Once your wedding gown has been singled out, a veil is one of the most crucial choices that will help define your bridal look. Traditionally a veil was worn as a shield from evil spirits, but nowadays it’s merely considered as an additional embellishment to the gown. With so many different types of wedding veils, what would be the perfect choice for you? We’ll make it simpler for you by listing down some of the basic types of veils.
Birdcage veil: This is the shortest of all veils, which can be worn on the face with the netting covering one or both eyes or covering the entire head. It is an amazing vintage style of veil, designed to frame the face it looks best on short hairstyles. The length is usually down to the nose or less, it’s the bride’s choice after all!
Flyaway veil: This style inspired by the styles from the 60’s is a short floaty type that has multiple layers of tulle just touching the shoulders in a delicate manner.
Mantilla veil: It is a Spanish inspired veil that is often made with lace or bordered with lace and embroidery. Mantilla veils are usually cut in a way that the fabric gently drapes around the shoulders. They come in different lengths. One of our favourites :-)
Waltz veil: Named so because its length is perfect for “waltzing”, it’s also called the Ballerina or Walking veil. The length of the veil is usually anywhere between the calves and ankles – which makes it ideal for dancing.
Chapel veil: This veil is designed in such a way that it barely touches the floor and can be made with additional layers to give it a fuller look.
Cathedral veil: This is the most formal style of all veils, it is designed to be worn with a classic full length gown with a lengthy train that extends past the end of the dress. Cathedral veils are usually worn in a formal church wedding setup for a theatrical walk down the aisle. Typically seen at royal weddings, Kate Middleton’s wedding gown had a cathedral style veil which defined her elegant look. So beautiful and dreamy!
Bubble veil: This style of veil looks just like the name. It has more volume towards the top which makes the bottom gently curve inwards to give a neat bubble look.
Wedding veils like gowns come in three main categories of lengths – shoulder length veil, fingertip length veil and cathedral length veil. It is important to choose the right length of veil that will accentuate your gown and your personality. The wedding veil should complement your gown and not steal all the attention. For an elaborate wedding gown a simple veil with minimum embellishments is ideal, while if the gown is simple the veil can be in a gorgeous intricate style. You definitely need to put some thought into how it will work with your dress, face shape, body shape, hairstyle and wedding location.
When it comes to colors there four main categories – white, diamond white, ivory and champagne. The color of the wedding dress and veil should ideally be the same color. Diamond white works well with silk gowns and traditional white gowns, while champagne veils are often teamed with dark ivory wedding gowns.
You can also add a unique touch to your veil by accessorizing it with flowers, jeweled hair clips and tiaras.
Though there are so many varieties of veils which make it awfully confusing, the best way to choose your wedding veil is to consider the styles you like and list the ones that would suit you best with a little help from your dress designer.
