Selecting a veil creates a number of questions, because such a small, at first glance, detail requires a careful approach and careful selection. It’s worth studying all the nuances, determining approximate options for yourself, and, of course, starting trying on the entire wedding look.
After purchasing a wedding dress, the question often arises of choosing such an important accessory as a wedding veil. It is a decorative element that complements the image as a whole. This is a very beautiful accessory, symbolizing purity and grace. When choosing such jewelry, you should pay attention to its combination with the shape of the face and wedding hairstyle, as well as with the figure of the bride.
You should take into account all the details when choosing a veil, because it can differ in many aspects.
Veil as an addition to a wedding dress
It is important that these two details are combined with each other; for this you should choose them at the same time or select a veil to match the previously chosen dress. This approach will allow you to determine which type of veil will complement your outfit more effectively.
First, the key accent of the dress is determined. If it is a corset embroidered with beads or rhinestones, an open back, or a lace insert, then the veil is chosen so long as not to cover the decorating element. Or choose a long transparent veil without unnecessary details, through which the decor of the dress will be visible.
The style of the dress dictates its own rules for choosing a veil. For example, a classic dress requires a simple, symmetrical veil without any pretentiousness.
The romantic look is characterized by soft elements and looks gentle with a veil with simple edges. A formal dress for the bride welcomes the selection of a more complex and interesting veil. However, a simple veil will go perfectly with a dress with many decorative elements, and the image will look very attractive. A layered dress goes well with a thick veil edge.
The edges of the veil can also repeat the decorating detail of the wedding dress.
What you should pay attention to when choosing a veil
The main criterion important when choosing a veil is how well it matches your dress. To determine this, we offer you three important points:
Color
In no case should the color of the veil differ from the color of the dress. If, for example, you bought a dress in the shade of ivory, then against the background of a snow-white veil it will look dirty. In order to perfectly match the veil, attach it to the dress. With good lighting, even the slightest differences in color will be clearly visible.
Hairstyle
The second important factor influencing the choice of veil is the hairstyle. We do not recommend matching your hairstyle to your veil; it is better to do everything the other way around. First, decide what your hairstyle should look like, and only then start looking for the appropriate veil.
Accent
And, of course, you should decide which part of your image you want to focus on. If your dress has an open lace back, do not cover it with a long veil with a train. Consider the style, cut and fabric of your outfit; this is very important when choosing a veil.
Choosing the right length
This wedding headdress has different lengths:
- a very short length focuses attention on the bride’s neck, in which case the main decoration will be a chic piece of jewelry. A short veil covers the chin and does not go lower;
- shoulder-length veil 50 cm long - suitable for dresses with an emphasis on the bust, waist or open back, will also highlight the beauty of a corset with rhinestones or embroidery. Great for tight-fitting outfits;
- veil to the elbow - 65 cm. This decoration harmonizes well with full skirts. Should not be combined with an ankle-length dress;
- waist-length veil 75 cm long. This length is universal and suitable for most styles of wedding dresses;
- veil to the fingertips - 90 cm, is considered a common length and is suitable for almost all styles of bridesmaid dresses;
- knee-length veil 120 cm long. This accessory looks perfect with medium-length dresses;
- floor-length veil - from 170 cm. Suitable for fluffy long dresses that do not have a train;
- long veil - 230 cm. Refers to the decoration of wedding dresses with a train, but the veil itself is slightly shorter than the train of the dress;
- long veil over 300 cm. It is a formal look and goes perfectly with classic fluffy outfits.
Material
The materials from which the veil is made are very diverse. You can be offered soft or hard tulle, English mesh, lace, tulle, organza and even satin and silk. These types of veils, depending on the style and length, are decorated with sequins, rhinestones, embroidery, pearls, colored stones, beads, etc.
A lace veil will be heavier and more expensive than a regular one, and you should choose it based on the style of the dress. Lace products are not made to be very short - their advantage is their exquisite folds, beautiful unique embroidery pattern and special charm.
Do not combine a veil decorated with lace with a dress that is already decorated with stones or sequins. Maintain harmony in everything. Let your image have one main accent that will attract the views of others.
Selection of veil width
The wedding veil usually comes in three main versions, differing in width. This allows you to find the required volume of folds:
- 135 cm. This model remains behind the shoulders, creating light volume at the top and sides, ideally combined with dresses that have decorative details on the sleeves or waist.
- 180 cm. Creates medium volume on top and sides, neatly covering part of the arm. Recommended to be combined with simple dresses.
- 270 cm. Gives maximum volume both on top and on the sides. This veil completely covers the shoulders and arms. This option is suitable for strapless dresses.
Cocktail dress style
- • If the hem of the skirt is 5 cm above the ankle, then it is a tea-length dress. A stylish veil with various accessories will suit it. She will make the image bright.
- • For this look, you can also use a long veil, playing with contrasts, which will add charm to the vintage style.
Veil: yes or no?
Number of veil layers
The number of tiers largely depends on the style of the wedding dress. As a rule, the richer and more magnificent the dress, the more modest and calm the veil should be. Maximum of 3 layers applied.
A single-tier or single-layer version creates a sophisticated look and is combined with complex multi-layered dresses and complex hairstyles.
