Friday, 4. September 2009 4:20
~by Nancy
When it comes to beauty, balance is key. It doesn’t matter if the person is dressing formally or casually; it doesn’t matter if the entire ensemble is deconstructed (unfinished edges for a high fashion look), second-hand clothes, or separate pieces; when it’s all put together with balance in mind, it will be beautiful. Applying this to a bride is no different. Using different aspects of the ensemble (gown, veil, jewelry, shoes) in a collaborative way will enhance the bride’s beauty, and bring focus to the most important part of the bride: herself.
Veils:
Unfortunately, veils are a dying breed. The blusher has lost it’s significance because of advances in our modern society. Since this tradition of a veiled face in an aisled walk has been diminished, so too has the veil itself. In fact, the trend lately has been to do away with veils altogether. This may be the result of the desire to simplify, but the veil has another important feature when it comes to fashion, and that is the significance of balance! The wedding gown itself is white and draws the eye without effort. However, the focus is upon the gown, and not the bride. Adding a veil can change this. With a veil, the eyes are brought up to the face because the face is framed in white as well as the body. The balance helps complete the picture.
Jewelry:
Sparkle needs balance, too! Again, the current fads and trends are to simplify, and this tends to equate no jewelry. Necklaces, like the veil, are dying out. Of course, it will depend upon the neckline of the gown, but considering a necklace with the bridal ensemble is a good idea.
Shoes:
One of the most agreed upon pieces of advice when it comes to the bridal clothes is to wear classic shoes. Fads will fade and trends will change, but a classic perspective will be timeless. Shoes should not be chosen based on casual, flippant, or convenient trends. The sound the shoes make (flip-flops?) can distract from the beauty of the wedding day –as can discomfort. Of course, if the shoe has some important significance (evoking memories, ties to the groom, etc.), choices increase. But choosing a classic, comfortable, and timeless shoe will complete the beauty of the bridal clothing and keep the photos of the day timeless. Nothing dates a picture more quickly than the fads of the time!
Rule of Art:
The best art is designed to keep the eye moving around; the beauty is found all over the piece of art, not just in one place. When the balance is there, the observer sees everything in movement –it is fluid. The eye does not fixate on one piece; the observer can see many perspectives. In the best works of art, this is what is shown: a balance of beauty. Photographers love veils (and trains!) for this reason; it gives the photos more dimensions to work with. When ensembles are stilted with one piece of beauty (a great gown), it is harder to create those timeless and beautiful photos.
Proportions:
Proportion is everything for balance. If there is a big, full dress, then have a big veil (flowing, long, etc.). If the gown is small and simple, then simplify the veil (head pieces, shorter length, etc). Facial features are the same. Larger ones equate larger jewelry. Smaller features equate smaller jewelry.
When the bridal ensemble comes together with balance in mind, the result is visually stunning. It creates a work of art that enhances the already present beauty of the bride. After all, this is the desired result –to showcase a beautiful bride upon her wedding day!
