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Style Journal

How to Host a Wedding at Home

Whether it's a small gathering on your stoop, a celebration in the back yard or a brunch for family and closest friends, a wedding at home is a popular choice for 2021 brides and grooms. Here we bring you our favorite ideas for settings, food, decorations and weddings outfits to make your day memorable, no matter the size. 

Set The Scene With Flowers

Set the scene for an outdoor ceremony with an abundance of your favorite flowers. A fabulous floral installation will instantly create a sense of occasion and delineate an every-day spot like your stoop, front door or backyard into a magical backdrop and focal point for a wedding ceremony and photos.  And if you don't have a natural frame like stairs or door lintel for your flowers, you can easily decorate a portable archway available online and at many hardware stores.

How to Host and Stoop Wedding How to Host an Outdoor Micro Wedding Elaine Welteroth Stoop Wedding at HomeHow to Host an Outdoor Micro Wedding

Choose an Outdoor-Appropriate Headpiece

Weddings at home are often a less formal affair but that doesn't mean you have to skimp on a special look. Instead choose accessories that are unique, special and add to the sense of occasion but are still comfortable and manageable to wear. 

For an outdoor wedding echo the romance of your natural surroundings with a headpiece showcasing flowers and petals (we love anything with a vintage silk flower). Outdoor brides might like to consider the elements and opt for a headband, headpiece or short, neat blusher veil that won't be affected by the wind.

       
Headpieces by Genevieve Rose Atelier
Top Row: Willa Veil; Serefina Headband; Alix Veil
Bottom Row: Zinadina Headpiece; Flavia Headband; Dauphine Tiara

 

Make the Most of Your Surroundings

Make a feature of your natural surroundings by decorating the natural focal points around you. If you're lucky enough to be celebrating by a swimming pool or lake, try floating flower arrangements and candles for a striking and unusual decoration, or maximize your social distancing with an aisle built right over the pool.

Incorporating natural elements into your decor will highlight and celebrate your outdoor setting. We love the use of pampas grass to define the aisle, and the natural lanterns hanging from the trees to make a beautiful and magical canopy in the bottom photo. 

How to Host a Poolside Wedding at Home
How to Host a Poolside Wedding at Home How to Host a Poolside Wedding at Home How to Host an Outdoor Wedding at Home
How to Host an Outdoor Wedding at Home

Choose An Alternative Wedding Dress

We've always had a fascination and love for unusual weddings dresses, including short styles, and gowns featuring colors and prints. The relaxed nature of an outdoor wedding or celebration at home is the perfect excuse to show your personality and choose the unconventional dress of your dreams. 

We adore the idea of wearing a pastel pink or blue - which were actually the traditional colors of wedding dresses in the pre-Victorian age. Favorite designers for pastel beauties include Ulla Johnson, Luisa Beccaria and Red Valentino. 

Or truly celebrate your beautiful natural surroundings with a delicately floral print dress. There are so many ways to incorporate florals into your gown, such as floral lace, or an embroidered or hand-painted water color design. 

And if you still like the idea of white there are many chic ready-to wear styles available. We especially love the two bottom styles from Self Portrait; the ruched sleeve point d'esprit picnic dress and short tuxedo dress.

Blue Wedding Dress by Luisa Beccaria Floral Wedding Dress for a Garden Wedding Pink Floral Wedding Dress for a Garden Wedding Pink Wedding Dress for a Wedding at Home Pale Blue Wedding Dress for a Wedding at Home Floral Wedding Dress for a Garden Wedding RTW White Wedding Dress Zoe Kravitz Short Wedding Dress Short Tuxedo Wedding Dress

Don't Forget the Outdoor Lighting

String lights, lanterns and candles are all very accessible ways to transform a backyard or outdoor space into a magical wedding wonderland. Try hanging curtains of string lights from trees or a pergola or float lanterns in your pool.

How to Host an Outdoor Wedding How to Host an Outdoor Wedding Floating Lanterns Poolside Wedding at Home

Set the Scene Indoors

And for those celebrating indoors set the scene by creating a romantic focal point. A fireplace or beautiful archway can be decorated with a floral installation, candles or lanterns. Or create a focal point with a portable archway draped in beautiful fabric or movable floral centerpieces in pots or urns. Renting a small number of beautiful chairs will further help set the scene.

