Ah the wedding veil... the ultimate accessory in the transformation from engaged girl to blushing bride. Though steeped in tradition as it is, unless required by your religion, a veil is strictly optional. Today wedding veils are more of a style statement than a symbolic gesture. Thus, the ideal veil depends largely on the style of your wedding gown and the overall look you want to create. Here are four easy steps to finding the right bridal veil to complement your wedding dress and bridal look.
Learn the BasicsTulle is the classic veil material, although lace, silk, and satin are also options. Veils can be embellished with embroidery, pearls, or sparkly stones. Lengths run the gamut from short blushers to elaborate cathedral-length jaw droppers.
Determine Your Bridal StyleHair Apparent:
To showcase your hairstyle, choose a veil that fastens underneath your 'do or one you'll remove for the reception. Otherwise, you can opt for a veil that you'll wear throughout the event. In this case, your hair will simply support the veil.
What's Your Function:
How long you plan on wearing your veil can dictate how long it should be. Wearing it for the ceremony only? Go ahead and get one that rivals Princess Di's. But if you want to wear your veil until the party's over, you'll need a more functional approach - either a shorter veil or a multi-layered one with a top layer that can be worn on it's own during the reception. You can also ask your seamstress to create a bustle for a longer veil (that's right, your train and your veil can be bustled!).
Picture Perfect:
If you plan to remove your veil immediately after the ceremony, keep in mind that it won't appear in post-ceremony or first dance pictures. To ensure this classic accessory is adequately documented, many brides wait to remove the veil after the first dance.
Jazzing it Up:
Your veil should not compete with your dress, so if you're donning an elaborately embellished gown, keep your veil clean and simple. Also, any ornamentation on your veil should start below where your dress embellishments end.
A Question of Formality:
Your veil - like your gown - should remain consistent with the formality of your wedding. In other words, lose the cathedral-length veil if yours is a simple beachside ceremony.
Matchy-Matchy:
When it comes to color and embellishments, veils should complement wedding dresses - not mimic them. Don't obsess about finding a perfect match.
Consider Your BudgetJust like anything else, veil prices vary. According to The Bridal Association of America, the average cost of a bride's veil is $274. Here's what you can get for your budget:
At the low end - for between $20 and $50 - expect to buy a short, one-layer veil made from tulle or netting.
In the mid-range - for $150 to $250 - you can buy a tulle fingertip-length veil that includes some detailing, such as ribbon or pearl trim.
At the high end - for $300 to $500 or more - you can get a long veil with several layers and ornate lace or beaded details, possibly in higher-quality silk tulle.
Brush up on Wedding Veil Styles
Here's the lingo you'll need to know to get started:
Blusher:
The blusher is a short, single layer veil worn over your face during the ceremony, then flipped back over the head or removed before "kiss the bride." You can wear a blusher solo or with a longer veil.
Flyaway:
The flyaway veil is multi-layered and barely brushes the shoulders. This veil is appropriate for more casual looks.
Elbow:
As the name implies, an elbow length veil extends to your elbows, providing the grace of a veil without overpowering your dress. This style is very popular for more casual weddings.
Finger Tip:
The finger tip veil extends to your fingertips when your arms are hanging naturally. This popular veil length complements most wedding dresses - from sleek sheaths to elaborate ball gowns.
Chapel:
The chapel veil extends to the floor, falling 2 ½ yards from your headpiece and flowing over your train. This veil complements the length of your train and is appropriate for more formal weddings and attire.
Cathedral:
The cathedral veil - or royal veil - is the most formal. It extends 3 ½ yards from your headpiece and is usually worn with a cathedral-length train.
Double Tier:
Like the name suggests, a double tier veil consists of two layers (either two veils or a veil and a blusher) that extend to different lengths.
Waltz or Ballet:
This long veil falls between your knees and ankles, a good option if you prefer a long veil, but your dress does not have a train. (you won't trip on it while dancing, hence the namesake.)
Fountain:
The fountain veil gathers at the crown of your head and cascades around the face to your shoulders or elbows.
Mantilla:
This Spanish-inspired veil - often made of lace - drapes over the head to varying lengths. A headpiece isn't necessary to keep it in place.
Pouf:
The pouf veil features gathered material added to the point where it connects to your headpiece, creating added volume. This style works with most veil lengths.
Now that you're an expert on wedding veils, this complete guide to wedding accessories and jewelry will help you accessorize your bridal look like a pro.
Author Bio
Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to walk brides and grooms through every step of the planning process.