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An Evening in Florence

By choosing the right embellished wedding veil, coordinating it with your dress and hairstyle, and accessorising thoughtfully, you can create a cohesive and breathtaking ensemble you will love.

The soft, billowy beauty of a veil can completely transform your bridal look with its movement and drape.  And while we love minimalist and traditional veils, an embellished wedding veil adorned with laces, crystals or pearls can feel fresh and infinitely romantic.

The design possibilities of embellished veils are endless. From veils that are dripped in feather-soft organza blooms, to veils dotted with soft ivory pearls and dazzling crystals, embellishments add texture and detail to an otherwise blank canvas. With lengths and styles customisable to suit you, your veil can beautifully complement your body shape and dress and capture your personality.

Dramatic veils also pair beautifully with modern silhouettes, from on-trend body suits to barely-there dresses. For a look that’s enchanting and sensual, find our styling tips on how to style and make a statement with your wedding veil.

Shop this look: RIVIERA veil

1. Floral wedding veils

Our signature floral wedding veils are layered with lace motifs, organza flowers and bead work, with each layer adding texture and dimension. The effect from a far is romantic and dreamy, as the floral elements set onto sheer tulle give the illusion that they’re floating over you. But the veils are just as beautiful up close, where the detailed bead work can be fully appreciated.

A floral veil doesn’t need to feel heavily embellished or overwhelming. The organic details can be applied to the top of the veil only – to frame your shoulders and hairstyle – as seen in the CATALINA, WEEPING CHERRY and RIVIERA veils. If your dress is more detailed across the top with lace sleeves or a beaded bodice, the floral details can float along the train of the veil and drape behind you as walk – as seen in NIGHT GARDEN veil. If you’d like head-to-toe florals, then the ATHENA veil might be perfect for you.  All veils can be made with or without a blusher layer and in varying lengths.

How to style floral wedding veils

  • Pearl drop earrings pair beautifully with floral wedding veils. 
  • A heavily embellished veil is striking when contrasted against modern gowns and clean silhouettes. To keep the look clean and balanced, choose a plain dress with minimal embellishments, and also minimal jewellery. This will allow the details of the veil to shine whilst accentuating your overall silhouette.
  • If your style is a little more extra, pair a floral veil with a lace wedding dress with a similar lace pattern. The RIVIERA veil with embellishments across the top and side sections of the veil allows the back details of your dress to peek through.

2. Pearl wedding veils

Pearls feel classical and timeless, and a scattering of pearls on a veil can have a modern and chic effect. Even if your look is a little more traditional, a pearl veil can exudes a more contemporary vibe compared  to a more traditional or vintage-inspired lace trimmed veil.

Reminiscent of drifting snow flakes, our pearl veils are made with soft bridal illusion tulle and crystal pearls. The pearls are attached by hand, with special attention to placement,  so that the overall effect is balanced, flattering and seamless.

The pearl details can be placed on the top, as seen on the THEODORE veil, or along the bottom of the veil – the LUMIERE veil. For a look that’s next level, the pearl embellishments can be applied and scattered all over. It’s everything we love about the NADIA veil. Our veils can be made with or without a blusher and available in cathedral, chapel or fingertip lengths.

How to style a pearl wedding veil

  • Depending on your wedding theme, contrast a pearl veil with floral hair pins to break up the all-pearl look. Pearls are florals pair beautifully together and create a timeless and romantic look.
  • Complement your pearl veil with pearl drop earrings or a pearl necklace.
  • Try a bold bridal look and style your pearl veil with a sleek, figure-hugging gown or playsuit. The key is the placement of the pearls including its size, density and general layout.
  • Just looking for a touch of detail? Consider pearl accents closer to, or directly on, the comb.

3. Crystal wedding veils

Crystal accents were once only for the bling-obsessed bride. No longer a detail to be feared, our range of crystal veils have been designed to reflect a more captivating and intriguing mood. The result is added drama and romance to a bridal look – without the excessive ‘bling’ factor.

In designing our collection of crystal veils, we looked to the night sky for inspiration. Each shimmering crystal has been meticulously applied by hand to catch the light and enlighten your bridal look in an effortless, celestial and ethereal way.

One of our most versatile crystal veil designs is the airy and dramatic MORNING MIST veil. This veil features crystals that are scattered around the face, shoulders and neckline. For sparkle from head to toe, the DEWBERRY feels dreamy and dramatic without the overwhelm.

How to wear crystal wedding veils

  • Crystal jewellery can enhance a sparkly veil. Add warmth with gold metal settings, or stay with silver tones for a neutral colour palette.
  • Sparkly crystal details pair beautifully with lace wedding dresses, minimalist silhouettes and details, and a wide range of modern and traditional necklines and fabrics.
  • For an avant-garde approach, pair our crystal veils with barely-there gowns or dresses with high splits.

Do you need personalised styling advice?

Feel free to send us an email with photos of your wedding dress and bridal hairstyle and we would be happy to send you recommendations and ideas via email.

Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and style. We love to work with our brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day. We are based in Australia and ship worldwide.

SHOP EMBELLISHED VEILS

Discover handcrafted embellished wedding veils; customisable to suit you, your wedding dress and bridal hairstyle.

