The veil was introduced as a wedding tradition when people “wrapped brides from head to toe to represent the delivery of a modest and untouched maiden”, which was supposedly meant to ‘hide away from evil spirits who might want to thwart her happiness.” However, for those who do not believe in evil spirits, the veil is seen as an accessory.

Queen Victoria was the first modern monarch to marry in a veil; this was the moment that defined brides for centuries to come.

1920 – When dropped-waist flapper gowns paired with short bob hairstyles were on-trend, brides during the 1920s usually opted for a Juliet Cap to complement their style. A Juliet Cap veil was often worn with long statement accessories that were edged with ornate beading and/or intricate lace.

1930 – Although the Juliet Cap continued to be popular throughout the 1930s, it became much more delicate. Wedding dress styles became sleeker and more fitted, with less emphasis on heavy lace. In terms of veils, they became much daintier, less tulle, less embellishment and more refined.

The 1940s – During this period luxury fabric was much harder to source therefore making it difficult to produce high-quality wedding gowns and veils, this was all due to the war. Women were often rushing to wed during this time and didn’t have time to prepare, so they didn’t have time to choose their best dress and hat; however, if a bride was able to wear a veil, it was often shorter. This is where the birdcages became more popular, as people attached them to their favourite hats.

The 1950s – After the war, veils made a comeback, and brides opted for shorter veils to emphasise their waists even more. At the time, women wore large skirts and fitted bodices to enhance their waists; therefore, a full-volume veil worn on the top of a bride’s head was the style of the era!

1960s – Beehives, unique and unusual! The bigger the hairstyle, the better, and often veils had to balance out this statement, look secured high on the bride’s head.

The 1970s – By this time, veils had disappeared entirely, and hats were now the new trend. The boho style was very popular, and hats helped the bride achieve it.  

The 1980s – Frills and large frocks were the rage at this time: puff sleeves, dramatic skirts, and triple-layered veils – the bigger the better!

The 1990s – Similar to the 1980s style of wedding gowns, however, veils became less dramatic and more delicate and feminine, usually, brides opted for a shoulder-length veil at this time to compliment their puff-sleeved wedding gown.

The 2000s – Styles became sleeker and more streamlined, contrasting the recent popular 80s look; fitted dresses became popular, and soft veils were all the trend.

The 2010s onwards – Unique, personalised wedding gowns are the most recent trend; every bride wants to be different, and usually accessories are a way brides can really personalise their wedding-day look! A range of veils is popular, but most brides are opting for long, cathedral-length veils, dramatic to complement their gown! However, lots of brides opt for a very simple veil that doesn’t take away from their detailed wedding gown.

Pictured sourced from https://www.brittenweddings.com/blogs/news/72445635-veils-through-the-decades

The Modern Veil

Today, women are more empowered than ever, with so many more options than they had years ago to create their own personal look and feel confident enough to do so. Many veil trends stem from celebrity styles, royalty, personal wealth and budget limitations. However, with today’s trends, brides do not feel bound to follow ‘trends’. Veil prices range from £130, but our most expensive veil is £1400. Obviously, this style of veil is flamboyant, with lots of delicate details and acts more like a cape than a veil!

What Length Veils can I get?

54” – This is the shortest style veil available, you can have this style in both single or double tiers and the veil will finish at shoulder length. Brides will usually opt for this style if they want something straightforward that doesn’t take away from any detailing on the dress, such as the back detail they wish to show off.

72” – This length veil is known as our ‘fingertip veil’, where, as the name suggests, it finishes at your fingertips (when your arms are straight by your side). Brides will usually opt for this veil if their dress detailing begins below the waist, so the veil adds a hint of detail to their dress if the top half is plain.

108” – This is the first, floor-length veil available. Your veil will finish just as your train starts, right at the hem of your dress. This is one of our most popular length veils, brides will usually choose a very soft, simple veil for this length so that the veil is adding the ‘bridal feel’ they wish to have, but not taking any detail away from the dress.

126” – This is our medium length floor-length veil, this length is usually paired with lace-edged detailing or sparkle detailing scattered throughout. The bride who opts for this veil often wants a little more detail to add to their bridal look and will look for a veil to achieve it.

144” – This is the longest standard-length veil available, so that a bride will opt for this as the most dramatic option. Often, brides match the lace of their dress or wear a completely plain dress with a very dramatic veil so they feel they have two different wedding-day looks —one with and one without their veil.

If brides want a longer veil than a 144”, some of our designers offer a personalised service where we can measure exactly how much length you would like to add. This service is often used when a dress train is longer than standard and a bride wants her veil to finish at the end of the train, or even beyond it.

We hope this helps you understand why brides traditionally wear a veil with their wedding gown and how to style a veil with your wedding dress to create a unique, personal, modern bridal look!

