When creating a wedding look, there are no trifles. Wedding gloves are no exception. This accessory is not mandatory, however, many brides believe that gloves will add aristocracy and tenderness to their look. Properly selected gloves for the bride will emphasize the beauty and grace of a girl’s hands and help hide existing physique flaws.
However, choosing gloves for a wedding is very difficult. In any wedding salon, the bride will be offered dozens of different models, differing in length, style and design. In order not to get confused in the selection process, it is worth getting acquainted with current fashion ideas in advance.
A little history
It must be said that the fashion for wedding gloves dates back to the times of noble knights and beautiful ladies. At that time, gloves were a mandatory attribute of an aristocratic outfit.
A pair of gloves presented to a girl as a gift was tantamount to a declaration of love. In turn, the ladies could remove the glove from the handle and give it as a souvenir to the knight, so that he would not forget about his beloved on long journeys.
In the 17th-18th centuries, all girls and ladies of noble birth appeared in public wearing gloves. This accessory meant belonging to high society. Nowadays, gloves are worn for evening wear only on the most special occasions. Such cases, of course, include a wedding ceremony.
Current color range
Today, both monochrome and multi-colored lace dresses are in fashion. The combination of contrasting shades looks especially impressive. Against the background of a white outfit, purple, black, and burgundy openwork inserts look attractive. Models with pink, beige, vanilla or mint trim on the sleeves are elegant. Red lace dresses are sexy and luxurious, suitable for bold people. It is believed that provocative color attracts men the most. Bright coral, yellow, emerald tones are trendy. When choosing a suitable color, you must also take into account your own color type:
- "Spring". Peach skin, natural brown hair with honey, golden, wheat tones, light eyes. Peach, pale green, aquamarine, and cream are suitable. It is worth abandoning snow-white, pale pink, coal-black colors.
- "Summer". Curls with cool tones of light brown or ash, brown, gray-blue or gray-green eyes. Pearl, lilac, cherry, raspberry tones are relevant. Unsuccessful - orange, carrot-red.
- "Autumn". Golden skin, warm hair, amber or hazel eyes. An “autumn” girl will look especially good in a copper, mustard, brown-red or yellowish-beige dress with lace. Black, white, cold shades of blue, pink and light blue will not work.
- "Winter". Black or brown hair, fair skin, blue, green, brown eyes. Silver, cold blue, charcoal black, white, fuchsia, dark red, burgundy are harmonious. Unsuccessful options - brick, pale yellow.
This season, a lace dress with extraordinary color combinations is popular. Polka dot models with black inserts on the back add playfulness and coquetry to the look. The check goes well with plain openwork trim on the collar and cuffs.
Spring
Winter
Summer
Autumn
Are gloves needed?
Each bride will have to answer this burning question on her own. If you wish, you can choose gloves to match a wedding dress of any style, since there are countless options for gloves.
Elegant wedding gloves can become an interesting accent to the look and draw attention to the bride’s graceful hands, adorned with a brand new wedding ring. However, this accessory can create certain inconveniences. For example, poorly chosen gloves can constantly slip off, which will cause discomfort.
If the bride decides to wear closed gloves, then some difficulties may arise during the marriage registration ceremony, namely, when exchanging rings. If the gloves are made of thick fabric, an awkward situation may arise - a carefully selected ring may simply not fit on the gloved finger. But this, of course, is a rare situation, since wedding gloves, as a rule, are made of thin and elastic fabric.
But there are many cases when the wedding ring slipped off the bride’s finger, covered with thin and smooth fabric, during a photo shoot or a walk. Of course, losing a wedding ring on the first day of marriage will not improve the mood of the newlyweds, so protective measures need to be taken. So, some brides take off their gloves before the registration ceremony, but this must be done in advance, even before entering the hall. If the bride does not want to part with her carefully chosen wedding accessory, then it is better for her to choose mittens rather than closed gloves. Moreover, closed gloves will still have to be removed during the banquet.
Types of lace
Lace does not have a woven base and is created by interlacing threads. Natural and artificial fibers are used for production; preference should be given to natural ones. Silk threads are smooth and have an attractive shine. They produce fine, noble fabric, which is used by designers to create delicate evening dresses and accessories.
