If you want a wedding theme that will stand the test of time, and will always be in style—Classic Weddings are the way to go!
Timeless in their elegance, reminiscent of bygone eras, superb in details and executed with perfection, it is no wonder that classic themes are the eternal favorite. Although casual and destination weddings are all trendy, they are no competition for a classic wedding. Formal ceremonies celebrating the matrimonial unification of man and wife with splendor and style, are a joy in itself.
Join us as we explore everything from planning your invitation, menu and wedding dress to identifying the perfect venue and picking your wedding favors for your perfect Classic Wedding.
The wedding veil is a classic accessory that has the capacity to transform any woman into a bride. With time, the designs and lengths of wedding veils have changed. Despite this veils are still very much in, and it is one accessory that most brides turn to in order to complete their bridal look.
Veils can have different lengths: very short, shoulder length, elbow length, fingertip length, knee length, floor length and royal length. This brings us to a very important piece of advice: you should never buy a veil without first trying it on. A veil that is advertised as knee length may be finger length on some women, due to their height. The effect of a veil may also change depending on how high or how low you attach it. So check this out first.
A veil not only to completes your bridal look, but also highlights the most interesting features of your bridal outfit. By choosing the appropriate length for your veil, you can draw focus to the bodice, skirt or neckline of your dress. Let us look at which veil length will be most suitable for you, based on what features you wish to emphasize.
Very short veils
Similar to visors, these end at the chin. It draws focus to the upper half of your dress. If your wedding dress has an interesting neckline, this would be a good choice to consider.
Shoulder length veils
When the veil ends at the shoulder, it reveals the details on the back and neckline. It is a perfect choice for illusion back dresses. Shoulder length veils are not really traditional fare, so you may want to consider another option if you prefer a traditional bridal look.
Elbow length veils
As the name suggests, these veils skim the wedding dress at the elbow. The positioning near the waistline will draw focus to the skirt. If your dress has detailing on the back, it would be a good idea to go for one in sheer fabric so these details aren’t lost under the layers. It looks great with ball gown dresses and A-line skirts, with embellishments at the waistline and beyond.
Fingertip length
Fingertip veils fall below the waist and emphasize the details on the bodice. It goes well with fitted silhouettes and fit and flare dresses, but can be used with most wedding dress types. These veils create a dramatic bridal look and are perfect for formal weddings.
Knee length veils
Ending at approximately knee-length, these veils are good with dresses that end at mid-calf or those with a long train. You can dress up a simple wedding dress by choosing a veil that is textured and has elaborate embellishments.
Floor length veils
As the name suggests, these veils flow from your head to your toes and gently skim the floor. We suggest that this veil be considered if your dress doesn’t have a train, or you would lose the details on the train beneath this veil.
Royal veil
The most dramatic of veils, it spreads out to several feet behind you. Unless it is sheer, the veil can hide the back details of your dress. Consider it if your wedding dress is very traditional and has a noticeable train.
We have pretty veils in all lengths and in various designs at Best for Bride. Check out our collection today to find the one that is perfect for your wedding.
After a brief spell of laid-back, casual style weddings, more and more couples are once again opting for formal weddings. Also known as black-tie weddings or white-glove worthy weddings, this classic form is slowly growing in popularity, and this is why. The elegance of having a luxurious wedding with all the details right, is very tempting. When you know that traditions never go out of style, is a better reason required,to choose it as your event style?
If you want sophistication and style to set the tone at your wedding, a fantastic formal wedding may be beckoning you. Here, we look at the essentials to plan such an event, and help you determine if this is indeed, what you want.
Step everything up a notch, including the budget
The venue will have to be classic and stunning; think along the lines of a castle, historical site or country club resort. The décor will involve lavish decorations and dramatic centerpieces. The guest list is usually large (certainly more than 100), and the reception will be formal and sit-down style. The bar should feature top-class wines and classic cocktails.
Everything from the perfect invitation to a fantastic cake and even your wedding favors and vehicle to leave the venue, should look and feel formal. So, aim for this option only if your budget is on the higher side.
