Go bold with alternative bridal lingerie
We can’t get enough of the pretty pieces from Dora Larsen! Perfect for your honeymoon or a beautiful alternative to traditional ivory bridal lingerie…
When it comes to choosing your bridal lingerie, white or ivory are the obvious choice – but who says you can’t choose colour?! Unless your dress has a sheer bodice, we adore the idea of shunning tradition and choosing something bold and beautiful that you can wear time and time again.
These pieces from Dora Larsen are not only super pretty, but luxurious and comfortable too. The dream combination! As a brand ‘devoted to colour’ they’re a fabulous choice for quirky lingerie, with shades of shell pink, lime green, lilac grey, snorkel blue, saffron, old rose, and moss.
There’s a style for every figure and taste, from bodies and bralettes to high-waist knickers and underwired bras. Each in a stunning colour palette, featuring darling eyelash lace and high-quality mesh. These designs are sure to get your groom’s heart racing!
If you’d rather stick to something neutral for the big day itself, you could always change into something a little brighter for the wedding night! Or, why not pick up some of these pieces for the honeymoon instead? Either way you’ll be spoilt for choice with this stunning collection.
Visit doralarsen.com now to shop the full range.
Get the look: The Duchess of Cambridge
If you adored The Duchess of Cambridge’s recent Christening look as much as we did, you’ll love this statement headpiece from Harper’s Hats
Looking fabulous as ever, The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, wore a beautiful statement headpiece at her son Prince Louis’ Christening recently and we just can’t get enough of it. So, when we heard that Mother and Daughter millinery brand Harper’s Hats had a headband that was just as gorgeous, we had to share it!
The forward-thinking duo designed the pearl headband in January this year, six months before the Duchess of Cambridge wore a similar style to her son’s Christening. Harper’s Hats have now renamed their design “The Kate” in honour of Kate Middleton, and it can be yours for £177.
The ultimate statement piece for the fashion-forward bride, or chic finishing touch for the Mother-of-the Bride we anticipate seeing many weddings featuring this stunning piece over the next year!
Known for their show-stopping collection, Harper’s Hats have been designing and creating unique hats, fascinators and headpieces since 2016. The Mother and Daughter brand was set up following the passing of their husband and father as a way to distract themselves from the grief. They threw themselves into the new business and what started as a distraction became a successful business.
Fun, glamorous and bang-on-trend their pieces are perfect every special occasion. From bright and bold, to chic and muted, they’re sure to have a piece to complement your style and outfit.
Whether you’re a wedding guest, Mother-of-the-bride, or even the bride herself, check out their dreamy Instagram account @harpershats and find your perfect style today!
Some more of our favourites from the collection: The Gabby £203, The Harper £247, The Pam £203
Sensational headdresses!
From hair vines and circlets to handmade headdresses, we’ve lost our heads over these beautiful crowning glories from Richard Designs…
Even the briefest of glances at Richard Designs (richard-designs.com) will tell you that here is a designer who knows how to accessorise. Delve a little deeper (we warn you: you may never leave the site), and soon it becomes clear that what Richard Designs doesn’t know about big-day accessories, isn’t, frankly, worth knowing anyway! Here, we shine a spotlight on their fabulous headdresses…
Something of a specialist when it comes to hair jewellery, Richard Designs knows how to dress a gorgeous-looking head of hair (and why shouldn’t we all wear crowns, we ask you? We’re all princesses here after all…). From silver and crystal hair jewellery to plaited pearl hair vines, we love the distinctly Maid Marian affect of some of these looks. Perfect if you’re looking to add just a touch of shimmer and shine, absolutely do consider a statement headdress piece for your big-day look.