Lace is often confused with guipure; they are actually very similar in appearance. Both materials are presented as solid canvases consisting of interconnected woven patterns. However, there are differences between them:
- Classic lace allows air to pass through well, is soft to the touch, but has virtually no stretch, so it is used primarily for loose styles, as well as trimming sleeves, wide hems, and collars. The thin material, complemented with lining, is perfect for creating summer dresses. Smooth satin or satin are in perfect harmony with elegant patterns. Demi-season products are sewn from compacted fabrics.
- Guipure is a type of lace, distinguished by the presence of a mesh base. Mechanized methods and synthetic threads are used for manufacturing. The material is highly elastic, suitable for creating tight-fitting outfits. Metallized fibers (Lurex) are often included in the composition, adding rigidity and beautiful shimmer. The guipure dress has a characteristic shine. This feature makes it possible to use clothes made from this material as stage or carnival costumes. The cellular structure of the fabric allows air to pass through freely, does not restrict movement, and gives lightness and comfort.
Handmade Irish lace is at the height of fashion today. It differs mainly in that it is not knitted in a single piece, but in separate motifs, which are subsequently joined together using a mesh. Floral ornaments and flowers are especially popular.
Guipure
Irish lace
Lace
What are they?
Bridal salons offer a wide variety of styles of gloves. The bride should pay attention to the length of the models, the material they are made of, style, color and decor.
Length
Gloves for weddings can have different lengths, traditional options:
- shortened models, they end at wrist level;
- short wedding gloves, that is, extending 4-5 cm beyond the wrist;
- three-quarters – models up to the middle of the forearm;
- to the elbow - this is one of the most popular options, since the gloves look impressive, but do not create discomfort when worn;
- opera gloves – traditional gloves slightly above the elbow length, these gloves should fit the hand tightly and not slip off when moving;
- long wedding gloves - models that almost completely cover the hand.
Style
Gloves can fit tightly to the hand or gather in folds. The first option emphasizes the shape of the hand, but the second visually adds volume, so it will suit girls with thin hands.
Signets can be completely closed, that is, with fingers; in addition, there are models without fingers. These can be gloves-mitts or models with a loop through the finger.
Closed styles are good for winter, but for summer weddings, models with open toes are more suitable, as they are more comfortable and limit freedom less. These gloves do not need to be removed during the ceremony or during the banquet.
Mitts are gloves that are held in place by bridges between four fingers (except the thumb), but there are also models that are held in place by the elasticity of the fabric. Gloves with a loop are fixed on one finger (most often on the third), almost completely open the hand and look very elegant.
Fabrics
Wedding gloves are made from a wide variety of fabrics. Most often, you can see kid and satin models. Models made of lace, mesh, organza, velvet, etc. are popular.
The best option is gloves made of elastic fabric, as they are more comfortable and practically do not restrict movement. Nowadays, various materials are made with the addition of elastic threads, so the choice of options is practically unlimited.
Combined options look interesting, for example, satin gloves decorated with lace.
Knitted openwork wedding gloves look original. Such models, as a rule, are made short; they look good with dresses that have long sleeves that fit the arm. If the bride likes knitted openwork gloves, then she needs to choose a model that fits her hand as closely as possible, otherwise the accessory will look ridiculous.
Decor
Wedding gloves can have a wide variety of decor. But when choosing models, you must not forget about moderation, otherwise the image will turn out to be overloaded.
Most often, embroidery is used to decorate wedding gloves - in tone or with contrasting threads. For example, white gloves with silver or gold embroidered patterns look impressive.
Gloves with pearls, rhinestones or beaded decor are very popular. You can also see exclusive options for wedding accessories, decorated with real precious stones.
How to do it yourself?
For needlewomen, it is not a problem to make an unusual and beautiful model - sewn, knitted, wicker. For those who have little experience, but want to create wedding gloves with their own hands, we can recommend two options:
- Decoration of finished products;
- Sewing from elastic lace.
The simplest sewing option is presented below in the form of training videos from Alena Pekur:
Mittens without loop
For fingerless gloves you will need:
- Elastic lace, the width of which corresponds to the desired length of the glove, and the length to two girths of the hand + a margin of 2-4 cm;
- Sewing thread of the appropriate color;
- Sewing machine;
- Scissors.