How to Host and Indoor Micro WeddingHow to Host and Indoor Micro Wedding How to Host and Indoor Micro Wedding How to Host A micro Wedding at Home

See more inspiration for weddings at home on our Pinterest page
Discover more Genevieve Rose Atelier headpieces here or get in touch to create a truly unique custom piece. 

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How We Made our Vintage New York Photoshoot Set

The 2021 Genevieve Rose Atelier bridal headpiece collection is all about the romantic simplicity of Courthouse weddings and vintage New York City style. Ella Fitzgerald's "Manhattan" set the scene of a couple with eyes only for each other set against a backdrop of a timeless New York street in spring.

Working with the super talented Jennie Onisk from Oxford Comma Company we referenced City Hall wedding photos and vintage New York and Paris travel posters.  

New York City Hall Wedding Ceremony Vintage New York Travel Poster Vintage Paris Travel Poster Vintage Paris Travel Poster  

Jennie took this inspiration and created a watercolor backdrop of the New York skyline and New York's most iconic buildings. 

Vintage New York Skyline Photo Shoot Backdrop Genevieve Rose Atelier

 

After making a miniature mock-up of the possible set design, we divided the skyline into 3 panels and had them printed onto 7 feet high foam board panels. The foam board panels were able to stand upright alone and after cutting out the outline of each building, we were able to place the panels slightly overlapping to give depth to the set. 

Genevieve Rose Atelier Vintage New York Photo Shoot Set Genevieve Rose Atelier Vintage New York Photo Shoot Set 

Although Jennie had originally also drawn a blossom archway we decided to switch to fake blossom flowers to increase the depth of the set. 

Here is the end result set up in the studio with lighting by Christian Carrol designed to evoke a romantic spring evening at dusk. 

Genevieve Rose Atelier Vintage New York Photo Shoot Set Genevieve Rose Atelier Vintage New York Photo Shoot Set 

View the complete collection and shop these lovely new bridal headpieces here

Or shop our collection favorites.

 

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2021 Wedding Trends

After the upheavals of the last year we're looking forward to celebrating love in fresh new ways in 2021. Although many weddings have been postponed or significantly altered in size, location and timing couples marrying in 2021 will find meaningful and personal ways to reimagine their celebrations for a beautiful wedding day to remember. Here are some of our favorite trends for weddings in 2021. 

Headbands and Short Veils

With most weddings trending smaller in 2021, be it a Courthouse wedding, or Zoom, stoop or backyard ceremony,  the sparkly headpieces and long veils of the last few years will be replaced smaller and more manageable headpieces that still say 'bride' but with subtlety. Headbands, either small and sweet or statement-making hatbands, are a lovely choice, are easy to wear and can instantly turn a home hairstyle into a chic bridal look. For brides wanting a veil we love a small birdcage veil mounted on a headband for a wisp of romance. And for brides planning a City Hall ceremony we can't resist looking to vintage style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy and pairing a pillbox hat with a neat suit for a very chic bridal style. 

 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 
Yolande Pillbox HatAlix Birdcage Veil Headband; Giovanna Hatband

Non-Wedding Dresses and Short Dresses

 With wedding ceremonies taking place in unconventional locations, 2021 brides are freed from the traditional choice of long, white wedding gowns. Now is the time to choose a special outfit you've always wanted an excuse to wear; perhaps a tailored or sparkly never-worn number you've been saving for a special occasion, or a beautiful designer piece you would never have treated yourself to previously. Lily Allen's recent Dior mini dress, and this beautiful black and white sequined gown by Valentino are two stunning examples. The added charm of these non-bridal dresses is that they can be worn and enjoyed again, as Kiera Knightly has done several times in her Chanel mini dress.

2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 

Black Accents and Polka Dots

2021 brides are having fun experimenting with adding color to their wedding outfits, but if a colored dress is not for you, try adding a splash of black to a white outfit, perhaps with a black sash, shoes, headband or - our favorite 2021 trend - polka dots! We love this City Hall bride's polka dot skirt and strong red lip, and we're longing for a reason to try one of these polka dot couture gowns form Carolina Herrera or Rodarte.    