How to style a dramatic wedding veil, including styling tips for a show-stopping bridal look.

When it comes to bridal styling, it’s often said your wedding veil should accentuate your bridal look and not distract from your wedding dress. We generally agree to this. But, there’s always exceptions. For a lot of brides, the look comes down to their veil and they then choose their dress that best showcases their statement accessory. 

But let’s be honest: there’s no rule book. Yes, there are traditions and conventions to be respected. For example, some religious and cultural customs require brides to cover their shoulders if they wed in a church. There are also certain symbolic colours that are best avoided. But beyond the walls of religious institutions and family/cultural traditions, brides today have more freedom than previous generations to be expressive and showcase their own style on their wedding day.

1. How to choose the right veil for your dress

Before we can explore how to style a dramatic veil, let’s explore how to choose the right veil in the first instance.

You might have chosen a dramatic wedding dress and you’re looking for a simple veil to complete the look.  Or, your style might be minimal which allows room for expression where your veil is the perfect piece to capture your essence of your style and personality.

A cathedral length veil is all about regal appeal but you don’t need to have an extra long veil to create an impact. A short veil combined with handcrafted details, such as the WEEPING CHERRY veil, can be just as dramatic as a heavily embellished long veil as seen in our NIGHT GARDEN, ATHENA or RIVIERA veils. 

  • Cathedral veil: A cathedral veil extends beyond the train of your dress, creating a regal and elegant look. It’s perfect for formal and traditional weddings and acts as an extension of your dress.
  • Chapel veil: A chapel veil is slightly shorter than a cathedral veil, it reaches the floor and extends a few inches beyond your dress. It’s a versatile and manageable length and works well with many dress styles and wedding themes.
  • Mid length veil: A mid length veil falls to the hips or fingertips. A fingertip veil doesn’t need to be boring – they can be adorned with intricate lacework and florals for added drama.
  • Short veil: A short veil can feel dramatic and energise your look. Ensure it falls to a flattering spot, based on your height and the horizontal lines on your dress, such as your waistline or neckline.

2.) Consider your wedding dress

Your veil should complement your wedding dress without overpowering it. Consider the style, shape and details on your wedding dress.

Try to define your bridal style with a few words.  Free-spirited, relaxed and fashion forward? Or modern, clean and high end? If you’re struggling to find the words to best describe the vision you have in your head, a Pinterest board will help you gather your thoughts and better understand your vision.

As a general guide, your veil should accentuate and be proportional to your dress. When it comes to statement veils, we like to pair them with simpler silhouettes so that they doesn’t overpower or take away from the details of the dress.

The details on your wedding dress: 

It’s important to consider the placement of any defining details on your wedding dress.  Look for any focal points on the dress to ensure that the veil doesn’t interrupt the flow or details of the dress.  Some things to consider include:

  • Are the embellishments on the dress mainly on the bodice, straps, on the skirt or all over?
  • Where is the main structural focal point on the dress?  Is it a dramatic neckline, a low back or extravagant train that draws your eyes.
  • Does the dress feature a variety of embellishments such as flowers, lace, sequins and hand-beading?
  • Or all of the above?

We love the look of a veil where it falls where a focal point begins, for example a defined waist line. Where the defined horizontal line is at the hip, we recommend choosing a shorter or longer veil so it doesn’t visually cut you in half and interrupt the flow of your look.

Colour coordination:

Ensure your veil is a complementary colour to your wedding dress. Very few wedding dresses are actually white. Most are shades of off-white, light ivory or warm ivory.

3.) Hairstyles to support your wedding veil

The right hairstyle can enhance the beauty of your veil and keep it securely in place.

  • Updos: Classic updos like chignons, buns and French twists provide a secure base for attaching a dramatic veil. They also create a clean and elegant look, letting your veil and dress to remain the focus of your look.
  • Half up hairstyles: This versatile hairstyle offers both security and the beauty of loose waves. It’s perfect for brides who want a romantic and sophisticated look.
  • Loose waves: If you prefer to wear your hair down, loose waves can add a soft and natural touch. Use bobby pins to secure the veil without compromising the style.

4.) Securing the veil

A dramatic veil needs to be securely fastened to ensure it stays in place throughout the ceremony. We cover how to secure a wedding veil in separate post.

  • Most veils come with a comb attachment. Insert the comb into your hair at the crown or back of your head. For added security, use bobby pins to hold the comb in place.
  • If your veil doesn’t have a comb, use bobby pins to secure it. Choose pins that match your hair colour to keep them discreet.

5.) Accessorising your veil with other accessories

To quote Coco Chanel, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off”.  This is valuable advice generally, and especially when it comes to incorporating a showstopper wedding veil into your bridal look.

If you’re fond of dramatic wedding dress, minimise the rest of your wedding accessories.  Think simpler shoes, and choose one or two other elements to complete your look such as pearl drop earrings or a delicate bridal tiara.

Need personalised styling advice?

We’re here to help. We work with brides worldwide to help them coordinate and choose the perfect wedding accessories from our collections.

Feel free to send us photos of your wedding dress, bridal hairstyle and details of styles from our collection you love and we can go from there.

