Are you knee-deep in the whirlwind of wedding planning and stuck at the crossroads of choosing the perfect veil to complement your dream dress? Fret not, for you’ve stumbled upon the ultimate guide! In the enchanting world of wedding fashion, the veil is not just a piece of fabric; it’s a symbol of grace, a touch of tradition, and a whisper of your personal style. Let’s get you sorted with some pro tips to perfectly match your veil to your wedding dress, shall we?
Understanding the Basics
First things first, let’s talk about the type of veils commonly available. You’ve got options galore:
The Birdcage Veil: A sassy choice for brides going for that vintage look. It pairs well with shorter, retro-style dresses.
The Blusher Veil: Concealing the face as you walk down the aisle, perfect for the traditional bride.
The Elbow Veil: Unfussy yet elegant, this style pairs well with a ballgown since the veil ends where the full skirt begins.
The Fingertip Veil: Universally flattering, this length works with most dress styles, especially if you’re gunning for a classic look.
The Ballerina Veil: Landing anywhere from knee to ankle, the mantle is long enough to add drama but not long enough that you’ll trip on it while dancing.
The Chapel and Cathedral Veils: Want to feel like royalty? With a length of 9-25 feet, this is the stuff of fairy tales, especially when paired with an equally grand gown.
Matching the Dress Style
Simple and Sleek: If your dress is more on the minimalistic side, you can either keep it chic with a simple veil or add a pop with a beaded or embroidered option. Whatever it is, the veil should enhance and complement your dress, not steal the show.
Embellished Beauty: For a gown that’s dripping in beads, a veil with minimal beading at the edges or a simple tulle can balance it out nicely.
Modern Dress: For brides that are going contemporary, a more modern style would match perfectly. If you’re an adventurous bride, venture outside the box and try on a more fashionable veil to see if it matches your style.
Dramatic Train: Almost any veil length works on a full length dress with dramatic train. Why not go all out with a cathedral veil for an ultra-dramatic and ethereal look?
Vintage Frock: To keep to the theme of your wedding and dress, stick to veils that will work into the overall ensemble; such as birdcage and blush veils.
Statement Back: If the focal point of your dress is it’s statement back, be sure to stick to a shorter veil or pick a sheer fabric to avoid obscuring the back. Otherwise, opt for an ornate hairpiece in lieu of a bridal veil.
Colour Coordination
Getting the colour right is crucial! The veil should match the color of your dress. Ivory dress? Go for an ivory veil. Pure white dress? Stick to a pure white veil. It’s all about complementing, not competing!
Veil and Hairstyle Harmony
Your chosen hairstyle can influence your veil placement, and vice versa.
Updo: If you’re going for a bun or a chignon, you can place the veil above or below the updo. Note that it is easier to secure your veil above the updo than below it. If obscuring your beautifully intricate hairdo is a concern, you can always opt for a more sheer fabric for your veil. Alternatively, pin them below the updo for a more casual and boho look. Our advice? It requires a bit more skill to place the veil just right so we’d definitely recommend a trial run for this as it can take a bit of practice to get it just right.
Loose and Flowy: For a more relaxed hairstyle, pinning the veil at the crown can add a touch of elegance. Taking from the playbook of the most popular royal bride of our time, Princess Kate appears ethereal wearing her hair down and completing her ensemble with a sheer drop veil.
Sitting gracefully against the face, the drop veil lacks gathers and puffiness. A drop veil may come with or without a comb. Securing a drop veil without a comb will require pinning it through the fabric. Finding the right site to pin can be a challenge. If your veil is a perfect circle, this can be easily done, but if your veil is slightly oval shaped or longer, finding the exact middle point and balancing the blusher length (part of the veil that will cover your face) can be tricky.
Short Hair: Brides with short hair can rock a birdcage or a short, light veil that attaches easily with a comb. But having short hair doesn’t mean that your options will be limited to these. Take a cue from the late Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe, all whom rocked a long veil with a short hairdo.
Selecting the right veil to match your wedding dress is like finding the missing piece of your bridal ensemble puzzle. It’s all about balance, harmony, and a touch of your personal style. Remember, the right veil doesn’t just complement your dress; it completes your bridal vision. The best advice? Try on your veil with your dress! It’s like matchmaking – sometimes, you need to see them together to know if it’s a perfect pairing.
