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"I Do"
Veils - So Can You!: A Step-By-Step Guide to Making Bridal Headpieces,
Hats, and Veils With Professional Results (Paperback)
Amazon.com
Anyone who's ever gone shopping for wedding clothing
knows how startlingly pricey veils are. With even the simplest
bridal headpieces taking a hefty bite of the wedding budget, it
only makes sense to make it yourself if possible. Fortunately,
with the help of "I Do" Veils and the wonderful (and
inexpensive) lace, veiling, silk flowers and pearls that are widely
available, it can be a fun project and not an arduous task. There
are tips for selecting the right headpiece style for your face,
figure and dress (whether it's a simple barrette with bow or an
ornate tiara with cathedral-length veil) ; illustrations to help
you decide how elaborate you want your hat, veil, comb or clip
to be; and hundreds of embellishment techniques involving nothing
more complicated than a hot glue gun. The directions are easy
to follow, and for those who don't have a good bridal section
in their local fabric and notions store, the list of wholesale
and retail mail-order suppliers will be invaluable.
From Library Journal
Certainly if information on medieval European costume is sparse,
there is even less on bridal millinery. Despite the cutesy title,
this is a well-organized, practical manual that anyone making
bridal headpieces will want to have at hand. Lynch makes extensive
use of line drawings (more than 500) to guide the reader through
every step in constructing veils, tiaras, wreaths, crowns, hats,
headbands, Juliet Caps, and other bridal finery. An annotated
wholesale and retail resource guide and information on care and
preservation of the finished headpiece add greatly to the value
of the book. Both public libraries and costume collections will
want this work.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review: Great for beginners & more experienced
Excellent instructions on making a variety of veils. Whether you're
an experienced sewer or a newbie, you'll be able to follow this
book & save a bundle o' money.
Review: Thanks to this book, I can
truly say "I Do" Veils"!
I've had this book for quite a while now, and used it to make
beautiful veils for two nieces and three of my daughter's friends.
Since it first came out when headpieces and veils were more elaborate
than they are today, you can find the directions for just about
any headpiece and trimming there is. The illustrations and directions
are very clear, and you can always simplify the ideas to make
the plainer veils that brides like now. By the way, the last one
I made cost just $18.00 to make, so the bride saved over $100.00!
Review: Your Bridal Headpiece
I purchased this book in it's present form in 1997 .This book
will show you the basics of how to make several kinds of headpieces.
It also tells you what tools and suppplies you will need, and
also has a supplier list. I''m hoping to build a business based
on applying the information in this book. If you have even a casual
interest in making a headpiece or viel, this is well worth the
money. Also, I believe the principles could be used to construct
different kinds of headpieces, such as a crown for a beauty pageant.
Review: Saves a small fortune
A bridal shop owner told me that my headpiece/veil creation would
have cost $400 retail...I spent about $40 using the book's excellent
instructions. I would have rated it 5 stars if there had been
an ideas section for finished headpieces and veils.
Review: excellent step by step directions
I had put off buying this book for some time and boy am I sorry!
The directions are wonderful, the illustrations are excellent.
There are so many tricks and tips that I never thought of! My
only disappointment was there were no color photographs, just
illustrations. All in all, a wonderful tool!
Review: Great book to start with if
you have no idea of how-to
The book covers almost all different kinds of "head decoration"
styles. And it's great to show how to do it if you have no idea
where to start! Of course, practice makes perfect!
Review: If you don't know what you
want, it's ALL here!
WOW, this book is an amazing overview with step by step instructions
on every kind of headpiece available. It definately gets you off
to a great start, tells you all the materials you need to do it,
and do it right!
Review: Easy to read and bolsters
your confidence
The illustrations are very clear and make improvisation possible.
This book helped me save hundreds of dollars on my own veil -
without anyone guessing that I made it myself! With very little
sewing background, I owe it all to the book.
The Perfect Wedding (Hardcover)
From Library Journal
Wedding planners are a perennial for public libraries, which should
buy new ones periodically to keep up with current trends. Two
of these three would be good choices if your copy of Martha Stewart's
Weddings (Crown, 1987) is wearing out. Both Weddings and The Perfect
Wedding present the requisite gorgeous photos, planning timetable,
and suggestions for choosing and working with florists, caterers,
and the rest of the myriad support services these events entail.
