Should I Wear a Veil for My Wedding?

should i wear a veil for my wedding

Many future brides have second thoughts about donning a veil on their big day. But, ultimately, it comes down to your priorities.

While brides commonly wear veils to enhance their confidence on their wedding day, they also carry a great deal of history and symbolism that may not apply to or complement your tastes.

One of your most important choices is what to wear on your wedding day. You might be contemplating whether or not to wear a veil if you intend to dress formally.

In the past, brides were expected to follow centuries-old customs by donning veils at their weddings.

While most modern brides probably won't bother with one, a select few may choose to honour the tradition by donning a veil.

Furthermore, there is a wide variety of veil shapes, from airy cathedrals to quaint birdcages.

If you aren't fond of how veils make you appear, or if the meanings they represent don't mean anything to you, you may wonder if you must wear one on your wedding day.

Thus, we are here to assist you in determining whether or not a veil is required for your wedding.  Need help planning your wedding? Check out our list of Wedding Event Planners here.

If you're a future bride who can't make up her mind about this age-old debate, keep reading for a detailed discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of wearing a veil and some helpful pointers from the experts.

Table of Contents

FAQs About Wedding Veils

Some people don't feel the need to wear a veil at all, and that's fine too. Don't worry, foregoing the tradition won't make you look any less bridal. It's your day after all.

About 50% of our brides answer yes. Moving on from tradition and the original meaning of the veil, nowadays a veil is worn for style reasons. It's a fashion piece. A way to add that extra “something” to a bridal look or just to add detail to an otherwise plain gown.

First off, let's say that you don't have to wear a veil. Although around 65% of brides do, that's a big percentage that don't.

Yes, traditionally the bride's parents were expected to pick up most of the tab while the groom's parents usually just covered the cost of the rehearsal dinner. But today, more couples pay for the majority of the wedding themselves (nearly 62 percent according to a recent Bridal Guide survey).

The “after the ceremony” lore says that the veil is lifted after marriage in case the groom doesn't like what he sees. Then the marriage is already finalized and he can't back out. And these are all lovely traditions surely designed to make women feel wonderful about themselves.

Why Brides Skip the Veil

You might consider not wearing a veil for your wedding for several reasons.

If you're getting married outside but are concerned about the wind or just want to highlight your hair, you don't have to wear a veil.

Some women worry that wearing the Veil may cause unnecessary stress during the service.

Don't let anyone else's opinions or suggestions ruin your special day. A bridal veil is not required by law and should not be worn by the bride.

Why They Might Want to Reconsider

The finishing touch to any bride's look is always a veil. For the right dress, it can be the finishing touch.

It's a must-have for any wedding album if the bride and groom are planning on sharing a passionate kiss beneath the Veil.

To Veil or Not to Veil? 

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Your wedding consultant or stylist will probably ask if you want to wear a veil while you are putting on wedding dresses.

The good thing is that you get complete control over this choice. On your wedding day, nobody is going to tell you that you have to forgo the veil.

The bridal veil can be made to complement the bride's dress, or she can opt to forego it altogether. It's up to you to figure out what best boosts your self-assurance and sense of control.

Today's brides have more freedom than ever before to express their individuality through their wedding attire.

Keep in mind that a veil can do wonders for your bridal ensemble. A bridal veil's most significant benefit is the dramatic transformation it can give your appearance between the ceremony and the reception.

In addition, if you don't know where to begin when envisioning your wedding day, trying on veils might help you narrow down your image.

The best advice we can give brides is to select a veil that is both stunning and suitable for the occasion.

The majority of the brides already have a specific idea in mind for how they want their veil to complement the design of their gown. In spite of this, they are usually urged to add a touch of originality to their design by experimenting with different sizes and overlays while using a variety of materials.

The bridal gown and veil should be tried on together so the bride can experiment with several looks and find the one she feels most comfortable with.

To Veil (pros): 

It's an Iconic "Bridal." 

A Veil is the ultimate symbol of a bride-to-upcoming be's nuptials.

There may be other events in your life where you can wear a white dress or a beautiful crystal headpiece, but there is very little chance that you will ever again need to wear a veil.

