Rhiannon Hendricks
Choosing a wedding veil to match your dress is an important consideration for brides-to-be. The right veil can elevate your bridal ensemble, adding an element of tradition, romance, or modern flair to your wedding day. The style of your wedding dress is the primary factor in determining the best veil. For instance, a lace-trim veil can be paired with a very clean gown, or a veil with light lace can be paired with a simple dress. The length of your veil depends on the length and shape of your wedding dress. For a fitted silhouette like a mermaid or fit-and-flare, a longer veil will probably look more balanced. A shorter veil may be preferable for a detailed dress, to keep the focus on the design. If you're wearing a short dress, you may want to opt for a shorter veil, such as a birdcage veil, which covers just a portion of the face.
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What You'll Learn
- Veil length: Choose from cute and short to fabulous and long
- Veil colour: Match the shade of white, ivory, champagne, or blush to your dress
- Veil fabric: Match the fabric of your veil to your dress, e.g. lace
- Veil style: Opt for a vintage, boho, or modern look
- Veil shape: Pick a veil that complements the silhouette of your dress
Veil length: Choose from cute and short to fabulous and long
The length of your veil can completely transform your wedding aesthetic. Here are some options for veil lengths, from cute and short to fabulous and long:
Birdcage Veil
The birdcage veil is the shortest veil option. It covers just a portion of the face, typically falling around the eyes or chin, and gracefully reaching the shoulders. This lightweight option is playful and adds a delicate touch without overpowering the dress.
Shoulder-Length Veil
A shoulder-length veil is a great choice for those wanting something traditional that doesn't compete with the details of their dress. This option falls to the elbows and works well with A-line or ballgown silhouettes.
Elbow-Length Veil
An elbow-length veil is a great option for brides seeking a short veil with a touch more flow. This length looks great with a vintage 50s or 60s bridal look.
Waist-Length Veil
A waist-length veil is a more traditional option, often the shortest length available in dress shops. It is great for A-line gowns with a natural waistline as it draws attention to the waist.
Hip-Length Veil
A hip-length veil is a good choice for those wanting to visually highlight details on their dress that extend below waist height.
Fingertip Veil
The fingertip veil is a universally flattering length that complements almost any dress style. It provides a perfect flow without overpowering the dress and gives freedom to move without restriction.
Waltz Veil
The waltz veil falls to mid-calf, making it perfect for dancing while still achieving the look of a long, flowing veil. It's a great option for a dress with no train or an ankle-length tea dress.
Floor-Length Veil
A floor-length veil grazes the floor and matches the length of the bride's gown. The flowing fabric adds extra volume, perfect for a bride who wants a streamlined silhouette.
Chapel Veil
A chapel veil is a good choice for a beach wedding, allowing the veil to flow in the wind without being too cumbersome.
Cathedral Veil
The cathedral veil is a traditional and dramatic option, perfect for the princess bride who loves sparkle.
When choosing a veil, it's important to consider the style of your dress. For example, a simple dress can be paired with a bold veil featuring lace, beading, or embroidery. On the other hand, if your dress is heavily embellished, opt for a minimal veil to keep the focus on the dress. Additionally, the hairstyle you choose will also impact how your veil sits and stays in place.
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Veil colour: Match the shade of white, ivory, champagne, or blush to your dress
The colour of the veil is an important aspect to consider when matching it with your wedding dress. While the veil should complement your gown and complete your bridal look, it should not overshadow it.
White
White is a pure, bright shade that pairs well with pure white wedding gowns made of a variety of fabrics, including crepe, taffeta, chiffon, and charmeuse. However, very few wedding gowns are truly pure white, even those commonly referred to as "white". For instance, silk gowns are almost always slightly off-white. Therefore, when matching a white veil, it is important to consider the undertones of your dress and the lighting conditions in which it will be viewed, as artificial lighting can cast tints that alter the appearance of the colour.
Ivory
Ivory is a light off-white shade with warm, creamy undertones. It is a shade darker than eggshell and pairs well with gowns in the ivory, ivory/nude, and ivory/blush families. Ivory veils can also come in darker shades, verging on cream, which suits candlelight, cream, or some champagne-coloured fabrics.
Champagne
Champagne is a soft beige or light gold tone, sometimes with pink or peach undertones. It is a non-traditional colour that still feels bridal, adding a hint of colour without being too bold. A champagne veil is best paired with a light gold or beige-toned wedding dress.
Blush
A blush veil can add a romantic feel to your bridal look. This colour pairs beautifully with gowns that have blush pink accents or contrast nude underlinings.
When choosing the right veil colour, it is important to remember that the goal is for your veil to tone with your dress, rather than be an exact colour match. Fabric swatches or photos of your gown in natural lighting can be useful tools to help you determine the best veil colour to match your wedding dress.
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Veil fabric: Match the fabric of your veil to your dress, e.g. lace
The veil is an iconic bridal accessory that has been steeped in tradition for centuries. It is a defining aspect of the bridal look, infusing the bride's walk down the aisle with dimension and character. The right veil fabric can elevate the overall aesthetic of the bridal look, harmonizing with both the gown and the ceremony's vibe.
