Veil or No Veil? A guide to finding the perfect headpiece for your wedding

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Today's Bride

Veils have had a place in marriage ceremonies for centuries, possibly dating as far back as ancient Roman times when wedding veils were said to ward off evil spirits that preyed on brides-to-be. In today’s society, wedding veils have lost most of their past symbolic meanings and are instead gorgeous accessories that enhance the beauty of the bride.

Why brides skip the veil

There are a number of reasons you may be leaning toward skipping the wedding veil. Maybe you’re getting married outdoors and you’re afraid the wind could be your worst enemy … or you may just want to show off your hair rather than cover it up.

Some brides are afraid the veil will do nothing but frustrate them throughout the ceremony. Whatever reasons you may have, remember that it’s your wedding and you should feel comfortable. There’s no law that says a bride must wear a wedding veil.

Why they might want to reconsider

A veil is the ultimate bridal accessory. It can be the perfect addition to set off a fabulous gown. And if you’re a fan of pictures where the bride and groom are kissing under the veil, well, it’s an absolute must.

TYPES OF VEILS

Veils vary in styles and length. Although there are no set-in-stone rules, certain veils do seem to match certain gowns. A very formal wedding gown – say with a chapel- or cathedral-length train – will best be set off by a full-length veil, usually extending one foot past the train.

A standard length veil, to the elbow or fingertip, complements every gown silhouette. Shorter and/or less formal dresses, on the other hand, nearly beg for a stunning bird cage veil.

If you do choose to wear a wedding veil, it is traditional to wear a blusher (the top layer of a two-layered veil) over your face down the aisle. It can then be lifted by either your father (before he leaves your side) or groom.

STATEMENT VEILS

If you don’t want to wear a veil because you feel that they are too simple and won’t compliment your dress, then you haven’t been looking at the right veils! Nowadays, veils can be so extravagant and can be adorned according to your vision. Add lace, appliques, embroidery, layers, colors…or customize it in any other way you can think of!

If you are considering not wearing a veil, think about it carefully before making a final decision – after all, how many chances does a girl get to wear a wedding veil? But also remember that it is your wedding day – you want to be YOU. And if you just can’t see yourself wearing a veil, then there’s no reason why you should.

Alternative Hair Accessories

Of course, just because you don’t wear a veil doesn’t mean your hair has to be plain. You can wear a tiara, clip, flower crown, headband, or simply sparkle-up your ‘do by adding in some diamond bobby pins. Not sure you’re willing to give up the traditional veil but want a style that fits your personality better for your reception? No worries! You can always wear a hair piece and a veil over it for the ceremony. That way you can have awesome pictures of your veil blowing in the wind while flaunting your bohemian style with a fun flower crown or your glam style with an extravagant headband for the reception.

A few tips for wearing your veil

First and foremost, make sure to take all of your hair accessories to your salon for your hair trial. Certain hairstyles may not work with your veil, so your stylist will need to know what they’re working with.

If you really want to stick with tradition in wearing a veil but are having an outdoor ceremony, you can purchase or rent veil weights which are decorative pins inserted into the bottom of your veil to keep the wind from blowing it all over the place.

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We recommend looking at pictures of brides with and without veils before making your decision. Check out our favorite selections on our Pinterest page and see how they can be incorporated into our favorite Bridal Hair Styles! Still unsure? Local Bridal Shops can advise you on what will look best with the dress you choose and help you find the perfect veil or headpiece to compliment your style.