BAGS IN BLOOM

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Photos courtesy Vogue Italy

Aka kissing balls, some of these bags in bloom look like small and rounded bouquets; others take on the shape of a handbag or clutch. Kissing balls and bloom bags are an alternative to baskets of flowers or the scattering of rose petals. Many churches and venues have banned the dropping of petals due to liability issues as well as carpets getting stained.
Kissing Balls can be carried up the aisle then hung from the ceiling, a chandelier or placed in a vase come reception time. During the holidays, mistletoe can be added for a festive touch. Typically a florist can concoct a pomander or purse of real flowers depending what is in season. Craftspeople though are introducing some creative alternatives on the real thing, adding anything from berries to feathers, plumes, pine cones and jewels. To check out some real off the charts kissing ball chic, follow the links to these Etsy sellers:


Pretty Things
Blissful Moments

Vintage Champagne

Divine Lioness

Timeless Florals

Lovely Gifts

TREND 2010: THE DROP VEIL

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Hot look for 2010: the drop veil. Add to that the exquisite hair-bling underneath it all and you've got one stunner look going. . . Yes, drop veils are exactly as you see here, actually dropped onto the head in a single layer of tulle or lace, sometimes bordered with lace or ribbon. Generally, more ornamental gowns look best with simple veils, like one layer of tulle whereas all over lace veils or ones edged with wide borders require a simple gown with little adornment. Your dress might have some exquisite back details you want to show off. If this is the case select a try a layer of tulle like that shown in the images here— in a dropped style that doesn’t fall in creases and folds across your back. Tulle is the best fabric for this; it’s transparent enough without being so opaque to fog detail.