A bride wants everything perfect, from the room design of the reception, the ceremony site to have enough wow factor to the attire worn by the couple to be wed. I am asked for my opinion all the time. One question almost all brides will ask me is “should I wear a veil”?
Let’s start with the history of a bride wearing a veil. Dating back to the Roman time’s a bride would wear a red cloth, which was used to not just hide the bride from the groom until the ceremony ended. It was also believed the red cloth would protect the bride from “evil”. Over time, the veil became a fashion statement, and now today, from birdcage vintage veil to full Cathedral length veils, the bridal veil is a definite “WOW” factor in any wedding ceremony.
Let’s start with the various styles to consider when choosing a Bridal Veil.
Birdcage Veil, considered to be a bit off-beat or vintage, a Birdcage veil can be as unique as the bride. Made with a short length of netting, the veil itself does not drop further than the bride’s chin. Always remember to keep the veil in line with the style of the gown. A bit of a vintage, sassy gown, the Birdcage veil will look amazing on you.
Laura Murray Photography
The Blusher Veil is a shoulder-length veil. The Blusher is traditional and a bit on the casual side. The bride escorted down the aisle by her father will bear the blusher over her face, and her father will pull the blusher back to provide the bride a kiss on her cheek before he is seated for the ceremony. A Blusher Veil is a great wear to include a veil with a wedding gown that is full of details, not to be missed.
The Elbow Length Veil is what is worn for amazing wedding ball-gown styles. The Elbow Length Veil will fall to the length of the bride’s elbow, to not interfere with the wedding gown’s fullness. An Elbow Length Veil is also a great way to cover up the bride’s shoulders if a bride is sleeveless and a bit modest.
The Fingertip Length Veil, worn with various styles of gowns as this veil will complement almost all styles of wedding gowns, especially gowns with a train. The Fingertip Length Veil is a great way to keep the back of the wedding gown hidden until the wedding reception reveal. The length of the fingertips gives the bride a bit more veil and keeps the element of surprise when it comes to a stunning accessory.
Floor Length Veil: any longer veil will change the appearance of a bride’s dress, as the longer veil adds volume to the assemble. The Floor Length Veil is usually the same length as the wedding gown, and a bride should wear the veil to be measured when she tries on her wedding gown. Include wearing the heels to be worn at the wedding to ensure the gown and the veil are the same lengths. This style of veil provides a romantic look for the ceremony and photos to follow.
The Chapel Veil is typically longer than the length of the Wedding Gown, and as the bride walks down the aisle, the train drags longer than the shorter-train or no-train gown. A stunning look for a trainless gown but gives the romantic appearance of a train until the veil is removed after the ceremony.
The Cathedral Veil is described as romantic, majestic, and provides the first site of the bride as she walks down the aisle the dramatic entrance so many brides look for. The length of the Cathedral Veil is 108 inches or longer. If a bride is looking for a Grand Entrance down the aisle, the Cathedral Veil has all the flair for a dramatic entrance.
The Little Details: Many brides will choose to add embellishments to her veil. This could include rhinestones, pearls, and lace appliques. Some brides will have a tinted color added to her veil while others go with a more vintage look of simple designs that might tell a story of family heritage and style. Other brides will wear a tiara with the veil. I say, “why not” as it might be the only time a girl can wear a tiara as it just adds more to the bride’s style and elegance to the day.
When the Veil is Removed: Bride’s should also remember to add a little something special to her hair after the veil is removed. Hairpins with small flowers attached, matching flowers in her bouquet for example. Others will choose vintage or family heirloom barrettes and hairpins with rhinestones. A bride should not lose the style she presents when she removes the veil.
JoAnn Moore – Luxury Wedding Planner
If you are interested in more tips, tricks, and information about your future wedding, or a wedding you will be attending in the future, connect with JoAnn Moore!
