Who Needs a Veil?

One of the most common questions I get from encore brides is "Can I wear a veil?" My answer is "Yes, but why would you want to?"

Tradition states that veils are for first-time brides only, but thankfully we are in an age where tradition is flying out the window in favor of second-time brides who choose to wear white gowns and even first-time brides who are wearing gowns of color. The old rules of etiquette are a mere afterthought in some cases, and that means that brides are free to wear whatever they'd like at their own weddings. You're no longer bound by what you should wear, but are free to select from the vast array of beautiful headpiece options that will be your crowning glory on your big day.

Instead of the traditional headband and attached veil, try your look without the veil. It all depends upon how you will be wearing your hair. If you will sweep up your locks in an up-do such as a French braid, a French twist, a classic chignon or bun, then you'll extend your search to the many selections of headpieces that complement that look. Consider a jeweled bun wrap, which holds the curled and collected portion of your hair in a neat and secure circle. Bun wraps come in a range of styles from the simple, beaded bunch to a more elaborate design of netted diamonds or rhinestone, pearls, even colored gemstones to complement your wardrobe for the day. Up-dos also look great with bejeweled hair clips, patterned or sleek plain silk or satin headbands, and simple silver band clips at the nape of the neck.

If you will be wearing your hair down in a loose, flowing mass of tendrils and curls, or a controlled sweep of your straight hair, consider again the headband or the most popular trend of all: the tiara. Every bride wants to feel like a queen on her wedding day—whether it's her first, her second or her fifth wedding—and there's no better way to play the part than to perch a stunning jeweled or pearl tiara at the top of your look. Celebrities grace the covers of magazine bridal issues with their crowns of glory, and the bridal magazines also feature their cover models wearing exquisite tiaras ranging from the small and simple to the grand and majestic. While the tiara rage shows a preference for the smaller, less overwhelming styles, the key is in the sparkle and the design of the gems.

"The trend is definitely favoring simpler styles in tiaras", says Bob Herbert of Winters and Rain Bridal Couture in Newport, Rhode Island. "Second-time brides are using colored gemstones in their custom and standard designs, particularly the use of tanzanite stones, which take care of the 'something blue.'" Winters and Rain's headpiece collection includes stunning pearl and diamond tiaras sculpted into intricate designs, delicately accented pearl combs, elegant headbands, and breathtaking jeweled hairpins. One of the most impressive aspects of this company's designs is that you can custom-create your own jeweled headpiece, choosing from a variety of pearl colors and sizes, special gemstones or birthstones, and Swarovski Austrian crystals to create the perfect accent for your gown and for your radiant smile. Plus, with this company's post-wedding service of re-stringing the elements of your headpiece into fine necklaces, bracelets and pins, you'll be smiling forever as you wear those meaningful, custom-made pieces on all your future wedding anniversaries.

Another option for alternative headwear is jeweled and pearl hairpins. Perfect for any hairstyle, these attractive accents are pushed into place in a pattern throughout braids, in an attractive design in loose, flowing hair, and in clusters to create a special look on the big day. You can choose from designer styles offered at department stores, or at such specialty shops as Winters and Rain, or you can try the budget approach of getting your hair accents at an accessories store for just a few dollars. Craft stores also stock a wide range of inexpensive hairpins. The Modern Romance lines of hair décor includes—aside from their simple styles of hair combs, tiaras, and hair clips—pearl crystal bobby pins ($7.99 for 2), ceramic white rose bobby pins ($1.99 for 4), and $.99 ribbon rose stick-ins in white, off-white, pink, lavender, peach, and other appropriate colors. Simple jeweled hair accents are popular even in everyday fashion, so you will find a wide variety of pins, push-ins, and snap-ons to adorn your hair with sparkle, color, and style.

Hair accents, of course, depend upon the style of the dress and the formality of the day. Some second-time brides are foregoing the traditional headband, veil, or tiara and opting for an entirely different but altogether impressive approach. Instead of adding accents to their hair, they are allowing their hair itself to be the centerpiece. The newest styles in bridal hair design feature elaborate upsweeps with tight curls, elegant sweeps, twists, waves, and braiding that is more art than grooming. Hairstylists now create sculptures from the brides' hair, and the result is an eye-catching once-in-a-lifetime look that will make any bride look her best. While fresh flowers can be tucked into these braids and curls, as can jeweled pins, it's the hair itself that finishes the stunning image.

For a more fun look, perfect for that beach wedding, you might choose to try an element of personal style. One bride, crazy about starfish after reading Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s ‘Gift From the Sea,’ found a pretty starfish hairpin and held her waves back with just that accent. Other brides have reported using single fresh flowers simply tucked behind one ear, gemstone hairclips containing their own birthstones and the birthstones of their children, and tight rings of braided flowers to hold up a classic ponytail.

With all of these options, you'll be glad you're not wearing a veil this time around. Plus, you can devote that portion of the budget to something really top-notch: the honeymoon.