How to Choose a Bridal Veil

Brunette wearing a princess-cut ballgown in glitter tulle, walking outside against a backdrop of mountains

When choosing what bridal veil you will gracefully walk down the aisle in, you are bombarded with so many choices, styles, and embellishments that all peak your interest for different reasons. 

But, selecting a wedding veil should take some careful consideration and your chosen wedding dress should be used as inspiration to ensure they complement each other perfectly.  

What is a Veil? 

A common question among brides-to-be is simply why do brides wear veils? Throughout time, the meaning of veils has changed a bit, from the Roman belief of brides wearing a veil to protect them from evil spirits that may try to thwart their upcoming happiness to more recent affiliations of modesty and chastity.  

Whatever belief you subscribe to behind the meaning of a veil, it is undoubtedly a traditional and timeless accessory that extends to many people's personal beliefs and family heritage that may have spanned over many centuries and generations.  

Below, we have listed a range of popular and flattering wedding veil styles you could possibly incorporate into your wedding ensemble depending on your dress, ceremony venue and overall desired aesthetic.  

Chapel or Cathedral Wedding Veils  

A cathedral veil is characterised by its length and eccentric style. Typically, but not exclusively, worn at formal weddings taking place in traditional venues such as a church or place of worship. Similar in style to a bridal cape with a free-flowing and dramatic effect, a chapel or cathedral-length veil undoubtedly exudes a royal aesthetic due to its length that elegantly follows you down the aisle.  


Woman in a bridal gown with an off-white wedding veil, featuring petite flowers and an extra-long train

This style of veil works best for ceremonies taking place indoors, but for those who have always dreamed of getting married surrounded by the natural elements, perhaps a shorter veil length would work better due to the management and placement of the veil can get quite troublesome when all you want to say is ‘’I Do!’’. However, be sure to select a style that complements your dress as if you have an illusion or tattoo back, a single-layered veil with minimal details and a transparent finish works perfectly by not obscuring any minute details of your gown.  

Elegantly Embroidered Bridal Veils 

The opportunities to add something extra special to your wedding look are immeasurable, whether you desire a veil with glitter, embroidered 3D flowers or a simple and traditional style, the choice is completely up to you.  

Laid-back and simplistic wedding gowns are always in fashion and offer a timeless aesthetic that focuses on highlighting your natural bridal glow instead of drawing attention to the frills and unique features a wedding gown can have. An embroidered veil can really complement simple silhouettes and clean fabrics, creating a romantic and ethereal look by adding subtle detail and texture to your overall bridal ensemble.  


Woman wearing a mermaid wedding gown with sparkly embroidery, paired with a detachable sheer veil

To add an alternate touch of versatile glamour to a minimalist and simple wedding gown, wearing a pearl veil is a stylish option that is characterised by the elegant pearls embellishing the delicate fabric. You are also blessed with the opportunity to remove your veil after your ceremony and adorn your hair with different bridal accessories, such as a regal tiara or a hairpin with pearls, for a transformative style that transcends the sands of time.

Timeless Mantilla Wedding Veils  

Famed for its traditional Spanish origin and heritage, a Mantilla veil has an elegant look and quality about it that works to frame the shoulders gently. Mantilla types of veils are an excellent choice, ideal for shorter brides, as they ultimately add height to your overall ensemble by being attached to the head in a gathered and chic fashion. If you are searching for the perfect veil hairstyle, try combining a Mantilla-style veil with a chignon hairstyle for a harmonious match made in heaven.  


Woman wearing an embroidered mermaid wedding dress with a veil, standing against a vibrant red background

Short and mid-length Veils 

If you have a dress showcasing part of your back with an open design or with intricate detailing, a long wedding veil isn’t the best combination as it takes too much attention away from one of the features of the gown. Instead, a short or mid-length veil would work perfectly, so you can get the best of both worlds without having to compromise delicate details for a veil.  

A short veil will elegantly frame your face and there will be a lot less fabric to worry about shrouding your stunning appearance when declaring your vows, and you can draw more focus to your dress. For a modern and vintage-inspired approach, a birdcage veil is a great choice for a luxurious headpiece accessory you can affix into place and see out with ease.  

A blusher veil is a traditional and elegantly alternative to chapel or longer style of veils and is worn over the face until finally presented to the groom after walking down the aisle. For a veil suited to your specific height, a fingertip veil is an excellent choice because it falls just around where your fingertips end, so you have full freedom to move your arms with ease.  

Discover the style that is best suited to your needs and discover our full offering of veils and elegant wedding dresses to pair with your newfound favourite bridal accessory.  

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