To veil or not to veil?
- may817
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
That is a question that comes up in 90% of bridal appointments! It's one of those bridal accessories which you typically don't get to wear often (or more than once!) so brides are often wondering if to go for one on the big day or not.
As a bridal shop, we obviously LOVE a veil and pairing different styles with various dresses can really change your look up. But if a veil isn't for you, we are 100% behind you. It's your day and you do you!
But for those who are considering wearing a veil, we're going to talk about them in a bit more depth as we feel like it's an area that's a bit of an after thought and often get last minute messages like "I forgot about a veil! Do you have anything I can come and get this weekend!?" So let's dig into veils!
Shown: Aria Veil and Pearl Veil by Made With Love Bridal
Styles
Surprisingly (or not surprisingly) there are so many variations of veils. There can be countless types of only plain veils with different lengths, widths, colours, gatherings, tiers, fabrics. Then you have all the various embellishment options such as pearls, florals, lace, sparkles, embroidered and the list goes on!
We have a lovely variety of veils which go well with our dresses. Depending on if you want a fully minimal look, a hint of detail or going for maximalism, we can guide you on which styles would suit your dress and your style best.
If you have a plainer dress but want to keep a modern and sleek look - consider a fully plain cathedral length veil. The softness of the veil adds romance and a touch of drama but doesn't distract from the clean lines of your gown.
Shown: Mimi Veil by Made With Love
Similarly if you have an intricately detailed dress, you can never go wrong with a long plain veil to compliment the overall look.
Shown: Iberis lace dress by Alena Leena and Sofia veil by Made With Love
If you have a detailed dress and want maximum drama, some designers offer custom veils to match your dress, or we have Pearl and Floral options to go with it. This is something we can discuss during your accessory appointment.
Do you need to order and do we have stock?
Like the dresses we have in store, we tend to carry samples of veils to try during appointments and then order a new piece for you. Depending on the designer, the ordering timeline of veils differs, so generally we recommend ordering your veil at least 4 months before your wedding.
We do to carry some stock of some of our most popular veils such as plain cathedral length veils, pearl veils, or plain fingertip veils, but they are subject to availability and may not be in stock at all times. We highly recommend you order your veil with your dress, or come back in for an accessory appointment and order it 4 months before your wedding.
What if you don't have 4 months? Check in with us if we have any in stock, or sometimes the designers can do a quicker turnaround! We will discuss the options with you.
When to wear your veil on the day?
Another thing we often get asked is “When do I actually wear my veil?” — and the short answer is: it’s totally up to you! There’s no right or wrong, just whatever feels good for you and your day. That said, here’s how most of our brides tend to wear theirs:
Ceremony Only
A lot of brides pop their veil on just before the ceremony, wear it down the aisle, and then take it off after the “I dos” – either before heading into the drinks reception or before the photos. It adds that extra bit of magic for the main moment, without being on all day.
First Look Feels
If you’re doing a first look, you might want to wear your veil then too – especially if it’s long and dreamy and you want it flowing in the photos. It can look really romantic and soft in those moments, then you can have someone re-fluff and pin it again before the ceremony.
Wearing It Into the Reception
Some brides keep their veil on through the drinks and even into dinner and then take it off before the dancing starts– particularly if it’s light and not getting in the way. It can look gorgeous trailing behind you for golden hour photos or your big entrance into the reception space.
Veil Alternatives
Not into a veil but want an extra touch to the dress? Here are two alternatives for you:
Shoulder Bows - shoulder bows are a lovely way to add another dimension to your dress. We have short ones, long ones and large ones which have a similar effect to a veil but attached the dress instead of your hair.
SHOWN: MADE WITH LOVE BOWS
Bows - adding a bow to the back of your dress is a fun way to add a change of look between the ceremony and the reception
Shown: Ariel Bow by Halfpenny London
Our Veil Designers
We've got some stunning veil designers in store, here's a quick and easy guide to navigate what they offer!
You can see all the veil styles we carry on our website below
If you’re looking for semi bespoke veils with custom embroidery - look no further.
We have examples of the veil styles Rebecca Anne can create in store, but you will work directly with her to create your one of a kind veil with bespoke scripture.
If you want your wedding date, your names, initials, florals or anything significant to you and your partner, Rebecca Anne designs work with you to create it.
Blue Meadow is the ultimate in modern luxe bridal veil and accessory design. Sandra, the found and owner of Blue Meadow, hand crafts every veil with love and care in her own Ireland studio.
Perfect for the contemporary bride who knows what they want, we have a gorgeous selection of subtle and statement veils.
We carry two stunning veil designs from Eden B Studio, perfect for the romantic bride. Hannah, who hand makes each piece with care in her UK studio, chooses the most beautiful fabrics, beads and laces to create delicate pieces for our brides.
Our dress designers like Made With Love and Trish Peng also create veils - you can see them on our website here
If you'd like to come into the shop to browse and try our veils you can book an accessories appointment below
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