Ann Guise ~ Pure Silk Wedding Veils

On the whole, I find it's something many Brides often know from the off whether they want to go with or not – to veil, or not to veil?   Initially, I never thought I wanted to go with a veil, but I recall messing about one day in front of my bathroom mirror, holding my hair up chignon style and messing about with a floaty piece of fabric from my Husbands workshop – holding it in the position I imagined my veil might go(yes, Mum, you can so picture me doing this, right? ;)……), and like a little girl playing with her dolls, I knew in that moment that I had to have a wedding veil when I got married. 

I remember first finding out about Ann Guise and her business producing pure silk wedding veils when I was looking for my own veil.  Ann works with 100% pure silk, and pure silk only – no synthetic fibres here.  And so successful is Ann at her craft (she's the only reputable UK designer I know about who specialises in
100% silk veils) that she sells her exquisite creations world-wide from her Welsh H.Q.

I got to chat with Ann recently and learnt a little more about the veiled lady…

"A bride will spend a huge amount of time
and  money on their wedding dress and I want each bride to have the
opportunity to wear a diaphanous pure silk wedding veil which will
compliment her dress perfectly and create a beautiful aura around her. 
Each veil is unique and an heirloom that can be passed from sister to
sister, or mother to daughter and is a lovely ‘something borrowed’."

All Photography kindly provided by Ann Guise, who holds the rights to reproduce these images

 

"I started designing at the age of 7, making dresses for my dolls!  Age
11 I started making my own clothes using an electric Singer sewing
machine – and never looked back.  I made my own silk wedding veil
because I didn’t like the feel of the polyester ones. I’ve always loved
the feel of beautiful fabrics. My friends often asked me to make their
bridal gown and a silk wedding veil because they weren’t available in
the bridal shops.  Also a standard size veil doesn’t suit everyone.  I
decided to start my business specialising in making silk wedding veils
so that all brides have the choice and opportunity to wear a couture
silk wedding veil."

Qualified or self-taught?…"I
taught myself to sew age 7 after
watching an item on ‘Blue Peter’ on how to make a simple doll’s dress! 
I had basic hand sewing lessons in primary school and 1st year of high
school. I didn’t have another proper lesson until year 10 when I started
GCE needlework. In the meantime I bought the Vogue sewing book, which
was my bible.  I did a 1 year Art Foundation course at Cardiff College
of Art and then 3 years at University of Westminster, Harrow campus,
graduating in Fashion and Textile Design."

Do you have a muse?…"I love beautiful fabrics and anything that sparkles,
mirrors, glass, chandeliers, diamonds!   I love the musicals of the
1930/40s, Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers and Busby Berkeley. Edith Head
designed some of the the amazing costumes. I also love Erte who designed
the most stunning outfits. I only design to order at the moment. I
always design for a particular client.  She will usually have an idea of
the veil she is looking for but unable to find it in a bridal store.  I
advise and make suggestions within the brief given.  My brides want
individuality and a veil to complement their outfit."

Image below right, Copyright (c) 2010, Craig Prentis

You sell all over the world! Can you tell me more about that…."Distance is no object where my veils are concerned. I have
made silk veils for clients all over the world Australia, Canada, USA,
Hong Kong, Dubai, New Zealand, Europe. There are pictures of some of my
brides on my ‘Real Brides’ page on my website. The internet makes the
world a very small place.  The ordering process is very simple and
exactly the same no matter where a bride lives."

What is your price guide/range?…"My veils start from £165 including UK
delivery. There is a small charge for international shipping."

What advice would you have for Brides considering wearing a veil?…"The
style of veil is a bride's choice. She should never feel pressurised
into wearing something because it is the ‘proper’ or ‘right’ way. Each
bride is an individual and should do her own thing. If a bride wants it,
then that’s the right way for her.  The  decoration on the dress and
length of train need to be considered. A veil shouldn’t distract from
the total look of the outfit.  A short veil can make the back look too
busy if there is detail like the edge of a bodice, embroidery or a sash
etc. all around the same area. In this instance, I usually suggest a
long veil which allows the detail to show through."

Do you stock anywhere or are you purely about bespoke/made to order?…"I
have been approached by retailers who would like to stock my veils,
both in the UK and US, but I'm reluctant because that would increase the
price of my veils. Also, I like the interaction between myself and my
clients. Part of the service is the advice and guidance they receive."

What are your plans for the future?…"I would like to continue
developing my embroidery and beadwork designs to provide even more
choice for my clients. I may consider an off the peg range – we’ll see!"



Are you exhibiting anywhere in the next 6-12 months?…"I haven’t any plans to exhibit at the moment.  I loved
exhibiting at the Designer Wedding Show. It is very laid back and the
quality of exhibitors is exceptional. Maybe next year……!"

Thank you so much Ann for talking to Love My Dress. 

Now all you Brides-to-be considering a wedding veil – waste no time in contacting Anne for some samples! Telephone +44(0)29 2075 0723, or email Ann directly.  Do be warned however, Ann can often be booked up weeks, sometimes months in advance – so get in there early!

Veiling you all in Bridal love 🙂

♥