Creating an elevated and magical bridal look that feels enchanting and straight out of a fairytale involves care attention to detail and thoughtful styling.

For brides dreaming of a captivating bridal look, a lightweight and dreamy crystal wedding veil paired with intricate bridal accessories can be the perfect elements to bring that vision to life. Crystal wedding veils can frame a wedding dress in the most effortless way – whilst offering that hint of magic that can complete a bridal look without feeling over-the-top. 

1. Start with the crystal veil: The centrepiece of your bridal look

The veil is often the most iconic bridal accessory, and choosing one adorned with a galaxy of crystals can instantly elevate your look. Crystal veils add a touch of enchantment, catching the light as you move and creating a subtle yet mesmerising sparkle.

How to choose the perfect crystal wedding veil

Consider the overall style of your wedding when selecting your veil. A cathedral length veil with scattered crystals offers a dramatic, fairytale effect, perfect for grand ceremonies in large venues. For a more intimate or modern setting, a fingertip length veil with crystal edges might be more appropriate, adding the right amount of sparkle without overwhelming your look. 

Ensure the veil complements your wedding dress. If your gown has intricate beading or embellishments, opt for a veil with subtle crystal accents to avoid clashing. For simpler gowns, a more heavily embellished crystal veil can add that wow factor.

  • Delicate lace wedding dresses:
    There’s something about a lace wedding dress that pairs perfectly with crystal or pearl wedding veils. Matching a lace veil to a lace wedding dress has its challenges (colour, texture, pattern, type of lace) so it’s not always a suitable choice. If you’re open to sparkle, consider a modern crystal veil – the delicate crystal elements will contrast beautifully against the delicate lace work and the silver tone of the crystals offer a couture accent which won’t go unnoticed.
  • Silk chiffon dresses with floaty trains:
    A silk chiffon wedding dress is ethereal and floaty, dreamy and sophisticated. These characteristics pair beautifully with crystal wedding veils because their aesthetics work harmoniously together. Our recommendation would be to stick to a simpler silhouette – a modern drop veil rather than a heavy gathered veil with crystals. Best to keep the overall silhouette streamlined and lightweight for a cleaner look.
  • Smooth and sleek modern sheath dresses:
    If your dress features a smooth and sleek silhouette, a statement crystal veil that floats and cascades beyond the length of the train, can add a dramatic element without drawing attention away from your dress. We’d recommend you keep the rest of your accessories simple – maybe opt for a simple set of drop earrings or a small hair comb for a minimalist look.
  • Sequin wedding dresses:
    This might surprise you but an ivory sequin wedding dress and a crystal wedding veil are a match made in heaven. The shimmer and shine of a sequin dress is often accompanied by a striking silhouette that can look luxurious and glamorous with a crystal veil.

3. Incorporate delicate bridal jewellery

While the veil and hair accessories are the stars of your bridal ensemble, delicate jewellery can tie everything together, adding a final touch of sparkle.

  • Choose earrings that complement your veil and hair accessories. If you’re wearing a high neck or detailed dress, opt for crystal studs or small drop earrings. For strapless or simple dresses longer drop earrings can add a touch of glamour.
  • If your dress has a low neckline, a crystal necklace can add an elegant touch. A delicate bracelet or cuff can also enhance your look, especially if your dress has short sleeves or no sleeves at all. As always, make sure these pieces don’t compete with the sparkle of your veil and hair accessories.

4. Balance and harmony is the key to a captivating look

The most important aspect of creating a captivating bridal look with a crystal veil is achieving balance and harmony. While it’s tempting to go all out with crystals and embellishments, sometimes less is more. Choose one or two statement pieces, such as a crystal veil and a matching headpiece, and keep the rest of your accessories more subdued.

Ensure that all your accessories share a similar aesthetic. Whether you’re going or vintage, bohemian, or modern glam, your veil, hair accessories and jewellery should complement each other in style and tone.

Need personalised styling advice?

Sometimes you don’t want head to toe sparkles. Sometimes, it’s just a hint of sparkle maybe at the edge or near the comb that can make all the difference. Or it could even be sparkly crystal hair accessories paired with a simple long wedding veil that completes your bridal look.

If you’d love to chat about how to style your wedding dress with the right accessories from our collection, feel free to get in touch. We’d love to work with you.

SHOP CRYSTAL BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

Discover exquisite bridal accessories adorned in Swarovski crystal elements; customisable to suit you and your wedding dress.

A long wedding veil will add a timeless elegance to your bridal look. We explore what to consider when choosing the best length for your wedding day.

Whether you’re getting married in a church or out in the outdoors, a long wedding veil can add the perfect amount of grandeur and drama to a wedding dress. A long veil is, without a doubt, the defining wedding accessory that can instantly transform a bridal look with its timeless appeal and elongated silhouette.

A ‘long’ wedding veil is a relative term. How long is long? How long is a piece of string? What’s long for one bride might barely touch the floor for another. Throw in the added complexity of the length and width of the train on your dress, your height, your heel height, your venue… It’s no wonder it can be difficult to determine the best length for you.

We’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting the best long wedding veil for your special day.

