So, you’ve secured your dream dress and are thinking it’s now time to accessorize. If you’re on the edge about whether a wedding veil could be right for you – don’t worry we have you covered! We are here to tell you everything there is to know about finding yourself the perfect veil for your special day.
BUT just like any good story, we should start at the beginning.
You might not be surprised to find that the reason behind wearing a wedding veil has had a bit of a… complicated history.
Traditionally, veils were thought to have been worn (over the face) to help ward off evil spirits from the bride. We aren’t sure how effective that was, but the thought is interesting. They have also been tied to traditions of ‘hiding’ the bride’s appearance from her groom as she walks down the aisle. Unsurprisingly, wedding veils have also been associated with maintaining a bride’s purity and even symbolizing her status to society.
However, in modern society, wedding veils are less about warding off spirits and more about adding the last touch to your wedding day attire.
So, you might be thinking… do I have to wear a veil?
The short answer is absolutely not.
That is what is so incredible about your wedding. You can do whatever and wear whatever feels most comfortable and authentically you. I mean, there are plenty of alternatives out there that can help you complete your look! Can we just drop some love for the stunning hair pieces and accessories that are on the market!?
But, before you go and drop the idea of wearing a wedding veil completely, hear us out. **
We have collected the top 3 things to consider about wearing a veil.
What types of wedding veils are there?
Let’s start here.
Choosing a wedding veil is much like any other element of your wedding planning, and it starts with your vision.
Are you having a traditional church ceremony? A beautiful candlelit aisle in your favourite art-gala? Barefoot beach vows with a hint of floral romance? All these elements can help you envision what style of veil might be a best fit for you and your vision.
Oh, and we can’t forget about the dress either.
Your wedding dress can also be a huge indicator of what veil style might be best for you. Maybe you’re thinking statement, statement, statement. Or perhaps simple and clear elegance if more your look.
While you have that vision loading in your head, let’s go over the different styles of veils you will come across in your journey.
Birdcage
If you’re looking for an incredible showcase of both style and personality without the hassle and weight that a longer wedding veil provides, then a birdcage could be a great option for you.
I mean, hello Reese Witherspoon Sweet Home Alabama vibes!
Covering just part of the face, a birdcage veil can sit either on the top of the head, or toward the side of the head and will measure about 45cm from its comb.
This vintage choice can be versatile enough for any style but is an excellent choice for shorter dresses.
Blusher
Certainly a look that nods to both modesty and purity, a blusher veil can both be a standalone statement, or an additional layer to a veil that will cover the bride’s face.
Traditionally, this blusher was thought to ward off the spirit of evils, however it later became known to ‘hide’ the brides’ face from her groom.
Despite neither of these being the common reason for a bride to choose a blusher wedding veil today, blusher veils are still a common addition for any bride that wishes to add that extra element of modesty and tradition to their special day.
Photo by Taralee Photography
Fingertip
Okay, this one might sound a little self-explanatory, but you guessed it, the fingertip-veil stops at just that… your fingertips!
I have to say, this style of mid-length veil looks incredible with just about any style of dress I’ve seen it on.
Why may you ask? Versatility.
Mikado to crepe, sequinned to beaded, a fingertip-length wedding veil adds the perfect highlight to any bride’s shape and style for their day.
Photo by Brittany Navin Photography
Chapel
If you’re looking for something with a little more drama, then a chapel-length wedding veil might be the right choice for you.
Without getting too much into the specific measurements (it’s between 90-120” in length if you’re wondering), a chapel-length veil typically falls just a few inches past a full-length wedding gown and provides a beautiful sweeping statement without being too overwhelming for the bride.
This might be the right choice for the bride looking for just that little bit of extra movement.
Photo by Rob Lloyd Photography
Cathedral
A cathedral-length wedding veil is one of the longest styles on the market, about 100-120” in length.
Depending on your dress, a cathedral veil could either meet at the end of your train or drape past it if the style you have chosen was not overly long. With that said, on average a cathedral veil will surpass the train by about 1-2 feet.
