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An Evening in Florence

We share our tips and advice on what every bride should know about drop veils

If you haven’t heard of a drop veil, it’s likely you’ve seen Kate Middleton or Grace Kelly’s wedding veil. Also known as circle veils, they are a classic veil style that can be worn by vintage-inspired brides through to modern or bohemian brides.

A drop veil is designed to sit over the face during the wedding ceremony and then pulled back to create a two layered veil. It’s the perfect style if you want to add a sense of formality to your wedding whilst staying classically chic.  It sits flat against the head and lacks gathers so there’s no volume or puffiness.

The way it drapes over the head feels ethereal and effortless. But securing it in the first place can be tricky as it will depend a lot on how you style your hair, your height, and the placement of the comb on the veil.

We’re sharing below our top tips on how to secure a drop veil so once your veil is positioned in place, there’s only two things left for your beloved to do: lift and kiss!

1. The placement of the hair comb will impact the length of your blusher

Drop veils come in a wide range of lengths and they can be worn with all bridal hairstyles. Think bridal updos, half up half down hairstyles and also loose curls. Due to the nature of a drop veil, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ drop veil is often difficult to work with as the position you place the comb in your hair will impact where your blusher layer will fall to.

If you are shorter or taller than average, this means your veil may overwhelm your proportions or look too short if your comb is placed 3-4 inches too high or too low.

The images below show the difference in blusher length based on comb placement in the hair. This is the same veil shown in both images. In the first image, the veil comb is worn further back and tucked into a low half up hairstyle so the blusher layer sits higher. In the second image, the comb is positioned higher at the crown so the blusher layer sits lower.

An extra short blusher may not be the look you’re after which is why we would lengthen the blusher to suit you and your preferred comb position.

Shop this look: LUMIERE fingertip drop veil

2. You don't have to wear the blusher layer over your face

Some brides may feel that a drop veil which features a blusher layer means you need to wear it over your face.

While a lot of brides do use their blusher layer, many brides choose to only wear it back which creates a beautiful silhouette and adds to the drama of their overall look.

Shop this look: THEODORE pearl drop veil, WILD WILLOWS blusher veil, GARDENIA cathedral veil, AMORA wedding veil, BETTINA black wedding veil

3. How your veil attaches to your hair can vary

A drop veil on a comb is our preferred attachment.  A comb that’s sewn on in the right spot will allow ease of use and also it ensures your veil will stay in place.

A comb is our default because we take into account the requirements of our brides. Her hairstyle, her height, her preferred blusher length all impact how a drop veil sits. We don’t have ‘standard’ sizes as a standard fingertip length drop veil will look very different on a bride who’s 4’9 compared to a bride who’s 5’7 or 6’1.

For brides looking for a drop veil, we always recommend avoiding a standard drop veil where the comb has been sewn in a default position which hasn’t taken into account your height or hairstyle.

Shop this look: CALLA LILY minimalist veil, AUDREY wedding veil, DANCER veil

3. You can request to have your drop veil made without a hair comb

Some drop veils come without a comb. So you’ll just receive a piece of fabric which you’ll need to pin into your hair.  This is great if you or your hairstylist have requested this, but if you’re looking to wear your hair all out, your veil will simply fall out even if you were to pin it into place. This is also easy to work with if your veil is a perfect circle but if your veil is slightly oval shaped or longer, finding the exact middle point and balancing the blusher length can be fiddly.

If your veil isn’t attached to anything, you’ll need some hair pins to pin it into place. Choose hair pins which don’t have plastic tips as these will ensure you can pierce the netting without damaging the fabric.

4. If you want a difference in lengths when pulled back, your blusher layer will need to be shorter

A fingertip length veil is a perfect example of a drop veil with 2 distinct tiers. This look is elegant and will complement a wide range of dress styles and silhouettes.

The second row of images show a hip length veil where there are 2 layers but they fall to the same spot creating a strong line across the back.

Shop this look: MATISSE lace short veil, BLAIR drop veil

5. A long drop veil can be just as beautiful as a short one

The length of the blusher is often dictated by the width of the veil. For a drop veil to appear balanced, the length of the blusher layer should be at least half the width of the veil. If the blusher layer is too long for the width of the veil, the silhouette of your veil will be awkward and won’t flatter the shape of your dress. 

Also consider the length of your blusher to the length of your overall veil. A floor length veil and an extra long blusher will overwhelm your frame and shorten your silhouette. It’s best for the blusher to be proportional to the length of the veil for a seamless look.

