Junior Rasmussen
Wearing a veil is a time-honoured tradition that turns a woman in a beautiful white dress into a bride. There are many different styles of veils, from birdcage to cathedral-length, and several ways to secure them depending on your hairstyle. If you're wearing your hair down, you can secure your veil with bobby pins, by creating mini ponytails, or by backcombing a section of hair. For an updo, you can use a veil comb or bridal hairpins. The blusher, if your veil has one, should always be on top, and you should always anchor your veil with bobby pins to prevent any last-minute adjustments.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Veil types: Choose from blusher, Juliet cap, birdcage, chapel, mantilla, and more
- Veil placement: Positioning depends on veil and hair type, and personal preference
- Veil attachment: Secure with combs, bobby pins, hair ties, and/or hairpins
- Veil removal: Ask your hairstylist, wedding planner, or a close companion to help
- Veil timing: Put on just before you leave to avoid wrinkles and disruptions
Veil types: Choose from blusher, Juliet cap, birdcage, chapel, mantilla, and more
Wedding veils come in a variety of lengths and styles, with different veils complementing certain dresses and hairstyles. The most common types of veils include:
Blusher Veil
A blusher veil is a short veil that falls over the face and ends near the top of the dress. It is usually part of a two-tier veil, with the longer tier being fingertip or cathedral length. During the wedding ceremony, the blusher veil is pulled back to reveal the bride's face, creating a "two-tier" look.
Juliet Cap Veil
A Juliet cap veil is a traditional vintage look, dating back to 16th-century England. It is believed to have originated from the headwear worn by actors performing Juliet in Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet". A cap of material holds the veil in place, making it a good option for those with their hair down.
Birdcage Veil
Birdcage veils are short veils typically made of netting that cover a portion of the bride's face, falling just above or below the chin. They add a vintage vibe and lend a bit more personality to the outfit. Birdcage veils can be worn with most hairstyles but are especially well-suited for short wedding dresses.
Chapel Veil
Chapel veils extend to the ground or a couple of inches beyond the wedding dress, creating a delicate, romantic draping effect. They are well-suited for brides who want the illusion of a train without the need for bustling.
Mantilla Veil
Mantilla veils are single-tier veils with no gathers. They are typically worn two inches from the hairline at the top of the head and frame the face in lace. They come in a variety of widths and lengths and create a sensual yet sophisticated vibe.
Other veil types include elbow-length veils, fingertip veils, waltz veils, and cathedral veils, each offering a different level of coverage and drama to complement the wedding dress.
Essential Wedding Photo Lists for Your Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$17.12 $22.66
Veil placement: Positioning depends on veil and hair type, and personal preference
Veil placement depends on several factors, including hair type, veil type, and personal preference. For those with an updo or bun hairstyle, veils are typically secured at the crown of the head or slightly above it, allowing the veil to gracefully cascade down the back. This placement creates a sleek, elegant, and classic look.
If you're wearing your hair down, you can position the veil slightly higher on the head, so it drapes over your shoulders and blends with your locks. There are several ways to secure a veil with hair down:
- Backcombing: Lift the section of hair where you want to place the veil and backcomb the section underneath. Drop the top layer back over and smooth the hair. Secure the veil with two bobby pins through the loops for extra hold.
- Pin curls: Create two pin curls where you want to secure the veil. Grab a small section of hair, twist it into a curl, and fasten it with a bobby pin. Once the pin curls are in place, fix the veil into them.
- Bobby pins: Lift the top layer of hair and secure two bobby pins in an X shape just below where you want the comb to sit.
- Ponytail: Take two sections of hair on either side of where you want the veil and create a mini ponytail, securing it with a small elastic band. Insert the veil into the ponytail.
If you're wearing your hair in a bun, you can place the veil above or below it. Above the bun is a classic choice, exuding traditional bridal charm and working with various veil lengths and styles. It also showcases intricate hairpins, combs, or flowers. Below the bun creates a clean and sleek look, allowing the veil to cascade naturally without interfering with the volume of your hairstyle.
For a modern, asymmetrical twist, consider placing your veil to one side, especially with shorter veils. Positioning the veil at the back of the head is best for shorter veils, drawing attention to the gown's back details without overwhelming your look.
It's important to consult with your hairstylist, who can offer valuable insights and help you achieve a veil placement that enhances your natural beauty and complements your overall bridal look. Practising before the wedding day ensures the veil stays in place throughout the ceremony and your movements.
Wedding Photographers: Capturing Moments, Creating Memories
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Veil attachment: Secure with combs, bobby pins, hair ties, and/or hairpins
Wedding veils can be attached to the hair in a variety of ways, including with combs, bobby pins, hair ties, and/or hairpins. The type of attachment you choose will depend on your hairstyle and the style of your veil. If you have a bun or similar hairstyle, a comb will sit nicely on top and provide a good foundation. You can also use bobby pins to anchor the comb to your head for added security. This method is suitable for most veil styles.