After the wedding, brides who forwent veils express the most common regret: "I wish I'd worn a veil!"

Sometimes, even brides with a more alternative sense of style or who had never thought of getting married at all end themselves wishing they had worn this timeless bridal jewellery.

It Can Complete a Look. 

A veil can be the finishing touch to an otherwise plain wedding dress.

It Makes for Stunning Photos. 

We've all seen the photos that have gone viral on Pinterest showing the bride's Veil fluttering in the breeze.

Bridal veils may be a beautiful photographic prop, whether trailed after the bride in the sunset as she runs down the beach with her new husband or wrapped over the bride's naked shoulders as her new husband embraces her.

Not to Veil (cons):

Storms with high winds are terrifying. Therefore, a veil can be a significant obstacle if you plan on exchanging your vows in breezy conditions.

We've all seen brides who seem less than radiant in their wedding photographs because they had to spend the entire walk down the aisle adjusting their veil. (Are you being married in the great outdoors and absolutely intent on wearing a blanket? See our expert advice on how to choose the right veil weights below!

It Can Be Fussy. 

Think about everything else you'll be doing in your wedding day surroundings.

Wearing large pieces of jewellery increases the likelihood that the Veil will become entangled with the jewellery.

You wouldn't want your sparkly diamond bracelet to get caught in your Veil when you want to tuck your hair behind your ear during the ceremony.

It Can Compete With a Busy Gown. 

You don't want to detract from the attention-grabbing power of the dress itself by adding a veil to an outfit that doesn't require one.

Veils, even the simplest ones, can be too much for a detailed bridal dress. If the beading on your wedding dress's top back is why you chose it, a veil may not be the best choice.

Take your dress to a bridal shop and try on a variety of veils to see which one works best with it.

What's the Purpose of a Wedding Veil? 

The Greeks created the custom of using veils for ceremonial purposes. Traditional bridal veils are thought to have originated in ancient Greece.

Women have traditionally worn veils during religious services as a symbol of modesty and chastity.

The Veil has the reputation of keeping ghosts at bay. As an added bonus, it helped keep the bride's face covered from her future husband.

However, veils' original significance is no longer as strongly associated with modern usage. A wedding veil is not required, although many brides choose to wear one for symbolic or aesthetic reasons.

Veils have now taken on a more nuanced significance and are now recognised as a fashionable adornment meant to highlight the individuality of today's brides.

Many types of veils are available, so you may find one that fits your style and complements your dress.

There is a wide variety of veils available for brides to choose from, including the cathedral, fingertip, vintage, and birdcage styles.

If you want to add a touch of sparkle or colour to your outfit without going all out with a veil, consider a chic hairband or a decorative clip.

Crystal crowns, floral ornaments, barrettes, pins, or birdcage headpieces are some of the alternatives to veils that brides should consider.

If you're still undecided about whether to wear a veil or other accessories on your wedding day, consider that doing so will make for stunning photographs.

It's nice to see some sparkle in all those portrait shots that are taken during the wedding day.

A Few Tips for Wearing Your Veil

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You should start by bringing all of your hair accessories to the salon for the trial. Your stylist will need to know the details of your Veil to determine which cuts and styles are appropriate for you.

Veil weights are decorative pins that can be inserted into the bottom of your Veil to prevent it from flying around in the wind if you plan on the following tradition and wearing a veil for your outdoor ceremony. Looking for Wedding Dress Shops? Look no further, Vines of the Yarra Valley has you covered.

Is a Wedding Veil for You?

Let's start with the fact that veiling is optional. Sixty-five per cent of brides do, but that's still a sizable minority.

So, it's okay if you're not fond of the concept. You could, for instance, adorn a stunning fascinator with sparkling diamanté.

But we believe that when searching for the perfect wedding dress, you should always maintain an open mind. Feel free to experiment with various bridal veils (or at least a birdcage) and see how they make you feel. Maybe. Maybe not.

Having a Formal Ceremony in a Grand Setting

A cathedral veil is a stunning option if your wedding will be held in a large ballroom. A chapel veil will flutter beautifully in your back when you enter a more private ceremony.

