One of the fabrics that has long been associated with weddings is tulle.
This ethereal fabric has many uses at a wedding.
Here are some of the ways that tulle can be used to enhance your special day...
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of tulle is the bride's ensemble.
The tulle skirt has long been a favorite of brides, thanks to its' feminine beauty and light-as-air feeling.
(If you have never done it before, try holding a full skirted satin bridal gown in one hand and a tulle gown in the other - you will be absolutely amazed at how much less the tulle dress weighs!) Tulle skirts have always been worn by ballerinas, and that is one style that you can consider for a wedding gown.
If you are going for the ballerina look, first of all it helps to have a slim frame, and then slip on a gown with a spaghetti strap bodice and a flowing tulle skirt.
Very romantic.
Tulle can also be used for gowns with a more substantial look.
When paired with a cap sleeve bodice, a tulle wedding gown will take on the look of a 1950s party dress.
For extra interest, you can embellish the gown with lace or appliques.
A very beautiful effect is to have the lace gently drip from the bodice of the gown onto the tulle skirt.
There is a cousin of tulle called English net, which has the same open weave, but is a slightly stiffer fabric.
English net is often seen in vintage wedding gown, as it has a very Victorian look.
Because of its' stiffer hand, English net is not usually gathered at the waist like tulle, but is allowed to fall straighter.
If you are going for a true period look, then complete your bridal ensemble with custom bridal jewelry.
You can also have pieces of bridal jewelry custom made that take their inspiration from Victoriana, but still have a more contemporary feeling.
Tulle has many other uses at a wedding beyond the bride's gown and veil.
It is a great decorating element for the ceremony and reception.
One of the great things about tulle is that it is very affordable, meaning that it is an excellent choice when you have a lot of decorating to do.
The ethereal nature of tulle also makes it very useful when you are trying to quickly dress up a less-than-attractive feature of the wedding.
A nice way to decorate your ceremony site is to tie fluffy tulle bows to the end of each pew.
Tulle can also be used to swath around a candelabra on the altar to give it a more bridal look.
These are very quick and easy ways to inexpensively decorate a church.
If your wedding or reception will be in a tent, you can use tulle to camouflage the ugly tent posts.
White or ivory is always a safe bet, but tulle is also available in some interesting colors.
Another place to use tulle at your wedding is around the cake.
You can save money on renting an expensive cake stand, and instead opt for a plain base that you can hide with tulle.
Tuck a few fresh flowers into it, and sprinkle some rose petals on the table around the cake for an instant improvement.
When you are looking for ways to use tulle in your wedding, don't forget about the favors.
A very traditional wedding favor is Jordan almonds tied up in a little tulle bag.
The candy coated almonds represent the sweet and bitter sides of marriage.
Although it is possible to spend a fortune decorating your wedding, you don't have to.
To create a very pretty bridal look without overspending, brides have always loved tulle.
There is almost nothing that you can't make prettier and more romantic with a piece of tulle.