By: Anne Lindeman
Growing up you may have unconsciously developed some negative feelings towards lace. You know those dusty lace doilies that serve as a protector of trinkets on your grandmother’s furniture or maybe as a child you had a giant lace bib (with matching gloves) embarrassingly dangling from the neckline of your Easter dress. What I’m trying to say here is that lace may not always have been your friend, but I’m here to change your mind.
Lace has been a prominent fabric for centuries, originally used as a measuring stick to one’s wealth and status. So what has changed? As the fashion industry has proved time and time again, styles trend in cycles.
Lace is on its way back up in a very cool way and thanks to the wedding industry; it has proven itself to be extremely versatile. There are lace wedding dresses that have an amazing retro feel and some that are more modern for the fashion forward bride. I can’t think of any other material that can modestly cover you up, but also reveal a peek-a-boo of skin at the same time creating a super sexy look. And it’s that reason in particular why I chose lace for my wedding dress.
I was never the type of girl who dreamed about my wedding day. I was always the type that played in the dirt with boys, competed in sports, and more importantly, worked my ass off building a career in order to avoid financially depending on a man to take care of me. Why am I telling you all this? Because right about now you are picturing me as an awkward tomboy like Laney Boggs before Freddie Prinze Jr. got a hold of her and made her “all that.” Rest assured I wasn’t that bad, and let’s be honest, neither was Laney, but I wanted to paint a clear mental picture for you that I wasn’t a girly girl when I chose my wedding gown.
I happen to be one of those people who have an old soul and a true believer I was born in the wrong decade. While all my girlfriends gushed over gorgeous celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, I admired the classic film stars of the 50’s and 60’s. Sure Marilyn Monroe was the ultimate babe, but I idolized the beauties of the day like Jane Russell for her quick ball busting wit, Lucille Ball for her hilarious slapstick sense of humor, and Grace Kelly for her effortless way of being sexy chic. These women didn’t build vivacious careers on good looks alone, they had brains and they had gumption. They were strong independent women that I idolized and they just so happened to look gorgeous in lace. It’s exactly what I wanted to emulate on my wedding day. With a little extra help of a few tattoos, red sash, and red shoes, I was able to achieve the retro look I wanted while still maintaining my unique style.
Here’s another thought. Have you ever seen a man wearing lace? I think not, which means lace is something just us girls can identify with and in a strange way empower us to be independent and sexy. Okay, maybe Prince has dabbled in the lace department once or twice – but he gets a pass on this one!


Still not sure if lace is for you? Here are 6 reasons why lace was the star of my wedding:
1. Lace is versatile. It comes in many different silhouettes and lengths.
2. Lace doesn’t wrinkle.
3. Lace can be worn for any season – try short and sleeveless for summer or long sleeved and high neckline for winter. The possibilities are truly endless.
4. Lace is timeless. Fifty years from now your wedding photos will still rock!
5. Its comfortable. It doesn’t snag. It’s not itchy, and the best part – it won’t make you feel hot or sweaty.
6. Its affordable! My custom designed Dolly Couture dress came in under $800!
So ladies, when choosing your wedding gown keep this in mind: lace is fabulous and has outstanding nostalgic appeal. Whether you want to look like a classic film star, wear a family heirloom, or just plain appreciate the beauty of the intricate details, lace will not disappoint.
Anne Lindeman is the founder of Clever Wedding Ideas, a website and blog providing ideas and inspiration for the chic and unique bride.