1. An overview of wedding veil lengths

Is a floor length, chapel veil or cathedral veil best for you? This is where it can get a bit grey. Why? Because so much depends on the style of your dress, the fabric it is made from, your height, and any distinctive horizontal lines that are visible on the dress.

Some brides like their veil to extend beyond the length of their train so their train and dress appear longer and grander. Other brides choose to have their veils puddle on the train so that it blends into the fabric of the skirt and won’t get in the way on the dance floor. And other brides want their veil to fall exactly to where their dress train ends as a longer length might feel excessive. It’s very much a personal preference.

Floor length veil - 190cm or 75 inches

The floor length veil is your introduction to long wedding veils. As the name suggests, a floor length veil is designed to gracefully touch the floor and is ideal for sheath or fitted wedding dresses without a train. We love to suggest a floor length veil for more casual weddings or for brides who want to wear their veil all day and all night – including for the bridal waltz. Our made to order mandate means we can design your veil your way – whether you love to have it pooling a little on the ground, or not quite reaching it. It’s up to you!

Chapel veil - 230cm or 90 inches

A beautifully versatile length, we love the chapel veil for its timeless beauty. A chapel veil complements a wide range of wedding dresses, from ballroom gowns to dazzling red carpet worthy dresses. For the vertically challenged brides, we find that veils that create a little puddle on the floor elongate the silhouette which always looks incredible.

Cathedral veil - 300cm or 118 inches

If you want to make a statement, this is your go-to veil. The cathedral veil is grander than the versatile chapel veil and is best suited for cathedral and church weddings with long aisles.  Some useful advice to know is that longer veils are often wider too. So bare in mind the potential proportions of your veil to your dress.

Royal cathedral veil - 400cm or 157 inches

Lastly, we have the ever glorious royal cathedral length veil. Measuring anywhere from 4 metres plus, this fabulous length looks amazing for medium to taller brides with a very long runway to walk down.

2. Matching the veil with the silhouette of your wedding dress

  • A ball gown: A full ball gown will look balanced with a veil that extends beyond the length of the train. A ball gown is by its very nature a statement of grandeur so a longer veil with a classic silhouette will feel like a natural pairing. If you would like a blusher layer, we recommend it fall to your elbows to define your waistline.
  • A fit and flare gown:  A fit and flare gown starts to flare out just under the hip and a longer veil will complement this style beautifully. Whether a chapel or cathedral length veil is better for you will depend on the actual length of your train. However, a floor or waltz length veil will interrupt the flow of your silhouette as these lengths end too abruptly and will interfere with the fit and flare silhouette.
  • A mermaid gown: As the name suggests, the skirt starts to flare out just above the knee, reminiscent of a mermaid. A fingertip length veil is an easy choice. However if you would like a longer veil, choose one that extends beyond the length of your actual train as it will feel like an extension of the distinctive mermaid’s tail.
  • A sheath dress: A figure hugging silhouette with a train is best suited with veil that matches the length of the train or extends beyond it. A column shape is quite simple visually so a veil that falls short will be quite noticeable. We often find a veil that’s at least 15cm longer than the end of the train will be flattering.
  • A floor length dress: If your dress has little to no train, a floor length or chapel length veil will suit it beautifully. Floor length doesn’t necessarily mean it should just touch the floor and match your height. A floor length veil flows better when it can create a tiny puddle on the ground, even if it’s just a 15cm longer.

3. The fabric of your dress

The fabric your wedding dress is made from is an important factor in choosing your wedding veil.

A gown made from structured satin or frothy tulle fabric will provide structure to a veil as the dress will act as a frame on which the veil will sit. We recommend veils made from bridal illusion or Italian tulle which is a lightweight and crisp tulle which will suit the nature of firmer and floatier fabrics. 

If your dress features a flowy sheer fabric, a softer drape on the veil is an option. These veils are often made from English net. Flowy fabrics also suit bridal illusion tulle as these floatier veils add an ethereal quality to your look.

4. Consider defining details such as key horizontal lines

There are multiple horizontal lines that are visible on a dress. It could be the line that runs across your shoulders on an off-the-shoulder neckline. Or the line that’s created on a plunging back. Or there’s the line where the bodice is sewn onto the skirt at the waist on a ball gown. Or perhaps even a peplum detail. There can also be lines further down if your dress features a mermaid silhouette where the skirt starts to flare out above the knee.

The lines on a dress aren’t limited to the neckline or the silhouette of the dress. There can also be lines in the patterns of the lacework or the fabric. Think ruffles on a skirt or a dress where multiple laces are mixed and matched to create a distinctive pattern.

The importance of lines comes back to not wanting to take away from the beauty of the dress. Adding a new line with a shorter veil can interfere with how the dress flows. For example, if your dress features an oversized bow on the back, it’s best to avoid a veil that falls to the same spot.

5. Your height in proportion to your wedding veil

A veil that’s 2 metres long will look very different on a bride who is 4’9 compared to a bride who’s 6’1.  This doesn’t mean a bride on the shorter side should only wear a shorter veil and that long veils aren’t an option.

Quite the opposite. A shorter bride can certainly wear a long veil so long as the veil isn’t excessively long in proportion to her silhouette. There are many shorter brides who wear wedding gowns with long trains and similarly, her veil can be just as long. The key is to ensure that the silhouette overall is balanced.

