Choose Your Right Bridal Veil

A bridal veil represents tradition, with its origins dating back to Ancient Rome. Throughout the centuries, it has represented a symbolic view of the virgin bride and was used to celebrate her purity, chastity and modesty; it also kept the bride concealed until her arranged marriage was complete.

Plenty of mystical superstition surrounding the veil has existed as well; in medieval times it was believed that a veil protected the unmarried woman from evil spirits and the dreaded "evil eye."

History aside, we love the amazing transformative qualities a veil imparts on its wearer. Thousands of years later, this simple piece of tulle still possesses the magical power to turn a woman in a white dress into the ideal bride-to-be.

But, how many varieties does a veil come in and how's a girl to know what's right for her? Well, read on:

Birdcage: A short, cute chin-length veil.

Blusher: A sheer, short veil worn over the face, which is lifted up during the ceremony.

Cathedral: A very long, formal veil that extends two feet or more on the floor.

Chapel: A long veil that extends beyond the gown, one to two feet.

Fingertip: A veil that reaches to the bride's fingertips.

Flyaway: A layered, poufy shoulder-length veil.

Mantilla: A dramatic round veil that is usually made of lace and worn without a headpiece.

Waltz or Ballerina: A veil that extends to just below the knee.

Find the Right Gown and Accessories on Your Big Day

Let your venue set the tone for your big-day look.

Chapel Wedding

A magestic ballgown will look apropos amidst the grandeur of a formal wedding. Diamonds, pearls and a veil are ideal for the classic bride.

Garden Fête

For a dress befitting your lush outdoor setting, look for gowns with floral laces and chic rosettes. Play up a blooming local with nature-inspired accents.

Beach Wedding

A lightweight silk georgette Grecian-style gown will move gracefully on a breezy beach. And goddess-inspired accessories will look divine on the sun-drenched sand

Country Club

For a look of modern refinement, opt for a sleek gown with a crisp, narrow silhouette. Dainty, classic accessories will look chic in semi-formal indoor/outdoor settings.

City Hall

A shorter dress paired with dramatic heels is perfect for an intimate, informal setting. For a chic downtown look, opt for easy, modern shapes.

Deco Hotel

Up the glamour quotient at an evening affair with a sparkly, form-fitting gown. Channel hollywood charm with vintage-inspired jewels.

How to Wear Under Your Bridal Gown

One of the most puzzling aspects of the wedding attire puzzle can be what undergarment to wear with your gorgeous gown. You want something comfortable but pretty, hidden but flattering. There are a dozens of options for bridal lingerie — the trick is finding a great bra that will complement your dress and your body type. Here, we've come up with a few wonderful, affordable options.

For a Backless Dress

A strapless, backless adhesive bra is a must. We love the Nu Bra. Because these bras are completely backless, they are not ideal for large-chested women, given their lack of support. But, when comparing all the backless, strapless bras out there, the Nu Bra is our favorite.

For a Slinky Sheath

The bra combines comfort with invisibility, making it the perfect bra to wear underneath a more lightweight, body-hugging sheath. Because of its plunging neckline, this bra does not provide complete coverage and is better suited for smaller chested women.

For a Plunging Neckline

The bra peeking out of the low-cut shirt is not a look you want to experiment with on your wedding day. Lucky for you, these low-cut bras are perfect for gowns with plunging or halter necklines, while still providing some lift and shape. For a plunging neck with a regular back. And if your plunging neckline dress is also backless, you'll need the plunge strapless bra.

For a Strapless Dress (Small Chest)

The bra underwire bra is comfortable, supportive, and offers plenty of padding to enhance your assets -— we absolutely love it. The cups are seamless but offer pretty lace detailing around the straps, making it an ideal choice for strapless gowns that don't have low necklines.

For a Strapless Dress (Large Chest)

For larger-chested women, the convertible bra provides great coverage and support. Wear it all night long without having to worry about it falling down or becoming uncomfortable.

You might also want to consider wearing a bodysuit, corset, or bustier underneath your wedding dress, especially if you want to accentuate your waist. We recommend these three:

Shapewear for a Strapless Dress

Shapewear for a Plunging Neckline

Shapewear That's Also Pretty

Top 10 Wedding Hair Inspiration from the 2013 Oscars

Chic, romantic hairstyles reigned supreme at the 85th annual Academy Awards. Here are some bridal-worthy versions of the top celebrity ‘dos.

Jessica Chastain
The red-headed beauty channeled old Hollywood glamour with a deep side sweep cascading into long, loose retro waves.

Amanda Seyfried
The Les Miserables star showed off her high-neck gown and with a vintage inspired updo. The tousled chignon showed off her natural, wavy texture. A gently mussed finish and some strategically placed flyaways helped achieve a natural look.

Sandra Bullock
The actress accented her sleek, super straight locks with a sparkly hair clip right above the ear.

Jennifer Lawrence
The Best Actress winner’s hair was finger-combed back into a relaxed, youthful chignon. Her top half was loosely twisted and pinned in place with bobbies, while her lower tresses were swept into a spiraled bun. Simple and fresh.

Amy Adams
The Oscars nominee complemented her dramatic gown with a super simple French roll. Her auburn hair was smooth and shiny, twisted back into a loose bun with a center part and soft wisps framing her face.

Naomi Watts
Naomi’s stunning updo was all about volume and movement. The actress’ silky blonde locks were pinned back into a rumpled, twisting bun. The hair around her face was gently fluffed and flipped back for that loose, effortless look.

Anne Hathaway
The Best Supporting Actress winner rocked a grown-out gamine crop with heavy fringe. The star’s super-short locks, remnants of her Les Miserables role, were swept softly to the side for a feminine look.

Nicole Kidman
Nicole achieved effortless glamour with a low, tousled chignon and loose, wavy wisps at the front. Gorgeous and carefree.

