If you’re not the wedding veil wearing kind of bride, you still have so many lovely alternatives …

Feast your eyes upon these exquisite options from one of our favorite places to shop … Etsy! Here are three of my favorites–a spectacular rhinestone tiara, an adorable daisy chain headband with a bohemian feel, and a freshwater pearl headband. So feminine. So lovely.

What do you think of non-traditional headpieces?

Etsy designers: Rhinestone tiara via Myra Callan, Daisy crown & Freshwater pearl headband via Erica Elizabeth Koesler,

Strapless continue to reign as the preferred wedding dress but what are the options for brides who want to have a little more reserve at the ceremony or even keep the chill at bay as we head into the cooler months? Of course there are cute cardigans and stylish wraps …

And then there are wedding boleros. From delicate shrugs to a long-sleeved jacket-style, they certainly add an element of style to a dress. I asked cutting-edge dress designer, Amy-Jo Tatum of Bride Chic, to tell us a little bit about boleros and why a bride might want to consider wearing one.

What types of dresses are best to wear with a wedding bolero?
In my good opinion sheath silhouettes work best but then think about how grand and great A-lines and Ballgowns pair up with boleros. Also, the more minimalist the dress, generally the more ornate the bolero can be. Example: An allover lace bolero with a simple satin sheath. Likewise, the simpler the bolero, the more intricate the dress can be . . .

{above: Carolina Herrera with long sleeves and another with ostrich feathers source {right} Oscar de la Renta}

What types of dresses will never work?
Obviously ones with humongous or puffed sleeves. Wearing any sleeves with a bolero kinda defeats the whole idea.

Do you match material for material?
Sometimes. Other times a bolero is worn to add some texture or interest to the dress

Is the point to keep warm {even a little?} or are they a complete fashion statement?
Both. Boleros certainly can pull your whole look together. On the other hand, boleros are worn more and more this time of year and into the coming months to winterize a dress. They are also a great way for brides to go both sleeveless and with sleeves all in one day as, despite Kate Middleton’s defining dress, it is still hard to find a sleeved gown . . .  And then, some brides feel they need to be covered up in church but want to go bare armed and party hearty at the reception.

Amy Jo’s bolero designer pick …

“One of my favorite bolero designers on earth at this time is Yvonne Crotty who goes under the label of Bonzie.  She has perfected the bolero to go with just about any wedding dress or ensemble.  From her barely there little shrugs to bolero jackets, her Victoriana meets Steampunk look lends itself well to the high-waisted jacket as you’ll see.”

Thanks Amy! Great info for anyone considering wearing a wedding bolero! Personally, I LOVE them! Be sure to check out Amy Jo’s couture dresses–totally gorgeous, totally unique!!

Thoughts on wedding boleros … Why would you wear a wedding bolero? Make a fashion statement? Keep warm? Keep it modest for the ceremony?

The sheer beauty of the illusion neckline …  another wedding trend offering a nod to the past. Kate rocked a royal one. Audrey Hepburn rocked one at the Oscars. And of course, we’re seeing these lovelies pop up in wedding gowns for spring 2012. Why so popular? I think it’s because the sheer coverage around the neckline, shoulders and arms is sexy yet modest at the same time. And, no sliding like you’d have with a strapless dress. A perfect combination.

What do you think of illusion neckline gowns? Love them or leave them in the past?

{click to enlarge}

top: Kate & William via CBS, Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy at the Oscars via Life
bottom: {left} Marchesa {middle}Legends by Romona Keveza {top right} Pronovias.us {bottom right} Monique Lhullier

Welcome to Color Monday–the day devoted to the transforming power of color. For those who are missing Lindsay–our color expert–she’s busy making magic in design world but I promise that she’ll be back soon!

Affect the mood with the hues you choose! Take for instance the enduring fashion trend of color-blocking! Bold, beautiful colors in blocks. Are you a fan? Perhaps not too sure how to make it work for your wedding style … Let’s see this trend expressed in a few wedding stationery items …

Color Me Bold wedding invitation is every bit bold. Modern and fun, change the colors according to your wedding colors.

Bright blocks of color fun.

Cornflower Blue + Kiwi Green. Fun and lively, “True and Simple” Save the Date Magnet is such a fun design to personalize in exactly the colors you want. I changed the original to match the stiletto-

 Blocking for Fall.

Rich and rustic, yet completely vibrant–”Mexican Tiles” wedding invite offers a fresh take on a fall wedding.

So, are you a fan of color blocking?

images
top: “Color Me Bold” Tea-length Wedding Invitation, dress, table + pom pons
middle: ”True & Simple” Save the Date Magnet, shoes via Munaluchi Brides,  colors on wall
bottom:  dress, “Mexican Tiles” Tea-length Wedding Invitation, shoe + flowers,