How to Choose Your Wedding Veil

Selecting a Veil

• Use metal combs (instead of plastic) to ensure a secure and comfortable fit

What length is best for me?

ELBOW LENGTH (30” long): The is the most popular length. It is generally used for gowns without a train and will enhance any detailing at or around the waist of the gown. It also compliments a gown with a full skirt (ending below a low back and above the start of the skirt). The elbow-length veil is mostly worn for formal and semi-formal weddings.

FINGERTIP LENGTH (36” long): The fingertip veil can be worn with any full length gown. It is not recommended for gowns with a train. It falls right at the fingertips of the bride if her hands are at her side and is used for formal and semi-formal weddings.

CATHEDRAL LENGTH (floor length): Cathedral veils are worn only for formal weddings. The veil will extend onto the floor at least six inches past the train for a very dramatic look. Cathedral length veil looks best when worn with a cathedral or semi-cathedral length gown.

Helpful Tips

• Always consider the detailing of your dress. The veil should accentuate and be proportional to the dress, not take away from its details. Your veil length should be cut just above or below any focal point on your dress. For example, don't choose a veil that ends right where your bodice begins. This will visually cut you in half. If you have a sharply defined waistline, don't choose a veil that ends right at the waistline.

• A cathedral length veil should only be worn with a chapel or cathedral length gown. Keep in mind that chapel and cathedral length veils can be difficult to maneuver and a fingertip length veil will look just as lovely with a chapel or cathedral length gown.

• It is very important to consider the placement of the veil on your head. Keep in mind that if you are wearing it toward the back of your head, the veil will be longer.

• If you are shorter than 5'4" you should select an elbow-length veil (30” long). If you are taller than 5'7" you should select a fingertip-length veil (36” long). If you are in between these heights, you could go with either length depending on your personal taste.

One-tier or Two-tier?

ONE-TIER VEILS: One tier veils are lovely with any dress—they do not have a blusher.* They are for the bride that wants a minimal, less formal, but chic look. The one tier provides a subtle look of elegance. It is also a nice choice for the bride who wants to wear a veil in the back of the head, say to accentuate and up-do hairstyle.

* Blusher: A shoulder-length layer of the veil that is worn over the face. Typically combined with other lengths and used for both formal and semi-formal weddings. Don't underestimate how much the blusher will soften and transform your appearance.

TWO-TIER VEILS: Two-tiered veils are suited for nearly all dresses, but look especially nice with a semi-formal or formal gown—they do have a blusher. Two-tier veils are fuller and will frame your face beautifully. They work well with any hairstyle. Two-tier veils are for the bride that wants a more formal or traditional look, or just a splash of drama!

What color do I choose?

WHITE: This a bright (stark) white color. If your gown is called "white", this is the veil color you need to select.

DIAMOND WHITE: This color is just barely off-white. It was made for silk white gowns which are not a stark white color. It is usually the best choice for "candlelight" or "antique white" gowns also.

IVORY: An ivory color is a very soft, light shade of ivory with subtle yellow undertones. If your gown is called ivory, this is usually the best choice for you.
Helpful Tip

• If there is any color variation between the dress and your veil, you always want to choose a veil that is a shade lighter (versus a shade darker) than your gown.

Article found at http://www.bridalfashionmall.com/choose_veil.html