Need personalised styling advice?

There are thousands of wedding dresses out there so we understand that finding the perfect veil can be difficult. What you find on the rack in bridal boutiques may not be the right length, width or colour for your dress. 

We work with brides worldwide to offer recommendations and styling advice. We have over 15 years experience designing and handcrafting wedding veils and bridal accessories.

Feel free to send us an email with photos of your bridal look and we’d be happy to get back to you with ideas on how your favourite veil can be customised to suit you.

A wedding headpiece and veil is a timeless bridal look, creating a beautiful focal point as you walk down the aisle.

One of our favourite wedding looks combines two timeless accessories—wedding veils and headpieces—to create a beautifully layered, multi-dimensional bridal style. Whether you’re going for a classic, romantic vibe or something more modern and cic, layering a veil and a headpiece adds depth and personality to your look.  But achieving this balance requires careful consideration of styles, textures and placement. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of layering a wedding veil with a headpiece, offering practical tips to ensure your accessories complement each other perfectly.

1. Choosing the right veil and headpiece combination

When layering a veil with a headpiece, the first step is selecting pieces that work harmoniously together. Here’s how to approach this:

Consider the veil length and style: The length and style of your veil will influence the type of headpiece that pairs best with it. For example:

  • Short veils (birdcage, blusher veils): These styles pair beautifully with smaller, more delicate headpieces, such as simple combs or vintage inspired clips.
  • Medium length veils (elbow, fingertip): These lengths are versatile and can be paired with a variety of headpieces, from intricate tiaras to floral crowns or statement combs.
  • Long veils (chapel, cathedral): Longer veils often work best with more substantial headpieces, like crowns or headpieces, which will anchor the veil and add a regal touch. The density of gathers on your veil and the width of the veil comb will also influence the overall look.

Match the aesthetic: Your veil and headpiece should share a similar aesthetic to create a cohesive look. If your veil is adorned with lace or beading, consider a headpiece that features similar details. Conversely, if your veil is simple and understated, a more ornate headpiece can add the right amount of flair and accentuate the details on the back of your wedding dress.

Coordinate with your dress: Ensure that both the veil and headpiece complement your wedding dress. For example, if your dress has a lot of intricate detailing you might opt for a simpler veil and headpiece to avoid overwhelming your lookd.

2. Placement matters: Positioning your veil and headpiece

The way you position the veil and headpiece can dramatically affect your overall bridal look. Here are some tips for getting it just right:

  • Classic placement: Traditionally, the veil and headpiece are positioned at the front/top of your headpiece. Similar to the look of a tiara, this look feels regal and effortless.
  • Contemporary placement: For a more modern look, consider placing the headpiece with the veil underneath at the top of an updo or half up hairstyle.
  • Low placement: If you’re wearing your hair in a low updo or chignon, you can position the headpiece and veil at the nape of your neck. The placement is elegant and works well for brides who prefer a subtle, understated look.

3. It's all about the proportions

When choosing your bridal comb, consider its proportion relative to your veil comb. You’ll be positioning them next to each other so size is important. The body of your bridal headpiece should be wider (longer) than the width of your veil comb.  So if your veil’s comb is 3 inches long, your headpiece needs to be at least 4-5 inches long.

  • Extra wide veil comb? A veil comb that’s 4-4.5 inches or wider is best styled with a longer and narrow comb.  Delicate hair pins will appear disproportionate and too busy in the hair.
  • Plastic veil comb? Consider the thickness of the veil comb itself, particularly ones that are attached to thick plastic combs with a lot of tulle wrapping.  These veils are hard to work with because they appear heavy and chunky in the hair. We avoid plastic combs across our collections and we only use fine metal hair combs as they’re stronger, sturdy, flexible and lightweight.
  • Love a fuller veil with lots of volume?  Ensure your headpiece is wide enough to cover the veil comb. The VERSE comb is a smaller comb that pairs perfectly with a fuller AMORA wedding veil. At just over 5.5 inches wide, the VERSE is perfect to cover a wedding veil comb that’s up to 4 inches wide.
  • If you prefer a sheer wedding veil, a drop veil like our ROSELLA chapel veil or BLAIR fingertip veil will sit flat against the head and will ensure your bridal comb will sit flush against it.

The advantages of wearing separate pieces rather than one that is sewn together

Choosing to have a separate veil and headpiece rather than one that is sewn together offers several key advantages in terms of flexibility, styling options and practicality.

  1. Flexibility in styling: When the pieces are separate, you have more versatility in how you style your hair and position the accessories. You can experiment with different looks, trying the veil at different heights. A separate headpiece and veil allows you to adapt your look throughout the day. For example, you might choose to remove the veil after the ceremony while keeping the headpiece on for the reception.
  2. Practicality: If the veil is sewn into the headpiece, removing the veil can be complicated and may require the help of a hairstylist. With separate pieces, the veil can be easily removed without disturbing the headpiece or hairstyle.
  3. Maintenance and care: It’s easier to manage, clean and store a veil and headpiece when they are separate. Veils are typically more delicate and prone to wrinkling, so having them unattached makes them easier to handle without damaging the headpiece.