2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier

Pantsuits

An extremely chic (and comfortable!) choice for a Courthouse wedding ceremony is a pantsuit. Amal Clooney was way ahead of the trend when she chose a white pantsuit with black belt and matching hat for her civil wedding ceremony in 2014. 2021 brides are opting for a more tailored silhouette, often styled with a silk blouse, or take a note out of our favorite It-girl Dylana Suarez's style book and pair an androgynous dark suit with a soft and feminine birdcage veil with petal crown for a very modern look.  

 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier

Increasing Sustainability and Repurposing Vintage

Engaged couples are prioritizing sustainability in their wedding celebrations, and, happily for the 2021 bride and groom, there are many ways dress sustainably on your wedding day. 

Incorporating vintage materials into wedding headpieces and accessories reduces the carbon footprint of a piece and offers you the occasion to create a truly unique look. At Genevieve Rose Atelier we love to include vintage beads, lace and flowers in our headpiece designs, and can incorporate vintage family fabrics and trims too. The below boutonniere is made with lace left over from the bride's mother's wedding dress. The addition of fresh leaves and flowers enhanced this very personal wedding accessory into a fresh and modern style. 

2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Bridal Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 
Lucrezia Pearl Headband; Serena Birdcage Veil; Dauphine Tiny Flower Tiara

A lovely trend we will see more of in 2021 is to take a family heirloom wedding dress and re-work it into a modern style. For her 2020 wedding Princess Beatrice wore one of her grandmother Queen Elizabeth's evening gowns. The Queen's 1950s Norman Hartnell dress was lightly altered to add puffed organza sleeves which created a thoroughly romantic and personal look for the Princess's socially distanced wedding. Closer to home, Betsey Wise Bridal specializes in creating beautiful, unique, modern dresses and accessories from vintage garments and fabrics.  
2021 Wedding Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Wedding Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier
2021 Wedding Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier 2021 Wedding Trends Genevieve Rose Atelier

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The Swinging 60s come to Fall 2020

With the world upended and winter on its way, we channeled the colors, prints and optimism of the 1960s for our fall 2020 hat collection. Discover our exuberant collection of 60's inspired shapes made in jewel tones with a healthy dose of plaid and gingham and, as ever, reinterpreting vintage with a fresh, modern and very wearable style for the modern day.

At Genevieve Rose Atelier we have a deep love of plaid and think it perfectly sets the mood for fall. We started with the idea of the perfect plaid winter coat (here is a collection of our modern and vintage favorites) and designed a series of hats and headpieces both in our favorite fabric and to match with your favorite plaid print. 


Marimekko coat; Samantha bucket hat; Lauren Hutton in vintage
  
Evelyn plaid hatband; Bottega Veneta plaid shift dress; Maudie rain hat

Vintage Nina Ricci; Penelope felt bucket hat; Bottega Veneta plaid trench coat

The Swinging Sixties were known for brightly colored clothing, color blocking with bright contrasting colors and bright and happy geometric and floral patterns. We can't think of anything better to brighten a grey winter day than a cheery hat in a sunny color or happy mix of patchwork florals.

 
Marisa purple bucket hat; Patti patchwork bucket hat; Twiggy orange cloche

Sometimes the solution to a long winter and sweat pant fatigue is a little polished glamor and vintage 60s outwear is rich in luxurious looking outwear; think leopard print, faux fur, textural tweeds and plush woolens. And the best reason to try some polished winter outwear? You can pop it over your sweat pants.

Hutton gaucho hat 

Sixties style was all about youthfulness and ease of movement, two things we are always striving to infuse into Genevieve Rose Atelier Styles. Think shift dresses, knitted cardigan suits and mini skirts, while hats were statement making large brim styles or cute and youthful soft berets and caps. For fall 2020 we used actual vintage sewing patterns for our soft hat styles and vintage wood molds for our felt hats, giving an authentically vintage silhouette to styles that we then modernized with sleek materials and minimal trim.

   
  
Brooke navy wool toque, Luna fuzzy white felt; Kecia plaid beret

Discover more Singing Sixties inspired style (both vintage and modern) on our Pinterest board

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Celebrate the Kentucky Derby at Home!

