How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Veil

A winning veil and gown combination

Planning the perfect wedding requires making difficult choices, including selecting the venue and menu, organizing the guest list and seating arrangements and picking the perfect dress and veil. Choosing a gown is a monumental accomplishment, narrowing it down from thousands to the one. A veil is an important accessory that completes the bride's outfit and should be chosen wisely. Whether a veil works well because it complements your face, or it matches your gown so well that you can't resist it, choosing the perfect wedding veil puts you one step closer to the perfect wedding.

Instructions

1. Think about whether your hairstyle is more of a priority or your veil. Look through bridal magazines for veil styles that you like depending on how you think you want to wear your hair.

2. Tie your hair back out of your face and sit in front of a mirror.

3. Look in the mirror to determine the shape of your face. An oval face is slightly long with soft, rounded edges. An oblong face is an exaggerated oval. A round face is not long or wide, with the nose is centered in the middle of the face. A heart-shaped face resembles a heart; it is wider at the top than at the bottom, and is curved around the eyebrows and hairline. A triangular face is like a heart, but with sharper edges. A diamond face is also sharp, but is narrow at the forehead and chin, and is wide at the cheekbones. A square face appears square, with four equal sides. A rectangular face is an elongated square.

4. Try on veil styles that are the opposite shape of your face's shape. A long, narrow veil complements a round face. A square shaped face or an angular face benefits from a long, soft veil. If your face is oblong, a waterfall veil will add width. A crown or bun wrap with an attached veil also adds width. A heart-shaped or triangular face is complemented by a veil that makes the jaw appear wider; a back piece veil achieves this by appearing behind the neckline. Diamond and oval shaped faces are symmetrical and are complemented with any style of veil.

5. Direct your focus toward veils that complement the style of your wedding gown. A short, bouffant veil has a vintage look. An elbow length veil can complement a full, strapless gown. A waist-length veil can complement a slimming gown with a plain back and no train. A fingertip veil is flexible because it can look attractive with any style gown. For an informal look, couple a knee-length veil with a tea-length gown. Longer veils add formality.

6. Try on veils at more than one bridal store until you find one that seems perfect. Bring a friend or bridesmaid along for a second opinion.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep guidelines about face shape in mind when trying on veils, but allow yourself to be the final judge of whether or not a veil is perfect.

• Do not purchase a veil separately from your gown. If you find a veil that you like, ask the clerk to hold it for you and return with your gown to try on the complete ensemble before making a final decision.

References

• Perfect Bridal: Choosing the Right Veil for Your Face
• Easy Weddings: Bridal Veils: Sweet Petites