Two- and three-layer veils add romance to the look and are suitable for classic dresses. As a rule, one of the levels is designed to cover the bride's face.
A multi-layered veil is often chosen by girls who want to keep their face covered during the ceremony.
Pomp
All the many options for veils can be divided into single-layer, double and triple. One of the varieties of a single-layer veil is the mantilla - a veil that was transformed from the traditional wedding headdress of Spanish women. It is they who cover their hair on holidays with a piece of silk or lace fabric. A feature of such a stunningly beautiful veil is the lace edge that goes down onto the bride’s face and forehead.
A double veil is a combination of two different lengths. Most often Blusher Veil/ Flyaway Veil and a long version from 110 cm and below. A triple veil is an ideal solution for a formal and lavish wedding. Here you can easily combine the options that you like. For example, shoulder length, fingertip length and the longest option.
Veil and face shape
It is also important to take into account your body shape and face type. The following tips will help you make the best choice:
- a round face needs to be made “slimmer”. A veil covering the face along the cheek line will make it visually more elongated. It is advisable to choose a shoulder length made of thick fabric, with volume at the top of the head. At the same time, you should avoid lush options that create a lot of volume on the sides;
- a square face needs to be softened. It is worth paying attention to the length of the veil, at least to the shoulders with a small amount of volume on top. A round or cascading model will look good. A voluminous hairstyle in combination with a veil made of light, soft material will help smooth out clear cheekbones;
- An oval face allows you to choose different types of veils. This face shape is well balanced and allows you to experiment with different veil styles. However, you should not create excessive volume on top or on the sides;
- rectangular face. A veil is chosen that creates additional volume around the face, but does not enlarge the upper part of the head;
- long face. A lush wide veil, which is located around the face, will visually expand the bride’s face.
An alternative to the traditional veil
A veil is an undoubted decoration of a girl, but it is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of whether a veil is obligatory for a bride. Each bride has the right to decide for herself whether she wants a veil or can do without it.
There are plenty of options for replacing a veil. This is where various articles in magazines about what a bride’s veil should be and photos on the Internet come to the rescue.
- Headband . A good choice for a refined look with long hair and updos. Modest and tasteful.
- Ribbon . Wide ribbons are in fashion now. This decoration is especially suitable with a retro style dress.
- Hat . For bright and fashionable brides. The hat can be with or without a veil. The result will be a flirty and original image.
- Wreath . It will look good on young girls whose choice fell on a dress in a boho or rustic style. In addition to the flowers themselves, the wreath can contain beads, rhinestones, leaves, and twigs.
- Diadem . The choice of brides who dream of being a princess. You can attach cotton wool to it or wear it separately.
- Natural flowers . Fresh flowers in hairstyles have recently become very popular. They are chosen by both young and mature brides, since flowers refresh the look at any age. A sophisticated, collected hairstyle or loose curls will become even more beautiful with a fresh flower.
Body type
A correctly selected veil will help correct some figure flaws.
For those with large breasts or belly, you should opt for a long model. This type will help visually lengthen the upper body.
Pear-shaped brides need to take the attention away from their wide hips. Therefore, it is better to choose a model that reaches the shoulders, elbow or waist. This will shift the focus to a thinner part of the body.
"Juliet's Cap"
The upper part of such a veil is attached to the top of the head, creating a “cap” effect, while the lower part flows down. For such a vintage veil, beautiful lace trim or embroidery is a must. Despite the fact that this veil is comfortable to wear and looks very touching, it is not the most popular option among modern brides, which means it is ideal for those who want to stand out and create a unique image. This veil is “demanding” about your hairstyle - when choosing it, you will have to give up complex weaves and high buns; light curls will look best with it.
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Wedding hairstyle
The choice of veil will also depend on the chosen hairstyle. To finally decide, it is advisable to consult with a hairdresser in advance, determine the option for styling your curls for the wedding and choose the intended type of veil.
With loose hair, a light, short veil that is attached over the hairstyle looks best.
For a luxurious hairstyle, choose a simple veil that does not hide all the curls. And it is fixed on the lower part of the back of the head.
If you decide to choose a two- or three-layer model as the main accent, rather than beautifully decorated hair, then it is better to attach it to the top of the head.
Blusher
Let's start with the classics.
The veil is like one from the best films about love, which the groom gently lifts from the bride’s face during the ceremony. Agree, it's very romantic! It consists of two parts: one, slightly longer, covers the bride’s hair, the other is draped over her face. The peculiarity of this veil is that it is single-layered - the features of your face will be visible through the light fabric. An ideal choice for romantic natures. It is important to choose a veil of the correct length, which will not visually “cut” the figure into several parts, making it more “heavy”. Read our article about how to choose a veil that will perfectly complement your look.
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Mini dress
- • Do you think that a short veil does not look good with a short dress? Think again! A pouf veil with edging will allow you to move away from the classics and create a bold, fashionable look.
- • Large mesh will also look good with this length. While a long veil will add drama to the look, a multi-colored mesh will make it look fresh and stylish.
- • The bravest brides can follow Yoko Ono's experience and wear a hat. You can refrain from sneakers and golf.
Let's continue our search for the perfect veil?
Choosing the perfect veil: a complete guide