If, like so many of us, you will be celebrating the Derby at home this year, Genevieve Rose Atelier has curated the perfect stay-at-home Derby party and you're all invited to join us! Here are some of our favorite hosting ideas including delicious snacks and drinks, gorgeous table decorations and some of our favorite derby hats and headpieces to make this a chic and sophisticated event, wherever you are celebrating this year.  

HATS!
Let's get straight to the stylish part! For us, a Derby party is a reason to wear a really fabulous hat or headpiece. If this is your one hat-wearing occasion of the year (and we hope it isn't!) we say go big and go bold. Genevieve Rose Atelier offers a range of beautifully hand-made hats that are also lightweight and comfortable to wear, securing with comfortable headbands and elastics so there's no need to mess up your hairstyle or know your hat size. Here are our favorites from the 2020 collection: 



Istabraq pink pyramid hat; Dahlia ruffled fascinator; Landaluce polka dot disc

If a big hat is not your style, try small fascinator, embellished headband or 'hatband'. We have a lot of great options, big and small and in neutral tones and bold colors that you'll be sure to wear again (think to a friend's wedding, Thanksgiving or for a special date night with your special someone).


Sarazen coral hatband; Dulcia rose headband; Ferdinand stripe bow headband

Discover our full collection of derby hats, fascinators and headband here. Or for more inspiration on building a derby outfit around your Genevieve Rose Atelier headpiece, check out our Pinterest board and our "Get the Look" story pins to recreate some of the iconic Royal Ascot looks from Princess Diana and The Duchess of Cambridge.

MENU
Offer your guests an easy and elegant grazing menu riffing on classic dishes. We love this Bon Appetit idea of a DIY grits bar, and, of course, no Derby party would be complete without a mint julep (or two!)


Derby Party Idea DIY Grits Bar Derby Party Mint Julep Cocktail

DECOR
Set the table with fun horse themed decorations like these quirky drink stirrers from Food52, or this very stylish formal table setting from Southern Living. Although the Derby is postposed to September in 2020 it is traditionally considered to mark the start of the spring social season. We say embrace the day as an end-of-summer celebration and surround yourself with all the colors, flavors and florals of the season, like with these beautiful floating flower arrangement from Southern Living, and make it a day to remember!


Food52 Gold Horse Drink Stirrers Derby Party Table Setting from Southern Living Derby Party Table Decorations from Souther Living

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Staycation Inspiration - Ideas to Have a Fabulous Summer at Home

If you're vacationing close to home this summer, you're not alone! With a little thought and planning there are so many great summery things to do at home, or close to home so to help you make the most of staycation is we've put together a list of our favorite summery activities, menus, and of course cute outfit ideas to match. 

VINTAGE POOL PARTY
Stay cool and be cool this summer with a vintage themed pool party. Taking inspiration from our favorite movies and holiday snaps from the 50s and 60s, a pool party is a great excuse to mix up some custom cocktails, don a cute swimsuit, coverup and hat. Don't have a pool? Try a glam wading pool, or this summer's coolest trend - a stock tank pool. 

Vintage Pool Party Staycation by Genevieve Rose Atelier Vintage Pool Party Staycation Flamingo Stock Tank Pool  by Genevieve Rose Atelier Vintage Pool Party Staycation by Genevieve Rose Atelier

Dylana Suarez wearing Noosa Straw Visor by Genevieve Rose Atelier Vintage Pool Party Staycation by Genevieve Rose Atelier Dylana Suarez wearing Pardo Black Hat by Genevieve Rose Atelier
Dylana Suarez is wearing our Pardoe and Noosa styles.

OUTDOOR PICNIC
Sometimes it's enough to get outside and under some trees to feel like you've had a break, and what could be better than an outdoor summer picnic! Make it as simple as a sandwich and a beach towel, or as elaborate as your imagination allows. But don't forget to add lots of gingham for retro picnic perfection. 

Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier Jackie Kennedy Outfit Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier Pink Gingham Bucket Hat by Genevieve Rose Atelier

Gingham Picnic Hat by Genevieve Rose Atelier Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier Staycation Picnic Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier
Featuring our Shelley and Daintree styles.