If your wedding dress features lace, consider a veil with lace accents that match or complement the lace pattern on your dress. This creates a cohesive look and adds to the romantic feel. For instance, a lace-trim veil paired with a very clean gown can add some originality and texture to the overall bridal look.
Tulle is the most popular fabric for wedding veils due to its lightweight, sheer, and versatile nature. Tulle veils are also very common, creating a soft and delicate bridal veil. Longer veils made of tulle can enhance the regal feel of your dress and create a breathtaking aisle walk.
Organza is another fabric used for veils. It is a crisp, lightweight fabric that adds structure and a bit of volume to your veil. An angel-cut veil trimmed in organza is a good choice to frame the face of the bride beautifully.
Mesh lace is a stunning choice for a bridal veil, combining the intricacy of lace with the lightweight nature of mesh. Mesh lace veils work particularly well with dresses that have lace details or embellishments, creating a cohesive and harmonious bridal look.
Chiffon is another option for veils, with its soft, flowing qualities. It is ideal for brides seeking a more draped, fluid aesthetic. A chiffon veil can create a romantic and dreamy veil that cascades gracefully, perfect for a bohemian or more relaxed wedding theme.
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Veil style: Opt for a vintage, boho, or modern look
The right veil can help shape your style on your wedding day. Here are some ideas for veil styles to match a "bonggacious" wedding dress, with a focus on vintage, boho, and modern looks:
Vintage
Vintage veils can add a touch of glamour and romance to your bridal look. Here are some options for vintage veil styles:
- Juliet Cap Veil: This style dates back to the 16th century and was popular with brides in the 1920s and 1950s. Worn low on the brow and tight to the head, it is often held in place by an embellished bandeau or a crown of flowers.
- Birdcage Veil: Birdcage veils, which first became popular in the 1940s, come in a variety of materials, lengths, and designs, allowing you to channel any era from the 1920s to the 1960s.
- Mantilla Veil: This veil style hails from 17th-century Spain and is perfect for adding a touch of vintage romance to your look without alluding to a specific era.
- Drop Veil: Made famous by Grace Kelly and popularised recently by Kate Middleton, the drop veil is perfect for achieving a timeless, vintage look.
Boho
If you're going for a boho vibe, you might want to consider alternatives to the traditional veil. Here are some ideas:
- Headband: Headbands can bring a fresh and fashionable flair to your bridal look, making your wedding dress feel sweet or modern without adding too much drama.
- Wide-Brim Hat: A wide-brim hat can add a stylish and rustic vibe to your bridal ensemble, especially when paired with a flowy dress.
Modern
For a more modern look, consider the following veil styles:
- Modern Veil Styles: If your wedding dress is contemporary (think fit-and-flare or a mermaid gown), a modern style veil is a perfect match.
- Mixing Textures: Don't be afraid to mix textures. For instance, pairing a lace-trim veil with a very clean gown can add originality to your look.
- Veil Length: Consider the length of your veil in relation to your hairstyle. If you're wearing an updo, a shorter veil can be placed below the bun to show off the hairstyle. If you're letting your hair down, a longer veil can be pinned to the crown of your head to add volume.
Remember, it's important to strike a balance between your dress and veil so that your ensemble shines through without being overshadowed.
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Veil shape: Pick a veil that complements the silhouette of your dress
The right veil will complement and enhance the overall look of your bridal ensemble. It will work to create a flattering silhouette for your gown and body type, while highlighting key focal points.
If you're wearing a ball gown, a waist-length veil is a great choice. This length draws attention to the waist and complements the fullness of the skirt. For added drama, a cathedral-length veil is a good option, adding an extra layer of volume to your look.
For A-line dresses, fingertip or chapel-length veils will flow naturally with the skirt, while a cathedral veil adds a touch of drama. A-line dresses are versatile and can work with almost any veil length.
Mermaid styles usually have skirts that kick out around the thighs, so a fingertip-length veil is a popular choice, visually highlighting your curves while remaining light and elegant.
Sheath or column dresses often work best with simple, uninterrupted veils. A floor-length drop veil looks effortlessly elegant and won't distract from the silhouette.
If you're wearing a lace wedding dress, consider a veil with lace accents that match or complement the lace pattern. This creates a cohesive look and adds to the romantic feel. If your dress is heavily detailed with lace, a simpler veil can help to avoid overwhelming the look.
For a more conservative look, an elbow-length veil is an elegant option, providing coverage without the bulk of a bolero or shrug.
Remember, the right veil will depend on several factors, including the details, silhouette, and train length of your dress, as well as your personal style and wedding theme. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and textures to find the perfect veil that complements your wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to consider the style and shape of your dress.
A veil with lace, beading, or embroidery can add some drama to a simple dress.
A detailed dress pairs well with a minimal veil.
A shorter veil is best for a short dress. A birdcage veil is a great option for a vintage look.
A long veil like a chapel or cathedral-length veil will probably look more balanced with a long dress.
