Choosing The Perfect Comb Size For Your Wedding Veil

Wedding veils can be attached to hair in a variety of ways, including combs, clips, hairpins, and elastic loops. Combs are the most popular attachment method and are available in different sizes, materials, and colours. The most popular size is 3 inches, which is suitable for most veil styles and hair types. For brides who want extra shoulder coverage or a voluminous veil, a longer comb of 4 to 5 inches is recommended. Veil combs can be made of metal or plastic, with metal being more durable and easier to use, and plastic offering more grip for fine hair.

Metal vs. plastic comb

When choosing a comb for your wedding veil, you may be given the option of a plastic or metal comb. Here is a detailed rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Plastic Combs:

• Plastic combs are typically clear and less visible in the hair, especially for those with fair hair.
• The teeth on plastic combs are closer together, making them a good option for those with fine hair who want extra grip.
• Plastic combs are lightweight and comfortable to wear.
• However, plastic combs can break easily, depending on their quality.
• They may also require additional hairpins to secure them in place.

Metal Combs:

• Metal combs are durable and less likely to break than plastic combs.
• They anchor more securely in the hair and can be removed without disturbing your hairstyle.
• Metal combs are suitable for brides with thicker hair and can be bent to fit the shape of your head.
• Metal combs are typically more expensive than plastic combs, with some vendors charging an additional $5 or more for this option.
• Metal combs may be heavier, depending on the length and layers of your veil, and any additional embellishments.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a plastic or metal comb for your wedding veil may depend on your hair type, the weight of your veil, and personal preference. It is always a good idea to consult with your hairstylist to determine which option will work best for your hairstyle and veil choice.

Veil and hair type

When choosing a veil, it's important to consider your hair type and length, as well as your hairstyle on the day.

Straight hair

If you have straight hair, you might want to try a half-up, half-down style with wand curls, a braid, a sleek bob, or a bun. If your hair is on the shorter side, consider extensions or artfully placed pins or barrettes to create the style you want.

Wavy hair

For wavy hair, try a swirl pin-up style, wand waves, a sleek ponytail, or a bouncy blowout.

Curly hair

If you have curls, you could wear them loose and free-flowing, or try a one-shoulder scooped braid, a double braided halo bun, or a curly bun.

Kinky hair

For kinky hair, a curly afro updo, free fall coils with a bridal headpiece, or Bantu knots are all great options.

Veil attachments

There are several different options for attaching a veil to your hair. The most popular is a 3-inch metal comb, which is slim, sturdy, and versatile. Another option is a clear plastic comb, which blends in with your hair but can be more difficult to secure with extra bobby pins. For a minimalist look, an unwrapped slim comb can be matched to your hair colour. For short-haired brides, alligator clips are a good choice as they provide a firm grip. For delicate veil styles such as drop veils and mantilla veils, hairpins can be used to secure the veil without gathering.

Veil length

There are many different lengths of wedding veils to choose from, and the right one for you will depend on the silhouette of your bridal gown. Here is a list of some of the most common veil lengths:

• Birdcage veil (4-9 inches): This short and flirty veil can cover just the eyes, skim the nose, or fall at the jawline. It is usually made of net or lace and is also known as a bandeau veil.
• Shoulder-length veil (20-22 inches): This veil hits your shoulders and is a great option if you want a traditional-looking veil that doesn't compete with the details of your dress.
• Blusher veil (30 inches): Also known as a wedge veil, this style offers a less traditional look with vintage appeal. It falls over the face and is pulled back to reveal the bride during the ceremony.
• Elbow-length veil (32 inches): An elegant way to cover up without wearing something bulky, this veil falls gracefully over the shoulders to the bride's elbows.
• Fingertip-length veil (38-40 inches): A popular choice, this veil falls beyond the bride's hips and allows any design on the back of the gown to be seen through the sheer fabric.
• Knee-length veil (48 inches): This veil offers drama and elegance without being too heavy. It can be adjusted to fall a little longer or shorter depending on your height.
• Ballet/Waltz-length veil (60 inches): Designed to fall mid-calf, this veil is as long as a veil can get without touching the floor. It won't get in the way of dancing and is a good option if you want to keep your veil on during the reception.
• Floor-length veil (72 inches): This veil just grazes the floor and matches the length of the bride's gown. It adds extra volume, perfect for a bride who wants both a streamlined silhouette and a ball gown look.
• Chapel-length veil (90 inches): A chapel-length veil sweeps across the floor, extending slightly beyond the bride's gown. It creates the illusion of a train without any bustling required.
• Cathedral-length veil (108-120 inches): A cathedral-length veil is the most dramatic option, extending beyond the train of the bride's gown. It is perfect for brides who want an ultra-regal and traditional look when walking down the aisle.

In addition to these standard lengths, veils can also be custom-made to any length you desire.

Veil volume

The volume of a wedding veil is determined by its length and fullness. The longer the veil, the more volume it will have. For example, a shoulder-length veil will have less volume than a cathedral-length veil.

The fullness of a veil also affects its volume. A veil with more fullness will have more fabric gathered at the comb, creating a "puffier" and more voluminous look. This can be achieved by gathering the fabric at the centre of the comb or across the whole fold. The amount of gathering will depend on the desired look and can be adjusted to create more or less volume.

To enhance the volume of a veil, a longer comb can be used. Longer combs, typically 4 to 5 inches in length, help to spread out the veil, creating more volume and fullness. This is especially effective for veils that are "extra puffy" and voluminous.

Additionally, the hairstyle can impact the volume of the veil. Updos and half-up, half-down hairstyles provide more grip for the veil, allowing it to be more secure and easier to manage. On the other hand, straight and sleek hairstyles can be more challenging as the veil has less to cling on to and may slip or slide.

In summary, the volume of a wedding veil can be adjusted by considering its length, fullness, and the use of longer combs. The hairstyle can also impact the overall volume and how securely the veil is attached.

Veil attachment

Combs are the most common attachment for wedding veils and can be used for all hair types. Combs are usually made from metal or plastic and come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3 inches to 5.25 inches. The length of the comb will determine how much volume the veil has; longer combs will create more volume. The comb is usually hand-sewn onto the veil and then tucked into the hair, with the teeth of the comb gripping the hair.

When choosing a comb, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the colour of the comb can be selected to match the bride's hair colour, especially if the bride has fine hair and wants to disguise the comb. Metal combs are available in silver, gold, rose gold, and black, and plastic combs are clear. Secondly, the weight of the veil should be considered when selecting a comb. Heavy veils may require a stronger attachment, such as hairpins, to prevent the fabric from tearing.

There are alternatives to comb attachments, such as loops, pins, and clips. Loops are elastic and are sewn under the top of the veil instead of a comb, and then hairpins are used to attach the veil to the hair. Pins can also be used on their own, without loops, to secure the veil, and are a good option for mantilla veils. Alligator clips are a good option for short-haired brides as they provide a firm grip.

Frequently asked questions