The first and best piece of advice we can give you is to start with your wedding dress and then add the accessories to compliment it.
Unless required by your religion, veils are strictly optional and are more of a style statement and symbolic gesture.
If you decide to wear a veil on your wedding day you may be surprised to find that your options are pretty much limitless!
There are so many different kinds of veils, cathedral length veils, birdcage veils, fingertip length veils, embellished veils,
veils with lace, veils in different colors…
Different types of veils and lengths can completely transform your wedding style.
With so many options how do you know which one will look perfect with your wedding dress?
To help you not to feel too overwhelmed LOCA will guide you through the things you need to keep in mind when choosing your veil.
Getting familiar with the different kinds of veils
Blusher – The blusher is a short, single-layer veil worn over your face during the ceremony,
then flipped back over your head or removed before “you may now kiss the bride”.
Flyaway – The flyaway veil is multi-layered and barely brushes the shoulders.
This type of veil is appropriate for more casual looks.
Elbow – As the name implies, an elbow length veil extends to your elbows, providing the grace of a veil without overpowering your dress.
This style is very popular for more casual weddings.
Fingertip – The fingertip veil is the most versatile choice for brides-to-be as it works with most styles of dresses. It extends to your fingertips when your arms are hanging naturally. This popular veil length compliments most dresses, from sleek sheaths to elaborate ball gowns.
Cathedral – The cathedral veil – or royal veil – is the most formal and perfect if you want to go all out on your wedding day.
It is a very dramatic look that usually matches the length of your train.
Double tier – Like the name suggest, a double-tier veil consists of two layers (either two veils or a veil and a blusher) that extends to different lengths.
Waltz or ballet – This veil falls between your knees and ankles – a good option if you prefer a longer veil, but your dress does not have a train.
This veil length makes it a breeze to dance in, hence the name.
Fountain – The fountain veil gathers at the crown of your head and cascades around the face to your shoulders or elbows.
Pouf – The pouf veil features gathered material added to the point where it connects to your headpiece, creating added volume.This style works with most veil lengths.
Floor or ankle – A floor length veil just grazes the floor and matches the length of the bride’s gown.
The flowing fabric will add extra volume to your look, perfect for a bride who was torn between a ball gown and a more streamlined silhouette.
Chapel – A chapel length veil flows down the length of your dress and can create the illusion of a train. This veil sweeps across the floor extending slightly beyond the bride’s gown. It is perfect if you are thinking of having a more formal church wedding.
Birdcage – A birdcage veil is a small veil with wide netting that just barely covers the face. A lovely timeless and hassle-free style that is a good choice for a more vintage 50’s inspired retro style.
Mantilla – This Spanish-inspired veil – often made of lace – drapes over the head to varying length.
A headpiece isn’t necessary to keep it in place.
The wedding dress silhouette
The style or silhouette of your dress is the first thing you need to consider.
As a general rule, the slimmer the dress, the longer the veil.
The wedding dress style and fabric
Consider the style of your wedding gown. In general, if you have quite a simple gown you can carry off a more elaborate veil.
However if your gown is more detailed and elaborate, a simpler veil often looks more flattering. The fabric of your dress often determines the choice of edging or trim on your veil. Go for an exact match or one shade lighter than the color of your dress.
Your hairstyle on your wedding day
Your choice in hairstyle will affect the style of veil you choose, if not the other way around.
Some hairstyles suit a veil that is attached to the front of your head while others need to be attached further back on the head.
Your wedding ceremony venue
If you are planning on having a ceremony outdoors choosing a veil made of heavier materials can be better to make that it doesn’t fly around.
If you are getting married indoors a more lightweight material lends itself perfectly. If you still want the lightweight material at your outdoor wedding consider adding some veil weights to the veil to keep it in place.
Height matters
Most of the time it will be your taste that determines what type of veil you go for but generally speaking brides that are on the shorter side should go with a shorter style veil to compliment her look. Taller brides usually look great in a fingertip veil. Brides that in between can pretty much go with any type depending on personal taste.
The best thing you can do is to try on different types of veils while wearing wedding dress. That way you get to see the full picture of how the veil looks on you and how it compliments your dress and style. Have fun with it! Maybe a family member already has a veil that fits you perfectly and it ca be your “something borrowed”.
– Love Loca –