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How to Choose a Wedding Veil That Complements Your Dress
On your wedding day, every detail of your bridal look is important, and choosing the right veil can add an extra touch of romance to your special day. Choosing the perfect wedding veil is an important part of creating your dream bridal look, and it’s a decision that should be made with love and attention to detail. Wearing a wedding veil also allows for stunning photo opportunities, with its delicate fabric catching the light and creating an ethereal glow around you. It’s a beautiful and memorable accessory that will be forever etched in your heart and in your wedding photos and possibly passed down. To help you choose your perfect wedding veil style, we’ll cover everything!
Bridal veils come in many different styles and lengths, Here are some of the most popular types of wedding veils:
Cathedral Veil
This is the longest type of wedding veil, usually this veil is longer than the train of your gown. It creates a dramatic look, often seen in more formal and traditional weddings.
Chapel Veil
This type of veil is slightly shorter in length than a cathedral veil and falls just behind the bride, giving it a regal and elegant appearance. Longer veils like the chapel length veil are perfect for brides who want to add a touch of sophistication to their bridal look.
Fingertip Veil
This type of bridal veil reaches down to the bride’s fingertips and creates a fun romantic look. It is the perfect look if you want your wedding dress to show off underneath.
Birdcage Veil
The birdcage veil is a short veil that covers part of the face, giving it a vintage aesthetic. Often made in a tulle or netting fabric, it sculpturally wraps around the front of your head.
Blusher Veil
This type of veil is very traditional. It is a two tier veil, the top shorter blusher layer covers the bride’s face and is lifted when the partner kisses the bride. It can add suspense and excitement to the ceremony and can also give a stunning dimensional look to a bridal look.
Mantilla Veil
This bridal veil is often made of lace, is edged in an embroidered lace or when the lace trim matches the dress. This type of veil creates a soft and romantic look great for outdoor weddings with lots of greenery. It’s often seen in Spanish-style weddings and can be worn with a variety of hairstyles. The mantilla veil placement is different to other wedding veils, it is placed towards the front of the head, almost at the hairline.
Consider Your Dress
Before choosing a wedding veil, consider the style and fabric of your wedding dress. If you have a dress with embellishment or lace dress, you may want to choose a simple veil that won’t compete with the dress. Or on the flip side if you have a more simple dress, you have the option to choose a more dramatic veil to create impact, including choosing a veil length that will make your gown stand out.
Choose the Right Colour
It’s important to choose a veil colour that matches your wedding dress. Most veils come in white, ivory, or champagne, so choose the one that complements your dress the best. Once deciding on your wedding gown, always get a sample of the fabric so you can easily match it to your veil and shoes. The most common bridal veil colour will be ivory, as most wedding dresses are made in that shade. This will ensure your wedding veil beautifully blends in with your overall look.
The Venue
Consider your surroundings and what will work best space wise, and aesthetically. If you are having a beach wedding consider a lightweight and flowing veil that won’t be weighed down by the wind or sand. A fingertip or elbow-length veil made of tulle or chiffon would be a great choice. If you are having a garden wedding, pick a veil that complements the natural surroundings. A lace veil would be perfect! If you are perhaps getting married Indoors in a grand ballroom, consider a more formal and dramatic veil with a glimmer tulle or pearl embroidery. Lastly for a city style venue, consider a veil that’s sleek and modern and clean cut.
Don’t Forget About Hair Accessories!
If you plan on wearing hair accessories, such as hair combs, pearl pins, a tiara or headband, make sure the veil coordinates well with them, your hairstylist can help you with this. You can also choose to wear the veil underneath the accessories for a subtle and elegant look. Having a hair trial will help you see what your wedding veil will look like on your wedding day.
Try It On
Before purchasing your veil, make sure to try it on with your dress to see how it looks. You may also want to bring along a trusted friend or family member to give feedback and help you make a final decision!
