Wedding fashion never runs out of trends but a bridal veil always remains timeless. Whether you are a bride who have a flair for dramatic long veils or more inclined to choose the non-traditional visor-veil, know how to pick the right one that will suits you on your special day.
1. Pick your wedding dress first. The veil is an accessory that should enhance the beauty of your dress, not overpower or lessen it. It should just blend beautifully so the bride must have the style of her wedding dress in mind before proceeding to pick her veil. It is important that the bridal veil matches the style and shade of your dress to make it look unified and complementary.
2. Decide how you will do your hair. Take your veil to your hair stylist for advice and try different looks with it to help you decide which one is suitable. Long veils and heavy headpieces require tougher support so you might need to wear your hair in a bun. Moderate-length veils can be worn with your hair half-up but if you want to wear your hair down, then you must stick to shorter veils. You must also consider where to fasten the veil. Experts say you must put it in 1 o’clock angle to create a pretty A-line from your head to floor that will complement your overall silhouette.
3. Think about the length. Long veils are generally flattering for every dress style and cut. Shorter veils are more complicated as it may affect the bride’s total look and silhouette. On the other hand, this is perfect for non-conventional brides who want to express their personal style. Selecting the perfect length should also be influenced by the bride’s height i.e. short veils like the finger-tip veil will make short girls appear shorter, while floor-length ones suits all girls of any height.
4. Determine how many tiers you want to have. You can choose between a one, two or three-tiered veil depending on how ornate the style of your dress is or how dramatic you want it to be. For a sophisticated look, you can choose one-tiered veil, but two or three-tiered veil will make you look more classy and romantic.
5. Select the veil details well. You may choose a plain veil if you are already wearing a wedding dress with elaborate details. Have embroidery or crystals stitched to your veil if your dress will be simple. You may also choose to add a sparkly pin or a family heirloom to fasten the veil to your hair for a more personal touch.
Different Bridal Veil Lengths
Floor-length, knee-length, or go for a short one? Most brides contemplate on how long their veil should be. After all, the veil plays a significant part during the wedding ceremony when the officiant tells the groom, “You may now kiss your bride”. And of course it makes the bride’s entrance more regal and dramatic.
There are different lengths suitable for the bride’s hairstyle, wedding gown design, or her body type and face shape. Here are the most common lengths that you see adorning the bride as she walks down the aisle.
1. Birdcage or Visor veil is a hat made of net that covers the bride’s head up to her nose or chin. The net has bigger holes that the bride’s face is barely concealed. This is similar to a fascinator and usually used by non-traditional brides. This is perfect when paired with a non-conventional and sophisticated wedding dress.
2. Blusher veil is just a few inches longer veil than the birdcage. This type of veil has a vintage feel to it. It covers the brides face up to her chin and when pulled back, ends at the nape of the bride.
3. Fingertip veil is usually 36-40” in length. It is actually one of the most popularly used lengths because of its sophistication and its versatility to match any gown style. It is called such because when the bride stretches her arms, the tip of the veil just about reaches her fingertips.
4. Ballet veil is about 60” in length that ends at the bride’s knee or her mid-calf. This is perfect for brides who want to keep their veil on until the wedding reception. This cut is just right to give the bride the freedom to move and dance around while keeping her veil in place.
5. Floor-length veil as the name implies just touches the floor and is about the same length as the bridal gown. The sheer and soft fabric will surely highlight the wedding dress’ intricate back details.
6. Chapel veil is slightly longer than floor-length veil and extends just a little beyond the bridal gown. This is perfect for brides who want to forgo trains but still enjoy some length.
7. Cathedral veils are the longest of it all extending beyond the bridal gown train. This is most impressive during the bride’s grand entrance making it more romantic and beautiful in pictures.
Did you know?
The veil was originally included on the bridal outfit to protect the bride from evil spirits. Today it is still a significant accessory to the bride but now more for the purpose of adornment.