Lots of love,

TDR Bridal Birmingham xxxx

Discover De Beers Jewellery, with its storied history and unparalleled craftsmanship, has become synonymous with the celebration of love and matrimony. The brand’s deep connection with weddings transcends mere jewellery; it’s about creating symbols of enduring love and commitment. De Beers diamonds have become an integral part of the marital journey, from the proposal to the wedding day and beyond

The Proposal: Beginning with a De Beers Diamond

The journey often begins with the proposal. De Beers’ engagement rings are iconic, embodying the promise of a lifetime. Each ring, from the classic solitaire to more contemporary designs, tells a story of love and devotion.

The “Promise”, for instance, features intertwined bands symbolizing the union of two souls. In contrast, the “Caress”, with its delicately encircling design, embodies the gentle touch of a loved one.

Crafting the Perfect Ring: A Personal Journey

For many, choosing an engagement ring is a deeply personal experience. De Beers excels in offering a bespoke service where couples can be involved in every step of the creation process. From selecting the diamond to choosing the setting and design, the brand ensures that each ring is as unique as the love it symbolizes.

Bridal Jewelry: Complementing the Bridal Glow

Beyond engagement rings, De Beers offers a range of wedding day jewellery that adds an extra touch of elegance to the wedding day. Their bridal collection includes stunning diamond necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that complement the bridal attire. These pieces are designed to enhance the bride’s radiance, creating a harmonious and sophisticated bridal look.

For the Groom: Elegance in Detail

De Beers also acknowledges the groom’s role in the wedding. The brand offers a selection of men’s wedding bands, cufflinks, and other accessories that balance masculinity with the understated elegance of diamonds. These pieces are crafted to be both a fashion statement and a symbol of lifelong commitment.

Celebrating Anniversaries: Milestones Marked with Diamonds

De Beers is a part of the couple’s journey well beyond the wedding day. Anniversary gifts, often featuring diamonds, are a way for couples to renew and celebrate their commitment. Be it a diamond eternity band or a custom piece signifying a significant milestone. De Beers offers a way to commemorate these special moments.

A Legacy of Love: De Beers’ Timeless Appeal

What sets De Beers apart in the realm of weddings is the quality of their diamonds and the legacy and emotion imbued in each piece. A De Beers diamond at a wedding is more than just an accessory; it’s a heirloom, a tangible representation of love and memories that will be cherished for generations.

De Beers in the Heart of Matrimony

In the heart of every wedding adorned with De Beers is a story of love, a narrative that the brand has helped shape and immortalize. As couples across the globe celebrate their most significant moments, De Beers continues to be at the forefront, not merely as a jeweller but as a custodian of love’s most precious moments.

A Legacy Carved in Sparkle

Historical Odyssey: The De Beers Journey

Founded in 1888 by Cecil Rhodes, De Beers emerged from the diamond-rich soils of South Africa. Rhodes’ ambitious vision transformed the diamond industry, orchestrating the merger of several major mines under the banner of De Beers Consolidated Mines. This consolidation gave De Beers control over the diamond supply and established its dominance in the global market.

A Constellation of Gems: The De Beers Collection

De Beers’ catalogue is a breathtaking array of masterpieces. Each piece, from the classic solitaire engagement rings to the intricate designs of the high jewellery collections, is a work of art.

Behind the Brilliance: Artisanship and Expertise

The creation of a De Beers diamond is a journey of precision and passion. Skilled artisans, with years of training carefully select each diamond for its unique beauty. The cutting and polishing process is an art form, ensuring that each facet perfectly captures and reflects light, creating that signature De Beers sparkle.

Glamour Redefined: Celebrities and De Beers

De Beers has graced the annals of Hollywood and beyond, adorning celebrities and royalty alike. Their diamonds have sparkled on the necks and hands of iconic figures at grand events such as the Oscars and royal weddings. These moments underscore the brand’s status in high society and its role in defining what luxury jewellery means on the global stage.

Ethics and Elegance: Sustainability at Heart

De Beers has taken significant strides in ethical sourcing and sustainability in recent years. The brand’s commitment to ethical practices extends from the mines to the market. Their “Building Forever” initiative focuses on protecting the natural world, partnering with local communities, and leading with innovation to create a positive, lasting legacy.

The Global Stage: De Beers’ Worldwide Presence

De Beers has established itself as a global luxury icon with boutiques in cosmopolitan cities like London, New York, and Tokyo. These boutiques are not just stores; they are emporiums of elegance, offering a personalized experience that reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence and exclusivity.

Vision Forward: Innovating with Time

As the world evolves, so does De Beers. The brand is at the forefront of technological advancements in diamond identification and grading, ensuring that each gem meets its high standards. With an eye on the future, De Beers continues to explore new frontiers, from lab-grown diamonds to new ways of engaging with a digitally savvy clientele.