Ultimately, choosing the right wedding veil is an important cherry on top detail of your bridal look! Your veil adds an extra touch of romance to your special day, the goal is to find a veil that compliments your dress but also creates a sense of angelic ethereal beauty on your special day. Be sure to explore the different types of veils available to you, it’s all trial and error with finding what will work. Consider your own personality and style. A veil is such a traditional and beautiful accessory that will add an extra layer of magic to your special day and should be chosen with care.
When selecting the perfect veil, take into account the shape of your dress, its key elements, and the general theme of your wedding. If your gown is minimalist and lacks embellishments, a cathedral or royal cathedral length veil could provide a touch of drama. On the other hand, if your dress is already rich in detail, a more straightforward veil may be the ideal choice to maintain balance.
What is the most popular veil length?
The veil that reaches the fingertips is a favourite among many. Its fall around the hip area makes it a flexible choice for both formal and relaxed wedding styles. Nevertheless, the perfect length of your veil is largely dictated by your dress style and personal taste.
Should I wear a veil if I’m not getting married in a church?
Selecting the perfect veil involves taking into account the design of your dress, its standout features, and the overall theme of your wedding. For example, a simple, unembellished dress can be beautifully complemented by a cathedral or royal cathedral length veil for a touch of drama. On the other hand, if your dress already has intricate details, a less elaborate veil might be a better choice to maintain balance.
Can I wear a veil if my wedding dress has a lot of embellishments?
Certainly, it’s possible. The trick is to maintain a balance in embellishments. If your dress is richly adorned, a more understated veil might be better to prevent your look from becoming too extravagant.
Can I wear a veil if I have a pixie cut?
Of course! Your hairstyle doesn’t limit your veil choices. Veils can be secured with a comb, pins, or a headpiece, so it’s possible to wear one with any hair length.
How do I choose a wedding dress that complements my body shape?
When choosing a wedding dress, consider your body shape and what styles flatter it most. Consult with a bridal stylist who can help guide you towards dresses that highlight your best features.
What are some popular fabrics used in wedding dress designs?
Popular fabrics for wedding dresses include satin, lace, chiffon, organza, and tulle. Each fabric creates a different look and feel, so consider your wedding theme and personal style when choosing.
How do I choose the right colour for my wedding dress?
Your wedding dress colour should flatter your skin tone. While traditional white is available in several hues, ranging from stark white to ivory, don’t hesitate to explore unconventional colours if they align better with your personal style and wedding theme.
How long in advance should I start looking for a wedding dress?
It’s recommended to start shopping for your wedding dress at least 9-12 months before your wedding. This allows time for browsing, fittings, alterations, and any custom design work.
What factors should I consider when selecting a wedding dress, such as dress style and wedding theme?
Consider your body shape, personal style, wedding theme and venue, budget, and comfort. All these factors will guide you to a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
How do I determine my budget for a wedding dress?
Your budget should take into account not just the cost of the dress, but also alterations, accessories (like your veil), shoes, and undergarments. Look at your overall wedding budget and decide what percentage you’re comfortable allocating to your dress.
Can I bring guests with me when shopping for a wedding dress?
Yes, but choose them wisely. Bring along a few people whose opinions you trust and who understand your style and vision for your wedding.
What should I wear when trying on wedding dresses?
Wear undergarments similar to those you plan to wear on your wedding day. This helps you see how the dress will fit and look on the day. Also, consider wearing easily removable clothes for convenience.
Should I buy a wedding dress off the rack or have one custom-made?
This depends on your budget, time frame, and vision for your dress. Custom-made dresses allow for a perfect fit and unique design, but they can be more expensive and require more lead time. Off-the-rack dresses can be more affordable and available immediately, although they might need alterations.
How do I know when I’ve found the perfect wedding dress for me?
You’ll know you’ve found “the one” when you can’t imagine walking down the aisle in anything else. You should feel beautiful, comfortable, and like the best version of yourself in your dress.