Selecting the Perfect Bridal Veil

You've got a great guy! You've found the perfect dress! Now you need to find the perfect veil.... Selecting the right bridal veil to match your wedding dress can be a confusing task. The following guidelines are to help you find the veil of your dreams, whether you decide to buy one off the rack at a bridal boutique or have one custom made to your taste and style.


Keep in mind the style of your dress and the formality of your wedding when looking for and trying on bridal veils. It is generally best to choose a headpiece style that is in proportion to your dress and has similar styling (pearls, sequins, flowers, etc.). A simple floral wreath can open up your face and add just the right touch to a semi-formal dress. A crown or tiara with a pouf on the back can be very elegant with a formal dress. Wide headband type headpieces are very popular, particularly for hairstyles with bangs. They can have the added touch of being created with the same lace, pearls or sequins used for the dress. A floral cluster or silk bow on a barrette can do a beautiful job of pulling hair off your face and works well with long or upswept hair. A simple layered veil on a comb is very feminine and surrounds the face with shimmery veil.


The veil length is chosen by the formality of your wedding and the decoration on the back of your gown. Blusher/Shoulder length is usually combined with other lengths and is used for both formal and semi-formal weddings. Elbow length is used for short (no train) gowns, and shows off any detailing at the waist of the gown. Finger-tip length is the most popular and is used for formal and semi-formal weddings. Chapel length falls to the floor and is usually combined with other shorter layers. Cathedral length is used for formal weddings when the gown has a cathedral length train, the veil extends one foot or more onto the train of the dress.

Veils can be edged in a variety of ways. For instance with satin ribbon, pearls, a rolled edge or not at all. The heavier the edging, the more the veil will be weighed down. If you are looking for a poufy veil, it is recommended to have no edging at all. Most veils can be made detachable, worn long for the formality of the wedding and shorter or none at all for the fun of the reception.

Remember, your bridal veil should celebrate your individuality, and make you look and feel beautiful. It's your wedding. Enjoy!