All About the Veil
Image by Mel Waite Photography
To veil, or not to veil?
This floaty piece of fabric has a long-standing history across cultures - as an element of bridal dress, it has its roots in Greek and Roman times, acting as a barrier from those pesky “evil spirits who might want to thwart her happiness”, and then moving on to hide the bride’s face from the groom until the end of the ceremony.
In 2020, it’s more commonly added as a decorative element to the bridal ensemble - and we’re seeing it in all its forms, from short and sweet, to waterfall style, and everything in between. We’ve compiled some of the veil styles to choose from (as well as some gooorgeous visual inspiration) below - take a gander, and see what dreamy option you fall in love with!
As well as this - we have a few top tips for selecting your veil. First of all - bless Wellington, we do love it - but the wind here is just next level unpredictable. This isn’t a negative (hello epic veil-in-the-wind shots!) but it does mean you’ll need to make sure your veil is industrially secured into your hair with bobby pins and hairspray galore. If you’re going for a mid-length to long veil, it could get blown about during the ceremony too. There’s nothing wrong with popping it out mid-ceremony if you really need to (better than it getting in the way of your first kiss!)
Another thing to think about is how you’re planning on having your hair - your hair stylist will want to know what kind of veil you’ll be having, to ensure that you can secure it and remove it effectively during the day. They’ll walk you through on how to pop it in and out without disrupting your hairstyle so no need to stress.
Enough chat - let’s get into some gorgeous images!
THE BIRDCAGE
The perfect combination of chic, vintage and classy, the birdcage veil or fascinator is super feminine, delicate and practical. A great way to add a bit of fun to your look without going full veil!
Nouveau Lace Birdcage Veil by Tania Maras
THE BLUSHER
A little bit flirty and cheeky, and a whole lot of beautiful - blusher veils are the perfect little pop. You’ll often find that longer veils will have a blusher layer, to add volume and depth.
Woodland Veil via Etsy
THE ELBOW-LENGTH
A super practical length, while also having a bit more veil to play with! This cut sits around elbow/waist height, depending on how tall you are.
Single Layer Ivory Applique Lace Veil #1520 by Veiled Beauty
Polka Dot Lace Border Drop Veil #1630 by Veiled Beauty
Image by Jaymee Photography
THE FINGERTIP-LENGTH
Gently resting at fingertip-length, this style of veil goes with almost any dress and hair style - and will still allow you to show off the back of the dress and train.
Image via BHLDN
THE CHAPEL
Slightly longer than the ballet-style veil, the chapel cut sits at the same length as your train, gently resting on the floor. Catches in the wind perfectly!
One tier chapel veil with lace applique by Lily Bridal
Image by Amy Schulz Photography
THE CATHEDRAL
Go full-romantic in a cathedral style veil - usually sitting at around 3m in length, the cathedral veil makes for some gorgeous shots and an elegantly trailing ensemble.
Chelsea Cathedral Length Italian Lace Brimmed Veil by Hera Couture
Image by Michelle Davies
Holly Veil by Made with Love
THE MANTILLA
A classic Spanish style, Mantilla veils drape around the face in a gorgeous lace-trimmed design. A dreamy yet bold statement piece.
Winslet Mantilla Veil by One Day Bridal
NO VEIL
Not feeling a veil? That’s totally fine! There are so many other options - from letting your hair run free, to cute accessories and gorgeous up-dos. Go with your gut!
Penelope Pearl Bow by Untamed Petals
Brought to you by the wonderful Deanna Walker.