After the wedding dress, the veil is one of the most important items to take care of your look for the wedding. Historically, the veil was worn by brides to protect themselves from evil spirits; currently, it is simply considered a beautiful decoration. A bride today can choose any type of veil she wishes, but it is important to understand that it is an accessory and, therefore, it is only part of the overall outfit. You need to consider how it will work with your dress, with the shape of your face and body, with the hairstyle and the place where you will celebrate the wedding. Read on to find helpful information on choosing the perfect veil for your wedding.
Steps
Step 1. Evaluate your dress
One of the most important considerations in selecting a veil is its adaptability to the dress.
Step 2. Observe where the focal points of the wedding dress are
For example, is the bustier decorated or maybe has a back detail you'd like to show off? In this case, you must select a veil that ends before the detail or choose a longer and transparent one, so that this element can be seen.
Step 3. Consider the style and type of decoration of the dress
In general, if you have a fairly simple dress, you can go for a more elaborate veil. However, if the dress is very detailed, a simple veil often enhances it more. Only more formal weddings, such as royal ones, tend to allow for an intricate combination of dress and veil.
The wedding dresses come in a variety of styles and the veil must fit the overall cut. There is the classic style, which is formal, symmetrical and usually elaborate at some point. The romantic style gives an idea of softness and usually incorporates some attention to detail. The sophisticated style creates a discreet look, devoid of meticulous details, while the eclectic look is creative, with unexpected touches. All the factors that must be considered when choosing the veil include the length, width, color, layers and decorations
Step 4. Consider the different lengths
- Very short veils, like veils, do not exceed the chin. Such veils are reminiscent of the fascinators brought to horse racing. If your dress features a high collar, this type of veil may be fine. It is ideally suited to dresses with a sophisticated or eclectic style.
- The veils that arrive at the shoulders have a length of about 50 cm. They are perfectly suited to dresses that have details on the bust, waist or lower back. In any case, they are often too informal for classic and formal dresses.
- The elbow-length veils are approximately 65 cm and wrap around this area. They can go well with loose dresses in a romantic style because they end where the fullest part of the skirt begins.
- Veils that reach to the waist are only slightly longer than those that reach the elbow and measure approximately 75 cm. They fit most dresses that don't have a train.
- Veils that reach up to the fingertips (when the arm is fully extended) are among the most popular. They measure approximately 90cm and also fit most styles.
- The veils that reach up to the knees measure about 1, 15 m and wrap precisely this area. They go well with wedding dresses that end in the mid-calf.
- The veils that touch the floor are often called “ballet” length veils and only skim the ground, as their length is approximately 1.80m. They go well with long wedding dresses without a train.
- The veils with a chapel length, “chapel”, are slightly shorter than those with a cathedral length, “cathedral”; these accessories create a drape on the floor. Typically they measure approximately 2.20m. They fit great with dresses that feature a train.
- Cathedral-length veils are the longest and therefore the most formal; they usually measure approximately 3m and some extend to nearly another 3m across the floor. They work best with long, classic wedding dresses.
Step 5. Consider the amplitude
Veils are usually characterized by three different widths, which create varying degrees of fullness on the sides and on the top.
- A width of 1.40m is the smoother version, with limited fullness at the top and sides. If you want to show the detail of a veil covered dress, this style is transparent enough not to hide it. This veil falls behind the shoulders, which means that it is ideally paired with shoulder pads or decorative sleeves.
- A 1.80m wide veil is moderate in height and width. It offers coverage in the area around the arms, so it is ideal with dresses with simple thin straps. It tends to have a more romantic feel than that of 1.40m.
- A 3m veil is the widest and has a greater fullness on top. It serves to cover the arms. This style is excellent if you are wearing a strapless dress and would like to cover the arm and shoulder area. Either way, it's probably overkill with a sophisticated wedding dress.
Step 6. Think about color
The veil must match the color of the wedding dress. There are different shades of white and ivory, pink, beige. You can also choose between a regular finish and a shimmer. The brilliant veils offer a very distinct brightness, which is especially noticeable in the light. In contrast, regular veils have a dull look. If you want to ensure an exact match, make sure you can order some veil samples to see which one is best for your dress.
Step 7. Try to figure out how many layers it should have
You can choose a one, two or three layer veil. The decision largely depends on the style of your dress.
- A veil that has a single layer suits a sophisticated look, but a thick romantic dress benefits from a two or three layer veil. Classic dresses also tend to require at least two layers. Multiple layers suit simple hairstyles, because the hairstyle will not be visible under the layering.
- One of the layers typically is the blusher. This part of the veil is pulled down to cover the bride's face during the beginning of the ceremony.