How to secure your look

The more accessories you have in your hair, the greater the base that is needed to support them. We suggest the layered look is best suited for an updo, but a half-up half-down or even loose wavy hairstyles can be achieved using a few simple techniques to secure those metal hair combs.

If you are wearing your hair all down, your hairstylist will most likely create a hidden foundation under the hair to support the piece in your hair. These extra precautions (extra hair pins!) will securely hold the headpiece and veil in place.

  • Use multiple hair pins: Secure your veil and headpiece with multiple bobby pins or hair combs to ensure they don’t shift during the day. Make sure to choose pins that match your hair colour for a seamless look.
  • Try it on together: During your hair trial, make sure to try on your veil and headpiece together. This will give you a sense of how they work as a pair and allow your hairstylist to make any necessary adjustments.
  • Consider weight and balance: If your headpiece is particularly heavy, you may need to reinforce it with xtra pins. Similarly, if your veil is long and voluminous, make sure it’s anchored securely so it doesn’t pull on your headpiece.

Once the veil is secured into place with bobby pins, you’re now ready to position the headpiece and pin it into place. It’s best to secure the veil first and then the headpiece on top of the veil’s comb for a more seamless finish.

Choose headpieces constructed using split combs or no comb at all

When styling your wedding comb and veil, make sure you take into account how they’re constructed. If you have two central combs (one on the veil and one in the middle of the headpiece), it will be possible to layer them one of top of the other but it may be more of a headache – literally – than it’s worth.

Look for headpieces designed around a split comb system or headpieces which don’t feature a comb at all. This way you can easily position the veil, position the headpiece and easily secure them into place. The two comb system is signature to our brand – we feel two combs allows extra flexibility with style around various hairstyles and head shapes. And of equal importance, it means you can style your headpiece with a veil. Just ensure the combs are wide enough to sit either side of the veil’s comb.

Need personalised styling advice?

Need styling advice to bring together your bridal look? Get in touch with photos of your wedding gown and your favourite pieces from the collection. We would love to offer ideas and recommendations on pieces to suit, including how our pieces can be customised to suit you.

SHOP BRIDAL HEADPIECES

Designed to be worn with or without a wedding veil, discover customisable bridal headpieces for you.

A veil above or below the bun? That is the question we're covering.

There’s few opportunities in life to wear something as exquisite and elaborate as a wedding veil. While a veil may not be for every bride, we love how a veil can elevate your bridal look by framing your face, and elongating your silhouette. One question many brides face is how to position their wedding veil, particularly when they’ve chosen a bun hairstyle. Should the veil be placed above the bun, creating a classic, elegant look? Or is positioning it below the bun a better option for a modern and relaxed style? The answer depends on your personal style, the look you want to achieve, and practical considerations. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision for your big day.

1. Positioning the veil above the bun: The classic choice

Placing the veil above the bun is a traditional option that creates a timeless, elegant silhouette. This placement allows the veil to cascade down from the crown of your head, often creating a more dramatic and regal look.

Pros:

  • This placement is ideal if you’re aiming for a classic or traditional bridal look. It complements formal wedding gowns, such as ballgowns or A-line dresses, and adds a touch of grandeur to your overall appearance.
  • Positioning the veil above the bun can add volume and height, especially if you’re wearing a fuller veil like a cathedral or chapel veil. It can help create a balanced silhouette, particularly if your dress has a voluminous skirt.
  • With the veil placed above the bun, it’s easier to remove after the ceremony without disturbing your hairstyle. This can be a practical choice if you plan to take the veil off for the reception while keeping the bun intact.

Cons:

  • If you’re aiming for a more relaxed or bohemian vibe, placing the veil above the bun might feel too formal. It’s a look that’s more suited to traditional weddings and may not fit as well with a laid-back or outdoor ceremony.
  • Depending on the fullness of the veil, positioning it above the bun might obscure your hairstyle, particularly if your bun is intricate or detailed.

2. Positioning the veil below the bun: The modern approach

Opting to place the veil below the bun is a more contemporary and relaxed choice. This placement allows the bun to remain the focal point, with the veil draping softly down your back.

Pros:

  • Positioning the veil below the bun ensures that your hairstyle remains the star of the show. This is ideal if you’ve chosen a detailed or intricate bun that you want to highlight.
  • This placement tends to look more modern and understated, making it perfect for brides who prefer a less traditional look. It pairs beautifully wit sleek, minimalist dresses or those with clean lines.

Cons:

  • If you’re dreaming of a dramatic veil moment as you walk down the aisle, placing the veil below the bun might not deliver the same impact as an above-the-bun placement.
  • Depending on the length and weight of the veil, placing it below the bun might cause it to move around more during the day, particularly if you plan to dance.

3. Consider your overall bridal look

When deciding on veil placement, think about how it will complement your overall bridal look, including your dress, accessories, and the vibe of your wedding.

  • A dramatic, formal dress might call for a more traditional above-the-bun placement, while a simpler, more modern dress could be better complemented by the below-the-bun option.
  • If you’re wearing additional hair accessories, such as a headband, comb or tiara, consider how these will work with your veil placement. Often, an above-the-bun veil pairs well with a tiara or headband, while the below-the-bun veil works beautifully with a decorative comb or clip.
  • Your venue and wedding theme can also influence your decision. A grand ballroom wedding might inspire a more traditional look, while a beach or garden ceremony might lend itself to the relaxed feel of the below-the-bun placement.