McBride-Mellinger (The Wedding Dress, Random, 1993) takes a slightly
more traditional stance, while Clark (Wedding Memories, Wilshire,
1990) shows what can be done with Western, nautical, Victorian,
or Renaissance themes, in addition to the more traditional weddings.
McBride-Mellinger's book is somewhat easier to use for actual
planning, while Clark's is more of a wishbook for style. McBride-Mellinger's
resource directory is particularly well done. Costa, who has written
for Redbook and Working Woman, looks at the traditional weddings
of China, Japan, and Korea and also offers suggestions for blending
these customs with Occidental styles. Menus and recipes are included,
along with an excellent resource list for supplies and for further
information. All three titles will be useful to public libraries,
and Costa's is very highly recommended for those serving Asian
American populations.?Susan B. Hagloch, Tuscarawas Cty. P.L.,
New Philadelphia, Ohio
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
Maria McBride-Mellinger is leading expert on weddings. She was
fashion editor for Bride's magazine for five years. She is the
author of The Wedding Dress (Random House 1993) and Bridal Flowers
(Bulfinch Press 1992). She is contributing editor to Bride's and
a frequent contributor to other national magazines.
Review: Inspiring yet practical
If you need help and inspiration in planning your wedding there's
no better guide than Maria McBride Mellinger. Of all Maria's books,
The Perfect Wedding is still the one to buy for everything you
need to know to plan and bring off a wonderful day. Don't bother
with anything else. The Perfect Wedding Reception (also by Maria)
is good but too much of it is already covered better and in more
depth in The Perfect Wedding. I used several books to plan my
own wedding (and my sister's) and kept coming back to this one
for Maria's inspiring yet practical ideas. I especially love her
bouquet ideas.
Review: Truly Enjoyable Book
A good "getting started" book for those who just got
engaged. Creative ideas for modern weddings - table settings,
room decorations, floral arrangements, wedding favors, and more.
Exquisite still photography helps to inspire --- And, if you liked
any of the ideas in the book, she has a good-sized Resources section
at the back of the book. There, you can find the necessary contacts
in order to replicate some of the ideas for your own wedding.
Review: Classy
Very classy & sophisticated decoration ideas for those who
have money to spend; however, ideas can be adapted to your style
and budget; sharp still photography; useful book that walks you
through the finer points of planning a wedding - from the engagement
all the way to the wedding favors.
Review: Lovely to look at while
dreaming of your wedding, but...
If you recently became engaged and delicate visions of blossoms,
lace and bubbling champagne are as yet unhindered by the actual
planning process, then this would be a very nice idea book for
you. It would be a much appreciated gift for a newly engaged friend.
I consider it a beautifully bound magazine without the annoying
ads and pull-out tabs. The advice given on flowers, caterers and
musicians is not much more substantial than what you'd find on
the newstand, but the difference lies in the quality of the photographs.
The photographs are truly stunning - each are
infused with incredible light. The most useful, I found to be
those of flower arrangements. This can be used as a partial reference
when going to the florist. I also enjoyed some of the decorating
ideas for table settings. But remember, it's not extensive. As
mentioned by another reviewer, the resource section might not
list vendors in your area, and there are no website addresses.
If you want an equally, if not more eye-catching
bridal volume with more detailed advice, try The Best of Martha
Stewart Living : Weddings.
Review: Great foundation for planning
This book is beautifully done. Some of the photos and ideas are
definitely high-end (as other reviewers have noted), but the book
also gives very practical advice about what kinds of questions
to ask yourself and businesses as you plan your wedding. (You
can adapt their ideas to your own budget.) Information is given
on everything from engagement rings, to floral arrangements, to
types of receptions. This book is most helpful if you're at the
beginning of the planning process.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed
this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found some of the ideas in
it very useful. I liked the suggestions for gifts for the bridesmaids
as well as wedding favours for the guests. I was disapointed that
a large section of the book was used to give the addresses of
various wedding vendors as I live in South Africa and am unable
to utilise them.
