We chat to Lani Butler, owner of Lady Marmalaide about the ultimate bridal accessory.

• Wearing a veil depends on your wedding gown. The more elaborate the gown, the less likely you should wear a veil. It also needs to suit your personality so don’t be forced into wearing a veil because your grandmother or mother wore one.
• If you choose a simple wedding gown, your veil can have a little detail on it such as glass beads, fake feathers, crystals or ribbon edging. Remember less is more – you don’t want to look like a Christmas decoration!
• Soft lace veils are very popular but shouldn’t be worn if your gown is very detailed as the overall effect will look over the top.
• The birdcage veil is extremely popular and perfectly suited to a vintage look. In Europe brides are even choosing netting in a different colour. Fascinator-style net veiling attached to a hair accessory is also a big trend right now.
• You have an option of one or two-tier veils. Most classical brides opt for the two-tier veil as it’s fuller and will frame your face. The one-tier veil is a beautiful choice if you want to focus on your hair as it can be placed further back on your head.
• Don’t choose a veil that ends right where your bodice begins as this will cut you in half. If you have a shapely waistline, don’t choose a veil that ends at the waistline – you want to show it off!
• With the 2011 focus on the back of the wedding gown, consider not wearing a veil as this will hide the gorgeous detail of the back.
• A veil should finish the look of a wedding gown and not detract from it – remember you will take your veil off after the ceremony. Focus on your dress and then decide if you need a veil.

Cape Town brides will delight in the new Lady Marmalaide Cavendish Studio on Warwick Street in Claremont. Call the head office on 011 467 7457 or see ladymarmalaide.co.za for more details.