To veil, or not to veil . . .

Typically a bride has a definite opinion about wearing a veil. We experience brides that are completely anti-veil, and others that want the longest, glitteriest piece of illusion, tulle or lace in existence. Whatever your preference might be, we thought we'd share a little history on this headpiece, as well as give you a couple of links to some gorgeous styles!

Bridal veils date back to biblical times. Since many couples didn't meet until until their wedding day, a bride's identity could be kept secret until the vows were exchanged and the ceremony completed. In the biblical instance of Jacob, the young man was tricked by his father-in-law into marrying the homlier of his two daughters through the use of a heavy veil. Jacob didn't realize the deception until the veil was raised and the union completed. How's that for a wedding gift?!

During the reign of the Roman Empire, wealthier brides wore brightly colored veils to protect their youthful beauty from evil spirits. Nothing that a good sunscreen couldn't handle these days, right?

Queen Victoria made the elaborate lace veil popular in the 1840's. During the Victorian era, veils were an heirloom piece that was passed down through generations. By 1940 the veil had been reduced to a cap that covered the crown of the head with an elbow length layer of tulle attached.
Today's bride has so many options it's overwhelming! Will your hairstyle determine whether you incorporate a veil into your bridal style, or will the veil you choose influence your hairstyle? Or do you forego the veil altogether and employ some gorgeous hair jewelry? Check out these great styles . . . maybe that will help!

http://www.veiltrends.com/

http://www.erincole.com/

Brides Against Breast Cancer

Most brides know that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, right? If not, and for some reason your community isn't shouting it from the roof tops - consider moving. :)

Brides-to-be, encourage your mom, future mom-in-law, sisters, cousins, aunts, grandmas, bridesmaids, old high school girl friends and former college roommates to perform regular self breast exams. Send an email self-exam reminder with a funny subject line, or drop a cute note in the mail. It's incredibly easy, takes less than 5 minutes, and it could save a life. Early detection is the best protection!


For more ways you can join the fight against breast cancer and learn about the latest advances in research, visit http://www.verabradley.org.

Open for business

Welcome to The Bride to Be! We've just come back from a buying trip in Chicago and attended a fantastic seminar by Rick Segal. We've taken his suggestion to start a blog to share with brides and fans of bridal couture. Great idea - thanks, Rick!

A little about us:

We are very much a boutique. A painstakingly chosen bridal couture selection, hip downtown/southside location, fitting by appointment, two very excited owners!

You'll find the best from Judd Waddell, Caroline DeVillo, Alvina Valenta, Watters, Augusta Jones and Melissa Sweet at The Bride to Be.

One of the things that attracted us to the bridal industry was helping brides look their most beautiful on the first day as a wife. So here's to new beginnings!