COCKTAILS AND TAPAS DATE NIGHT IN
If your outdoor dining options are limited bring the fun of summer dining home and experiment with Sunday brunch, tapas and cocktail nights at home. Try a variety of new dishes, make the most of summer produce and dress your table - and yourself! - to make it special date.

Brunch Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier Date Night Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier Tapas Night Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier

Olivia Palermo Date Night Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier Tapas Night Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier Date Night Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier
Olivia Palermo wear our Willa veil; custom leopard Ines, pink Betty headband

BACKYARD MOVIE NIGHT
Gather some friends and family, or keep is cozy and romantic and host a backyard movie night. Set the scene with comfortable cushions, rugs and gentle lighting. Offer curated cocktails and snacks and keep a cozy hat and blanket on hand if the evening cools off. 

Backyard Movie Night Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier      Backyard Movie Night Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier

Backyard Movie Night Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier      Backyard Movie Night Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier
Genevieve Rose Atelier Alex fedora and Hanna bucket hat. 

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN CITY
It's reinvigorating to see your own city from a new perspective and a staycation is the perfect time to finally get to all of those close-by attractions you never found the time for before. Try visiting your local museums and historic monuments; take a walking tour of your city or a food tour of a new neighborhood; get outside to you local park, zoo, botanic garden and local beaches and try a new sport. Dress for a day of sightseeing and you'll feel a million miles from your everyday.

New York Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier    Audrey Hepburn Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier   New York Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier

New York Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier New York Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier New York Staycation Inspiration by Genevieve Rose Atelier
Featured are our Cable Beach, Maslin, Floreat, Baudin and Broome hats 

 

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Change the Date - How to Transform your Spring Wedding Dress into a Fabulous Fall Bridal Look.

As the Coronvirus pandemic sweeps the world many engaged couples are finding themselves having to delay their spring and summer weddings to the fall and winter months. Many brides are now asking how they can transform their summer wedding plans into a seasonally appropriate fall or winter wedding, and particularly how they can re-style a light, summer wedding dress for a fall or winter ceremony. Fear not! At Genevieve Rose Atelier we simply adore a cooler-weather wedding and think there are many styling advantages to marrying in the fall or winter. Here are some of our favorite simple and affordable ways to transform your spring wedding look into a very chic and winter-worthy outfit. Discover more on our Pinterest board here

One of the easiest ways to winterize a wedding look is by rethinking your hair accessories. Instead of opting for fresh flowers or natural hairstyle with no accessories, choose a veil or headband in a luscious wintery fabric such as velvet and with a little bit or texture or sparkle. Or choose a more substantial accessory like a pillbox hat or hatband to embrace the polished and refined glamour of a winter wedding. Here are some of our favorite Genevieve Rose Atelier wedding hair accessories in velvet and our best-selling (and forever favorite) pillbox hat styles: 

  

 Natalia Turban Headband with Veil:Federica Feather Headband with VeilAmina Velvet Petal Headpiece 

Add A Large Headband Hatband for a Winter Bride Add a Pillbox Hat to Turn a Spring Bridal Look in to a Winter Wedding Look 

Giovanna Hatband with Pearls: Cecelia Felt Pillbox with Bow; Charlotte Fascinator with Bows and Veil  

Of course you might need to add some actual warmth to a fall or winter wedding look but that absolutely doesn't mean buying a new dress! There are lots of wonderful and stylish cover-up options available now for brides. Some, like a stylish coat or faux fur cape can be worn just for your journey to the chapel and for outdoor photography. Other styles, such as a beautiful sheer cape or - our favorite new bridal category, and one favored by Kate Middleton - chic knitwear, can be worn for the entirety of your ceremony and reception. 

Ivory Faux Fur Short BridalCape Kate Middleton Bridal Cardingan 

Lucilla Faux Fur CapeletKira Faux Fur Collar 

Halfpenny London Sheer Bridal Cape Sophie et Voila Bridal Coat Halfpenny London Bridal Duster Coat
Halfpenny London and Sophie et Voila

Marry & Me Bridal Knitwear
Marry & Bride Knitwear

You can also add a little winter glamour (and warmth ) with these unexpected bridal accessories: add a pair of long lace or point d'esprit gloves and switch your summer sandals for a pair of chic ankle boots in a neutral shade or even metallic to add a little sparkle to the season. And if you're finding your favorite blooms are unavailable in the cooler months, why not swap a traditional bouquet for a lovely faux fur hand muff.

