When it comes to weddings, the dress gets all the attention. But do you know which wedding accessory can totally change the look and feel of your attire? A unique veil, of course!
These are some of my favorite wedding veils I’ve shot. Hopefully, one of them will inspire you as you put together your own wedding look.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A WEDDING VEIL
I’ve shot so many weddings where the veils just didn’t cooperate. When you try one on at the bridal shop, you’re seeing that veil for one moment in time, in a bright room with zero wind. Of course it’s going to look and feel perfect!
On your wedding day, you might have that thing on your head for hours. You might it indoors, outdoors, in the wind, while you’re hugging guests, while you’re dancing… Your veil goes through a lot, and some just aren’t cut out for the job. Depending on your wedding and how you want your photos to look, you might choose an entirely different veil.
If you’re looking for the perfect wedding veil, keep these things in mind:
- Movement. A big, heavy veil or one with a thick beaded edge isn’t going to get picked up by the wind like a lighter veil might. Sure, we can fake the look in photos, but if you have dreams of walking down the aisle with your veil flowing in the breeze behind you, go with a lighter, shorter option.
- Length. Those cathedral-length veils sound like a great idea… until you’re walking around and posing for photos. You can’t back up, you can’t turn on the spot, and just like your train, you’ll need someone on hand to adjust it every time you move. If you’re in love with the look, go for it. Maybe make a plan for removing it before the reception, though.
- Attachment style. Veils with combs are more secure, but they’re also harder to remove. If you plan on taking your veil out after the ceremony, go with a lighter attachment style (like a few bobby pins). If you do want to remove your veil comb, pick out an alternate hair piece to take its place and cover any holes it might leave in your hairdo.
When in doubt, shoot me a photo of the veil you’re considering. I’ve shot hundreds of weddings and managed hundreds of fussy veils, and I’d be happy to share my tips.
MY FAVORITE UNIQUE VEILS
Want some inspiration for your wedding-day look? These are some of my favorite unique wedding veils.
SARABETH’S WEDDING VEIL
The easiest way to make a nontraditional wedding outfit feel bridal? Pop on a veil! For this styled shoot at Easy Bistro, Sarabeth picked out this spunky blazer-style dress and a pair of sleek white heels. When she put on this unique veil, she was instantly transformed into a bride!
This vintage 1980s veil had tons of puff and movement. The sweet little headband added an even more vintage vibe to the look, and the length was a perfect complement to Sarahbeth’s dress.
I’m so glad these old-school, super voluminous veils are coming back into style. I can’t wait to shoot more of them!
ANNA’S WEDDING VEIL
For her traditional Catholic wedding, Anna wore a veil that had been passed down to her from her mother and grandmother. It was super classic, super gorgeous, and super bridal.
As far as the construction of the veil goes, this style is by far my favorite. It’s basically a massive circle of tulle and lace with no comb or other attachments. Instead, it’s just secured with a few bobby pins, making for a super light, airy look and really simple adjustments throughout the day.
After most of the photos were done, Anna ditched the veil and popped in a little floral comb. Again, you don’t have to wear your veil all day! And with an easy attachment style like this one, you don’t have to worry about your hair getting messed up in the transition out of your veil.
MARILYN’S WEDDING VEIL
Look, I’m not usually one to love super long veils, but Marilyn really nailed the look with hers. It was insanely long – even longer than the train of her dress – and she wore it high on the crown of her head. Ten years ago, you never would have seen a veil worn this way. I’m so glad it’s coming into style, though! If you wear your veil too low on the back of your head, it can get lost behind you in photos. A veil higher on the head will frame your face and create this really pretty halo effect.
We had a ton of fun playing with Marilyn’s veil, especially since there was so much of it. I stole it for detail shots of her invitations before the ceremony, and we created tons of movement with it in the bride and groom portraits. And how cute is the photo of him carrying the veil for her? Just precious.
HALEY’S WEDDING VEIL
Haley’s veil checked all the boxes for me. My heart skips a beat every time I show up to a ‘getting ready’ room and see my bride with a veil that falls just above her wrist. Seriously, they’re the perfect blend of that traditional bridal look and light, breezy movement. Plus, they’re just less fussy than a long veil.
Something to keep in mind, though, when choosing a veil with this kind of beading: those details add weight. With a beaded or lace edge, your veil won’t get picked up with the wind of swoosh naturally as you walk. That being said, we can totally fake it for photos, and that little touch of detail can really make your veil stand out.
PERI’S WEDDING VEIL
Peri’s veil was similar to Haley’s, but it was just a tad shorter, lighter, and more flowy. The beaded edge added a touch of detail without overpowering her dress, and I loved the way it looked against her bright blonde hair.
This one is a great example of a veil worn lower on the head that still frames the bride beautifully. Since it’s shorter and rounded, it hugged Peri’s shoulders almost like a shrug. It was super delicate and bridal, and it really completed her wedding day look.
OLIVIA’S WEDDING VEIL
Your wedding veil is just part of your day-of attire, but the right veil can truly make your look. Olivia’s unique floral veil was truly a show-stopper. It was insanely long and adorned with tiny flower details. And somehow, it was still light enough to get caught up in the wind during photos!
After the ceremony, Olivia popped on this adorable white cowboy hat from her bachelorette party. She only wore it for a few photos, but I’m so glad she brought it along! If you and your partner have some goofy or unique accessories – sunglasses, gloves, hats, you name it – bring them along for a few photos and good laugh. No need to wear them all day!
MEG’S WEDDING VEILS
For her wedding, Meg did one of my favorite things: pairing the veil with another accessory. In addition to her super long, simple veil, she popped on this adorable flower crown. It added some detail around her face and acted as the perfect reception headpiece after the big veil came off.
While the veil itself didn’t have a ton of natural movement, the sheer size of it created enough of a wow factor. We played with it a ton – throwing it in the air, dragging it out of frame – to make up for its weight. The results are absolutely stunning.
KAYAINE’S WEDDING VEIL
I know I shouldn’t play favorites, but Kayaine’s veil just might be at the top of my list. She paired a super simple, circular veil with this handmade headband of ceramic flowers. The combination made for a look that was out-of-the-box while still being totally bridal.
The construction and placement of the veil were perfect, too. Kayaine placed the veil over her whole head, added the headband, and then flipped the front of the veil back to create the double layer. It reminded me of something you’d see in a renaissance painting: flowy, draping, and super creamy in the light. Couldn’t have been more perfect.
JESSICA’S WEDDING VEIL
When I say I wish more brides wore vintage veils, Jessica’s is exactly what I’m talking about. She wanted to recreate the look of her mom’s veil from back in the day, so she found this two-tiered, super poofy 80s veil on Etsy. It looked amazing with her dress and other accessories, and it totally matched her edgy vibes.
And the best part? Jessica wore the veil for a few photos on the street and then switched back to her original wedding attire. Again, you don’t have to commit to just one look on your wedding day. It’s an entire day! You’ve got time to switch things up, try something funky, and show off your personality.
DO YOUR WEDDING YOUR WAY
You know I love sharing my opinions about current and upcoming wedding trends, but here’s the deal:
It’s your wedding.
Whether you want a massive cathedral traditional veil, a tiny birdcage veil, or no veil at all–do whatever makes you feel happy and hot on your wedding day. Trends will come and go, but your memories of your wedding day are forever. Make them good.
WANT TO BRING YOUR WEDDING VISION TO LIFE?
Whether you’ve got it all together or you’re looking for some support, I’m here for you! I’m more than happy to share my suggestions for venues, vendors, and yes, even veils to make your wedding day perfect for you. Head over to my contact page, shoot me a message, and let’s get started!