4. Practical considerations

  • Request a small comb on your veil: If you’re planning to wear your veil below the bun, your hairstylist may request that the comb on your veil be small. A large comb will be difficult to incorporate into your hairstyle due to the length and straight nature of a comb. Request a small comb on your veil from your bridal veil designer.
  • Ease of removal: Consider how easy it will be to take off the veil without disrupting your hairstyle if you’re looking to remove the veil after the ceremony and before the reception.
  • Consider the inclusion of a blusher layer: A blusher is a short layer of veil that traditionally covers the bride’s face and is lifted during the ceremony. If you plan to incorporate a blusher, its placement can impact the overall look and functionality of your veil. Keep in mind that your blusher layer will need to be long enough so that when it’s pulled up and over your face, there’s enough length to cover your face, shoulders and your upper torso.

Need personalised styling advice?

We love to work with our brides to bring together their bridal looks. Feel free to email us photos of your wedding dress and hairstyle. We’d love to get back to you with some veil options and how best to style them.

Finding your perfect wedding dress is a huge milestone in your wedding planning journey. Now that you've have the dress, it's time to think about the next essential component of your bridal look: the veil.

Congratulations on finding your dream dress! If a wedding veil is what you envisage for your bridal look, you’ve come to the right place.  Join us as we explore the various options available and we share our expert guide to help you find the perfect veil to complement your dress. The right veil can elevate your bridal ensemble, adding a layer of romance, tradition and modern flair to your wedding day. But with so many lengths, widths, styles and embellishments on offer, it’s no wonder that many brides-to-be planning their weddings can feel a little overwhelmed. Take your time, try on different options, and choose a veil that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. After all, your veil is more than just an accessory—it’s a symbol of the bride you’ve always dreamed of being.

1. Understand your dress style

The first step in finding the right veil is to consider the style and shape of your dress. As a general guide, your veil should accentuate and be proportional to your dress.  This means it shouldn’t overpower or take away from the details of the dress. Doing so can be distracting and also interrupt the flow of your overall look.

Look for key focal points on your dress as guidance for your veil. Often a veil will look best cut just above or below any horizontal lines. If your veil falls where a focal point begins, for example a defined waist line, this will feel effortless and proportional.

  • Classic ball gown: If your dress is a traditional ball gown with a full skirt, consider a chapel or cathedral length veil to add drama and elegance. If you prefer a shorter veil, a waist length or fingertip is elegant and refined.
  • Modern sheath or slip dress: A sleek, minimalist dress pairs beautifully with a minimalist chapel veil, fingertip veil or a birdcage veil. Gowns without a train or a short train are gorgeous when paired with a floor length or chapel length veil. As a guide – look for a veil that is slightly longer than the hem or train of your gown. 
  • Lace or embellished gown: If your dress is heavily embellished or features intricate lacework, opt for a veil that’s simpler in design. A plain tulle veil will allow the details of your dress to shine without competing for attention.
  • Bohemian or rustic dress: For a more relaxed, boho style, consider a veil with soft, flowing lines, such as a mantilla or veil edged with lace. These styles complement the effortless beauty of a bohemian gown.
  • Mermaid/trumpet: To complement the mermaid or trumpet silhouette, look for a long and narrow veil to walk down the aisle or a mid-length or fingertip veil to showcase your flared skirt.
  • A-line: It’s all about proportions when it comes to choosing a veil for your a-line wedding gown. Take your pick from a fingertip, waltz length or chapel length veil to showcase the gorgeous bodice of your dress.

2. Consider the length

Veil length is one of the most important factors to consider. Here’s a quick overview of the most common veil lengths and how they pair with different dress styles:

  • Birdcage veil (22.5cm or 9 inches): This short, vintage-style veil typically covers just part of the face and is perfect for retro, minimalist or modern brides.
  • Shoulder length veil (50cm or 20 inches): A casual and modern choice, this veil ends around the shoulders and is ideal for informal or outdoor weddings.
  • Elbow length veil (63cm-68cm or 25-27 inches): Falling to your elbows, this length is flattering and versatile, complementing most dress styles.
  • Fingertip veil (91-101cm or 36-40 inches): One of the most popular veil lengths, it grazes your fingertips and adds elegance without overwhelming the dress.
  • Chapel length veil (230cm or 90 inches: This veil extends to the floor, just beyond the hem of your dress, adding a touch of formality and grace.
  • Cathedral length veil (275-305cm or 108-120 inches): The most dramatic option, this veil trails behind you, perfect for a grand, traditional wedding.

Generally speaking, a fingertip veil is a timeless and classic option that works beautifully with a range of different wedding dresses. It is also a versatile choice for a range of different venues – from the church to a beach or garden wedding.

3. Match the colour

Matching the colour of your veil to your dress is crucial for a cohesive look. Wedding dresses come in various shades of white, ivory, champagne and blush, so your veil should complement this tone as well as you can.

