How to Pick the Right Veil for Your Dress

Determine your bridal style.

Choosing the right veil for your wedding gown depends on the style and formality of your dress, the planned hairstyle and your overall bridal style. The veil should complement the dress in style and wearability. If you purchased your gown at a bridal store, ask a consultant which veil she recommends. You do not have to purchase the veil at the bridal store, but use the recommendation as your starting point. If you purchased your gown online, search for pictures of your gown and see which style of veil its designer matched to the dress.

Instructions

1. Select a veil in the same color as your wedding gown. Most veils come in white, diamond white, which is slightly off-white, and ivory, which is darker than off-white and may be close to beige.

2. Decide on the veil's length. Veils are available in four lengths. A blusher veil simply covers the face and usually is combined with another veil length or used for religious purposes. A blusher is a good choice for a tea-length dress. Typically when a blusher is worn as the only veil, it usually is attached to a hat or hair ornament.

   An elbow-length veil falls to the wearer's elbow. This waist-length veil works well to cover the bride's back. It is a nice, less formal length for a ballgown-style dress for which the waist is very defined.

   A fingertip-length veil falls to the end of the bride's middle finger. This is the second longest length of veil. It works well with A-line style dresses because it continues the line of the dress.

   A Cathedral-length veil reaches the floor. This is a very formal veil. In many cases, it is possible to make it shorter for the wedding reception.

3. Determine the veil's fullness. Veils of any length are available in multiple layers. Layering the veil controls how thick or full it looks.

4. Pick a plain, embellished or edged-style veil. A plain veil is simply tulle that is gathered at the top to form a slight triangular shape. Depending on the ornamentation of the gown, you may want to choose a veil that has crystals or lace, or in which the edges or ends have a lace or ribbon finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Today's bridal fashions are very wearer-friendly. Very few ways exist to go wrong.

• Have your hair stylist spray your veil with a light aerosol hairspray to keep it looking crisp on your wedding day.

• Enlist a bridesmaid with a veil repair kit containing clear nail polish to seal any tears, white chalk to cover up stains, and a needle and hairpins to secure the veil in place.

• Many brides forgo a traditional veil in place of a tiara, flower or hair ornament. Also, some brides wear the veil for the ceremony and remove it for the reception.

• Don't go overboard. The wedding veil should flatter the bride and wedding gown. Your future spouse and wedding audience should notice you, not the gigantic veil on your head. Less is always more.

References

• The Knot: Wedding Accessories: Choosing the Right Veil for Your Face