Vera Wang On Weddings (Hardcover)
From Publishers Weekly
For many a bride-to-be, "gown by Vera Wang" conjures
an image of style and luxury and above all a feeling of elegance.
Vera Wang on Weddings is an examination and explanation of the
whole event. from proposal to honeymoon, full of advice and anecdotes.
The designer and former Vogue editor says that even though the
tradition is centuries old, each wedding is an individual event
shaped by those involved, and anything is possible today. Her
gowns and design ideas are splendidly displayed in Paolo Roversi's
photography, and the photos from her own and other weddings add
to the luxurious, intimate feeling of the book. Foreword by Anna
Book Description
The world's most successful bridal gown designer shares
her vision for this most important event -- the wedding. Rather
than a soup-to-nuts approach with endless lists of what to do,
Vera Wang details each aspect of the wedding with her thoughts
and ideas, culled from years of experience in the wedding business.
From budgets and bouquets to cake and communication,
Vera imparts her wisdom and advice. All the traditional parts
of planning a wedding -- invitations, registries, and music --
are included, but what sets this book apart from all the others
are the little things she pays attention to. The First Dance.
The Bride Who Wears Glasses. Fittings (and weight fluctuations!).
The Garter (“Do I Have to Do That?”)
A wedding book by Vera Wang wouldn't be complete
without detail on the bride's gown. She explains how to select
the right neckline, construction, length, bodice, and waistline
for each bride's figure. What fabrics are appropriate for certain
times of day. How to choose among a veil, headband, flower blossoms
or bows for a headpiece. All of this is accompanied by hundreds
of photographs that illustrate Vera's vision.
Review: Makes Itself Helpful By Presenting Each Aspect
Of A Successful Wedding In Minimalistic Sections.
This book became the Bible of a certain bride I knew when she
was getting married in a VERY big service and I was one of her
friends involved early on in much of the planning. We had about
three other mass market wedding books as well as a hired advisor/planner
but those were quickly cast aside in favor of this one. Soon more
faith was placed in this book than in tomorrow's sunrise. "What's
Vera say about..." became the catch-phrase of the season.
Vera Wang and her staff not only create beautiful
wedding dresses, but they know the occasion of wedding from A
to Z. Fair warning, this book does pre-suppose that some serious
money is going to be invested in the service and reception, but
for those who are planning a once in a lifetime event they want
special in every way, I know of no other source I'd put more faith
in than this. Everything is compartmentalized and arranged so
that the important aspects merit more attention than those that
can simply wait till later. I also liked the "take it easy,
things will be all right" message that kept popping up almost
subliminally in the little reassurances that were scattered about.
Those were really appreciated by those of us who were dealing
with a perpetually freaked out bride, and in a few cases, made
a real difference.
I'm in favor of something more minimalist when
it comes to weddings, but for those who want an elaborate service
and don't mind spending a lot of money to get it, then this is
a book that prove worthwhile more times than you'll be able to
count.
Review: Elegant Fabulousness
Beautifully presented... a wonderful showcase of blissfully simple
yet incredibly elegant gowns... also features glimpses into fabulous
famous brides & their weddings.... very inspirational &
truly lovely ....
Review: A beautiful coffee-table
style book with some helpful info.
As other reviewers have said, this is a gorgeous book. It's very
oversized--larger even than most coffee-table style books--and
has lovely pictures throughout which cover every aspect of wedding
celebrations. Included, of course, are many samples of Wang's
own work as a bridal gown designer as well as photos from her
own wedding. As a wedding planner, however, this book is less
useful. Although Wang does include her own commentary, some of
which is interesting and helpful, there really isn't enough information
for the book to be used as comprehensive planner. Furthermore,
the organization of the book is somewhat confusing, as it does
not follow a typical wedding planning chronology. Despite these
issues, brides-to-be and others are likelyto enjoy this book,
if only to "look at the pictures."
