How to Find the Right Veil and Headpiece for Your Wedding

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In comparison to the dress and the other decisions of your wedding, the veil may seem like one of the lesser details. It is an important part of a bride's trousseau, however. Keep these considerations to keep in mind to ensure your veil and headpiece are the crowing touch to your bridal ensemble.

• What You Need to Know
• Bring pictures of your hairstyle, accessories, and front and back of your wedding dress to the veil shop.
• When shopping for your veil, bring a swatch that matches your wedding dress color; photographs may not reflect the true color.

Step 1:

Decide whether your face will be veiled for your walk down the aisle. If you cover your face your veil will need to have at least two layers in the back -- one to fold over the face and one to remain in the back.

Step 2:

Determine your hairstyle for the wedding. Some hairstyles will limit the kind of headpiece you will be able to wear. If you are flexible about the hairstyle, you can allow your veil to dictate how your hair will be done.

Step 3:

Bring your wedding dress or a color swatch from your dress. Even white can come in different shades, so be sure the veil color matches the dress.

Step 4:

Choose a veil that is consistent with the style of wedding and dress you have chosen. Traditional weddings with all the trappings deserve long, full veils with sparkling headpieces. This would look a bit out of place at a quick, informal civil ceremony where a short, understated piece would be more appropriate.

Step 5:

Complement the details of your wedding dress. If your dress is embroidered with pearls, don't select a headpiece with crystals. If your dress has some color in it, consider a veil that has colored flowers in the headpiece, a colored satin trim or colored crystals.

Step 6:

Envision the back of your dress along with the veil. For a smooth, continuous look that blends into the train, choose a long veil with no trim and only one or two layers. A shoulder-length veil with lots of layers will allow the details of a low-backed princess-style dress to shine through.

Step 7:

Dress for the venue. Choose heavier materials with a larger mesh for an outdoor wedding location that may be windy. Choose light, ultra-sheer material for a candlelight ceremony held indoors so you can still see through it. If you love ultra-sheer fabrics, but are having a seaside wedding, consider weighing the veil down with crystals, pearls or satin trim.

Step 8:

Consider how long you plan to wear the veil. If you want to wear the veil throughout the reception, then a long, complicated or heavy veil will be far too cumbersome. If you'll wear the veil just for the ceremony, however, then go ahead if you love the cathedral-length, antique lace veil with a hundred crystals in a three-tiered tiara.

• Tips & Warnings
• If you don't want to bring your dress or a swatch with you, see if the veil shops you'll be visiting have your dress in stock.
• Wear smudge-proof makeup if you're going to cover your face with the veil, especially at an outdoor ceremony where the veil may be blown into your face.
• Bring your veil with you to your hair and makeup trial to be sure that it works well. If you can't bring your actual veil, bring cloth in the same shade, material and length as your desired veil.

About the Author

Lynette DiPalma is a freelance writer in the weddings field who co-owns a small wedding services business and has officiated at weddings.