To attach a veil with a comb, rotate the comb backward so that the concave part is facing downward. Then, push the comb into your hair until it feels secure. Always use bobby pins to secure the comb, especially if you have a long veil. The metal comb will have small loops at the base that allow you to put a bobby pin through and anchor it to your head.
If you plan on wearing your hair down, there are a few options for securing your veil. One option is to create a hidden ponytail by taking a small section of hair in the centre of your head and putting it into a tight ponytail with a small hair tie. Then, flip the top section of your hair back over, covering the ponytail. This creates an anchor point for your veil comb. Another option for wearing your hair down is to use bobby pins. Lift the top layer of hair and secure two bobby pins in an X shape just below where you want the comb to sit. You can also use backcombing or pin curls to secure your veil if you are wearing your hair down.
For short hair, you can create tiny ponytails by lifting the top layer of hair and securing small sections with mini elastic bands. Then, drop the top layer of hair back down and secure the veil comb into the hidden ponytails. Light and short veils that cover half of the face can be attached to the hair using hairpins. For a traditional Spanish look, the mantilla veil is framed with lace and fixed with pins. It works best with smooth hair.
Wedding Photography: Toning Techniques for Professional Photographers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.11 $16.21
Veil removal: Ask your hairstylist, wedding planner, or a close companion to help
While your hairstylist is the best person to remove your veil after the ceremony, asking them to stay for an hour or two after they finish styling might not be possible or affordable. Instead, you can ask your wedding planner or a close companion, such as your mother or maid of honour, to help you. Here is a step-by-step guide for them to follow:
First, they should remove any pins holding the comb in place. Then, they need to place one hand beneath the veil and on top of the comb, holding your hair in place. With their other hand, they should gently pull the comb up and then out of your hair, tilting it away from your head so that when the ends of the teeth are pulled out, the comb is at a 90-degree angle to the back of your head.
If you are wearing a short veil, you may be able to put it on yourself. However, if your veil is long, it is best to ask for help. When placing the veil, the curve of the comb should align with the curve of your head so that it lays smoothly against your head. You can also use two bobby pins crisscrossed as an anchor point for the comb to slide into.
If you have short hair, you may need to use a headband or crocodile/alligator clips to grip the veil more securely. You can also use a hair tie or elastic band to thread through the veil loops and tie the veil into position.
Wedding Photography: Getting Paid, Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Veil timing: Put on just before you leave to avoid wrinkles and disruptions
Wedding veils are notorious for wrinkling easily, so it's important to take steps to prevent creases and folds from forming in the fabric. One of the best ways to do this is to put your veil on just before you leave for your wedding ceremony. This minimises the risk of your veil getting damaged or creased, and it ensures you look your best as you walk down the aisle.
Wedding dress designer Jenny Yoo recommends putting on a long veil when you arrive at your ceremony site. This way, you can avoid sitting on your veil in the car, which could cause creases or damage. If you're wearing a short veil, you may want to put it on earlier, but be careful not to catch it on anything or let anyone give you a big hug!
To make sure your veil stays secure, use bobby pins to anchor it to your hair. If you have an updo, slide the comb into your hair and secure it with bobby pins. For hair worn down, there are several options for securing your veil, including backcombing, pin curls, or creating a hidden ponytail to anchor the comb.
Before the big day, it's crucial to store your veil properly to prevent wrinkles. Hang your veil as high as possible, preferably in a dry closet or a cool, dark room. Avoid storing your veil in a box, as this can cause creases. If you need to fold your veil, use tissue paper to minimise creases. You can also use a plastic dry cleaning bag to keep it wrinkle-free.
If your veil does get wrinkled, avoid using an iron, as the fabric can burn easily. Instead, try steaming or ask a professional to help. A local dry cleaner or the bridal salon where you purchased your veil can likely provide steaming services.
Creative Wedding Send-Off Ideas for a Grand Exit
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to do this, including:
- Backcombing the section of hair where you want to wear the veil, dropping the top layer of hair back over, and fixing the veil with bobby pins.
- Creating two pin curls where you want to secure the veil, then fixing the veil into them.
- Lifting the top layer of hair and securing two bobby pins in an X shape just below where you want the comb to sit.
- Taking two sections of hair on either side of where you want the veil and creating a mini ponytail, then inserting the veil into the ponytail.
If you have a bun or similar hairstyle, the comb of the veil will sit nicely on top. Always anchor it with a bobby pin.
Wedding veils usually have a comb that you push into your hair and secure with bobby pins. If your veil has a blusher, this should go on top.
Think about your timeline for the day. If you're getting ready within walking distance of your first look, put your veil on just before you leave so it's secure and in place. If you need to get in a car, wait until you arrive so you don't risk wrinkling it.
Your hairstylist can do this for you, or you can ask them to teach a member of your wedding party how to do it without disrupting your hairstyle.
