Don’t you just love it when the Bride and Groom pass out miniature bottles of bubbles after the reception? Don’t they look beautiful as they run toward the waiting car in a sea of pearlescent, floating spheres?
It’s especially beautiful if, like on our wedding day, there are snow flurries intermingling with the bubbles.
Of course, it never occurred to us that the soap in the bubbles was perhaps not the best substance to let coat a veil made of expensive French lace hand-pieced by the mother of the bride…and that perhaps we should have sent it to the cleaners with the gown, rather than folding it up in tissue for nearly twelve years without a second thought. Until yesterday, when Mom and I pulled the boxed gown and accessories down out of her closet, so I could pack them up to go to Seattle.
And found this:
I do believe I resembled a guppy for several long seconds after finding the veil in this state. I’m not often speechless, as those who have met me in person can attest, but this did the trick. You see, I loved my wedding gown. It was great. But I loved my veil. I vividly remember going to the fine fabrics store with Mom and picking out the lace, the price of which nearly stopped my heart. We spent quite a long time figuring out the absolute minimum we would need to buy for Mom to hand piece into the correct shape to give me a mantilla-like effect. And it was beautiful. I have always said I didn’t know if I’d hang onto my gown forever, but that the veil would be an heirloom. We made it removable from the headpiece so future brides could wear it with whatever headpiece they wanted. There was thought put into it.
And here it is. Woah. Okay, yes, I know, it’s not that important. Except that it is, to me, just a little bit.
So, to the purpose of this post, a Public Service Announcements for brides everywhere:
When you take your wedding gown to the cleaners, have them clean the veil, too. You never know what might have gotten on it.
Oh, and as for my veil? Surprise! It has a happy ending. Tune in tomorrow…
In THIS Life 
3 comments
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July 31, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Sheri
Ok, it’s tomorrow…
Would you believe, I never had my gown cleaned? It still hangs in the closet, in the garment bag I got it in. For several months, I told myself, I need to get it cleaned and boxed. Then, it just kind of was forgotten. I have considered donating it, since I don’t have any girls. But, for now, it just hangs.
August 1, 2009 at 12:17 am
Mom
Aimee, the after photo looks great! I am so glad I could save it. Beyond the cost of the lace and the hours of hand reappliqueing to make it just what you wanted, it is the only customized personalized wedding keepsake we have in the family. My wedding dress went the way of practicality and was shortened and dyed coral to use as a cocktail dress. Can’t imagine what I was thinking. My headpiece and veil were loaned out, never to be seen again. Ah well. So this veil is kind of special after all. Love you, Mom
August 11, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Wedding Bubbles
Yes, wedding bubbles can look great. I’m really suprised at how much damage they can cause though! That’s definitely good advice to have your veil cleaned too. I’m glad to hear that your mom got yours sorted.