a meticulous keepsake, reliving the story of your wedding day.

Notley Abbey, an award winning country house wedding venue in Buckinghamshire is an absolute delight and creates the perfect backdrop for a timeless, classic wedding that oozes style, sophistication and elegance. The charming stonework is a joy to behold and just one of the captivating attributes of this stunning historical venue.

Notley Abbey is just as majestic inside as it is out. Memories of royalty and decadent gatherings from a bygone era only add to this venue’s beauty. Keeping your wedding neutral with delicate white florals, plenty of lush greenery, light linens, and minimal decor will truly align with the Notley’s magical interior and keep everything effortlessly classic and timeless. These tried and true wedding details will never go out of style.

Choosing your wedding gown is a once in a lifetime experience. Exciting, nerve wracking but overwhelmingly one of the most emotional purchases you will ever make. When choosing a timeless, classic theme be sure to keep your dress simple, elegant and sophisticated. Not only will this let your personality shine through, it will epitomise the meaning of timeless and allow you to look back fondly over your wedding photos in years to come. Think exquisite fabrics, demure necklines and impeccable embellishments from renowned designers such as Suzanne Neville, Sassi Holford and Halfpenny London whose designs are effortlessly alluring.

Timeless decor is epitomised by candles of all shapes and sizes, crystal glassware, calligraphed table stationery, beautifully detailed charger plates and neutral florals. Up the elegance factor with ornate elements that look as if they were borrowed from a royal dining room and seat guests at long banquet tables for a sense of regal drama.

The dream team on this beautiful styled shoot are all detailed below. Each and every one of them responsible for bringing such stunning details that embody what a timeless and classic wedding is. If you love what you see, hop over and give them a follow on Insta and see if they might just be the supplier who can fulfil your dreams for your wedding day.

Styling & concept: @ambiencebuckinghamshire
Photography: @nataliestevensonphoto
Venue: @notleyabbeyofficial
Flowers: @sonningflowers
Hair & makeup guidance: @amandawhitemakeup
Gowns: @morgan_davies_bridal
Accessories: @rachelsokhalbridal
Stationery: @papermillcalligraphy
Cake: @meadowsweetcakes
Shoes: @bellabelleshoes
Linens: @just_4_linen
Model: @a_lieu

If you loved the blog and found it useful and inspiring, please let me know in the comments below.

Until next time,

Rachel xx

Inspiration

TO VEIL OR NOT TO VEIL, that is the question!

WELCOME