Bridal Veils – How to Choose the Right Veil for your Wedding Dress
Wedding veils have a long and varied history, but in modern times they are more of an accessory than head wear with hidden meaning. When choosing a veil you will need to be aware of the different styles available and how those styles measure up to your wedding dress.
Cathedral veils are the longest you can buy and usually measure around 3 meters long. They are best for very formal, traditional weddings.
Chapel veils are slightly shorter – around 2 meters long and like the cathedral veil are best for formal weddings and dresses with a train.
Blusher veils are tiered veils which are worn over the back of the headpiece with a shorter tier which falls over the face. These look best with shorter dresses.
Ballet veils are ankle length and suit dresses that are ankle length also.
Angel veils are short un-gathered veils which create a minimalist look and suit simple fitted dresses.
Circular veils are flowing un-gathered circular pieces of fabric which attach to the head with combs.
Fingertip veils are the most popular style and are so called because they fall down the back to the fingertips when the arms are extended.
Flyaway or waterfall veils are a casual style with multiple tiers which fall to the shoulders. They are ideal for dresses with unusual backs.
Mantilla veils are traditional Spanish veils and are made from a single piece of lace fabric. They drape over the top of the head and can be worn with or without a headpiece. They can also be long or short.
A poof veil is a short veil which is attached to a headpiece and then cascades down the back.
Wedding veils are made from a variety of fabrics but usually they are made from a soft tulle fabric in either nylon or silk. Colours are predominantly white, diamond or ivory, however, soft shades of gold, silver and blush pink are also available.
Veils can also be finished with decorative edging such as embroidery, ribbon, lace or crystals. Some veils will have beautiful shaped edges finished with embroidery and pearl beads, whilst others will simply be left plain. For a more luxurious look purchase a veil edged with lace and scattered with beaded appliqués.
As with many of your other bridal accessories you choice of veil needs to be carefully considered. If you are petite a veil with multiple tiers could overwhelm you, whilst a small simple veil could under whelm you when teamed with a wedding dress with a large wide skirt. Try to choose your veil at the same time as your wedding dress so you can try them both together to see how they look. Try on as many different styles as you can to find the one which looks best and make sure you coordinate the colours of your dress and veil.
Wedding Veil
