Wedding Ideas | Bridal Inspiration | Style
When I was trying to put together my wedding day look, one of the biggest stumbling blocks I had was what to do with my hair. I didn't want a typical "bridal" hairstyle or a big poofy veil. It's just not me.
I toyed with the idea of going veil-less and briefly considered a long cathedral veil. Eventually, I decided to go with a birdcage veil by Tessa Kim that I accented with a glittery brooch I found in Macy's. The result was an old Hollywood kind of look that suited me much more than any of the options I saw in bridal stores.
If you haven't taken a peek in other places yet, you'll be shocked to see how many gorgeous options there are to fit anyone's personal style. I've selected a few extraordinary 
examples to get your imagination going. Hopefully one of them will lead you in the direction of something that is totally you.
If you are a lover of drama and funky statement pieces, you can totally incorporate that into your hair on your wedding day. There are plenty of big white and off-white pieces for you to choose from, but if you are looking to make a big impact, go for bold color! The grape comb shown here by Love Charlie is a great way to add a fun, unexpected punch to your look.
Another gorgeous choice is this crimson flower hair clip by Bethany Lorelle (below.) The pretty burst of color these choices provide allows you so show off your fun, funky personality without looking like you're in costume. With bold choices like these, it's best to go understated elsewhere so you don't have too many pieces competing for attention.
Too bold for you? If you're more of the whimsical, bohemian type there are endless possibilities for you as well. The nature-inspired branch comb by whichgoose (below) is a simple and pretty way to let your inner Earth momma shine. Great for outdoor weddings, it's understated and far from typical.
If you'd rather find an alternative way to incorporate a veil into your look, the '20s inspired headband (below) by Lo Boheme is a breathtaking way to do it. The subdued colors, the feathers and the Russian veiling work together to create a sweet and whimsical look that also manages to be totally unexpected.
The bold, textured hat by Jade Rose Designs (below) is a striking way to show off your inner rock star. Who says you can't wear black if that's what you like? It will stand in bold contrast to a white dress, letting everyone know that you are not all sweetness.
Whatever your style, there are infinite possibilities. Don't blindly go with the basics without hunting around for a hairpiece that is totally you.
Jennifer Garry is a writer and accessories designer living in Westchester, NY with her husband and daughter. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts, you can find her swimming in a pool of beads. Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughter's giggle--any of which can be used to coax her from her little jewelry-making fantasy world.
Calling All Hudson Valley Brides and Brides Everywhere...
Are you planning a wedding? Well, I'm about to admit something shocking...
I have no idea what you are thinking. Really. No idea whatsoever.
It's been a long time since I was a bride (almost 9 years!) and even though I work with couples getting married every day, I'm ashamed to admit that sometimes I need a reminder.
(FYI: The photos in this post are from my own Poughkeepsie wedding. Yes, I had to scan them in. Notice the romantic skeleton and super-imposed fire breathing ghost boy in the background? Perks of an October wedding and an amateur photographer.)
This is a HUGE problem. Why? Because I want to provide the information, ideas and inspiration brides planning a wedding in the Hudson Valley are truly looking for. That's why I need your help.
Will you do me a favor and answer these 3 questions by posting a comment below?
1. What is your biggest challenge when it comes to your wedding?
2. If you could have ONE question answered about your wedding, what would it be?
3. What information are you looking for about planning a wedding in the Hudson Valley New York area (or the specific area where you are planning your wedding) that you haven't been able to find?
I will do my very best to answer these questions here on Best Hudson Valley Wedding Ever to bring you the help you're looking for. I'll also enlist the resources of my growing pool of guest bloggers to dig deep and bring you the goods.
So what are you waiting for? Leave me a comment below with your answers to these questions. It will only take a minute or two. Just glance casually over your shoulder, make sure there are no snarky co-workers nearby, and type away.
Thanks for your help!
a big wedding as soon as he returns from Iraq. The wedding isn't really "real" yet, but we are already facing difficulties.
First, he lives in one state, his family in another, our family in a different state, and we live 17 hours from them all! AND my aunts and uncles, who all want to attend, live in my hometown, which are also miles away. Where are we going to have the wedding? We live in a state where snow is naturally part of the landscape and the wedding is scheduled for January. Not the greatest time of year to host out of town family and friends, especially when they live in a state where snow is unheard of, except on post cards!
Today, out of the clear blue, we thought of a small lodge we visited about a year ago that is about half way between our state and everyone else. We loved the lodge! It was small and quaint with a huge roaring fireplace in the lobby, which is where the ceremony would have to take place. They offer wedding packages that include a buffet, cake and punch, and nuts. They also have a huge Christmas tree in the lobby that is simply breath taking! It's the perfect solution for us!
Just yesterday, Jordin, my daughter decided on a theme. We have a family history of military men. My father fought in Vietnam, my grandfather in Germany, and my great-great grandfather in WWI. Titus, Jordin's fiancé, is in Iraq, his father was in the Air Force, and his grandfather was in the Navy. Also, my husband was in the Army. Jordin wants a vintage theme, so she has decided to go with a 1940's military theme.
She decided to wear my mother's wedding dress. My mom has given her the liberty to modify the dress, and she is going to remove the sleeves, which are long, and add a cap sleeve. Jordin has plans to add some of the beading and crystals from my wedding dress to the hemline, train, and sleeves of my mom's dress. Also, she will be incorporating a cameo pin that belonged to my grandma.
We are making a display board. Some brides use pictures of the bride and groom and while we will be displaying picture of Titus and Jordin, we are also going to honor our family. We are going to use pictures of our parents and grandparents in their military uniform. She also wants to find old pictures of WWII, like the famous soldier kissing a random girl from the streets on V-day.
We are decorating with military hats that belonged to our heros. We haven't quite decided on how we can use them, but we are thinking maybe on a display table.
The bridesmaid dresses are going to be unique. Jordin wants pencil skirts and jackets and from the 40's era. She has never liked or wanted the typical bridesmaid dress, and the pencil skirt could be worn anytime, anywhere. Her colors are red and black and plans on black dresses with white shirts and red roses. The guys will also be wearing black with red ties.
Titus will be wearing his uniform! And so will her father!
Another nice touch, that truly thrills my heart, is the fact that she wants to use my flowers from my bouquet. My husband and I celebrated 20 years of marriage and renewed our vows 2 years ago. I used the white roses from my original bouquet for our 2nd wedding. Now, my daughter will be using them in her bouquet. I hope to make it a tradition with all my daughters incorporating my roses some way in their wedding celebration. How exciting!
As time goes on, we will plan more, and share more as our wedding comes together.
Tammy Pleasant is a writer, mother who enjoys writing about marriage, romance, education, 
teens, family life, and anything about raising children. With over 12 years in the wedding business, she is now helping plan her daughter's wedding.
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