Bridal shop creates lace face masks that will match your wedding dress

A bridal shop in the Netherlands is creating a range of white, lace face masks that will match perfectly with a bride’s wedding dress – for weddings that are taking place amid social distancing rules.

The Bridal Palace, in Rotterdam, is creating bespoke mouth coverings for brides in traditional designs that fit with the look of their wedding.

A woman, who is set to get married in August plans on wearing a face mask that matches her gown – it is even made from the same material.

However, while the masks may look pretty – they probably aren’t very effective at protecting against germs. Because, well, lace has hundreds of holes and gaps, so can’t provide a barrier.

The face masks themselves are either mesh with a lace trim, or completely lace. They are made in the same colour and material to match perfectly with the dress, and they tie above and below the ears, round the back of the bride’s head.

Different types of mask offer different levels of protection. Surgical grade N95 respirators offer the highest level of protection against Covid-19 infection, followed by surgical grade masks – but these are in short supply and members of the public have been advised against wearing them.

While no face mask is ever completely effective, the CDC says that a homemade mask – worn properly – can help keep both you and others safe when combined with social distancing and regular hand-washing.

That means the mask must be worn at all times in a public space – without being moved up or down – and it must fit snugly from the top of the nose to below the chin, crucially, with no gaps.

Which means if you’re using lace or mesh as a face covering – rather than a more solid barrier like cotton – the mask probably isn’t going to be that effective.

But, brides may like the look of these masks purely as an accessory, rather than a protective measure.

It could be a way to commemorate the impact of coronavirus on your wedding plans – particularly if you have had to change your plans, move or cancel your wedding because of the pandemic.

Also, many people are now opting for smaller weddings with no guests present, or guests watching over Zoom or video call – so in this case, where there is no risk from being in a crowded space, the lace masks could be a nice touch.

They certainly make a change from the traditional bridal accessories – just make sure your face mask isn’t your ‘something old’ or your ‘something borrowed’.