UnVeil Your Style

Photos ByStacy Able Photography, Megan Van Kamp

Kathy Friend's picture
Written By
Kathy Friend
Date
September 10, 2010
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Some believe that the wedding veil tradition dates back to Biblical and Roman times. Historically, the veil was worn as part of a religious or societal ritual. Through the years, the bridal veil's purpose was to hide the bride's face from the groom until the magical moment they exchanged vows. In modern times, the veil has become a staple of the wedding day attire, and has become an accessory to the bride's ensemble.

The best thing about a veil is that it doesn't come in sizes! It doesn't matter how much weight you gain or lose, your wedding veil will always fit. Before choosing a veil, here are some things to think about:

- If your dress if heavily embroidered, ornate or beaded, look for a simple veil.

- If your dress is very simple, an ornate headpiece with a veil will be a great compliment.

- Consider the details of the back of your dress, you might not want to cover it up with a veil.

- Veils with a satin trim or edging might not photograph well (looks like a ghostly outline.)

- Make sure your hair-do will work with the kind of headpiece you have (and vice versa.)

 



Most veils are made of tulle or organza, and can be as simple or ornate as you can imagine. Popular veil styles include:

 

WATERFALL

The waterfall veil is a multi-layered veil that is shoulder length. This veil can be worn for an informal wedding.
 

POUF

The pouf is a gathering of fabric, usually attached to the headpiece that creates a 'poof' at the top. A pouf can be added to any length veil.

 

BLUSHER

A short bust-length veil made of only a simple layer of fabric. Typically, it is usually combined with a longer layer that is a fixed piece in the back. Blushers can be worn in formal or informal weddings.
 

FINGER-TIP LENGTH

Is just what the name implies, a finger tip length veil. This is a very traditional veil, and is worn for formal and semi-formal weddings.
 

BALLET

This is a veil that falls to the ankle. This veil is appropriate for a semi-formal or formal wedding.

 

CHAPEL

A chapel veil is worn for a formal wedding; it is a floor length veil with a train that measures about 2½ yards from the headpiece.

 

CATHEDRAL

A cathedral veil is also a very formal veil. It is usually paired with a dress with a train. This is the longest of all the veils, with a train that falls about 3½ yards from the headpiece.

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