Lace Gloves for a Winter Wedding Faux Fur Hand Muff for a Winter Bride Silver Bridal Ankle Boots
LEIN Studio Gloves; Domna Faux Fur Muff; Sylvie Rosokoff Photography

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What to Wear to A City Hall Wedding Ceremony

As City Hall wedding ceremonies become increasingly popular, we explore some of the fabulous outfit and accessory ideas that are guaranteed to make a civil ceremony feel like the special and unique moment it is. A Courthouse wedding is blissfully less constrained by the conventions of traditional, formal weddings and allows a couple to really express their own style; thinking outside the bridal box but maintaining a sense of special occasion. Here are some of the current bridal styles we love for a civil ceremony. Explore even more styling ideas, chic accessories and real City Hall brides on our pinterest board

Without a doubt our favorite hair accessory for a City Hall Wedding is the pillbox hat: a clean and crisp vintage-inspired design that is chic and comfortable and pairs beautifully with any tailored outfit. 

Genevieve Rose Atelier Pillbox Hat for City Hall Wedding Genevieve Rose Atelier Pillbox Hat for Courthouse Wedding 
Brigitte, Marcela and Yolande pillbox hats.

 

To make an outfit feel more 'bridal' but still embrace the more laid-back feel of a Courthouse wedding we love adding a short blusher or birdcage veil to a civil wedding outfit. 

Genevieve Rose Atelier Short Birdcage Veil for City Hall Wedding  
Serena, Elvina and Natalia short veils. 

 

For City Hall brides looking for a more modern and paired-back accessory we love the addition of a headband. Modern bridal headbands range from sweet and simple to the large statement-making 'hatbands' that are perfectly on-trend. 

Genevieve Rose Atelier Large Headband for City Hall Wedding Genevieve Rose Atelier Tiny Pearl Headband for Courthouse Wedding Genevieve Rose Atelier Large Silk Bow Headband for Civill Wedding Ceremony

Giovanna, Lucrezia and Cayetana headbands. 

And for brides who really want to make a style statement a civil ceremony is the perfect excuse to try a whimsical headpiece or sculptural fascinator. Paired with a simple dress or sleek jumpsuit this is civil ceremony perfection.

 Genevieve Rose Atelier Fascinator with Silk Roses for Courthouse Wedding Genevieve Rose Atelier Birdcage Veil Fascinator with Bows for City Hall Wedding Genevieve Rose Atelier Beret Fascinator with Bows for City Hall Wedding

Zinadina Charlotte and Helena headpieces.

At Genevieve Rose Atelier we love a short wedding dress and a Courthouse wedding is the perfect occasion to embrace a midi or mini style. 

Emilia Wickstead Short Civil Ceremony Wedding Dress Grace Kelley City Hall Short Wedding Dress Delphine Maniert Short Courthouse Wedding Dress

Sophie et Voila Camelia Short Civil Ceremony Dress Self Portrait Azaelea Short Courthouse Wedding Dress LEIN Studio Button Front Mini Dress for a City Hall Wedding

The ultimate of-the-moment cool-girl look for modern City Hall brides is the white pantsuit (think Bianca Jagger in a skirt suit) or jumpsuit.

Houghton Bridal Jumpsuit for a City Hall Wedding  Stella McCartney White Pantsuit for a Civil Ceremony Maria Fekih Pantsuit for a Civil CeremonyCaroline Hayden City Hall Wedding Skirt Suit Maria Fekih Short Jumpsuit for a Courthouse Wedding

 

And last but not least, the more personalized and less structured feel of a City Hall wedding gives plenty of opportunity to play with your other accessories. A short dress or jumpsuit will show off a fabulous pair of shoes and why not add a lovely pair of lace gloves and a cute clutch too.

Emmy London Blush Pink Pumps for a City Hall Wedding Roger Vivier Silver Viv Clutch for a CourthouseWedding LEIN Studio Lace Gloves for a City Hall Wedding

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I Don't Want to Wear A Traditional Wedding Dress

So you hate wedding dresses? You're asking yourself want can I wear instead of a traditional wedding dress? Modern brides are increasingly choosing non-traditional wedding dresses (and weddings!) and there have never been so many swoon-worthy, statement-making wedding dress alternatives available for chic and unconventional brides. Here is a round up of our favorite styles - with suggested headpieces, of course!

