When one considers the amorous tradition of the gloves, it reinforces the symbol of wedding gloves in modern day ceremonies. Traditionally, gloves have been viewed as formal wedding wear. They were often purchased with long trains and veils. Today, brides enjoy incorporating gloves into their total wedding look, whether or not they are having a traditional formal affair.
Gloves are classified by length, and they are measured in inches or buttons. Following is a list of standard button lengths:
- One button: One button gloves fall at the base of the palm, or just below. They are a good choice for brides wearing long-sleeved gowns or dresses.
- Two button: Two button gloves are also called wristlets or gauntlets. They end at the bottom of the wrist, extending just beyond the one button style.
- Six button: Six button gloves, also known as quarter length gloves, are elegant, ending just below the elbow line.
- Eight button: Eight button gloves reach the elbow.
- Sixteen button: Sixteen button gloves actually cover the entire arm. Ending at the very top of the arm, these opera length gloves carry an aura of formality and elegance.
Enhance, Don't Overpower
Remember that gloves are a special part of your wedding ensemble, but they should not compete with your dress. The basic rule is that they should enhance but not overpower any other aspect of wedding wear. If you wear a white gown, choose white gloves. An ivory gown would dictate ivory gloves. Filmy transparent gloves are another lovely way to subtly incorporate this fabric into your wedding day.
Bridal Party Glove Tips
If your bridal party also shares in the glove wearing convention, traditional wedding rules state that the bride's gloves should be the most formal. Just as the bridal party dresses should never be longer than the bride's, their gloves should not appear to be more formal than those of the bride. So, for example, if the bride has chosen an 8 button glove, the bridal party could choose any button length up to and including 8. And for those who like to adhere to the older more traditional wedding rules, remember that while gentlemen must remove their gloves to shake hands, women do not. Therefore, gloves do not need to be removed for a receiving line, although brides may wish to do so just to preserve them.
What About the Ring?
Gloves are not made to support jewelry wearing, and so gloves can complicate the wedding ceremony a bit. One solution to this dilemma is to incorporate fingerless wedding gloves. Fingerless gloves carry all of the romance and grace of those with fingers, but they will allow for an easy ring ceremony. Fingerless gloves are often long and will be secured by one loop around a finger.
However, there are tricks a bride can use if she wants her fingers beneath gloves during her wedding ceremony. Simply cut a slit along the seam of the glove's ring finger and have the groom gently slide the fabric away from that finger before he places the ring on it. Or, have the ring slipped over the pinkie finger for the ceremony only. Some wedding specialists suggest using antique wedding gloves which button just inside the wrist. With a little practice, brides can open a button, and slip their fingers out while letting the glove drape gracefully over the back of a hand. Whatever technique you choose, just make sure you practice in advance so that your ceremony doesn't entertain guests too much with awkward glove maneuvers.
Gloves are a lovely addition to wedding wear and carry an aura of romance, grace and formality. Use these beautiful garments to add style and class to your wedding ensemble.