The Timeless Essence of De Beers

In the realm of luxury and elegance, De Beers stands unrivalled. Its legacy, steeped in history and innovation, continues to captivate. As custodians of some of nature’s most enduring creations, De Beers sells diamonds and dreams woven in the fabric of timelessness and beauty.

Visit De Beers for more products.

The Vintage Ring Company is appealing to anyone planning to pop the question this Christmas – encouraging them to consider buying their engagement ring second-hand.

Based in Brighton and London, the innovative vintage jewellery retailer boasts a glittering stock of pre-loved engagement rings. The jewels, which are sourced carefully by the brand’s expert co-founders Arabel Lebrusan and Claire Roberts, start at £650 and span in age from Edwardian to modern. 

“In purchasing a vintage engagement ring, you’re investing in a little piece of social history,” the brand says. “Though vintage jewellery is loveable for its exquisite craftsmanship, preserved materials and period design features, its beauty resides even deeper than surface level.

“Pre-loved jewels are veiled in intrigue, each telling a hundred stories of a life once lived. They’re a vessel for cultural tradition, bridging the gap between one epoch and the next, inviting us to create new legacies at the same time as honouring old ones. For their chronicles alone, no two vintage engagement rings are ever the same. We think that’s pretty special.”

As well as celebrating the romanticism of reclaiming old jewellery, the independent brand also places sustainability at the core of its ethos. 

“It’s no secret that global warming has reached crisis point. It’s now vital that humankind ceases the continued use and abuse of the planet’s natural resources,” the jeweller penned in a recent Instagram post. 

“In offering a vintage engagement ring a second lease of life, the modern-day couple is significantly minimising their impact on the environment. Recycled jewels avoid the need for further mining of materials, and thus contribute zero new carbon emissions.”

The jeweller’s appeal comes at the most prosperous time of year for online retail. “With the period between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day the busiest for engagement ring sales worldwide, we present ourselves as a source of calm in an overwhelming storm of competitive sales and low stock,” the brand explains.

“For many, the run-up to Christmas is a period of stretched funds, tight timeframes and hurried decisions. Those looking to pop the question over the festive period can seek relief in The Vintage Ring Company’s refreshing offering of affordability, quality and a personalised shopping experience.”

The team can be visited by appointment at their London Diamond Bourse headquarters or by private appointment in Brighton.

thevintageringco.com

• Customized Jewelry

Jewellery is always a classic gift for any occasion, and personalized jewellery makes it even more special. According to Engravers Guild of London experts, you can engrave a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings with the bride’s initials or wedding date. You can also incorporate her birthstone into the design for a personal touch.

According to the Engravers Guild of London guys, gifting should be personal and art. With over 100 years of experience, this family company traces its heritage to 1887 in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.

For example, look at this personalised diamond set from the Engravers Guild of London shop, which features a real diamond inset into the front case of the locket, leaving a gorgeous silver surface on the reverse side for a unique personalised engraving.

• Monogrammed Robe

A luxurious, soft robe with the bride’s monogram embroidered makes for a thoughtful and practical gift. The bride can wear it while getting ready on her big day and even use it afterwards as a reminder of her special day.

• Personalized Cookbook

A personalized cookbook is an excellent gift if the bride loves to cook. You can compile recipes from family and friends and add personal touches such as photos and notes. It will be a cherished keepsake that the bride can use to create meals for her new family.

• Engraved Champagne Flutes

A set of engraved champagne flutes is a classic wedding gift the bride can use to toast her new life with her partner. You can engrave the bride’s name or initials, the wedding date, or a personal message on the glasses.

Also here, our favourite experts at Engravers Guild of London have a lovely example of a personalised crystal champagne glass from Dartington; take a look:

• Customized Wine

A bottle of wine is always a thoughtful gift, but a personalized bottle of wine is even more special. You can have the bride and groom’s name and wedding date printed on the label. You can even choose to add a personal message or quote.

• Personalized Artwork

Artwork is a timeless gift that the bride can enjoy for years to come. You can commission a piece of artwork customized to the bride’s taste or have a favourite photo of the couple turned into a beautiful canvas print.

• Personalized Luggage

If the bride loves to travel, a personalized piece of luggage is an excellent gift. You can have her initials or name embroidered on the luggage, along with a personal message or quote. It’s a practical gift that she can use for all her future adventures.

• Customized Wedding Bouquet Painting

A personalized painting of the bride’s wedding bouquet is a beautiful and unique gift. You can commission an artist to paint the bride’s bouquet, including all the flowers and colours used in the arrangement. It’s a lovely way to remember her special day.

• Personalized Memory Box

A memory box is a thoughtful gift for the bride to store all her wedding day keepsakes. You can customise the box with the bride’s name and wedding date. You can also include a personal message or quote on the box.