Reese Witherspoon
Reese went with a modern take on Veronica Lake’s 1940s “peek-a-boo” style. The presenter rocked a dramatic side part and glossy, defined waves.

Salma Hayek
The presenter went with an oversize bun teased high up on her head and adorned with jewels at the base.

Glam Sparkle Bridal Collection

We're totally into all things sparkly and glitzy glam for 2013. Wedding themes inspired by Roaring '20s style are going to be hot this year, and that means sequins, crystals, and lots of beading - so get ready to look the part. Check out some of our favorite glittering dresses and accessories.

You'll look like an Old Hollywood siren in this curve-hugging gown, featuring just the right amount of sparkle.

For a Great Gatsby-themed wedding (so on-trend!), wear a gown that's covered in head-to-toe sparkle.

Looking for a gown that's simple, sleek, and sexy with just a hint of glitter? We can picture this style at a modern, glamorous loft wedding.

Switch into this little sequined gold number to dance the night away.

We love the idea of changing into a "getaway dress" before you depart your reception. This LWD will sparkle as you make your great escape.

Let your bridesmaid shimmer and shine in a gorgeous metallic gown - perfect for a formal wedding celebration.

For a shorter bridesmaid option, this modern gold dress is ideal for a fall wedding.

And don't forget about Mom! She'll feel simply gorgeous and feminine in this metallic lace dress.

And if Mom is feeling extra glam, she'll look pure Hollywood chic in this illusion-neck gown.

What’s Trending for the New Bridesmaids

While we all loved the movie Bridesmaids, we’re pretty sure most brides would prefer to keep those crazy scenarios out of real life. So, how do you satisfy all the personalities and tastes of your girls, while also making yourself happy?

LACE

“It’s all the rage and right on trend with the vintage look,” Vatana says. Lace has been on the runways for several seasons and continues to be a very strong trend. Keep in mind that while lace can look very delicate and romantic, lace can also be cut in a very graphic, modern way. If you aren’t necessarily the ‘sweet’ type, lace can work for you this season.

SHORT

From mod-mini to at-the-knee lengths, short is long on chic, great “for a more upscale cocktail look,” advises Vatana. While we might suggest steering clear of ‘just under the bum styles’ and tailoring the length to the look of your leg, a short dress is fresh, youthful and ideal for summer weddings.

DRAPING

“Draped layers give a real ethereal mood,” Vatana shares. Coming off the Grecian trend that was so major several seasons ago, softly draped gowns add texture and interest to dresses that might otherwise be too plain. Draping that’s well thought-out and strategically placed can be extremely flattering and adds sophistication to soft chiffon and jersey fabrics.

SAME COLOR & FABRIC, DIFFERENT STYLES

This is a trend long in the making. Every bridesmaid has the option of highlighting their best features by picking a silhouette and neckline that suits them best. This gives the girls the freedom of choice for their dress.

MONOCHROMATIC TONES

Soft, neutral hues like pale nudes, greys and ivories can be super chic and definitely look new. “These shades give a soft focus feel,” says Vatana. Bucking the trend of bright colors, these pretty new palettes are soothing and sophisticated, just be sure that you take the time to choose the shade that flatters each girl’s skin tone.

Of all the trends right now, Vatana loves, “The fashion freedom that brides are giving their maids with dresses that are in the same fabric and color, but with styles that are perfect for each friend.” We second that notion and agree when she says, “I really think that in the end brides want their bridesmaids to look and feel as great as the bride on the wedding day. Happy friends make beautiful pictures and memories.” And that’s really what it’s all about!

Makeup Ideas for Your Skin Tone

Whether you're a fair lady or bronzed beauty, we've got the perfect products.

Peachy Keen
A glistening copper tone on the eye and a warm apricot blush is the ideal match for the fair-skinned, blushing bride. On the lips, a splash of luscious rosy color will create that perfect pout.

Our Picks (clockwise from top left): Tarte Airblush in Shimmering Peach; Rouge Dior Lipstick in Rose Songe; Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Gilded Rosegold; Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Foundation in Medium 5

Tip: Dust a peach-toned blush from apples to temples to enliven a fair complexion and create definition.

Orange Crush
Play up almond-shaped eyes by filling in sparse brows — creating more dramatic arches. For a juicy ginger-snap grin, add a swipe of orange-toned lip color that will withstand the test of time.

Our Picks (clockwise from top left): Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Tesoro; Bobbi Brown Brow Pencil in Mahogany; YSL Teint Touche Éclat Illuminating Foundation in Beige Dore 10; MAC Eyeshadow in Rule.

Tip: For vibrancy and staying power with a bright lip, apply foundation, then add the lip color.

Sparkle & Shine
Set off the smoke alarms with a shimmery black eye shadow. Add a sweep of silver glitter along the lash line for some serious eye candy. Keep the lips simple with a wash of flesh-toned gloss to offset the high drama of the eyes.

Our Picks (clockwise from top left): NARS Eye Shadow in Night Breed; Chanel Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimer in Constellation; Valerie Beverly Hills Rose Blush in Dancing Queen; Make Up For Ever Glitter in Silver

Tip: Pair a dark shadow with a metallic glitter to add light and sparkle that’s bridal-beautiful.

Eye Do
For the olive-skinned beauty who is on a quest to find that fabulous feline gaze, look no further! A bold liquid liner is just the sultry solution to set your sights on. Incorporating a berry-hued blush and lipstick into your big-day look will pack a powerful pop of color.

Our Picks (clockwise from top left): Lancôme Rouge in Love Lipstick in Roses in Love; Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen in Jet Black; Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in 7.5; Becca Mineral Blush

Tip: Cat eye criteria: Liner should be thin at the inner corners and thickest at the outer edges.