Unusual Silhouettes

The freshest non-traditional wedding dresses all have unusual, and very fashionable, silhouettes. Gone are the days of strapless ballgowns, princess lines dresses and body-con mesh numbers with excessive beading. Unconventional brides are now choosing short wedding dresses, or styles that are tiered and ruffled. One of our favorite new silhouettes is a 'tabard' style - a long sheath-like silhouette either as the main silhouette of the dress or as a sheer cape over a dress.

Increasingly popular, and a definite breath of fresh air, are modern wedding dresses that are more casual in style but still luxe, such as a shirt dress made in exquisite silk crepe. 

Choose a headpiece that echoes the silhouette and proportion of the dress or add a short and sweet birdcage veil to a less obvious dress to make it more bridal. 

Emilia Wickstead Short Wedding Dress - Courthouse Wedding Dresses Genevieve Rose Atelier Alix Pearl Beaded Headband with Birdcage Veil

Emilia Wickstead Short dress, Alix Beaded Headband with Veil 

Genevieve Rose Atelier Grace Vintage Flower Crown Viktor & Rolf Ruffled Wedding Dress - Unconventional Wedding Dresses 

Grace Vintage Silk Flower Headband, Viktor & Rolf Ruffled Dress

Sophie et Voila Tiered Wedding Dress Genevieve Roes Atelier Luana Ruffled Organza Bridal Headband

Sophie et Voila Dress, Luana Ruffled Organza Crown

Genevieve Rose Atelier Giovanna Large Headband with Pearls Halfpenny London Tulle Cape - For Brides Who Don't Want to Wear a Wedding Dress 

Giovanna Large Headband with Pearls, Halfpenny London Tulle Tabard

Genevieve Rose Atelier Clemence Renaissance Pearl Bridal Headband Delphine Manivet Bridal Shirt Dress - Modern Unconventional Wedding Dresses

Delphine Manivet shirtdress, Clemence Renaissance Pearl Head-tie

Pantsuits, Jumpsuits and Separates

A very chic and comfortable alternative to a traditional wedding dress is a pantsuit or jumpsuit. These have long been a favorite of City Hall brides but are now also the chic choice for brides choosing unusual wedding venues or having smaller, or multi-day events. Look for a pantsuit or jumpsuit with clean lines and either keep the silhouette sleek with a minimalist headpiece, or make a head-turning entrance in a statement-making flowers crown or headband. 

Genevieve Rose Atelier Serena Birdcage Face Veil with Lace Gabriela Hearst Wedding Pantsuit - Unconventional Wedding Dresses 

Serena Birdcage Veil, Gabriela Hearst Pantsuit

Maria Fekih Wedding Shorts - I Hat Wedding Dresses Genevieve Rose Atelier Cayetana Silk Bow Bridal Headband

Maria Fekih shortsuit, Cayetana Silk Bow Headband

Genevieve Rose Atelier Juliana Bridal Flower Crown Maria Fekih Bridal Top and Skirt - For Brides Who Don't Want to Wear  A Wedding Dress 

Juliana Silk Flower Brown, Maria Fekih skirt and top

Houghton Bridal Jumpsuit - Non Traditional Wedding Dresses Genevieve Rose Atelier Charlotte Bridal Headpiece with Bows and Birdcage Veil

Houghton jumpsuit, Charlotte Headpiece with Bows and Birdcage Veil

Covered up - with coats, capes and long sleeves

Bridal trends for many years now have shown a lot of skin and every curve but modern brides are now opting for a more classic and covered-up look. For some this means adding a beautiful coat or cape in exquisite fabric to a clean-lined dress with the bonus that these chic pieces of outerwear can definitely be worn again. Alternatively the sleeve, either long and fitted or dramatically puffy, is the ultimate statement maker. Wonderfully all of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas also make the outfit much more appropriate for a fall or winter wedding, which are fast increasing in popularity amongst alternative brides. 

