2009 Spring Bridal Cool Cover-ups

Jackets, boleros, cardigans, capelets -- the designers were paying as much attention to the cover-up as the gown itself. Check out the structured satin-sleeved jackets, fur shrugs, and flowy beaded sheer capelets.

 

	<<<<< Strapless, lace gown with a matching jacket by Elizabeth Fillmore.
>>>>> Antique Duchesse satin, modified A-line gown with a pleated net and beaded bodice and a Duchesse satin bolero by Tara Keely.
	<<<<< Strapless, crepe back satin gown with a beaded bodice and a lace-lined coat accented with ostrich roses by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston.
>>>>> Strapless, polished silk tulle gown with an asymmetrically draped bodice and paired with a gathered tulle bolero embellished with pearls by Monique Lhuillier.
	<<<<< Duchesse satin gown with a sheer silk cape by Carmela Sutera.
>>>>> Strapless, A-line gown with ribbon at the midriff and a sheer shrug by Sassi Holford.
	<<<<< Silk satin and chiffon gown with sheer sleeves and a jeweled embellishment at the waist by Jenny Packham.
>>>>> Strapless gown with a modified trumpet skirt and an embroidered jacket by Monique Lhuillier.
	<<<<< Jackets are indeed a trend, but this avant-garde design from St. Pucchi makes for a one-of-a-kind couture cover-up. Fabric circles are tightly strung together to create a floppy, fashion-forward look. St. Pucchi
>>>>> Sheath with an Empire waist and a sheer, embroidered bolero by Mori Lee.

2009 Spring Bridal Bold Straps

Strapless gowns are taking a back seat. Whether it's tank straps, keyhole halters, beaded double straps, or off-the-shoulder looks, unique necklines are hot this season.

	<<<<< Silk taffeta ball gown with a sweetheart neckline by Jane Wang.
>>>>> A-line gown with beaded embellishments by Atelier Aimée.
	<<<<< Lace, modified A-line gown with an illusion corset bodice accented with jeweled ribbon by Pnina Tornai Exclusively for Kleinfeld.
>>>>> Blush, silk satin gown with an open back and an Alencon lace halter neckline over a draped, sweetheart neckline by Jim Hjelm.
	<<<<< Ivory, silk organza gown with an Alencon lace bodice, a softly scooped neckline, and delicate lace ruffle sleeves by Jim Hjelm.
>>>>> French ribbon lace gown with a trumpet skirt and a sheer neckline by Elizabeth Fillmore.
	<<<<< Mermaid-style gown with an organza layered bust and a jeweled neckline by Rivini.
>>>>> Point d'esprit, A-line gown with an Empire waist and a Watteau train by Christos.
	<<<<< Organza, A-line gown with a shirred bodice, tip-of-shoulder shirred straps, and beading at the waist by Christos.
>>>>> Ivory, cotton gown with Poiret rose lace accents and a beaded inset lined in platinum silk by Claire Pettibone.

History of Bridal Veils

Bridal veils have a rich and rumored history. They are believed to date back as far as the Roman Empire, where brides were covered with bright red and yellow wedding bridal veils to protect them from evil spirits that might whisk them away before entering the safe union with their husband. The fabric was meant to completely hide the beauty from the malicious intent of bad spirits.
	Headpieces have been used greatly in outdoor and beach weddings due to their simple and elegant feel. In Eastern Orthodox weddings, a decorative crowning is placed on both the bride's and the groom's head. Then, the headpieces are blessed and exchanged three times. After this ceremonial exchange, the couple is pronounced married. Bridal headpieces and veils are also traditional in Finnish weddings. After the union ceremony, there is a dance where the bride places her headpiece or wedding veil on one of the bridesmaids. Like the Western tradition of throwing the bouquet, this Finnish practice means that the designated bridesmaid will be the next to marry.
Some say that the tradition of donning wedding bridal veils dates back to the Bible. In the story of Jacob in the Old Testament (found in the Book of Genesis), his father-in-law, Laban, tricks Jacob into marring the wrong women. Because of the heavily masked veil that was not raised until after the union was complete, Jacob married the older and homelier Leah instead of the young and beautiful Rachel. Rachel was his one true love, and the deceit resulted in Jacob eventually having both as his wives. The story also resulted in the Jewish practice where a groom lowers the veil before the ceremony and lifts the veil before the kiss. This practice is known as Bedeken.