  • White dresses: Pair with a pure white veil to match the brightness of your gown. Very few gowns are actually a pure white. Silk white, natural white or diamond white dresses are a neutral white and lack the brightness and starkness of pure white fabrics. These dresses are best paired with more neutral white veils. We describe this tone as ‘bridal white’ in our collections. 
  • Ivory dresses: Choose an ivory veil that matches the tone of your ivory. Ivory dresses can range from off-white to light ivory to soft ivory to warm ivory. If in doubt, pairing your medium toned ivory dress with a soft ivory will feel dreamy, ethereal and won’t weight down your look.
  • Blush or champagne dresses: Consider a veil with a slight pink or champagne tint to harmonise with your dress colour. Request fabric swatches or consult your bridal veil designer for their recommendation.

4. Think about the details

The details of your veil can either enhance or detract from your overall look, so it’s important to choose wisely.

  • Embellishments: If your dress is simple, you might opt for a veil with embellishments like lace, beading or florals for a touch of detail. However, if your dress is already detailed, a plain veil will let your dress take centre stage.
  • Edging: The edge of your veil can also make a statement. A raw cut edge offers a modern, clean look, while lace or ribbon edges add a traditional, romantic touch.

5. Consider your hairstyle

Your hairstyle will affect how your veil sits and how it’s secured. If you choose to wear a veil, your veil may need a supportive base such as a bridal bun, messy updo, or half up/half down hairstyle.  The longer or heavier your veil, the more supportive your bun or hairstyle will need to be.

  • Updos: An updo works well with almost any veil length, allowing the veil to cascade down from the back of your head.
  • Loose waves: If you plain to wear your hair down, your hairstylist will need to reinforce your veil with additional pins and precautions to ensure it stays in place all day.
  • Half up, half down: This versatile hairstyle pairs beautifully with most veil styles.

6. Practical considerations

While the aesthetic of your veil is important, it’s also important to think about the practicality of wearing a veil. Take into account the venue and potential weather forecast. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, the wind will be an issue. Longer veils can get caught in the breeze, so you may wish to opt or a shorter style or one that can be easily removed after the ceremony.

It’s important to make sure your veil is lightweight and easy to wear. You’ll be wearing it for several hours, so comfort is key.

We also recommend someone from your bridal party knows how to remove the veil after the ceremony if you plan to take it off for the reception. This may include asking the hairstylist how many bobby pins have been used to secure the veil into place so you can remove the veil without damaging your hairstyle.

Need personalised styling advice?

Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and hairstyle. We love to work with our brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day. Get in touch with us – we would love to hear from you!

Wearing a birdcage veil is a unique experience. With a little practise, you’ll master it in no time.

A birdcage veil adds a timeless, vintage elegance to your bridal look.  While bridal trends may come and go, the chic sophistication of a birdcage veil remains a beloved choice for brides who want to complete their ensemble with a touch of classic glamour. 

If you’re excited to include this stunning accessory in your wedding day attire but are unsure how to secure it, scroll below for our top tips. 

Securing a birdcage veil is simple, once you know how. With just a few bobby pins and a mirror, you can achieve a flawless look. Don’t worry if it feels tricky at first—wearing a birdcage veil is a unique experience, but with a little practise, you’ll master it in no time. 

Tips for securing a birdcage veil:

Step 1: Position the veil

Decide where you want the veil to sit—typically, it’s placed at an angle, covering one eye or just grazing the forehead.  Experiment until you find a place that feels comfortable, frames your face shape and complements your hairstyle.

When positioning the comb, ensure the birdcage netting isn’t caught in the teeth of the comb as this may damage the veil and distort the shape of the veil.

Shop Birdcage Veils

Shop this look: MARA birdcage veil

Step 2: Pin the veil

Use bobby pins to secure the veil’s comb or clips into your hairstyle. Make sure they are hidden and secure.

We recommend bobby pins that are similar in colour to your hair. The number of pins will depend on your hairstyle as well as the thickness of your hair. As a guide, start with 2-3 pins and use as many as you need until the veil feels secure.

Carefully pin the netting down into your hair by threading the bobby pin through one or two of the diamond shaped patterns.  The key is to ensure the bobby pins are hidden so to the untrained eye, it will look like the veil is part of your hairstyle.

Step 3: Adjust the veil

Carefully adjust the veil to ensure it lays perfectly and does not obstruct your vision or catch on your eyelashes. 

We recommend the veil sits above your lips so lipstick doesn’t transfer onto it or get in the way of any sneaky kisses with your beloved.

With these easy steps, you’ll be ready to walk down the aisle with confidence and vintage charm.

More styling tips:

  • Looking to style your veil with a headpiece?  Avoid headpieces with delicate wired details as these may get tangled in the netting.
  • Some birdcage veils may not come with a comb.  If your veil doesn’t have a comb, simply use extra hair pins.
  • If your birdcage veil is made from a fine bridal illusion tulle (as seen in the NOUVEAU birdcage veil) use hair pins without plastic ends. This will allow you to follow the steps above without damaging the veil.

 

• SHOP BIRDCAGE VEILS •

Explore our collection of bespoke and ready-to-wear birdcage veils. Worldwide shipping and rush orders available.

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