Not just adorning a perfectly pretty up-do either, these pieces are hard-working too! We love how the right headdress will hold in place your veil or keep hair in place as well as looking sensational. And if you’re taken with tiaras but want something a little lighter, Richard Designs’ circlets add just the right amount of sparkle whilst keeping things on the free-spirited, boho side. The perfect accessory if you’re searching for a way of incorporating subtle colours into your scheme, a headdress or hair vine can mirror the seasons (burnt-orange for an Autumnal look and pretty pastels for Springtime sunshine…), as well as picking out your big day’s colour themes. The perfect keepsake and your ‘something new’, feel inspired by the brilliant designs below…
How to choose your wedding veil
A wedding veil is the ultimate bridal accessory, and can really add that perfect finishing touch to your wedding day look, so getting the right one is important! Here’s our handy guide to choosing the right veil for you…
Choosing a length
The key to choosing a wedding veil length is to think about which parts of the dress you’d like to show off. Do you have a gorgeous illusion back or cowl? Do you have a full ballgown skirt? You don’t want your veil to cover or compete with your gown, so bear this in mind when looking at your veil length. Overwhelmed by the different lengths? Here are our recommendations.
Birdcage veils: These vintage-inspired net veils are similar to fascinators, and don’t extend past the chin. They go perfectly with 1950s-inspired gowns and tea-length dresses, or more modern jumpsuits. If you have a gown with back detail and don’t want to cover it with a veil, birdcages are also an option.
Shoulder-length veils: After birdcage veils, these are generally the shortest veils available, measuring about 20 inches long. As they fall around the neckline, these veils are perfect for strapless wedding gowns, but they may be too busy for gown with back details.
Waist-length veils: These are around 30 inches long, and are perfect for ballgown styles, as they’ll accentuate your waist and won’t draw focus from the volume of the skirt.
Fingertip veils: These are one of the most popular lengths at around 36 inches long, and as the name implies, they’ll fall to your fingertips when you have your arms by your side. Thanks to their versatility, they suit most kinds of gown. We also recommend choosing this length if you have a dress with back detail, as they’ll be sheer enough to see the detail through without being so long so as to swap your look.
Floor-length veils: Also known as ballet length, these just brush the floor at around 72 inches. These are perfect for column gowns, or dresses without a train.
Chapel-length veils: These are longer than floor-length veils, measuring between 90 and 102 inches, which makes them ideal for accommodating trains. If you want a romantic veil but don’t want to be tripping up on it, chapel-length could be for you.
Cathedral-length veils: These are the longest and most formal veils, starting at around 110 inches. If you want a full-on regal effect, these are your gowns – just remember to keep the bridesmaids on veil duty to avoid getting tangled!
Choosing a style
Just as you don’t want your veil’s length to compete with your gown, you should choose a style that complements your dress. This doesn’t mean choosing a super-blingy veil if your gown is covered with embellishments – in fact, that will just make your look far too busy! If you have lots of details on your dress, try to pare your veil back so it’s more simple and the gown can shine. Depending on whether you have pearls, crystal or lace on your dress, you can pick out these details in a subtle way on your veil. It’s always worth asking the bridal boutique where you bought your dress whether they have any complementary styles, as they may have some suggestions – or be able to create a custom design for you.
If your wedding dress is plain and simple, then why not go to town with a dramatic detailed veil? Structured styles look chic with a ribbon-edge veil, while romantic tulle looks beautiful with multi-tiered raw edge veils. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Think about your hair
One thing to bear in mind is that your chosen hair style may affect which type of veil is suitable. Longer, heavier veils need something to anchor to, so updos or half-up styles work best with these. Loose or down hairstyles are better with shorter or more lightweight veils. You can also pin your veil in different places for different effects, or attach them to a tiara, headpiece or comb. Just remember to take any headpieces and your veil with you to your hair trial so that you can discuss your ideas with your stylist.
Want to know more? Find your own finishing touches in our Accessories section!
Pick the perfect bridal bolero with Ivory & Co!
