A Wedding Veils Guide: All You Ever Wanted To Know About The Bridal Veil

Are you thinking of wearing a bridal veil? Get to know their styles, lengths and tips to pick “the one” in this complete guide to wedding veils!

Historically, the bridal veil was used to protect the bride from evil spirits. Today’s brides can choose the type of veil they want or, no veil at all.

Still, it’s important to understand that the veil is only an accessory, and as such, it has to match your look. Consider how it fits with your dress, with the shape of your face and body, your hairstyle and your wedding venue. Yep, we bet you did not think of that one!

All of these factors need to be considered when choosing your veil: length, width, color, number of layers or tiers, and decor.

So, without further ado, here’s all you ever wanted to know to help you choose your perfect bridal veil!

One tier flyaway wedding veil.

Wedding Veils Guide to Style

Wedding dresses have a variety of styles and they need a veil to match. There are four basic wedding veil styles: classic, romantic, sophisticated and eclectic.

• Classic wedding veils are formal, symmetrical and sometimes have a lot of detail.
• Romantic wedding veils have an element of softness and generally incorporate a lot of detail.
• Sophisticated bridal veils are discreet, free of ornate detail.
• The eclectic veils are creative with unexpected details.

Wedding veils guide to style: Bridal caps by EricaElizabethDesign.

If your dress is classic and romantic, the veil may be embroidered or have lace detail to highlight and complement the dress. On the other hand, if you have chosen a more modern, sophisticated gown or with an elaborate fabric, go for a more casual, subdued and simple veil.

Let the dress be the protagonist.

How to Choose the Perfect Bridal Veil for your Hairstyle

The choice of hairstyle plays an important role in determining what type of veil to wear.

• A heavy hair accessory, a long veil or a one with several layers needs an updo hairstyle.
• A half up, half down updo will do well with moderate weights and lengths.
• If you want to sport a more casual look and wear all your hair down, it’s probably best to wear short or light veil designs.

You also need to consider where on your head the veil will be placed.

Some hairstyles go well with a veil that fastens to the front of the head. Others look good with a veil that is fastened to the back or to the side.

A half-up hairstyle offers the best of both worlds- you get the look of lush and romantic curls. Pair it with a fingertip veil.

Wide veils usually need be fastened towards the forehead. Your veil can be fastened with a comb or pins, or be combined with a tiara, a crown or headband.

Pick or buy the veil well in advance so you can try it on with the hairstyle you have chosen.

Most veils work well with down hairstyles. But if you’re planning on a more elaborate hairstyle, choose a thin or sheer veil that won’t completely hide your hair.

Choose medium-length or long wedding veils for a high updo.

If you plan on wearing your hair loose or a low updo, the wedding veil must be shorter. But if you have long hair, your hairstyle is very elaborate and you want to show it off, go for a long veil tied underneath it.

Wedding veils guide: How to choose the perfect veil for your hairstyle. A timeless 1920s wedding headpiece by EricaElizabethDesign.

Photography Credits: weddingpartyapp, once wed, mywedding, Colin Cowie Weddings, bridal guide magazine, Bel Aire Bridal, Bridal Musings, Hey Wedding Lady, percyhandmade, Junebug weddings, swoonedmagazine