So have you had the fun experience of dress shopping yet? It really is everything you've dreamed of and more. Of course any bride who has experienced it will likely agree, trying on dresses is magical, but trying on a dress AND a veil, now that's the stuff that will turn on the waterworks guaranteed! Moms, friends, grandmothers, whoever is lucky enough to be with you as you make your all-important dress selection is sure to go all weepy on you as soon as you place that flowing halo of tulle on your head - trust us! So what is it about the veil that has such a huge impact? For starters, when else in your life will you wear one? It is quite possibly the quintessential accessory to your bridal attire. Then there's the sheer fact that it makes you look and feel both angelic and princess-like all at the same time. When you can make such a big impact using such a light piece of fabric, you may wonder what's the best style for you? Cathedral length or not? Blusher or fully exposed. To help you with your decision, Kisses consulted with its own, Kathi Wood, wedding coordinator for more than 17 years and bridal shop owner for nearly 10, to give you some food for thought when it comes to this one-of-a-kind head piece.

What's your best bet? The classic veil. Why? Let's face it, your groom, though he would never admit it, has an image of what you will look like on your wedding day. And while you may have an idea to go with a retro, totally glam birdcage veil (see photos below) chances are that will throw some grooms for a total loop! While they may like the look in some ways, grooms may also be wondering throughout the ceremony about how to kiss their brides with that aptly named cage-like veil ever so slightly covering the pucker area - while beautiful, it could be a point of concern. If you really have your heart set on a birdcage style, you could have it as a photo-only veil - a way to spice up some of your after nuptial photos and have some fun! If you still really want to wear it during your ceremony, show a little love and prepare the groom for the special birdcage look. It worked for Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama, but doesn't it always work for Hollywood?

Another option to spice up a more traditional veil worn during the ceremony is to switch to a comb, flower, feather, headband or any other of many options for the reception. Having that little something extra up top is a great way to show that this is still a very special one-of-a-kind day without the added "volume" that wearing your veil throughout the day can often bring. Especially for us Southern girls who like our spring and summer weddings (can you say hot?), when it comes to keeping your cool, removing the veil after the reception is a must.

Then there's the bridal blusher. This particular style originated from the days of arranged marriages when the grooms never saw the bride until the wedding day. Today a blusher serves as one last little way to tease your groom before seeing the full you standing before him. Bridal blushers are not seen as often in ceremonies these days but they can be a wonderful added bridal touch if you choose. Blushers can also be added to veils if a bride wants to wear a veil over her face then remove it after the ceremony for convenience. During your ceremony, your father, or selected aisle escort, will lift the veil as a ceremonious way of  presenting you to your groom - just be sure to have him practice this during the rehearsal so he doesn't leave an unsightly poof for all your guests to see! It truly is an old -fashioned, but lovely touch.

Want a few final tips and hints? Here is some added advice straight from Kathi's years of experience:

HINT: Most grooms expect a veil. I recall a bride coming in the week of the wedding in a rush to get a veil. "Why," you ask? Well she mentioned to the groom that she was not wearing a veil and to quote her, "It was like I told him there was no Santa." Proof, men have their views of what a bride should be.

Hint: If you should have a bad hair day, a veil is a Godsend. Especially in hot, high humidity or rain-prone locations.

Whatever you choose, just be sure to make every beautiful bridal accessory a reflection of your own personal style.

Kisses for now!