Veils and How to Wear Them Like a Boss

Master the art of wearing veils: Tips for every bridal style

Photographer: Darren Lovell Photography

Choosing the perfect veil for your wedding day can elevate your bridal look to new heights. As a bridal hair and makeup specialist, I’ve seen first hand how the right veil can complement your style and enhance your overall appearance, but there are some things to consider! Let’s explore different types of veils and how to wear them like a boss.

Types of Veils and How to Wear Them

1. Birdcage Veil

Perfect for vintage or retro-themed weddings, the birdcage veil is a short veil that covers part of the face. This veil pairs beautifully with shorter dresses and classic, red-carpet-inspired wedding makeup. To wear it confidently, position it to the side or centre, securing it with a decorative comb.

2. Blusher Veil

The blusher veil falls to the shoulders and is often paired with a longer veil. Ideal for traditional and romantic themes, this veil can be worn over the face during the ceremony and then lifted back. It complements almost any dress style, providing a touch of elegance!

3. Fingertip Veil

A popular choice among brides, the fingertip veil reaches your fingertips when your arms are relaxed. It’s versatile and suits most dress styles, especially A-line and ball gowns. This veil allows for intricate detailing and adds a sense of drama without overwhelming your look.

4. Chapel Veil

For a more formal and grand appearance, the chapel veil extends to the floor and often trails behind you. Perfect for cathedral or church weddings, it complements traditional and opulent wedding gowns. This veil works best with hairstyles that keep your hair off your face and shoulders, allowing the veil to take centre stage.

5. Cathedral Veil

The longest veil, the cathedral veil, extends well beyond your dress’s train, making a dramatic statement. Ideal for grand, high-end weddings, this veil pairs beautifully with extravagant gowns. To wear it like a boss, ensure your wedding hair is styled in a way that supports the veil’s weight and grandeur.

Photographer: Ellie Gillard

Veil Comb Types

Choosing the right veil comb is crucial for comfort and style on your wedding day. Let’s look at the different options available:

Plastic Veil Combs: A lightweight and transparent option, making them ideal for finer hair types. However, they can be less durable than metal combs, as they are prone to snapping or breaking. Plastic combs are more rigid and may not fit as easily in tighter hairstyles or mould well to the shape of the head, resulting in a weaker grip, especially for heavier veils.

Metal Veil Combs: They’re durable and sturdy, with greater flexibility than a plastic comb, which means they work well for various hairstyles. They provide a strong hold, making them suitable for heavier veils.

No Comb Option: Alternatively, some veils feature small loops of thread instead of a comb (or you can carefully cut the thread of your veil to remove it from the attached comb), allowing attachment directly to the hair with hairpins. This is excellent for intricate or tightly styled hair, where fitting a comb is challenging. It’s also suitable for lightweight veils that don’t require a sturdy comb. However, it may not be ideal for loose styles or very heavy veils needing extra security.

Photographer: Ellie Gillard

Veil Placement

Veils can be styled in various ways depending on your hairstyle and the overall look you’re aiming for. For classic, more traditional looks with longer veils, placing the veil higher up, in line with the top of the head, creates a timeless and elegant appearance. This traditional style is often favoured for formal and grand ceremonies and encourages the veil to sit over your shoulders vs flowing down behind you.

If you're opting for a low bun or updo style, positioning the veil at the crown of the head, just above the bun, allows it to flow gracefully over your hairstyle without covering too much of your head. This placement highlights your hair while adding a touch of romance.

In recent years, it has become popular for brides to wear the veil lower, even underneath the hairstyle or bun, for a more contemporary and less traditional look. This allows the veil to cascade down the neck and back, almost mimicking a cape, adding a modern twist to the bridal ensemble.

Ultimately, the veil placement will be determined by your personal taste and the hairstyle you choose. Whether you prefer a classic, romantic, or modern look, there’s a veil style that will perfectly complement your bridal vision.

Tips for a Flawless Veil Look

• Bring your veil to your bridal hair preview: To get a full picture of your wedding day look, bring your veil to your hair preview appointment. This allows your wedding hairstylist to experiment with different placements and ensure the veil complements your overall look.

• Consider your wedding theme: The veil should enhance the theme of your wedding. Whether you’re going for vintage elegance, modern chic, or fairytale romance, there’s a veil style to match.

• Match your dress: Your veil should complement your outfit’s style, length, and detailing. Think about how the veil’s length and embellishments will look with your bridal gown or wedding outfit.

Incorporating the perfect veil into your bridal look can make you feel like royalty on your special day. For more tips and to book your hair and makeup preview, get in touch and let’s create the wedding look of your dreams!

alice@lucenthairandmakeup.co.uk | +44 (0)7500848183 | @lucenthairandmakeup