Attire of the couple and all the others
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Formal affairs require everyone to adhere to a strict black-tie dress code. Your wedding gown, as well as those of your bridesmaids would have to look formal, and all the men should be in tuxedos.
Ball gowns have always been the traditional favorite for brides, but you can opt for other styles as long as they are full-length gowns. Your gown should ideally feature at least a cathedral train, and a veil would be appropriate.
Your bridesmaids should also be dressed in classic patterns. These weddings normally involve more bridesmaids and ushers than regular weddings do. All your wedding guests will have to appear in formal wear, and you will have to specify this in your wedding invitation.
Decor, cake and Flowers
Choose to decorate the venue elegantly, and in classic style. Employ stylish flower arrangements, candle lights and lush textiles like silk and satin to create a magnificent setting. Roses, stephanotis and orchids are flowers suitable for the ceremony.
The wedding cake is usually a classic three-tier cake, with elegant elements like ribbons, flowers, beads or textures adorning it. You can choose round or square, or for a more contemporary touch choose a hexagon cake. Do not choose a pastel palette or the whimsical topsy-turvy cake design, as it is inappropriate for this type of ceremony.
Keep up the style, but don’t tone down the fun
A vintage car like a Rolls Royce, or stylish limousines are ideal choices to carry you to and from the venue. Although a black-tie wedding may seem very prim and proper, remember that it can still be lots of fun. Get a lively band or orchestra, celebrate in full swing, have some interesting photographs taken and have a blast.
For more wedding tips, as well as to pick the perfect wedding dress for the occasion, check out the collection at Best for Bride.
If there is one factor that sets a bridal dress apart from any other, it is the wedding train. Although there are plenty of wedding dress options that forgo the train entirely and end at knee or ankle-length, wedding dress trains are undoubtedly classic and are the exclusive privilege of first-time brides.
Trains come in various lengths, widths and designs. There are even detachable types, that allow you to dance at your reception without having to bother about it getting in the way. The ideal train length would depend on how formal the function is, the ceremony venue and your comfort. Let us take a look at the most common types of trains and the type of function they are appropriate for.
Cathedral Train
via Best for Bride
A formal train, this extends to approximately 7 feet beyond your waist. It is dramatic and suitable for traditional church ceremonies or formal weddings, and is majestic in appearance. The train requires setting up when you reach the venue, but you should be able to manage it from there without assistance, unless it is heavily adorned with details. If you do not plan to change your dress for the wedding reception, it is a good idea to opt for a cathedral train that is removable or can be bustled after the wedding ceremony.
Chapel Train
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This is shorter than the cathedral train, extending up to 5 feet from your waist. It is one of the most versatile trains, and is suitable for both formal and semi-formal wedding ceremonies. It is easy to set up and will follow you easily once this is done. The chapel train looks best when the dress has a mermaid-inspired silhouette or an A-line skirt.
Court Train
The court train is slightly shorter than the chapel train, but longer than the sweep train. It is also suitable for both semi-formal and formal ceremonies, and is easier to manage without a lot of fuss.
Sweep Train
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This is the shortest of the trains, and extends to just a couple of inches beyond the hemline. This is suitable for almost any type of ceremony. It is ideal for an outdoor wedding ceremony, where it wouldn’t be a good idea to have a long train dragging through the ground. The sweep train is stylish, and it balances style and simplicity.
Royal Train
This is the longest and most dramatic of the trains. The royal train, also known as the monarch train, extends to almost 10 feet or more, from your waist. The train is often a masterpiece in itself, embellished and adorned with intricate details. The bride will usually require assistance with this train, and it is not easy to bustle.
When shopping for your wedding dress, don’t forget to take the train length into consideration when you make your final decision. The right length would ideally depend on whether your wedding is a black-tie ceremony or a casual affair, and whether it is to be indoors or outdoors.
Best for Bride features wedding dress collections with varying train lengths. Visit our online collection to find one that you like.
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