This might be a great length option for you if your veil has lace or appliques.
Why you may ask? Having that additional length on your veil will provide appropriate space at the end of your train to showcase the intricate details that many veils have.
Photo by Palm Tree Studio
Royal
A royal-length veil might not be the best fit for every bride, as it is what we like to think of as an all-or-nothing option. Flowing 120”+ in length, a royal wedding veil can fall significantly farther behind an average train.
This length of veil does not come without challenges, as it will be much heavier than any other of our previously mentioned options.
BUT, with that being said, get ready for some drop-dead gorgeous photos with this one.
Go big or go home, am I right?
Photo by Laura Fenny Photography
Mantilla
Graced with Spanish-style and influence, a mantilla features a beautiful circular statement lace-trim that both frames and highlights the bride’s face.
Traditionally a mantilla is worn just behind the hairline on the top of your head and creates that beautiful dramatic draping. This style is common for brides holding their ceremony in the Catholic church, as it also provides a fuller coverage across your chest and shoulders.
One thing to keep in mind if this is a style for you is your lace pattern! A consultant can always be a great guide to making sure your lace of the veil and your dress (if you choose this gown style) are complimentary.
Photo by Taralee Photography
How much can a wedding veil cost?
This one is a little more complicated to explain, as the short answer is ‘it depends’.
In reality, a wedding veil can be as extravagant or cost effective as you choose it to be.
But now that you have a better idea of the different lengths and styles of wedding veils that are on the market, we should talk about some different style variations.
When you are shopping for your wedding veil, the options on style can be limitless. From beautiful and delicate lace applications, to scattered pearls, seed beading to the classic raw edge, your options are pretty incredible.
Keep in mind, the details on your veil will alter the cost significantly.
In its entirety, you could be looking at a price range of $150 to upwards of $1,500 CAD.
It’s important to make an appointment and work with your stylist when choosing what veil might be the best option for you, as they will be able to help you find the perfect details to help fit your vision.
Okay, I bought a wedding veil. What’s next?
YAY! You found the perfect wedding veil, and you might be thinking, what do I do now!? You’re going to want to keep it in pristine condition leading up to your big day. Just like when you pick up your wedding dress! So, there are a few things you should know to keep your veil in tip-top shape.
The first being storage.
Both the environment that you store your veil in, and how you choose to store it will play a large factor in keeping its condition.
When it comes to the environment, do your best to store it in a dark, cool, and dry place, away from sunlight, dust and pesky animal hairs. This type of environment will support safe and secure storage leading up to your big day. When it comes to how to store the veil physically, there are a few things you can do.
First, your veil may come with a hanging loop to help relieve pressure from the comb when hanging your wedding veil. If it doesn’t no worries, you can always make one by pinning a ribbon through the comb!
If you have a longer veil, you can also consider folding up the end and laying over the bar of a traditional hanger. This is again to help relieve pressure from the comb.
Awesome, you’re good to go for the weeks or months leading up to the big day!
Now, when the big day comes – you might be thinking your veil could use a quick… freshening. We totally agree. Remember though, the fabric is very delicate and so whatever you do, be gentle. Your wedding veil should need very little done to bring it to pristine condition.
If you have a longer veil, you should first unfold it from the hanger. Lay out the fabric in a clean and dry area, checking for any small creases or folds in the fabric. If any are found, use a very gentle steamer.
After that, you’re ready to go for the ceremony!
Bottom Line
The bottom line is a wedding veil is not a mandatory addition for marriage. You must go with your gut! You don’t get to experience this every day, and so if you want to wear a veil… wear it!
If you don’t, that is okay too.
The good news is that there are plenty of options available to make your day everything you ever wanted.
Until next time,
The Sinders Team
** We talk about estimated lengths of each style of veil, but it’s a personal preference. Each designer and vendor may refer to these lengths and veil names differently, so use caution when discussing these details. If you do choose to go with a longer veil, we recommend ensuring the veil you choose goes to the end (if not beyond) the end of your train. **