How to choose right Wedding Veil

By Philip Nicosia

Today, brides wear veils to complete the "wedding look", and choosing one involves both personal preference and a consideration of the type of wedding dress you will be wearing.

If you have a very ornate gown-with very intricate beading, ruffles, or embroidery-keep your veils simple. You don't want the two to compete for attention, plus you could ruin the sophistication and elegance of your dress and just end up looking tackily overdone. If you want, you can add just a simple trim (like a line of pearls or lace at the edges). Conversely, if you have a very classic and simple dress, where the drama is mostly in the cut rather than any ornamental details, pull out all the stops when it comes to the veil, and construct it in such a way that you can wear it for the whole ceremony and reception without it getting in the way.

You don't want your veil to hide any important details in your dress. For example, if the focal point of your gown is your bodice or back (such as a fully embroidered ribbon, or antique mother of pearl buttons) don't wear a full length veil.

Antique veils are coming back into fashion, not only because of the renewed interest in "vintage" clothing, but because it is considered good luck to borrow the veil of a very happily married woman. If you were able to get an antique veil, resist the temptation to "fix" the color by dying it to match your gown. You could ruin the material, and it really isn't necessary to do that. Even if it's another color (such as a subtly darker or creamier shade of white) the difference won't really be apparent because of the sheerness of the fabric.

Another thing you have to think about when choosing a veil is the length of the aisle. A long, dramatic veil works best in cathedrals or other ceremony venue where you will really be able to make a suitably dramatic entrance. Otherwise, the veil will just bunch up. Convenience is, of course, another consideration. You don't want to wear a veil so cumbersome that talking or moving will be cumbersome, especially as you will be socializing with the guests during the reception. If possible, look for a vein that allows you to easily remove part of it after the ceremony. Your maid of honor should be able to help you with this, and you may need to "practice" it before the Big Day. However, don't try on both the gown and the veil at the same time during your fittings. It is considered bad luck.

Philip Nicosia is the webmaster of Resources.eu.com an online resource centre covering many topics including weddings.

How To Do Just About Everything

Whether it wards off bad luck or simply serves as ornamentation for your wedding gown, the veil is a popular accessory for the wedding ensemble. Look for a length and style that suit both your dress and your silhouette.

Steps

Step One
Try on lots of veils at your initial dress fitting - you can choose from tulle or organza, decorated with everything from lace or satin to crystals.

Step Two
Choose a veil that complements your dress and doesn't obscure any special detail. Simple gowns look radiant in either a plain or ornate veil, but if you will be wearing a more elaborate dress, consider topping off your ensemble with a plain veil.

Step Three
Select from a variety of styles: a short blusher, a Spanish-inspired lace mantilla, a multilayered flyaway, the popular fingertip (a veil that ends at the fingertips), a cascading waterfall, or the ballet/waltz style (which ends at the ankles).

Step Four
Use the type of wedding ceremony as another guide. At a very formal wedding, splurge on a full-length veil of any kind; at a formal wedding, don a long veil; exude simplicity at a formal daytime wedding with a fingertip veil or hat; wear a shorter fingertip veil or hat in a semiformal ceremony.

Step Five
Aim for a narrow cut, which creates an illusion of length and slimness, as well as delicate trim and less poof.

Step Six
Have a friend with you to examine the look of your veil from every possible angle. A veil that flatters your face may not flatter the back of your gown, and vice versa.

Tips & Warnings

• At the fitting, wear your hair in a style similar to the way you plan to wear it on your wedding day.


• Attach the veil to an additional headpiece so you can remove the veil and still have some decoration at the reception.

• Your height


• The Length of your Dress


• Detailing of Your Dress

1. If you are under 5'4" you should select an elbow length veil (30" long). If you are over 5'7" you should select a fingertip veil (36" long). If you are in between those heights, then you can probably go with either length -- it just depends on whether you prefer a short length (elbow) or longer length (fingertip).


2. You should consider where on your head you will be wearing your veil. If you are wearing it towards the back of your head, the veil will be longer.


3. You should consider the detailing (on the back on the back of your dress) and the overall design of your dress. Your veil length should be cut just above or below any focal point on your dress. Don't choose a veil length that ends right where your bodice begins because it cuts you in half visually (something just above or just below). If you have a sharply defined waistline, don't choose a veil that ends right at the waistline - something slightly above or below it.


4. We also suggest taking a tape measure and measure the 30 or 36" and see where the different length veils will fall on you.