Your wedding veil is an extension of your bridal look—it should enhance, not overshadow, your hairstyle. The right combination will create a cohesive and stunning look that's perfect for your big day.
There’s something undeniably magical about the moment a bride places a veil on her wedding day. The veil, a symbol of tradition and elegance, adds an ethereal touch to your bridal look, completing the transformation from bride-to-be to bride. But as timeless as veils are, choosing the right hairstyle to complement your veil is just as important as selecting the veil itself. The perfect pairing of hairstyle and veil can enhance your overall look, adding layers of beauty and sophistication.
To help you find the perfect combination, we’ve curated our favourite wedding hairstyles with veils, along with tips on veil placement, accessories, and considerations to keep in mind as you create your dream bridal look.
Wedding hairstyles with veils
When choosing your wedding hairstyle and veil combination, it’s important to consider the overall look you want to achieve. Think about how the veil will work with your wedding dress, the venue, and your personal style.
1. Classic chignon with a veil
For the bride seeking a classic look that feels modern with a nod to the traditional, a romantic and classic chignon with a veil is chic and effortless.
For some brides, a veil with a wedding updo is a bit too traditional but keep in mind, it’s all about the placement of the veil. A veil positioned high (i.e beyond the crown of your head and closer towards your hairline where a headband would sit), will feel more traditional. A veil positioned a little lower (just above a low set bun) will frame your updo in the most beautiful way.
Best for: Fingertip, chapel and cathedral veils, including single tier and veils with blushers.
Why it works: The chignon’s low, sleek profile allows the veil to sit perfectly above or beneath the updo, letting the veil flow gracefully down your back. This style is especially suited for formal and traditional settings.
Photo credits: 1. via Once Wed | 2. Marisa Rose MPH 3. Rachel Meagan Photography | via Snippet & Ink | 4. via Pinterest
See it styled:
How to accessorise this look: Secure the veil and finish with a detailed bridal headpiece or hair pins to add a touch of sparkle to this sophisticated style.
2. Loose soft waves with a veil
Much loved for its romantic and soft vibe, loose, soft waves styled with a veil is a classic choice that pairs beautifully with lighter, more delicate veils. It suits bohemian bridal looks right through to traditional bridal looks.
Best for: Fingertip, blusher, chapel and birdcage veils.
Why it works: Soft waves create a natural, flowing look that complements the airy feel of lighter veils. This style is perfect for outdoor or beach weddings, where a more relaxed vibe is desired.
Photo credits: 1.via Pinterest | 3. via Style Me Pretty | 4. via Pinterest | 6. via Pinterest | 7. via Style Me Pretty | 8. via Pinterest | 9. via Pinterest
See it styled:
How to accessorise this look: Loose, soft waves can still be worn with a veil. Your hairstylist will need to take a few extra precautions with creating a foundation beneath the comb to ensure it doesn’t fall out. Pair this look with dainty drop earrings to frame for a subtle finish.
3. Half up hairstyle with veil
If you can’t decide between a wedding updo or a bridal hairstyle that’s all down and flowing, a half up half down wedding hairstyle might be the perfect style for you. This versatile style combines the elegance of an updo with the softness of loose hair. When paired with a veil, it creates the perfect foundation to hold the veil into place and also keeps those strands of hair off your face.
Best for: Fingertip, chapel, cathedral and blusher veils.
Why it works: The half up half down style provides a secure base for attaching the veil while allowing the rest of your hair to flow freely. It’s an ideal choice for brides who want a romantic yet polished look.
Photo credits: 1. via Pinterest | 2. via Style Me Pretty | 3. via Style Me Pretty | 4. via Pinterest
See it styled:
How to accessorise this look: Position the veil and finish by adding an embellished bridal headpiece on top where the veil is attached to enhance the overall style.
4. Ponytail with veil
We’ve seen many beautiful ponytails grace the aisles this wedding season. A low ponytail is a modern and chic option that pairs well with a variety of veils. The look is not only mesmerising and romantic but ultra chic and feminine.
Best for: Fingertip, chapel and birdcage veils
Why it works: The simplicity of the ponytail provides a clean, sleek base for a veil, especially brides who prefer a minimalist look. This style is great for contemporary weddings.
Photo credits: 1. Bayleigh Vedelago | 2. via Pinterest | 3. Bayleigh Vedelago
How to accessorise this look: Wrap a strand of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the hair tie. Choose a veil that’s attached to a small bridal hair comb so it’s proportional and balanced. A giant veil comb will interrupt the flow of your look. Secure the veil above or below the ponytail and finish with some dainty hair pins to the side.
Need personalised styling advice?
Not all veils are created equal and not all veils will suit the wedding hairstyles of your dreams. If you’ve fallen in love with a wedding veil from our collection, send us photos of your bridal hairstyle and let’s chat.
We’d be happy to offer advice on how the veil can be customised to suit you and your hairstyle. Often it’s as simple as ensuring the correct sized veil comb is attached. Or it could be a slight variation in amount of gathers at the comb or a tweak to the blusher width for a cleaner look.
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