So you chose the dress…how exciting!
You have made one of the most important decisions as a bride.
Prior to buying your dress, your bridal consultant probably asked you many questions about your wedding day (the location, type of ceremony, your vision on how you want to look that day). Asking questions is invaluable. It allows the consultant to get to know you and what your overall wedding expectations are. To achieve those expectations, your consultant can now assist you from head to toe. Next, it is time to address your head piece.
Head pieces such as veils should be addressed by you and your bridal consultant during your bridal appointment. If this proves to be too many decisions for one day, simply make another appointment and return to the shop or spend a few extra minutes reviewing options to think about. Remember, knowledge is power so spend the time exploring your headpiece options.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR DECISION.
Veils come in a variety of lengths, shapes, sizes and colours.
DIFFERENT STYLES & LENGTHS
A veil can extend to your shoulder, elbow, fingertips (when your arm is folded) waist, knee, floor or trail behind you.
First, consider the shape and style of your wedding dress as it will have an impact on your veil.
SHORT OR SHOULDER LENGTH VEILS
A shoulder length veil will compliment a dress with a decorative bust or bodice. It allows full exposure to the bodice and enhances the dresses’ detail.
ELBOW OR WAIST LENGTH VEILS
Elbow or waist length veils may be a good solution to a bride not wanting her arms to be fully exposed. These types of veils work well with dresses without trains and mermaid styles. Ballroom gowns also look stunning with an elbow or waist veil. The fullness of the veil (upper half) creates a nice balance with the fullness of the ball gown (lower half).
FINGERTIP LENGTH VEILS
Fingertip veils are the most universal of all for your wedding look.
KNEE-LENGTH OR WALTZ LENGTH VEILS
For a tea-length dress, high-low, or fit and flare, a knee length veil maybe the one for you. It adds some fullness and draws the eyes vertically.
FLOOR LENGTH OR CHAPEL LENGTH VEILS
If your gown does not have a train and you wish to create a bit more flow or movement, a floor length (traditionally called the chapel length) veil is the perfect solution!
CATHEDRAL LENGTH VEILS
And of course, if you are feeling more traditional,
the cathedral veil is the one you seek. This type of
veil will trail behind you, setting a more formal tone.
You chose how long you wish your veil to trail. Traditionally they trail anywhere from 1-3 metres behind.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
VENUE
Another important factor to consider when choosing your veil is the type of wedding you have chosen and where it will take place.
Beach weddings go best with an elbow, fingertip, waist or knee length veils. These veils are heavy enough to stay in place on a windy day and short enough to stay out of the sand. If your wedding happens to involve a church ceremony with a very long aisle, you can showcase that cathedral veil. A perfect setting to allow a lengthy veil to be fully exposed and appreciated.
COLOUR
A third consideration when selecting a veil is colour. Simply put, your veil should match or complement the colour of your wedding dress, or at least the lace appliqués on your wedding dress. Typically, veils come in a few different shades: white, ivory, beige, and sometimes blush. Talk to your consultant about these options and decide together which you believe will be most appropriate for your big day.
NOT A VEIL GAL? NOT A WORRY.
If a veil is not your thing, there are many hair accessories such as barrettes, clips, head bands or flowers to consider.
The important thing to remember is just because you envisioned a look for yourself, doesn’t mean you can’t stray from it. Take some chances! Arrive to your appointment open minded, relax and just give it a try! Have fun and enjoy the experience.
