Is A Wedding Veil For You?

Some girls think a wedding dress isn't €˜finished' unless they wear a veil. And others ru


Some girls think a wedding dress isn't 'finished' unless they wear a veil. And others run a mile from the thought.

You might be rather undecided yourself about it all. So today's blog is from Ellie Sanderson who a real expert when it comes to dressing brides and making them look their very best on their wedding day. Ellie has three bridal shops in the Home Counties and her brides love the way she 'transforms' them. Here's what Ellie has to say.

What The Expert Says About Wedding Veils

"Decisions, decisions. Without a doubt the veil should be a soft whisper and not overpower your dress in any way. There are so many to choose from and most girls wear one on their big day; in fact over 65% of girls will wear a veil on their wedding day.

There are three key things to think about:

  • Length
  • Trim / edging and detail
  • Position on your head to work with your hairstyle and tiara

wedding veil blush style Fingertip wedding veil

1. Length

The length of the veil you choose will depend on the style of your wedding. A cathedral length veil will not work in a small intimate civil ceremony. Equally a funky vintage birdcage will not work in a cathedral!

Cathedral is full length and will come to the end of your train; this length is dramatic and almost ethereal and just frames any gown with a soft mist of tulle - so so dreamy. Tall and small girls can make this length work well; can you tell it's my total favourite?

Hip Length is also known as fingertip and literally ends at your fingertips, these look best on tall girls as they make petite girls look smaller. They are perfect for girls who simply find the whole full-length veil overwhelming and to be honest they are best for less formal weddings.

Shoulder length is precisely that. It sits just beyond your shoulders and will work on any height of bride. These can look soft and gentle and are simply lovely and really easy to wear.

2. Trim/Edging - what will go with your dress?

This can get complicated but I will try to keep it simple. There is ribbon edge, soft stitched edge, cut edge and a lace edge. Ribbon and soft stitched are classic and non fussy and will work with most dresses, lace edge looks fabulous with lace dresses to enhance the vintage feel or to dress up a plain gown. Plain cut edge will work with any dress and create a soft tulle halo.

Make sure your choice enhances your look and remember that the veil is the accessory not the show stopper - it's all about you in the dress!

3. Position of your veil - and where to wear your tiara / headband

The most modern way to position your veil is to wear it towards the back of your head, just behind the line of your ears. This will mean it sits behind your shoulders, it will also feel less intrusive to wear. If you are wearing the blush over (that's when you wear it up the aisle) then you will need it further forward or it will simply stick to your lippy - which is not a good look on your finest hour!

Most brides wear a tiara or headband and the veil should sit comfortably behind your tiara. If you are wearing a side set comb then the veil should still be worn centrally.

Make sure your hairdresser secures your veil into your hair style so that it doesn't slip on the day."

Some great wedding veil tips from Ellie Sanderson here to be thinking about. How about you? Are you wearing a veil on your big day? What type do you think you'll opt for?

Main image via uintessentially Weddings. Other images of veils Via Not On The High Street.