How to Choose Your Wedding Veil

By: Aysha Schurman

A wedding veil is the perfect topping for that truly enchanted bridal style, and it makes any woman look like a beautiful princess. However, choosing a wedding veil can be just as confusing as choosing a wedding gown. Since the selections are so vast, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

Veils are comprised of a headpiece, or crown, from which the actual fabric can spring out. This basic item also helps attach the veil to your head, so make sure it's stylish and sturdy. Then comes the actual veil fabric, or fabrics. Last are the decorations and embellishments, such as ribbons or flowers.

The primary step will be to decide if you actually want a veil. Once you decide you want one, you have to figure out the length and style to best suit your look. But, whatever style you pick, never let your veil overshadow the rest of your look.

Color and Material

Remember that a veil should either match the color of your dress or highlight the lighter tones. Never use a veil that is darker than the dress because it throws off your proportions and isn't flattering. Using a light color creates an angelic halo effect, but using a dark color creates an obtrusive funeral effect.

Veils can use any material, as long as it's light and mostly sheer. Tulle is by far the most popular fabric, though chiffon, organza and lace can be used as well. Satin, silk, lace, beading or embroidery are often used at the crown and edges of the veil to create a subtle decoration.

Lengths

Wedding veils come in any length, from a short 2-inch flair to a 15-foot cathedral train. It all depends on the look you want and the dress you're wearing. Most brides use a blusher, or an almost shoulder-length veil, as the face covering, with a matching or longer veil in back.

Use a blusher veil if you have a short hairstyle, or an elbow-length veil to show off a decorated dress waist. Fingertip-length veils are better for short brides, so they don't seem overwhelmed by something longer. Floor-length veils create a formal air without straining your neck, and cathedral-length veils work for that truly royal feel.

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