It is better to sew with a knitted or zigzag . Decorations and the way they are attached depend on the chosen design.
Sewing itself is the fastening of a “pipe” , which should tightly cover the hand from the base of the fingers (measurement is taken from the index or middle finger) to the wrist and/or beyond.
1. We wrap the lace around the hand and make marks for the oberz 2. Cut off two identical pieces 3. Make more precise markings (at the wrist the lace is wider than at the bottom of the glove)
Girls with narrow hands and wrists can simply sew an even rectangular piece of lace. Those who have different girths of the hand at the widest point and wrists should sew a conical “pipe” .
4. Cut off excess fabric and sew the edges on a machine 5. Try on the glove. Use a few stitches to join the fabric between the index finger and thumb.
As decoration you can use ribbon, rhinestones, artificial pearls (beads and half-beads), thermal stickers, beads, etc.
6. Decorate using satin ribbons 1-2 cm wide (length 20-25 cm) 8. Decorate the bow with a brooch and sew it to the gloves
Result of work:
Choosing gloves
If the bride has decided that gloves must complement her wedding look, then she needs to choose the model most carefully.
When choosing, you need to consider:
- features of your figure;
- wedding dress style.
Choice depending on your body shape
When choosing gloves, the bride should pay attention to the beauty and shape of her hands. So, if your hands are full, you should not cover them with long gloves, and even more so, choose models with voluminous decor. This will make your arms even more massive. For plump brides with graceful hands and thin wrists, short wrist-length gloves are suitable. But if your wrist is wide, then a model that is 4-5 cm higher than the wrist is better.
For girls with thin hands, on the contrary, long gloves are ideal. But even here you need to be careful with models that have voluminous decor. Since they can visually change the shape of the hands.
Choosing the length depending on the style of the dress
Short gloves are perfect for a retro style dress. For example, openwork short models up to the wrist will look great with a fashionable dress in the new look style. In this case, the edge of the glove can be made in the form of a lace frill.
In addition, short gloves go well with a dress with a straight or a-line silhouette with elbow-length sleeves.
Classically, elbow-length gloves can be worn with almost any sleeveless dress or with a very short sleeve that barely covers the shoulder. Opera gloves are ideal for a wedding dress with thin straps, and the longest version of gloves is suitable for a bustier dress.
With or without fingers?
Now you need to decide whether the gloves will be closed or whether it is better to prefer mittens. The closed version looks very elegant, but creates a lot of inconvenience during registration and feasting. In addition, if the bride plans to get a beautiful manicure, then closed gloves will hide all the beauty. Moreover, the nails will have to be kept short, since long nails can tear the fabric of the gloves.
At the same time, if the wedding is scheduled for winter or autumn, then closed models are the best choice.
Signets that leave the fingers open are more comfortable, but no less elegant. When choosing such a model, pay attention to the fact that it fits well on your hand, otherwise, during the holiday, the accessory will have to be constantly adjusted.
Material selection
It is worth choosing the material of gloves taking into account the fabric of the dress and the time of year. In summer, transparent wedding gloves made of mesh will be appropriate; in winter, it is better to choose denser materials, for example, velvet. The winter version of gloves may well be decorated with fur.
Consider the style of the ceremony
In fact, the versatility of fashion trends combined with the basic rules of wedding etiquette makes choosing a men's outfit a difficult task. If a male witness is to dress for a wedding, he will have to choose a suit in accordance with how the groom decided to look, while taking into account the image of the honorary witness. Boyfriend and boyfriend should look harmonious together.
If the event is taken seriously, their style is discussed together with the newlyweds. The quartet of witnesses and newlyweds will have to remain nearby throughout the ceremony. This means that their outfits must match each other and the atmosphere of the celebration. It is much easier to adhere to the agreed upon image than to think through all the details yourself.
The same applies to the groom's relatives. The brother is supposed to wear a similar color scheme to the groom's relatives. This is, of course, an optional condition, so no one will impose it. But a harmonious combination of colors or outfits in similar shades will create a pleasant harmony. There are a lot of memorable photos to be taken and the picture will be much more impressive if it is thought out in advance.
