Wedding Veils

To veil or not to veil? That is the question… I for one am adamant I’m wearing a veil on my wedding day; not to wear over my face like a coy medieval bride, but for the A-M-A-Z-I-N-G veil photos which I’m planning on getting with the slight breeze gently floating my veil out behind me… I just hope the weather plays it’s part on the day!

Like the train on your wedding dress, you can choose varying lengths of wedding veils and again it depends on the location and theme of your wedding as to what length veil would be most suitable. One of the most popular lengths for a wedding veil would be the “fingertip” length, which means it comes down to your finger tips when your hands are straight down beside you. You can also get shorter veils which are about shoulder length or at the other end of the scale, floor length and longer.

Of course a veil isn’t your only option if you want a headpiece but aren’t that keen on the veil idea. Facinators are becoming more and more popular with brides these days and can look very chic and modern.

If you’re not sure what a facinator is, think Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City Movie, she had a fabulous feather facinator which looked stunning and suited her personality down to a tee. Although with facinators you must be careful it doesn’t ‘overpower’ your face. I for one, thought Carrie’s facinator/bird on her head took away from her gorgeous make up and dress, so be aware, sometimes less really is more!

Wedding veils were already in use centuries ago, when arranged marriages were the norm. Yesteryear’s bride was wrapped in her wedding veil from the moment she left her parents’ house. The ‘unwrapping’ took place at night, long after the ceremony; by then, it was too late for the groom to change his mind…

Today, things have changed: we know your honey is marrying you of his own free will. But this is no reason to deprive yourself of a beautiful and romantic bridal veil!

Let’s have a look at your options:

Fascinator – can cover the face in part or in full, according to your mood. A fascinator gives a sexy, modern touch to any outfit.

Blusher – covers the face in full, and is lifted up by the groom at the end of the ceremony so he can kiss the bride.

Bouffant – touches the shoulder, allowing you to have the romantic look you want without the weight of a full-length veil.

Fingertip veil – a veil that stops mid-thigh, so it works well with short-sleeved dresses or dresses with low-cut backs. It also looks stunning combined with an elbow-length blusher.

Chapel veil – stretching seven and a half feet from the headpiece, a chapel veil falls to the floor and is usually combined with other shorter layers. It looks best with a full-length gown.

Cathedral veil – falling an impressive ten and a half feet from the headpiece, a cathedral veil flows past the hem of the dress onto the train. It works well with a fingertip blusher and adds a traditional feel to any wedding attire.

There are several ways you can wear a veil; each one will give a different look to your outfit.

1. Front of the head

Wearing a bridal veil near the fringe line is most suitable for small cocktail-style veils and net wedding veils. If you’re opting for a ‘60s-style wedding, follow the trend set by Priscilla Presley, who wore a full veil positioned at the fringe line for her wedding to Elvis.

2. Top of the head

This is great for brides who wish to wear their bridal veils high on the crowns of their heads. A high-set veil position is wonderful if you want to add height to your hair-do and is ideal if you plan to wear a tiara.

3. Back of the head

Flattering with hairstyles that put the weight and focus at the rear of the head, this positioning also works well with longer styles of wedding veil. The gathering of tulle creates a gorgeous look for photographs and softens a veil worn over the face.

4. Nape of the neck

Low, structured hairstyles that end at the nape of the neck often go well with a gathering of tulle at the base. This position doesn’t accommodate a veil that goes over the head to cove the face, but is great of you want a veil that falls simply and gently down the back.

5. Side of the head

If you decide to wear your veil to the side, make sure you consider the overall look of the gown. An asymmetrical position creates interest and focus to one area so consider any relevant details and intricacies of the gown. If you have crystals encrusted on the right hip then perhaps wear the veil on the left side of your head to continue the line.

Always keep your dress in mind when deciding on a veil. If your frock has already tons of frills and furbelows, an ornate veil could be visual overload. A simple dress would give a bit more leeway in the veil department. The color of your dress is also important, if you have an ivory wedding dress you will want an ivory wedding veil.

A veil’s great for dazzling your honey as the church doors open but you don’t want to trip him up during the bridal waltz. Consider a detachable veil that can be taken off easily after the ceremony. You’ll also need to brief your hair stylist so he or she can make sure your bun will stay tight ‘til the end of the night, and not be weighed down by your veil.

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