Review: Very lovely it is, but
not very useful
This book is a beautiful piece of publicity for Vera Wang but
the scope of content is rather myopic. I enjoyed seeing the brides
Vera Wang has dressed, but was pretty disappointed with the amount
of actual content for those planning a wedding. The book as a
graphic piece is exciting and wonderful; the use of overlays is
ethereal. But if one is trying to get to the details of wedding
planning in anything but a very formal city affair, one should
seek a different resource. The guidelines are far too sparse in
this one.
Review: Not only astonishingly
beautiful, but astonishingly useful
Fashion mavens know Vera Wang as the designer behind the wedding
gowns of such famous folk as Karenna Gore, Sharon Stone, Kristi
Yamaguchi, and more--and VOGUE readers throughout the 1980s and
early 1990s remember that she served on the editorial staff there.
But those who consider Wang to be little more than a dress designer--however
talented a dress designer she may be--will be not only pleasantly
surprised, but astonished at Wang's accomplishment in the form
of this book. "Vera Wang on Weddings" just may be the
only wedding book any bride will ever need. Clocking in at nearly
300 pages and a hefty 10" by 13.5", this is a substantive
book not only in size and weight, but in information as well.
Expecting Wang to help you out on choosing a gown? She doesn't
stop there. She gives you the benefit of her vast wedding experience
on topics ranging from choosing engagement and wedding bands to
coordinating flowers with other decorative elements at the wedding
and reception to wedding cakes to music to the formality inherent
in wedding ceremonies held at different times of day and in different
types of venues. Her expertise is enormous and detailed, but she
doesn't pelt you to death with bits of information--the lay-out
is such that it's easy to pick and choose what you want to learn
more about without being deluged with other information.
There is information here that I've never seen
in another "bride guide." Sure, it's easy enough to
find out all the different veil lengths if you want--ranging from
fingertip to cathedral to royal and every length in between--but
what other book shows you, in detail, the twenty-six (twenty-six!)
different types of necklines? Or the twenty-three different types
of sleeves? What other book takes into account different personal
styles in such a clear-eyed manner (asking the reader if she is
a modernist, a minimalist, a traditionalist, and so forth)? Wang
covers second-time brides, pregnant brides, military weddings,
and even gives every bride permission to relax no matter what
her age or any other status: "White is always appropriate."
And so it is.
The book couldn't be handsomer. Harper Collins
did Wang proud by having art and design director Bridget de Socio
in charge of the book. It's clear that an enormous amount of thought
and effort went into making "Vera Wang on Weddings"
not only useful--first and foremost--but a feast for the eyes
as well. The paper is heavy and creamy--subtly echoing perhaps
the duchesse satin of a bridal gown--interspersed with occasional
sheer pages. The sheer pages feature lovely photographs of all
kinds of different items, from slender kid leather gloves to sparkling
rings to butterflies and rose petals. Through these photographs,
you then see the next page of regular paper. The effect is transforming,
and subtly echoes the manner in which a sheer bridal veil helps
put into motion the age-old metamorphosis from woman to bride.
Review: Delicious
Vera Wang presents weddings that make you want to find YOUR GUY
right away. If you are already married, it may fill you with regrets.
The layout is large and inspiring. In terms of details, you will
be happy. I do agree about using the vows and song in Ken Agori's
novel (carried by Amazon). I understand a CD is available and
Celine may record it...Vera will make you a romantic, even if
you're cynical
Review: As Luxurious and Elegant
as Her Designs
This book breathes Vera Wang. The team that assembled this clearly
understood her design philosophy: deceptively simple, clean lines,
creative craftsmanship and of course, finest quality. The book
has a large format, about 10" x 14", that showcases
the glorious photos wonderfully well. It has the feel of a chic,
glossy, fashion catalogue with much more of an artistic edge.
For example, throughout the book, there are a few translucent
vellum sheets with images of jewels, crystal goblets, or lace
veils printed upon them that are beautifully superimposed over
images on the following page. Very nice effect that is done occasionally
on wedding invitations or programs.
Vera Wang covers not only fashion, but all aspects of wedding
planning in nicely formatted, concise text that does not compete
with the collages and full-page spreads that are an elegant visual
testimony to her own wedding celebration as well as those of celebrities,
royals and socialites. There are several familiar photographs
of her gowns which were used in ads, but the layout of the book
makes them feel larger than life. You can almost feel the buttery
satin of an ivory gown and almost see the changing glitter of
a crystal beaded bodice in the light. Her appendix includes thumbnail
sketches of necklines, sleeves, skirt shapes and veils. She also
includes a very practical page on tipping!