Traditionally, invitation cards indicate if a stylized wedding with a special theme is expected.
Celebration in a luxurious banquet hall. Here you can’t do without a solid suit - a three-piece or even a spectacular tailcoat. All shades of gray and noble fabrics will be a good choice in the attire of an invited guest.
Fashion club. A light jacket with a modern cut is allowed plus a bright shirt paired with black or dark gray trousers.
Celebrating a wedding in a country cottage. This option involves holding most of the event outdoors. It would be a good idea to bring a change of informal style clothes there. At the end of the formal part of the wedding, you can change into a less obligatory and more comfortable set of things. You need to be especially careful when choosing shoes. It’s better to take a replacement pair out of town. Changing formal shoes for comfortable moccasins is an excellent solution for this holiday option.
Youth wedding. Such an event has its own rules and standards. And most often they consist in their complete absence. The first rule of such a wedding is democracy. As a guest, a young guy can go to a friends party in the way that suits him and pleases him. A universal look for a guy invited to a wedding would be a light short-sleeved shirt under a thin jumper with classic blue or black denim trousers.
Linen and cotton long-sleeved shirts can even be worn untucked. Modern young people skillfully combine urban casual chic with casual elegance.
Beach wedding. In this case, you can do without a suit. Light trousers made of fine linen fabric or classic white shorts will fit perfectly into the radiant picture of a celebration by the sea. Such things are often found in men's wardrobes, and if they are not found, they are purchased. And then they won’t lie idle, because there is a place to wear such clothes in everyday life.
If the newlyweds do not set specific guidelines, they will have to rely on various factors. For example, choose a shirt that matches your eye color. Let's say that for gray or blue eyes it is preferable to choose a shirt in these shades. A dark pink modern color scheme would also work. And for brown-eyed and green-eyed men, shirts in beige and green shades, from khaki to light green or from coffee to cream, are very suitable.
Brands
The main fashion trends for wedding gloves are an emphasis on femininity, grace and lightness. These are the trends that can be seen in the collections of wedding accessories presented by leading fashion designers. In addition to the traditional white color, designers actively use soft shades of orange. Cream, apricot, and peach shades are in high esteem.
The fabrics used are mostly light and airy; lace is often used for decoration.
For example, wedding gloves from Valentino are an accessory slightly longer than the wrist. The model is made of light transparent fabric, it completely opens the fingers, and is held in place by a loop placed on the third finger. The edges are trimmed with a thin lace braid, and a pearl is placed at the base of the loop that is put on the finger. The upper part of the gloves is decorated with a satin bow.
Short closed lace gloves from Melissa Sweet are made in peach ivory color, the model is decorated with a scattering of miniature rhinestones that sparkle beautifully in the light. The upper part of the glove is decorated with a lush lace frill.
Wedding mitts
In a formal wedding look, designed and thought out, there is always such an integral attribute as gloves or mitts:
- They are sewn from delicate materials in pastel colors - guipure, satin, silk, jacquard.
- Mitts always repeat the main motif of the dress, its color, pattern, decorations, forming a single ensemble.
- White mittens are selected for a white dress, and an accessory of a similar tone is selected for an ivory outfit.
- Mittens can barely cover the palm, or they can have sockets for the fingers.
- In past seasons, mitts with a loop on the middle finger were in the lead; in recent years, such models have become outdated.
Pros and cons
Gloves are not a mandatory element of a wedding look, so girls often have the question: “Are they necessary at all?” Let's weigh the pros and cons! The positive qualities of gloves are:
- they will add elegance and aristocracy to the bride’s image;
- they will warm the hands of the newlywed if it is cold outside;
- will hide hand imperfections.
The disadvantages of gloves are the following:
- according to the superstition, it is impossible to put a wedding ring on a glove, so the bride will need to take it off during registration, which is not very convenient (with the exception of fingerless gloves);
- if a girl is not used to wearing gloves, many basic actions may cause difficulties, for example, fastening buttons, etc.;
- gloves can get dirty and lose their beautiful appearance, for example, while eating at a banquet, but this accessory will often end up in wedding photos.
