Veils & Headpieces

1. Remember that the veil is an essential part of your bridal attire — not something plonked on your head as an afterthought.

2. Try lots of different styles and lengths of veil in different fabrics to find the one that best complements your outfit.

3. Don't have a heavily patterned veil with a very ornate dress. One will 'fight' the other.

4. Your guests should say 'you look stunning.' Not 'your outfit looks stunning.'

5. Don't have a veil that cuts across detail at the back of the dress. Let the veil finish below the decoration. Silk tulle is sheer enough to allow your beading, embroidery or ruching to show through.

6. Are you petite? Don't have a veil that swamps you, such as a high bouffant veil. It will only make you look smaller.

7. Think of adding color (such as colored embroidery) to your veil, to harmonize with your bridesmaids and/or bouquet.

8. A veil can transform the simplest dress into a stunning bridal outfit.

9. Don't forget to take your veil with you when you have your hair trial.

10. If you're nervous about pressing your veil yourself, ask the store where you bought it if they can steam it a few days before the wedding. You can transport it home covered in a pillowcase or duvet cover, depending on its length.

11. Don't wear something because you think you should. Wear what you want.

12. Don't make a decision about whether to wear a veil or not until you have tried several on with your dress. A long veil can create a wonderful 'aura' around you.

13. Don't forget you can have a veil made-to-measure just as you can a dress. You can have the exact length and ornamentation that you want.

14. You only wear a veil once, so make the most of it and enjoy it!

Veil Glossary:


Blusher: A shoulder-length layer of the veil that is worn over the face. Typically combined with other lengths and used for both formal and semi-formal weddings. Don't underestimate how much the blusher will soften and transform your appearance. This is the one item that will bring everyone to tears!

Elbow Length: Generally used for shorter gowns with out a train and will show off any detailing at the waist of the gown. Used for formal and semi-formal weddings.

Fingertip Length: Can be worn with any gown longer than tea length. It falls right at the fingertips of the bride if her hands are at her side and is used for formal and semi-formal weddings.

Cathedral Length: Should only be worn with cathedral length gowns. They are used for formal weddings and generally the veil will extend onto the floor at least six inches past the train.

Fascinator: A dainty headpiece that can be worn in place of a veil and is usually made of netting, perhaps with a feathers embellishment. It should fall above the jawline.

Veil Tips and Hints

• The veil should accentuate and be proportional to the dress, not take away from its details. Your veil length should be cut just above or below any focal point on your dress. Don't choose a veil that ends right where your bodice begins. This cuts you in half visually. If you have a sharply defined waistline, don't choose a veil that ends right at the waistline.
• Don't choose a short veil that might cover lavish details on the back of a gown if you want them shown off. A longer veil will put emphasis on the details. The tulle is sheer and easier to see through when it is long.
• Blushers shouldn't be longer than 34 inches or they will tangle in your flowers and be difficult to lift during the ceremony. Sometimes blushers are detachable, but this is just another detail to get in your way. The most convenient method is to have the blusher sewn to the veil comb and simply fold it back as another layer.
• For brides under 5'4", a fingertip veil is not recommended. This veil usually ends about mid-thigh on a petite woman and would visually cut your leg in half.
• Two-tiered veils are best on nearly all people because they are fuller and will provide your face with framing on the sides. In our shop, when brides see themselves in a two-tiered veil, they are nearly always sold on the beauty of the effect.
• An elbow length veil best compliments a dress with a full skirt. The veil should end below a low back but above the start of the skirt.
• Long veils are now very much back in style. A cathedral length veil can create a more romantic or amorous look.
• A veil should be attached to the tiara with velcro or snaps so it may be removed during the reception. There is nothing worse than getting a loving hug from a relative and feeling your veil pulled right out of your hair. Also, removing the veil and leaving on the tiara will make it clear later on in everyone's photographs just exactly who the bride is. Finally, you may want to dance and the veil will get in the way, but the tiara will not.