Keep in mind that a cathedral-length veil will cover up your dress's train and any elaborate back details (like bows) unless the veil is very transparent and simple.

You'll also need the appropriate setting to pull off such a look; a beach or registry office would be poor choices for your nuptials, for example.

While a long veil is beautiful and dramatic, it is also something that requires careful attention as the bride makes her way from the ceremony to the waiting car.

When you get your photos shot, your bridesmaids must also ensure your Veil is in the right place.

Still, if you've always wanted to have your youthful attendants drape a lengthy veil behind you, now is your chance.

And If You Want a Veil but Something a Little Less Formal

A fingertip or full-length veil is perfect if you want to keep things simple. These shorter veils have the same romantic air as their taller counterparts while being slightly more practical. This could be a fantastic choice if your dress has a lot of embellishments and embellishments.

Keep Your Neckline in Mind

Veils around the shoulder or hip length will not draw attention away from the bodice of your wedding dress, which may have been a deciding factor in your dress selection. In contrast, it will direct focus to that location.

These types of veils are beautiful and functional, making your walk toward the aisle less stressful without sacrificing your bridal style.

How About The Brides Who Choose a Vintage Look?

If you're not into the convention and have chosen a knee-length or ballerina-like dress (think: 1950s style), then a shorter veil, such as a birdcage veil, may be more your speed.

It's just what you need to achieve that perfect vintage aesthetic while balancing out your dress's full skirts.

Every Last Spectacle

There is a wide variety of wedding veil designs available, each with its own unique patterns and trimming.

We have seen veils with diamonds, rhinestones, and delicate stitching, on top of the most perfect widths of linen. Veils trimmed with ostrich feathers are also available and would look lovely with a 1920s-style gown.

Tips from the Pros

In order to get the best results from your hair trial, please bring your Veil with you. It's crucial that you practise your wedding-day hairstyle "mockup" before the big day (more on the importance of wedding-day mockups here).

Bring your Veil to your hair consultation so your stylist can practise pinning it into your finished hairstyle just like she will on the Big Day.

If your updo is too high, try moving the hairpins lower or covering them with a crystal headband.

When planning a ceremony outside, remember to include veil weights.

Make sure your wedding planner or a bridal party member brings magnetic veil weights to the ceremony if it will be held outdoors (you can find these on Amazon, at a craft store, or even make your own).

As a result, if blustery weather is predicted, you can secure these clever add-ons to your Veil. Get a pro to put the pins in.

Your hairstylist should know how to secure your Veil for the ceremony and how to unpin it with minimal damage to your hairstyle for the reception.

For an extra price, most hairstylists will stay at the venue until the end of the ceremony to do any touch-ups that may be required.

If you're concerned about ruining your hair while removing your Veil in time for the reception, this is a good alternative to consider.

If you are hesitant to make a permanent commitment, a veil may be the way to go. Just can't wrap your head around the concept of a veil.

If you're a bride who wants to stand out but doesn't want to wear a veil, we think you should totally sport one of these creative alternatives.

Types of Veils

A wide range of veils is available, each with its own look and length. There are no hard and fast rules, however, some blankets do appear to go better with some dresses.

A full-length veil, typically extending an additional foot past the train, is the ideal accessory for a formal wedding gown, such as one with a chapel- or cathedral-length train.

Every dress style looks perfect with a veil that falls to the elbow or fingertip. However, shorter, less formal dresses seem to demand a gorgeous birdcage veil.

A blusher (the top layer of a two-layer blanket) is traditionally worn over the face down the aisle if a bride chooses to wear a veil.

At that point, either the father (before he leaves your side) or the groom can pick it up.

Statement Veils

You haven't looked at appropriate blankets if you don't want to wear a veil because you feel it is too plain and won't go with your dress.

The veils of today can be as elaborate or simple as the wearer desires. Dress it up with some ruffles, lace, appliqués, embroidery, layers, and colour! you can modify it in any way that comes to mind!

If you're on the fence about whether or not to wear a veil on your big day, you might want to give it some more thought.

Keep in mind that this is your wedding day, and you should act naturally. And if the thought of donning a veil makes you uncomfortable, there's no reason to force yourself to do so.