Shop this look: MIRA chapel veil, LOUVRE cathedral veil, custom THEODORE veil

6. Up the drama with an embellished drop veil

The simplicity of a drop veil is the ideal blank canvas for an embellished veil. We take into account all aspects of a drop veil when designing our embellished veils. We ensure our pearl and crystal details are all double sided so when the blusher is pulled forward, the details are just as beautiful and the underside of beads won’t be visible.

The placement of lace and floral embellishments are also important to ensure that when you pull the blusher layer forward, an oversized flower or lace won’t be covering your eyes or concealing your face!

Shop this look: WEEPING CHERRY drop veil, WILD WILLOWS lace veil

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 DROP VEILS

Explore this season’s drop veils; customisable to suit your height, wedding dress and bridal hairstyle.

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Unlike traditional wedding veils, a drop veil is made from a single layer of tulle or lace that drapes gracefully over your head and shoulders, creating a soft, ethereal look.  However, securing a drop veil can be a bit tricky due to its simple and delicate design. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to properly secure a drop veil, ensuring it stays in place throughout your special day.

1. Understanding the drop veil design

Before diving into the securing process, it’s important to understand the design of a drop veil. This type of veil can be requested with a comb or with no comb or clip sewn onto it.  For veils without a sewn in comb, the lack of a built-in attachment can mean you’ll need to secure the veil with pins to keep it in place.

Shop this look: WILD WILLOWS lace wedding veil, LUMIERE fingertip drop veil

2. Preparing your hair

The first step to securing a drop veil is preparing your hair. Your hairstyle plays a crucial role in how the veil will sit and stay in place. Here are a few considerations:

  • Hair type and texture: Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, make sure it’s styled in a way that provides a good base for securing the veil. This could mean adding volume with curls or waves, or smoothing it down if you’re opting for a sleek look.
  • Hairstyle: Drop veils can be worn with a variety of hairstyles, from updos to loose waves. For a secure fit, consider styles that allow for easy placement of pins or clips. Updos often provide a stable base for securing the veil, while loose hairstyles might require additional pins to hold everything in place.

Shop this look: BLAIR wedding veil, BLAKE wedding veil

3. Placing the drop veil

Once your hair is styled, it’s time to place the veil. Follow these steps for a perfect fit:

  • Positioning the veil: Start by deciding where you want the veil to sit. If you’re using a blusher, place the front edge of the veil just above your hairline. For a more traditional look without a blusher, position the veil slightly further back on your head, around the crown area.
  • Centre the veil: Ensure that the veil is centred on your head. You can use a mirror or ask a friend to help you check that the veil is evenly placed on both sides.

4. Securing the drop veil with pins

To keep the drop veil in place, you’ll need to use hairpins or bobby pins. Here’s how:

  • Using hairpins: Gently lift the top layer of the veil and insert a hairpin into your hair, securing it through the veil. Make sure to choose pins that match your hair color for a discreet look. Repeat this process on both sides of your head, near the temple or crown area, depending on your hairstyle.
  • Crossing the pins: For added security, use two pins in a crisscross pattern. This technique helps anchor the veil more firmly, reducing the chance of it slipping.
  • Hiding the pins: If you’re concerned about the pins being visible, consider using decorative pins or clips that blend with your hair or veil design. Alternatively, your hairstylist can help strategically place the pins to keep them hidden.

Shop this look: BLAIR fingertip drop veil, LUMIERE pearl drop veil

5. Ensure comfort and stability

Comfort is key on your wedding day, so make sure the veil is securely fastened without being too tight or causing discomfort. Here are some tips:

  • Test the fit: Before the big day, do a trial run with your veil to ensure it stays in place and feels comfortable. Walk around, move your head, and see how the veil holds up.
  • Backup plan: Have a few extra pins or clips on hand in case you need to adjust the veil throughout the day. Your maid of honor or a close friend can help with any quick fixes.

Shop this look: THEODORE chapel veil with pearls

5. Removing the veil

When it’s time to remove the veil, whether after the ceremony or for the reception, do so carefully to avoid disrupting your hairstyle:

  • Gently slide out pins: Gently remove the pins or clips, taking care not to pull on the veil or your hair.
  • Lift the veil: Slowly lift the veil off your head, ensuring that it doesn’t catch on any hair accessories or jewellery.

Shop this look: LUMIERE pearl, CAMILLE long veil, GARDENIA floral veil, MIDNIGHT crystal veil

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.

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