In my own planning process, this was my favorite
"inspiration" book. Even if you're not getting married,
looking at this book is a pleasurable experience from the great
cathedral aisles to the lusciously decorated cakes. Actually,
this is probably the least expensive way to immerse yourself in
Vera Wang style!
Review: Complete, but for the
vows and music...
check out Katherine's wedding scene in Defenders of the Holy Grail
(skip the rest of that novel if you want). Really, Wang's book
is very thorough and will help you, although it's a bit pricey....
Review: For those who expect
the best
This book is a must have for those who enjoy weddings and the
celebration that surrounds them. Ms. Wang not only provides a
detailed description of the perfect wedding but also shares her
insight on receptions, invitations, guest lists, flowers and bridal
jewelry. The second half of the book is devoted to the construction
of wedding finery and gives the reader a glimpse into the House
of Vera Wang.
Review: Lavish, Elegant, Stylish,
Wonderful
This is a gorgeous book for anyone who is getting married. Naturally
I was most interested to read what Vera Wang had to say on the
subject of wedding gowns - and I wasn't disappointed. Every element
of the gown is broken down and discussed, plus the section at
the very back of the book is an invaluable resource. The photographs
are exquisite.
Review: Lush Design-Solid Content
Vera Wang on Weddings is as sumptuous and refined as the designer's
dresses. From the sheer white vellum page overlays to the beautiful
photographs of flower girls--including her own two adorable daughters--along
with reception sites featuring shimmering pools filled with floating
candles and flowers, majestic cathedrals, and of course dress
after amazing dress, this a design lover's book.
Wang shares her lifelong love of fashion and her personal experience
as a bride, but she is not self-indulgent. The focus is on the
splendor of brides and weddings in general. Apart from the lush
pictures of her clients' weddings, there is an illustrated glossary
of dress terms, and Wang offers straightforward opinions on which
silhouettes flatter which figure.
Although the book addresses everything from grooms' cakes to the
cocktail hour to the morning after brunch, in terms of wedding
planning it is mainly an inspiration book that provides a general
overview with timeless advice. While it is an excellent fashion
resource, some brides may find Martha Stewart's Best of Weddings
highlights a wider range of reception ideas--especially for less
formal weddings--with more detailed planning tips.
Review
What a fitting tribute to a classic American designer. Vera Wang
has forever changed the way we see our brides with her elegant
and graceful designs. It's wonderful to see that someone still
believes in the glamour and whimsey that accompanies, what for
many people, is the most beautiful expression of love. The photography
is a marvel and the cover is surely bound to turn heads. It begs
the question of who is the woman under the veil and leads to this
next: Who took the cover photo? I was saddened to not find the
credit for this extraordinary photo and feel that someone should
get credit for this wonderful piece of art. All in all this will
grace many coffee tables of the would be, soon to be and already
betrothed of this land. A beautiful addition to anyone's collection,
that triumphantly speaks to the magic of a wedding.
Review: breathtaking
This book belongs in your collection if you love beautiful things.The
design of the book gets a 10.Put it on your coffee table it certainly
does not belong in a book case it needs to be enjoyed and experienced.Vera
capures the very essence of what a wedding, is the fairytale without
the tackiness.the photograpers seem to capture the heart and soul
of all the couples featured.There is a section at the back that
features her garments-beautifully shown in black and white-they
are art forms on their own.Buy it for someone this christmas and
see how they respond(they will love you)
Review: Vera Wang has outdone
herself again and again...
As an event designer, Ms. Wang's book is the most thorough, simple
and elegant book I have ever read pertaining to the topic of weddings.
She has covered all the important topics that every bride is curious
to know. I enjoyed reading every page and admired every picture.