Beautiful bridal boleros are an inspired finishing touch, bringing big-day drama or a subtle, delicate flourish. We showcase our favourites here…
It’s those delightful final finishing flourishes that can really make an outfit complete. Today, we’re feeling particularly sentimental over beautiful bridal boleros. Not just a pretty face, these versatile little adornments have both function and form beautifully sewn up and are the ideal bridal accompaniment; they make you seasonal savvy as you spring into summer, and take you from ceremony to celebration with sophistication, class and grace. We pick out our favourites from the huge array of boleros at Ivory & Co….
Spring Rain Bolero
This lighter-than-air Spring Rain Bolero is as delicate and whimsical as true love itself. Instantly transformative, we love how wearing this gives any sweetheart neckline the VIP treatment. Check out the back too…
In paper-thin lace with an intricately embroidered design, the capped sleeves keep this look pretty and feminine, whilst the cut-out back and flash of flesh adds a seductive note. We love the string of satin buttons too!
Pearl Orchid Bolero
This cropped bolero sits just under the bust and is effortlessly flattering. Accentuating your curves, the Pearl Orchid Bolero combines tulle net with oversized lace detailing for a decidedly bohemian effect.
Oriental Lily Bolero
If it’s romance you’re after, the Oriental Lily bolero is the one for you! It’s subtle shimmer with sequinned detail will catch the light and ensure you dazzle all night long. We loved the scooped, round neck and three-quarter-length sleeves too.
Oriental Lily Bolero
This beautiful back is truly unique: we love the double exposure of back here!
Glitter Bay Bolero
Loose-fitting sleeves in softly fringed and billowing lace makes this a winning look, and perfect for covering up shoulders throughout the ceremony too!
Lemongrass Bolero
Our pick of the bunch has to be this Princess Grace-inspired, off-the-shoulder bolero in lace. We love the scalloped edges, tiny row of buttons and full-length sleeves… simply stunning!
For more accessories, boleros and beautiful bridal gowns, visit ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk
7 ideas for your ‘something blue’
If you have your ‘something old’, ‘something new’ and ‘something borrowed’, then you’ll just need your ‘something blue’ to finish off the tradition! Here are 7 ideas for how to get that ‘something blue’ into your bridal look…
Your jewellery
This is one of the easiest ways to incorporate a small touch of blue into your look without going overboard – plus, you can choose from a range of colours, from deep cobalt to pale sky blue. For a statement, vintage-inspired look, we love these sapphire Alexandra earrings from Stephanie Browne, while brides looking for a pretty, subtle blue set will love the Shimmering Sky range from Glitzy Secrets, which starts at just £15.
Your hair accessories
As well as your jewellery, you can also incorporate a little blue into your hair accessories. If you’re wearing a hair vine, comb or tiara, keep an eye out for one with blue stones or pearls, like this June hairvine from Britten. Alternately, retro-inspired brides could rock a pretty blue bow in their hair, or you could ask your florist to weave some small blue blossoms into your flower crown.
Your shoes
This is another popular option for brides who want a pop of blue without going overboard is to pick blue shoes! Just like your jewellery, there are plenty of shade and texture options available, so there are styles available for every bride. You could pick fun turquoise glitter, or elegant navy suede. We particularly love these vintage-inspired bluebell leather Gardenia heels by Rachel Simpson. Don’t want to commit to an entire blue shoe? Pick up these cute blue Charlotte Mills shoe clips and attach them to ivory or white heels instead.
Your garter
For a secret ‘something blue’ that won’t interfere with an all-white bridal look, we love a blue wedding garter! There are plenty of styles on the market to choose from, but one of our faves is Geraldine from Olivier Laudus, which is made with blue satin ribbon, vintage-style lace and delicate crystal and pearl detailing.
Your veil
It may be an unusual option, but for a bride who wants her ‘something blue’ to be more of a statement, why not pick out a blue veil? You could pick a veil with blue embellishments or ribbon trim, or a fully blue veil like this ice blue tulle elbow-length veil from Rasbery Pavlova.
