You found your dress: Where do you begin with your wedding veil?

Finding your perfect wedding dress is a huge milestone in your wedding planning journey. Now that you've have the dress, it's time to think about the next essential component of your bridal look: the veil.

Congratulations on finding your dream dress! If a wedding veil is what you envisage for your bridal look, you’ve come to the right place. Join us as we explore the various options available and we share our expert guide to help you find the perfect veil to complement your dress. The right veil can elevate your bridal ensemble, adding a layer of romance, tradition and modern flair to your wedding day. But with so many lengths, widths, styles and embellishments on offer, it’s no wonder that many brides-to-be planning their weddings can feel a little overwhelmed. Take your time, try on different options, and choose a veil that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. After all, your veil is more than just an accessory—it’s a symbol of the bride you’ve always dreamed of being.

1. Understand your dress style

The first step in finding the right veil is to consider the style and shape of your dress. As a general guide, your veil should accentuate and be proportional to your dress. This means it shouldn’t overpower or take away from the details of the dress. Doing so can be distracting and also interrupt the flow of your overall look.

Look for key focal points on your dress as guidance for your veil. Often a veil will look best cut just above or below any horizontal lines. If your veil falls where a focal point begins, for example a defined waist line, this will feel effortless and proportional.

Classic ball gown: If your dress is a traditional ball gown with a full skirt, consider a chapel or cathedral length veil to add drama and elegance. If you prefer a shorter veil, a waist length or fingertip is elegant and refined.
Modern sheath or slip dress: A sleek, minimalist dress pairs beautifully with a minimalist chapel veil, fingertip veil or a birdcage veil. Gowns without a train or a short train are gorgeous when paired with a floor length or chapel length veil. As a guide – look for a veil that is slightly longer than the hem or train of your gown.
Lace or embellished gown: If your dress is heavily embellished or features intricate lacework, opt for a veil that’s simpler in design. A plain tulle veil will allow the details of your dress to shine without competing for attention.
Bohemian or rustic dress: For a more relaxed, boho style, consider a veil with soft, flowing lines, such as a mantilla or veil edged with lace. These styles complement the effortless beauty of a bohemian gown.
Mermaid/trumpet: To complement the mermaid or trumpet silhouette, look for a long and narrow veil to walk down the aisle or a mid-length or fingertip veil to showcase your flared skirt.
A-line: It’s all about proportions when it comes to choosing a veil for your a-line wedding gown. Take your pick from a fingertip, waltz length or chapel length veil to showcase the gorgeous bodice of your dress.

2. Consider the length

Veil length is one of the most important factors to consider. Here’s a quick overview of the most common veil lengths and how they pair with different dress styles:

Birdcage veil (22.5cm or 9 inches): This short, vintage-style veil typically covers just part of the face and is perfect for retro, minimalist or modern brides.
Shoulder length veil (50cm or 20 inches): A casual and modern choice, this veil ends around the shoulders and is ideal for informal or outdoor weddings.
Elbow length veil (63cm-68cm or 25-27 inches): Falling to your elbows, this length is flattering and versatile, complementing most dress styles.
Fingertip veil (91-101cm or 36-40 inches): One of the most popular veil lengths, it grazes your fingertips and adds elegance without overwhelming the dress.
Chapel length veil (230cm or 90 inches: This veil extends to the floor, just beyond the hem of your dress, adding a touch of formality and grace.
Cathedral length veil (275-305cm or 108-120 inches): The most dramatic option, this veil trails behind you, perfect for a grand, traditional wedding.

Generally speaking, a fingertip veil is a timeless and classic option that works beautifully with a range of different wedding dresses. It is also a versatile choice for a range of different venues – from the church to a beach or garden wedding.

3. Match the colour

Matching the colour of your veil to your dress is crucial for a cohesive look. Wedding dresses come in various shades of white, ivory, champagne and blush, so your veil should complement this tone as well as you can.

White dresses: Pair with a pure white veil to match the brightness of your gown. Very few gowns are actually a pure white. Silk white, natural white or diamond white dresses are a neutral white and lack the brightness and starkness of pure white fabrics. These dresses are best paired with more neutral white veils. We describe this tone as ‘bridal white’ in our collections.
Ivory dresses: Choose an ivory veil that matches the tone of your ivory. Ivory dresses can range from off-white to light ivory to soft ivory to warm ivory. If in doubt, pairing your medium toned ivory dress with a soft ivory will feel dreamy, ethereal and won’t weight down your look.
Blush or champagne dresses: Consider a veil with a slight pink or champagne tint to harmonise with your dress colour. Request fabric swatches or consult your bridal veil designer for their recommendation.

4. Think about the details

The details of your veil can either enhance or detract from your overall look, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Embellishments: If your dress is simple, you might opt for a veil with embellishments like lace, beading or florals for a touch of detail. However, if your dress is already detailed, a plain veil will let your dress take centre stage.
Edging: The edge of your veil can also make a statement. A raw cut edge offers a modern, clean look, while lace or ribbon edges add a traditional, romantic touch.

5. Consider your hairstyle

Your hairstyle will affect how your veil sits and how it’s secured. If you choose to wear a veil, your veil may need a supportive base such as a bridal bun, messy updo, or half up/half down hairstyle. The longer or heavier your veil, the more supportive your bun or hairstyle will need to be.

Updos: An updo works well with almost any veil length, allowing the veil to cascade down from the back of your head.
Loose waves: If you plain to wear your hair down, your hairstylist will need to reinforce your veil with additional pins and precautions to ensure it stays in place all day.
Half up, half down: This versatile hairstyle pairs beautifully with most veil styles.

6. Practical considerations

While the aesthetic of your veil is important, it’s also important to think about the practicality of wearing a veil. Take into account the venue and potential weather forecast. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, the wind will be an issue. Longer veils can get caught in the breeze, so you may wish to opt or a shorter style or one that can be easily removed after the ceremony.

It’s important to make sure your veil is lightweight and easy to wear. You’ll be wearing it for several hours, so comfort is key.

We also recommend someone from your bridal party knows how to remove the veil after the ceremony if you plan to take it off for the reception. This may include asking the hairstylist how many bobby pins have been used to secure the veil into place so you can remove the veil without damaging your hairstyle.

Need personalised styling advice?

Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and hairstyle. We love to work with our brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day. Get in touch with us – we would love to hear from you!