Alternative Hair Accessories

You don't have to have boring hair just because you don't cover your head with a veil. You can add some glitz to your hair with a tiara, clip, floral crown, headband, or even diamond bobby pins.

You're not sure you want to ditch the Veil, but you'd prefer a different look for your reception. Don't fret! You can always cover it up with a hairpiece and veil for the wedding.

You can show off your hippie flair with a whimsical flower crown or your glam style with an elaborate headband for the reception and take some truly stunning photographs of your Veil billowing in the breeze.

Conclusion

Many would-be brides are rethinking their decision to wear veils on their wedding days. However, the decision depends on how important each factor is to you. The law does not mandate that a bride wear a veil, and the bride is not obligated to have one. You don't have to wear a veil if the wind bothers you or if you just want to show off your hair. The ultimate symbol of a bride's impending marriage is her veil.

A wedding veil can completely change your look between the ceremony and the reception. Brides who choose not to wear veils often say, "I wish I'd worn a veil!" after the big day. Wedding veils can make for stunning backdrops in photographs, whether they are draped over the bride's shoulders or trailing behind her as she runs along the beach with her new husband at sunset. But if you want to exchange your vows outside in the wind, they can be a major hindrance. Check out our insider tips for picking the perfect veil!

You may keep your Veil from flapping wildly in the wind by inserting decorative pins called "Veil weights" into the bottom of it. Some alternatives to veils that brides can wear are crystal crowns, floral ornaments, barrettes, pins, or birdcage headpieces. A cathedral veil is a beautiful choice if your wedding will be in a grand ballroom. The chapel veil will flutter gracefully behind you when you enter a more intimate ceremony. A veil can be a good compromise for those who are uncomfortable with long-term commitments.

If your ceremony will be held outside, have your wedding planner or a bridal party member bring magnetic veil weights. While there are no hard and fast regulations, it does seem that some blankets work better with specific costumes. Perhaps you should give some more thought to whether or not you want to wear a veil on your wedding day. Modern veils can be as basic or ornate as their user prefers. Some examples of hair accessories that can be used to create sparkle are tiaras, clips, flowery crowns, headbands, and even diamond bobby pins.

