Veil or no veil is the big question brides find asking themselves, along with - how did adding a piece of fabric to your head even become a thing? Glad you asked!

For centuries, veils have been connected to cultural and religious traditions like warding off evil or symbolizing modesty. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria rocked a veil and a white dress for her nuptials that veils became a wedding staple.

Today, it’s up to the bride if she wants one or not - sometimes popping on that veil can give you all the bridal feels! Let’s be real, when will you ever have the chance to wear a veil again? The trends of hairpieces and flower crowns come and go, but a veil is forever timeless. 👰

With all the options out there, it’s easy to find a veil that’s uniquely you. Once you’ve found your style, it helps to know where and how to wear it of course!  Keep scrolling for veil tips and inspo!

QUICK TIPS

• If you have the opportunity, find your veil while you have the dress on. This will help you get the clearest picture of how it could look. It’s also the best way to guarantee the color and details coincide. *At Brilliant Bridal, we offer accessory appointments for this purpose! 🙌

• If your veil has a comb - the curve of the comb goes with the curve of your head. Knowing this, will make wedding day prep a little less stressful.

FINGERTIP AND ELBOW LENGTH

These are the most common of veils. Fingertip length is what you typically see - where the veil just barely brushes the tips of your fingers. Elbow length is also just as it sounds - the edge will hit right at the elbow. Fingertip veils are perfect if you don’t want the fuss of finding a unique style and just want that bridal feel. TIP: since these veils are shorter and the detail is closer to the gown - make sure the veil detail doesn’t take away or compete with your gown. You want them to flawlessly blend.

TWO - TIER

If you are a traditional gal and want the classic bridal feel - then a two-tier option is perfect! The veil that goes over your face is called a Blusher -  so having a two - tier veil, allows the top piece to be draped over your face and then lifted back once at the altar. This style also tends to add volume, so if you’re going for that Grace Kelly vibe, then this style is for you!

CATHEDRAL

Cathedral veils are typically the longest style and tend to extend past the train on your gown.
No, you don’t have to be getting married in a church to rock a cathedral veil. These beauties are for all the drama and can be worn with an elaborate ball gown or even a simple silk sheath. These veils are meant for that bride who wants to be a little extra! So, if your goal is to feel like a queen strutting down that aisle then a cathedral veil will definitely make a statement.

If you feel like cathedral is too long - chapel and sweeping veils still give that long effect, but not nearly as much of a fuss.

MANTILLA

Son tan bonitas!! Mantillas are a traditional Spanish veil with a thick lace trim from top to bottom. Instead of a comb, these romantic veils drape over the head and are secured with hair pins. Many brides that want that angelic traditional feel will choose a Mantilla. This style can either be shorter like fingertip length or go as long as a cathedral.

JULIET CAP

The ever so romantic Juliet cap - oh how I Love thee! This unique style is for that bride with a vintage heart and a boho spirit. Juliet caps cover the majority of your head and often have beadwork or lace detail - typically worn with your hair down.

BIRDCAGE

Now, if you really want to have fun and be unique - birdcage veils give that touch of sophistication with a dash of sass. 💋This vintage style is still popular among modern brides and is often worn off to the side of your head so it crosses over the eyes. TIP: make sure to steam it out and pin down any parts necessary so everything lays nicely for photos.

CAPE VEILS

Cape veils are a recent trend as an alternative to the traditional veils and you wouldn’t believe how ethereal these beauties can be. This style typically hooks onto the back of your gown, so the fabric just flows past your shoulders cascading to the ground. Since this is such a new trend, there are all types of cape veils to choose from. Whether you want to be different or just want to spruce up your gown, this veil style will certainly make for some elegant photos.

We covered the most common styles of veils and hope this helped you with your journey on finding the perfect one for your big day!