Antique lace is making a beautiful comeback, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. From heirloom veils to statement sleeves, couples planning 2027 weddings are choosing lace that feels romantic, personal and full of history.

Lace is one of the most beautiful details to capture on a wedding day. It catches the light, adds texture to every frame and tells a story that goes far beyond the dress. Here’s how couples are bringing antique lace into their celebrations this year, plus our tips for making sure it shines in your photos.

Why Is Antique Lace Having a Moment?

Couples today want weddings that feel meaningful, and antique lace has that quality built in. It brings to mind family heirlooms, vintage bridal portraits and the delicate handwork that went into every thread. Paired with a modern silhouette or clean, elegant styling, lace wedding dresses feel timeless and fresh at the same time.

What we love most is that lace is no longer just for the gown. Couples are weaving lace into every part of the wedding, including stationery, table linens, cakes and décor, so the whole day feels connected from the first detail shot to the last dance.

The Lace Styles to Know

If you’re shopping for a gown or veil, a few lace styles will come up again and again.

Chantilly lace is light and sheer, with delicate floral patterns that date back to 17th century France. It’s a beautiful choice for veils and soft, flowing sleeves.

Alençon lace has bold florals outlined with a raised cord, which gives a gown real texture and dimension. It photographs beautifully in close up detail shots.

Venetian lace features heavier, sculptural scrolls and flowers. It makes a dramatic statement, especially on bodices and long sleeves.

Statement Lace Sleeves

Long lace sleeves, off the shoulder lace and detachable sleeves are some of our favorite ways to wear this trend. Statement sleeves add instant vintage romance and look stunning in candid moments like your first dance, your cake cutting or the moment you slip on your rings.

Photography tip: Ask your photographer for a close up of your hands with your sleeves and rings. These detail shots show the pattern of the lace in a way that full length portraits can’t.

The Heirloom Veil

A lace veil is one of the most meaningful ways to include your “something old.” Some brides wear a mother’s or grandmother’s veil exactly as it is, while others have vintage lace restored and restyled into something new. Either way, it creates a beautiful connection between generations.

Photography tip: A long lace veil in motion is pure magic. Plan a few moments for your photographer to capture your veil catching a breeze, flowing behind you as you walk or framing a dip kiss with your partner.

Bringing Family Lace Into Your Day

Not every bride wants to wear a full heirloom veil, and that’s okay. There are plenty of ways to incorporate family heirlooms in smaller ways. A piece of lace from a family gown can become a bouquet wrap, be sewn into the inside of your dress or even turn into a custom garter. These touches are subtle, personal and wonderful to photograph.

Photography tip: If your lace has a family story, share it with your photographer before the wedding. We love capturing the moment a mother or grandmother sees her lace again on her loved one’s wedding day.

Vintage Gowns With Heirloom Charm

Some couples skip the lace accents altogether and go fully vintage. If you’re shopping for a vintage wedding dress, look for the details that make it feel one of a kind. Tommi’s long sleeved gown at her fall wedding at Bensalem Country Club is a great example of how embroidery, a corset silhouette and a buttoned back create that timeless, heirloom feel.

Lace Beyond the Dress

Want to carry the trend through your whole celebration? Laser cut lace invitations set the tone before guests even arrive. At the reception, vintage lace tablecloths and lace table runners add softness to every table, and a lace patterned cake ties your dessert back to your gown. For more ways to style your reception, take a look at our garden wedding tablescape ideas and our favorite ways to use dramatic drapes for your big day.

How Do You Make Lace Shine in Photos?

Photography tip: Soft window light brings out the depth of lace, especially styles with raised patterns like Alençon. Plan your getting ready portraits near a large window whenever possible.

Photography tip: Simple backdrops like white walls, wooden doors or open sky let intricate lace stand out instead of competing with a busy background.

Photography tip: Build time into your wedding day timeline for detail shots. Your gown, veil and heirloom pieces deserve their own moment before the day gets busy.

Key Takeaways

• Antique lace is one of the most romantic and personal wedding trends for 2027.

• Lace sleeves, heirloom veils and small family lace touches are easy ways to wear the trend.

• Lace works beautifully beyond the gown, from stationery to tablescapes.

• Window light, simple backdrops and planned detail shots help lace photographs beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear my mother’s or grandmother’s lace veil?
Absolutely. Many brides wear heirloom veils as they are, while others have a seamstress restyle them to match their gown.

What type of lace photographs best?
Every lace photographs beautifully with the right light. Laces with raised patterns, like Alençon, show the most texture in close up shots, while sheer lace like Chantilly looks stunning in motion.

How can I include lace if my gown doesn’t have any?
Try a lace veil, lace sleeves, a lace wrapped bouquet or lace details in your stationery and décor.

Capture Every Thread of Your Story

Whether you’re wearing your grandmother’s veil or a brand new gown with vintage charm, antique lace deserves to be photographed with care. Our photographers know how to bring out every delicate detail, from your getting ready moments to your last dance.

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