Our guide on how to style a bow wedding dress with a veil

Big or small, a statement bow is a defining element on a wedding dress and should be a key consideration when choosing your accessories, especially your wedding veil.

Bow wedding dresses have a special charm with its daring femininity and playfulness. Whether your wedding dress features a large, dramatic bow or a smaller, more subtle one, finding a veil to complement this unique defining element on a wedding dress does need some consideration.

In this post, we provide a comprehensive guide on our tips on styling wedding dresses with a bow with a veil, ensuring your look is harmonious, balanced and truly unique.

Photo credit: Lolita Says So, Giuseppi Panini, via Pinterest

1. Choosing the right veil length

When it comes to styling a wedding dress with a bow, the length of the veil is an important element to get right as your veil needs to complement the bow and not overshadow it.

Short veils: Short veils such as birdcage veils, blusher veils or shoulder length veils are perfect for highlight a bow, especially if it’s a statement piece. A shorter veil can add a modern or vintage touch and ensure the bow remains the focal point.
Mid-length veils: Elbow or fingertip veils are versatile for most bow placements, adding a touch of classic refinement without competing with the bow. This will depend a lot on your height. For shorter brides, we recommend going shorter or longer, rather than mid length, as this will have the effect of visually cutting you in half and shortening your silhouette.
Long veils: Chapel or cathedral length veils are a beautiful choice if you want to add extra flair and drama to your bridal look. This is especially beautiful if your dress features an oversized bow on the back. We recommend you opt for a veil with minimal to no gathers to allow the bow to remain visible.

2. Consider the placement of the bow on your dress

The position of the bow on your dress will guide your veil choice.

Back bows: If your dress features a prominent bow on the back, a sheer veil that falls over or around the bow will enhance your overall look. The bow is a defining feature on your dress so avoid covering up your bow – allowing it to peek through will ensure your dress is on full display.
Waist bows: If your wedding dress features a bow at the waist, we recommend shorter veils like elbow or fingertip length veils. This will frame the bow and ensure your waistline is accentuated.
Shoulder or neckline bows: For bows that are placed near the shoulders or neckline, a short veil like a birdcage or shoulder length blusher veil is ideal. This ensures minimal coverage and will add a chic and stylist detail to your silhouette.

3. Matching veil styles with your dress details

The details of your veil should feel in harmony with the overall style of your wedding dress.

We generally recommend sheer and simple wedding veils with minimal gathers at the comb is our go-to veil for almost all wedding dresses with bows. This will ensure your bow remains the focus of your look.

Want more bridal inspiration and tips?

For more bridal inspiration and tips, explore the Style Journal on our blog, and follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. We’re here to help you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day, and create the wedding of your dreams.

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.

STYLIST PICKS TO ACCESSORISE BOW WEDDING DRESSES

Explore customisable wedding veils; rush orders and express worldwide shipping available.

DANCER | Waltz length veil
$ 195.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
CALLA LILY | Sheer wedding veil
$ 315.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
AUDREY | minimalist wedding veil
$ 295.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
THE WALTZ | Ballet veil
$ 215.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
AVA | Elbow length veil
$ 125.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
LOUVRE | Cathedral veil
$ 495.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
BLAIR | Sheer fingertip veil
$ 165.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
KARELL | Hip Length Drop Veil
$ 145.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page