• Personalized Wedding Planner

A personalized wedding planner is an excellent gift for a bride who loves to be organized. You can customise the planner with the bride’s name and wedding date. You can also add sections for her to track guest lists, vendors, and important dates leading up to the wedding.

In conclusion, personalized wedding gifts are a beautiful way to show the bride how much she means to you. The gifts listed above are unique and thoughtful and will surely be treasured for years. Choose a gift personalized to the bride’s tastes and interests, and you can’t go wrong. Your gift will be a reminder of her special day and the love and support she has from family and friends.

Engravers Guild Ltd.
27 Old Gloucester Street
London WC1N 3AX

hello@engraversguild.co.uk

Summer is just around the corner, and the season of sun-kissed nuptials comes with it. If you are a summer bride, it’s time to start planning your big day and ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest accessory trends.

5 Star Weddings has the inside scoop for you following an exclusive interview with Sarah-Jayne, Head Designer at Britten Weddings – an online luxury bridal accessories boutique selling handcrafted bridal accessories and jewellery.

“This year, the wedding industry is seeing a shift towards statement pieces, personalized details, and eco-conscious choices”, comments Britten Weddings. Keep reading to discover the summer wedding accessory trends you’ll want to take note of now for your upcoming celebration.

• Statement Hair Accessories

This summer, hair accessories are all about making a bold statement. From oversized flower crowns to intricately wired hair vines, these pieces are designed to turn heads and elevate your bridal look. Look for accessories featuring pearls, crystals, and delicate metalwork to add a touch of glamour to your hairstyle. For a more whimsical touch, consider incorporating fresh flowers or greenery into your hair accessories to complement your summer theme.

• Personalised Jewellery

Personalised jewellery is a beautiful way to add meaning to your bridal ensemble. This trend is all about incorporating pieces that hold sentimental value or tell your unique love story. Consider adding a personalized text disk to your necklace or bracelet. This subtle detail adds an extra layer of intimacy to your big day.

•  Mismatched Bridesmaid Accessories

Gone are the days of perfectly coordinated bridesmaid ensembles. This summer, embrace the beauty of individuality by allowing your bridesmaids to choose their accessories. This can include different shoes, jewellery, or even belts. By giving your bridesmaids the freedom to express their personal style, you create a more visually interesting and dynamic wedding party.

• Wedding Shoes Clips

Add a pop of colour to your bridal look with a pair of vibrant shoes finished with a wedding shoe clip. This trend is perfect for summer brides who want to showcase their personalities and make a statement and be able to wear their shoes again at a later date. Choose a hue that complements your wedding colours, or go bold with a contrasting shade.

• Bridal Belts and Sashes

Bridal belts and sashes are a stylish way to accentuate your waist and add a touch of sparkle to your wedding dress. This summer, look for sashes adorned with crystals, pearls, or intricate embroidery. If you prefer a more minimalist look, choose a simple ribbon sash for an elegant touch.

• Capes and Capelets

Capes and capelets are a chic and modern alternative to traditional veils. This summer, expect to see lightweight, flowing capes in sheer fabrics.

• Artful Earrings

Dramatic, artful earrings are a must-have accessory for summer brides this year. This trend is perfect for brides who want to make a statement without wearing a necklace. Look for earrings that are oversized with sparkling crystals and shimmering pearls. These earrings can be a stunning focal point and add a touch of sophistication to your bridal ensemble.

• Personalised veils

Many brides will be inspired by Sofia Richie and opt for a bridal veil this summer. There are many types to choose from and you can make it even more special by adding some personalised embroidery.

Visit http://www.brittenweddings.com for beautiful, handcrafted bridal accessories and jewellery for you and your female bridal party.

Here are three of our favourites with the perfect aroma for a day full of love.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Love

With first notes of sweet cloudberries bursting out, followed by delicate daisy tree petals and with base notes of cashmere musk and driftwood, we adore the fresh florals Daisy Love brings.

With a fruity burst to begin and a woody-musk base, it’s gorgeous for a spring or summer wedding. The bottle is also super cute with a flower lid, perfect for those flat-lay photos!

Narciso Rodriguez – For Her

With rose and peach top notes, this one keeps a musk at its heart. A floral woody musk, with soft amber adding a depth that would be ideal for an autumn wedding, that breath of powdery rose keeps a lightness for the perfect bridal scent. The bottle is a soft lacquered pink, gorgeously feminine, sophisticated and charming.

La Vie Est Belle Lancome

Sweet and floral, La Vie Est Belle combines orange blossom, jasmine and iris, blackcurrant, and pear for a fruity refreshment. Base notes of praline, vanilla, patchouli and Tonka bean make it perfect for day to night, giving it some warmth that makes it the ideal fragrance for a winter wedding.

It’s inspired by happiness, freedom and elegance, and the bottle is a redesigned version of the classic Lancome bottle from 1949, adding a little class!

All these fragrances can be found at The Perfume Shop.