For your headpiece keep the silhouette clean and simple, avoiding ruffles and sparkles, but scale the size to suit the overall silhouette of your dress.

Sophie Et Voila Bridal Coat - Alternative Wedding Dresses Sophie et Voila Wedding Cape - Unconventional Wedding Dresses Danielle Frankel Organza Bridal Coat - Non Traditional Wedding Dresses

Sophie et Voile coat and cape, Danielle Frankel trench coat 

Genevieve Rose Atelier Serefina Rose and Lace Bridal Headpiece Genevieve Rose Atelier Lucrezia Vintage Pearl Bridal Headband Genevieve Rose Atelier Large Bridal Headband

Serefina rose headpiece, Lucrezia pearl headbandLilibet petal large headband

Suzanne Neville Long Sleeve Wedding Dress Yolan Cris Puff Sleeve Long Sleeve Wedding Dress Sophie et Voila Puff Sleeve Wedding Dress

Suzanne Neville, Yolan Cris, Sophie et Voila 

 

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Hair Accessories for Your Engagement Party

Congratulations on your engagement! Your engagement party is the first official opportunity you have to celebrate your love with family and friends before the serious business of wedding planning begins. We've put together some ideas on what to wear to your engagement party to kick off your wedding adventure in style.

Your engagement party is a great time to start experimenting with dress silhouettes, color palettes and themes that you might like to carry through to your wedding day. For your engagement party we like the idea of taking these ideas and making them more casual; for example choose a short dress and pair it with strappy sandals or flat shoes and a headpiece for a look that instantly says 'bride to be'.

Keep it casual for a garden party, brunch or picnic and add a streamlined headband to for a chic and casual celebration.

Cayetana Silk Bow Headband by Genevieve Rose AtelierNeedle and Thread Embroidered Dress

Cayetana Silk Bow Headband, Needle and Thread dress

Gucci Sleveless Embroidered Mini DressClemence Pearl Head-tie by Genevieve Rose Atelier

Gucci shift dress, Clemence pearl head tie

Lucrezia Pearl Bridal Headband by Genevieve Rose AtelierDion Lee Pleated Mini Dress

Lucrezia pearl headband, Dion Lee pleated mini dress

Or turn up the glam for a cocktail party and add a head-turning headpiece or fascinator. A birdcage veil is a great party piece for a bride to be and adds undeniable sophistication to a cocktail dress.

Serena Birdcage Veil with Applique Lace by Genevieve Rose AtelierUlla Johnson Amalia White Engagement Party Dress

Serena birdcage veil, Ulla Johnson midi dress

Jonathan Simkhai Lace Midi DressMaxima Silk Orchid Headband by Genevieve Rose Atelier

Jonathan Simkhai lace dress, Maxima silk orchid headband

Feather Flower Bridal Headpiece by Genevieve Rose AtelierDolce & Gabbana Rose Print Strapless Dress 

Constance feather flower fascinator, Dolce & Gabbana strapless dress

Marchesa Notte Floral DressDanica Silk Poppy and Birdcage Veil Headpiece by Genevieve Rose Atelier

Marchesa Notte ruffled dress, Danica birdcage veil fascinator

Use your engagement party as a chance to experiment with color and patterns. We especially love pastel pinks, blues and greens for a spring engagement party, or celebrate the spring season with a lovely floral print. A matching pastel or white headpiece will keep your look decidedly bridal. 

Self Portrait Tiered Lace Midi DressGiovanna Large Headband With Pearls by Genevieve Rose AtelierThe Vampire's Wife Liberty Ruffled Midi DressJuliana Silk Flower Crown by Genevieve Rose AtelierAlberta Ferretti Embroidered Front DressGrace Vintage Flower Fascinator by Genevieve Rose AtelierDolce & Gabbana One Shoulder Floral DressBlush Pink Lace Bridal Headpiece by Genevieve Rose AtelierDolce & Gabbana Polka Dot Dress

Self Portrait, Giovanna large headband,The Vampire's Wife

Juliana flower crown, Alberta Ferretti, Grace vintage flower headpiece,

Dolce & Gabbana, Clementine blush pink lace headpiece, Dolce & Gabbana

For more engagement party dress, headpiece and decor ideas visit our Engagement Party Dresses Pinterest board.

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