The book was so good that I'd finished it in one sitting. Since
then, I'm still admiring the book and have re-read all the topics
5 times. She is an amazing designer to say the least. Ms. Wang
is no doubt the leader in the wedding gown design industry. A
must have for every bride-to-be to read and enjoy before her wedding
day. Everything about the book is elegant and chic, just like
the clothes she designs. Ms. Wang, you are uncomparable!!!
The Wedding Dress (Hardcover)
Review: Beautiful Quotes
The book has various photos of gowns dating back in history and
until now, some photos are more wedding snapshots. It has a little
bit of history behind the wedding dress and what i found the most
exciting was that on every second page was quotations about celebrating
love and marriage. I found the quotations more interesting than
the photos themselves.
The Knot Book of Wedding Gowns [BARGAIN PRICE]
Book Description
What's the real difference between an $800 gown and an
$8000 gown? Is Dupioni better than Duchesse? When do you need
a crinoline, and what is a crumb catcher? From the creator of
the #1 online wedding resource, The Knot Book of Wedding Gowns
provides the answers to these questions and thousands more. The
perfect gift for a bride-to-be, this lavishly illustrated book--more
than 250 color photographs and illustrations--tells her everything
she needs to know about the single most expensive and important
piece of clothing she will ever own. The only fully comprehensive
book on the subject, The Knot Book of Wedding Gowns dissects the
construction of the dress; profiles the numerous styles; defines
and illustrates hundreds of varieties of fabrics, laces, embellishments,
and accessories; and provides straightforward counsel on which
cuts work best with which fabrics, and what styles look best on
which body types. In addition, informative sections explain how
and where to search for a dress, how to pull everything together
to achieve the perfect look, and how to care for the masterpiece
when the wedding is over. Fascinating bits of history throughout
unveil the traditions and significance of this most important
piece of clothing.
Review: Just ok.
The book is okay for casual browsing but it not imformative
enough to use as a reference guide. I would have liked to have
seen more discussion of various styles and types of gowns for
various ceremony settings, body types, time of year, etc. Not
to mention, the dresses used as examples are not very current
or fashion forward; they appear rather dated. And the use of mannequins
to display the gowns rather than actual models I found to be very
cold and impersonal. It is rather boring to read and gives more
a broad history lesson of wedding gowns than something an actual
bride can use to assist her in her gown search.
Review: Great for
learning the basics
As someone who didn't know anything about wedding dresses, I really
loved this book. It describes all of the basics -- dress silhouettes,
bodices, skirt shapes, fabrics, etc., including illustrations
-- and discusses which types look best on different body shapes.
It also explains the different types of fabrics, details, and
train lengths. I am sure that this knowledge will be really helpful
to me when I go dress shopping. The bridal shops have so many
types of dresses, that it is nice to be able to narrow down my
choices a little beforehand.
Review: Alright
I guess...
This book was okay, I would suggest reading through it in a bookstore.
No need to spend the money.
Review: best book
I've seen
Great pictures and good explanations of how to shop for and what
to look for in a gown. It helps you understand why they cost so
much!
Bridal Gowns: How to Make the Wedding
Dress of Your Dreams (Paperback)
Review: A Good Guide, But Know How to Sew
I was toying with the idea of making my own dress and bought this
book. The author is very knowledgeable and the text is well-written.
However, if you are a novice you do not want to ACTUALLY attempt
a dress without either a.)guidance, or b.)other books to walk
you through. This is written for those who truly understand patterns
and sewing. However, if you don't sew it is a great book to understand
what things you should be looking for if you are having it made
by a dressmaker, and the types of fabric/necklines/veils, etc.
If you're expecting a step-by-step this is not the book for you.
Review: Wonderful!
Well written, clearly illustrated, great on all the details. Obviously
written by a pro who is very creative! Highly recommended even
if you don't plan to sew your own--you will get lots of ideas
to have the perfect dress made for your special day!
Review: New to the
Game
This book seems to be very helpful. It is very detailed about
the different types of fabrics to be used with suggestions of
ease for each material. The section on lace is also very good.
The section on headpieces is rather scimpy, though. I only wish
that there were more color pictures of actual gowns (there are
two), lace, and headpieces. Overall, this book gives you the confidence
to go out and actually design your own dress and then to make
it. (I'll update my review if I have gone over my head.)
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