Content Summary

  • Many would-be brides are rethinking their decision to wear veils on their wedding days.
  • However, the decision depends on how important each factor is to you.
  • Brides traditionally wear veils on their wedding day to help them feel more at ease, but they also have a rich symbolic significance that may not resonate with you or your partner.
  • What you wear on your wedding day is one of your most crucial decisions.
  • If you plan to dress formally, you may be wondering if you should wear a veil.
  • A veil was a centuries-old tradition that brides were obliged to uphold.
  • Perhaps you're wondering if you have to wear a veil on your wedding day if you're not a fan of the way they make you look or if the symbolism they represent doesn't resonate with you.
  • Therefore, we are here to help you decide if a veil is necessary for your big day. The wedding planning assistance you seek is here.
  • If you're a bride-to-be who hasn't made up her mind about whether or not to wear a veil, then stay reading for a comprehensive analysis of the pros and cons of veiling, as well as some expert advice.
  • There are a number of reasons why you might want to skip the veil on your big day.
  • The law does not mandate that a bride wear a veil, and the bride is not obligated to have one.
  • With the correct gown, it can serve as the icing on the cake.
  • No one will ever tell you that you have to remove your veil on your wedding day.
  • The bride might choose to have her veil fashioned to match her gown, or she can decide not to wear one at all.
  • Finding the things that make you feel strong and in charge is entirely up to you.
  • Don't forget that a veil may do wonders for your bridal look.
  • When giving guidance to brides, we always stress the importance of choosing a beautiful and appropriate veil for the wedding.
  • Most brides clearly envision how they want their veil to accent their wedding dress before they ever start shopping.
  • A wedding veil is the most iconic emblem of an impending marriage.
  • Veils can provide the perfect touch to a simple bridal gown.
  • Because of this, a veil can be a major hindrance if you want to exchange your vows in windy conditions.
  • Think of all the other activities that will take place on your wedding day.
  • Wearing bulky jewellery increases the risk of the Veil becoming caught on the item.
  • Even the simplest of veils may be overpowering when worn with an intricate wedding gown.
  • If the beading on your wedding dress's top back is why you chose it, a veil may not be the ideal decision.
  • Stop into a bridal shop and try on a few different veils to choose the one that complements your dress perfectly.
  • The ceremonial use of veils dates back to ancient Greece.
  • The history of bridal veils can be traced back to ancient Greece.
  • Veils, worn by women during religious ceremonies, have long been seen as a sign of modesty and purity.
  • It is commonly believed that the veil can prevent spirits from entering the room.
  • Chic hairbands and colourful clips are great alternatives to veils for adding colour and sparkle to your ensemble.
  • Photos taken with a veil or other wedding day accessories can be really beautiful if you are still on the fence about whether or not to wear one.
  • Remember to bring all your favourite hair accessories to the salon with you for the trial.
  • It is important that your stylist understands your Veil so that they can give you the best advice on cuts and styles.
  • First, let's establish that covering one's face is discretionary.
  • It's understandable if the idea doesn't appeal to you.
  • However, we think it's important to keep an open mind while looking for the perfect wedding dress.
  • Try on a few different birdcages or bridal veils and see how you like them.
  • performing the ceremony in a grand venue
  • A cathedral veil is a beautiful choice if your wedding will be in a grand ballroom.
  • Your bridesmaids should also adjust your Veil before the photo shoot so that it looks beautiful in all the pictures.
  • A fingertip or full-length veil will do the trick if you prefer simplicity.
  • In case the bodice of your wedding dress was a deciding factor in your decision, consider a veil that falls at or below the hips.
  • It's the finishing touch that will give your dress the appropriate amount of vintage flair and counteract the volume of the skirt.
  • Don't forget to bring your Veil to the hair trial so that you can get an accurate idea of the style that would work best for you.
  • Get a "mockup" of your desired wedding hairdo and practise it before the big day (more on the importance of wedding-day mockups here).
  • Don't forget to bring your veil to the hair appointment so the stylist can get some experience pinning it into your final hairstyle just like she will on the Big Day.
  • If your ceremony will take place outside, have your wedding coordinator or a bridal party member provide magnetic veil weights (you can find these on Amazon, at a craft store, or even make your own).
  • Therefore, if stormy weather is expected, you may protect your Veil with these ingenious attachments.
  • The hairstylist you choose should know how to safely pin the Veil in place for the ceremony and then remove it without ruining your hairstyle for the reception.
  • Most hairstylists will stay at the ceremony location until the very end to do any last-minute touch-ups for an additional fee.
  • This is an excellent option to consider if you are worried about damaging your hair when removing your veil in time for the reception.
  • A veil can be a good compromise for those who are uncomfortable with long-term commitments.
  • You simply cannot fathom the idea of a veil.
  • A full-length veil is the perfect finishing touch if the bride is wearing a formal wedding gown, such as one with a chapel- or cathedral-length train.
  • A veil that grazes the elbow or the tip of the finger complements any outfit.
  • On the other hand, shorter, less formal outfits seem to call for a stunning birdcage veil.
  • If the bride decides to wear a veil, she will typically cover her face with a blusher (the top layer of a two-layer blanket) as she walks down the aisle.
  • You haven't looked at appropriate blankets if you don't want to wear a veil because you think it is too plain and won't go with your dress.
  • Modern veils can be as basic or ornate as their user prefers.
  • Ruffles, lace, appliqués, embroidery, layering, and bright colours will do the trick!
  • You can change it up whatever you like!
  • Perhaps you should give some more thought to whether or not you want to wear a veil on your wedding day.
  • Don't overthink things; today is your wedding day, so just be yourself.
  • If you don't wear a veil, it doesn't mean you have to settle for plain hair.
  • Some examples of hair accessories that can be used to create sparkle are tiaras, clips, flowery crowns, headbands, and even diamond bobby pins.
  • You're on the fence about whether or not to keep the Veil for the reception, but you'd like to switch things up a bit.
  • A wedding hairpiece and veil should do the trick.

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