- Brides today are free to decide whether they want a veil that covers the face or not. It is a purely personal choice; many women find the idea of their husband lifting the veil for the first kiss very romantic.
- If you want to wear the veil that covers your face, you need to select one that allows you to turn it up or to wear it behind your head before the kiss. It is also better to choose a veil that extends at least up to shoulder height, because the blusher is about 75 cm long. A veil that is shorter on the back might look odd. Make sure the blusher doesn't exceed 75cm though, as it could otherwise get caught in the flowers.
Step 8. Choose the extra items you want for the veil
A veil can be finished in several ways. You should select one that fits the style of your dress. If your dress is simple enough, maybe you can opt for a more decorative touch. Structured dresses tend to be enhanced by veils with thick ribbon hems. Soft, romantic dresses work well with simple cuts. It is also a nice idea to subtly recall some details of your dress.
Step 9. Consider the shape of your face
A veil frames the face, so this factor represents an important denominator in the choice. Consider the following tips regarding the shape of your face:
- Round face. A face of this shape is theoretically as wide as it is long and has a full appearance. When choosing a veil, you need to opt for a style that will help you make your face longer and leaner. It is preferable that the veil reaches at least the shoulders and that it has some volume on the top of the head. Avoid veils that are too full on the sides of the face.
- Square face. Such a face is typically broad and angular in appearance. When choosing a veil, look for a style that softens the features and adds length. It is preferable that it reaches at least at the shoulders and that it has some volume on the top of the head. Circular and cascading veils can help make the angular nature of the jaw less decisive.
- Oval face. Such a shape is slightly longer than it is wide. This face has an egg-like appearance. It is a well-balanced face, so you are free to experiment with different veil styles. However, it's a good idea to avoid going overboard with volume or width to help you keep the proportions.
- Rectangle face. A rectangular face is longer than it is wide and tends to appear narrow and angular. When choosing a veil, opt for a style that has width around the face, but not height on the top of the head.
Step 10. Find out your body type
The veil has the ability to help correct the proportions of the physical shape.
- If you have a prominent bust or belly, you will benefit from wearing a long veil that goes beyond your fingers, or falls lower. This is because it will help you stretch your upper body.
- Pear-shaped women tend to look better with veils that reach the level of the shoulders, elbows or waist. These lengths draw attention to your thinner points instead of the width of your hips.
- Full figure women should theoretically opt for one-layered, tight veils, as it is not worth adding volume to the body. Tall women can typically wear longer veils, while shorter ones tend to look better with veils at the waist, or that hang higher.
Step 11. Remember what kind of hairstyle you will wear on the wedding day
Your hairstyle choice plays an important role in determining what type of veil or head accessory to wear.
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A heavy accessory, a long veil, and a multi-layered veil all require a supportive gathered hairstyle, such as a bun.
Choose a Wedding Veil Step 11Bullet1 -
A tall or low crop top will work with moderate weight and length veils.
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If you intend to wear all your hair down, then it is preferable to go for lighter or shorter designs.
Choose a Wedding Veil Step 11Bullet3 - You must also examine the position that the veil will take on your head. Some hairstyles are better suited to veils that are placed on the front of the head, but others look better with a veil attached more towards the back.
- If you have short hair, you will need to attach the veil towards the front of the head.
- However, if you have long hair and want to flaunt an elaborate updo, you will need to place the veil further back. Loose veils typically tend to be worn towards the front of the head, and tighter veils are best worn towards the back of the head. The veil can be secured with a comb and bobby pins or combined with a tiara, crown or headband. It is a good idea to buy the veil well in advance of the wedding date so that you can take it to the hairdressing rehearsal.
Step 12. Keep in mind where you will be celebrating the wedding
You must also consider in a practical way the place where you will celebrate in order to choose a suitable veil.
- A cathedral veil is absolutely preferable if your wedding will be formal and will be held in a large church, with several attendees. However, it could be disastrous in another environment.
- If you are going to get married in a small chapel, then it is best to choose a chapel or shorter one. This is because you won't have room to show off a long veil with a train. Cathedral-length veils also require frequent assistance from those present.
- If you are getting married in an open-air ceremony, there are a few more considerations to keep in mind. You may be dealing with sand, wind, or earth. You will certainly want the veil to remain immaculate, therefore it is advisable to choose one that comes to the knees or is shorter. However, many brides are happy to be able to show it for this occasion and don't worry about the train getting dirty on the beach sand or because of the garden soil.
- Also, keep in mind that if you go to a windy place, a long veil can be difficult to control. The veils can be suitable for these conditions.
- You should also consider the climate. For example, if it is hot and humid, it will not be pleasant to be wrapped in multiple layers, which could stick to the skin.
