Fourteenth: The Vintage Wedding Veil
I find every aspect of my job to be extremely satisfying. Put a vintage headpiece and veil in my hands, and satisfying becomes exhilarating! This month’s blog gives hope for that bridal headpiece and veil found in an old dusty box.
Many brides come to me with questions about the possibility of using a vintage headpiece. Some have experienced the loss of their mother or grandmother, and others simply love the family history behind the vintage wedding veil and headpiece.
1978 Vintage Bridal Headpiece and Veil
Jessica McDonnell came to Headpiece.com with hopes that she could transform her mom’s 1978 bridal headpiece into something delicate to wear on her wedding day. Jessica lost her mom the year before her wedding. She found her mom’s headpiece and veil in a garment bag in the basement in good condition and considers her find “a slight miracle.”
Jessica’s mom, Linda, pictured with her mother, Rose, on January 21, 1978
Jessica felt her mother’s veil was timeless and wanted me to detach it from the original headpiece for her to wear on her wedding day. Bridal veils don’t usually survive the wedding day unscathed. Often I find holes and stains once I begin the deconstruction process. Jessica’s veil had some issues, but nothing that I couldn’t tackle.
“As soon as I saw the lace on the headpiece, I knew that I could create something delicate and beautiful. Jessica relied on my expertise in the area of vintage restoration and was open to ideas on the new design.”
I suggested making a delicate back piece using some of the lace from her mom’s headpiece. Jessica gave me a bit of artistic freedom to add touches of freshwater pearl and Swarovski bling. I love it when my brides find trust in me and my work. As a designer, there is no greater compliment than trust!
Wedding Photography by Gabelli Studio
“As soon as my veil went on, I felt a rush of emotions. Seeing myself in the veil made it all seem “real,” and I felt like a bride. Wearing my mom’s bridal veil was very special, and I am grateful I was able to incorporate her memory into my day.”
“I told some of my family and friends, before the wedding, that I was having my mom’s veil redesigned and on my wedding day they were very moved by it.”
I loved this photo and asked Jessica about the story behind it. She said this photo was taken of her and her Aunt Barbara just after Barbara asked if it was her mom’s veil. As I always say—-Headpiece.com designs are “a love story!”
1984 Vintage Wedding Gown
Alexandria Achille had something a bit more involved in mind when deciding to design a custom veil with a fashionable flair that also embodied her mother’s 1984 wedding style. Alexandria found Headpiece.com on The Knot. “Headpiece.com was the only place that specializes in custom veils, and their reviews were wonderful!” said Alex.
Lorraine Achille’s bridal gown was typical for eighties wedding fashion—high neck, slipper satin, and lace applique. Her cascading bouquet was also on point with the times. Both high necks and cascading bouquets are making a reappearance in the cycle of fashion.
Lorraine Achille with her dad on September 23, 1984
“My mother always told stories of how her wedding dress was custom made just for her. My grandmother and mom created the dress together, and it was such a special experience for them. I wanted to honor my mother and create something beautiful together as she did with her mother.”
“My mom is such a special person in my life, and I adore her. She made me into the woman I am today. I remember as a little girl looking through my parent’s wedding album, and I always loved my mother’s wedding dress. I wanted my own wedding gown but wanted to honor my mother in another way.”
Many brides don’t recognize the amount of work that is involved in designing from vintage garments and accessories. Some even feel that it will be cost saving. It is quite the opposite. It takes much time to deconstruct a vintage garment and prepare it for the beginning of the design process. Often repairs or slight cleaning are also needed before we even begin design.
Scrupulous attention is given to lace removal so as not to damage the lace or garment.
We meticulously choose the lace appliques in the best condition.
Careful measuring is required for lace placement on our Anna style veil before the tedious hours of hand-sewing begin.
Wedding Photography by Marcelo Valente
“The final design was absolutely gorgeous! Marie took everything into account and made sure my veil had the proper overhang so you could see the lace. Marie is so talented and exceeded all my expectations. She truly takes her time with you and treats you like you are her own daughter. I can’t thank her enough for creating this piece of art for me!”
1988 Vintage Bridal Veil
When Lauren Walicky came in for her consultation, she wished to create a headpiece using her mom’s and then simply wear the bottom cathedral tier of her vintage veil. Her mom’s headpiece and veil were never preserved, and the headpiece was originally made using glue. Trying to salvage parts of a glued vintage headpiece is often futile.
Daniel and Marisa Walicky, May 15, 1988
Lauren showed me the photo below where she had tried on the cathedral veil with her gown. The Swarovski AB crystal and pearl clusters were beautiful on Marisa's 1988 veil. I immediately recognized its potential if we were to redesign the veil using a more current veil style. If left untouched, the width and volume on the original veil would speak 1988 styling for sure as Lauren walked down the aisle. Lauren decided to go with my suggestion.
“The final product was beyond what I had imagined. I couldn’t believe this was my mom’s veil!”
BEFORE: Notice the full width of the veil and pouffy volume at the comb.
AFTER: Our Bregine style veil drapes beautifully with a sheer result and little volume at the comb so you can see the hairstyle.
Sharing wedding day memories from long ago was a perfect way to start the morning with the bridal party.
Lauren found her wedding accessories, jewelry, and bridesmaids gifts at Headpiece.com.
Lauren requested our new wedding day services and that I be on site to place her accessories and help with styling.
“Wearing it on my wedding day was more emotional than I thought it would be. I didn’t let my mom see the final veil until Marie placed it on me. The look in my mom’s eyes was something I can’t even explain. My dad and I did a first look and the expression on his face seeing his firstborn wearing the same veil his wife did over 30 years ago, brought me to tears.”
Wedding Photography by Majestic Creative