Your manicure
For some brides, a French mani just won’t do! Incorporating a pretty blue polish into your wedding day manicure is a fun way to get your ‘something blue’ – why not paint your ring finger blue for a quirky twist on a classic nail look?
Your dress
For a real statement ‘something blue’, you could wear a gorgeous blue wedding gown! The pastel wedding dress trend is still going strong, with many designers including beautiful ice blue gowns as an alternative on popular blush and pink shades. We love this tea-length Violet dress from Lou Lou Bridal!
Dessy bridal bags for every wedding style!
Every bride needs a cute clutch to keep her wedding day necessities in, and Dessy have got a gorgeous and affordable collection! Here are our top bridal bags for every style of wedding…
For the classic wedding: Embroidered Lace Bridal Clutch
You can’t go wrong with a classic lace clutch, and this pretty pill box style is chic without drawing focus from your gown. Also available in gold and black.
For the glamorous wedding: Eva Jeweled Minaudiere
If you want your bridal bag to be as glamorous as you are, then sparkling crystals should go without saying. We love the sleek rounded shape of this style, and the on-trend blush colourway.
For the boho wedding: Pearl Daisy Lace Bridal Mini-Case Clutch
This adorable mini clutch is the perfect pick for a boho bride, thanks to the sweet 60s-inspired floral lace and delicate pearl detailing. It comes with a tuckable chain, too.
For the 1920s wedding: Hayden Estate Jeweled Bridal Minaudiere
If you’re channeling The Great Gatsby for your wedding day, then Art Deco beading should suit your bridal look down to the ground. We love the mix of pearl and crystal embellishment on this clutch.
For the 1950s wedding: Quilted Olivia Clutch with Jeweled Clasp
This kitsch quilted clutch in matte satin looks like it just came off the set of Mad Men! It comes in a range of colours too, which means it’s ideal for vintage-inspired bridesmaids.
For the modern wedding: Gem Metallic Brocade Minaudiere
If you prefer a sleek look to anything lacy or traditional, then try this minimal metallic bag on for size. It comes in either gold or silver, which means you can easily use it again after the big day.
For the festival wedding: Best Day Ever Tote
You can’t fit your wellies in a clutch bag, so this fun bridal tote is our top pick for a festival bride! They come in a range of pastel colours, and make great reusable gifts for bridesmaids, too.
To see more of Dessy’s accessories, or to find gorgeous bridesmaid dresses for your girls, visit dessy.com today!
Introducing the new collection: Di by Diane Hassall
Diane Hassall is back with a brand new collection of wedding shoes that you’ll love! Find out about the stunning new styles here…
The all-new collection by Diane Hassall is here, and it’s all about a brand new colour palette of dreamy nudes and pastels. Chalky soft nude suede blends with powdery blush coloured silk and gorgeous French and Italian laces, to produce a colour palette which complements almost every skin tone. Not only does that mean they’ll look incredible on your big day, but you’ll also be able to wear them again and again once you’re married!
There are some stunning details in this collection. Delicate hand beading and antique rose metallic lace add the subtlest hint of sparkle, but for those wanting something more, there is a selection of cleverly designed embellishments to choose from, including beaded flower attachments.
The styling is contemporary, grown up glamour with a strong fashion focus. Cutesy mules sit alongside pretty tie up bootees and dainty suede courts, giving the collection a feel of timeless elegance. Every shoe is hand made in luxurious fabrics and buttery soft leather, and it goes without saying that comfort is a given.
‘Brides are at the centre of what we do, but I don’t just want brides to wear these shoes once,’ says designer Diane Hassall. ‘This colour palette works beautifully for bridal, but also for day and evening wear. We see these shoes as investment pieces to be worn again and again whether you are a bride or not.’
Made in limited numbers, the new Di by Diane Hassall collection is available from specially selected stockists and online. See our favourite styles below, and check out the full collection at dianehassall.com.
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- Honey
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- Betty Anne
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- Waterlily
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- Rocco
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- Waterlily
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- Peachette
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- Matilda
