My previous post included a list of types and lengths of veils along with a brief description. So, you now have an idea as to what to expect when you go veil shopping. There are MANY options and it may feel overwhelming, but I am going to provide you with a few questions to keep in mind to help you along the way. There is no easy formula to find THE veil, but these questions will help you narrow the options down.

Keep these questions in mind while veil shopping.

1. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOUR DRESS LOOKS LIKE

WHAT STYLE IS YOUR WEDDING GOWN? Is your gown modern, traditional, fashion forward, vintage, retro etc.? If you have chosen a sleek modern gown you may consider a streamlined veil to keep with the modern feel or choose to be a little more adventurous and pair your gown with a pouf veil. A Spanish influenced dress would be the perfect candidate for a mantilla veil.

FIND A BALANCE Rule of thumb is if your wedding dress is tremendously detailed or embellished consider wearing a veil that is more streamlined. If your gown is streamlined consider a more embellished veil. The key is to find a veil that compliments your wedding dress and does not overshadow it.

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR WEDDING DRESS? Your veil and dress should be similar in color or as close to.

DOES YOUR WEDDING GOWN HAVE ANY DETAILS/EMBELLISHMENTS YOU WANT VISIBLE? This will help determine the length of veil you choose. For example, your dress has a very beautiful back with lovely embellishments and beading, you may consider a veil that hits at the shoulders or above. Where the veil falls can also bring emphasis to embellishments. For example, your gown has a pretty waist and a veil that falls around the waist will naturally draw the eye there.

2. ARE YOU GETTING MARRIED OUTDOORS?

Wind: If you plan to wear a long veil the wind may become quite a nuisance. I have filmed many weddings and 9 times out of 10 this is a big issue. I have heard that tiny weights can be sewn into the seam of a veil to weigh it down. (Although, I have never seen it done.)

Floor Surface: A Chapel, Cathedral or Royal veil may not be a practical choice if you are walking down a cement or dirt floor, because it may get caught on the porous surface, become soiled or snagged on branches or debris.

3. WHAT IS YOUR BODY TYPE?
A petite bride may opt for a veil with less volume in order to avoid being swallowed up by all the material. A longer veil is very flattering for a voluptuous bride.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FACE SHAPE?
You want your veil to compliment your face shape. For instance, if you have a round face look for veils that are no shorter than your shoulders, with some volume on top of the head, and very little on the sides.

5. HOW WILL YOU WEAR YOUR HAIR ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?
It is best to have an idea as to how you are going to wear your hair on your big day, because it will determine what veil you choose, as well as, where it is worn. A Juliet Cap or Mantilla veil looks best when hair is worn down. Birdcage veils are more forgiving allowing you to wear your hair up or down.

6. DO YOU PLAN TO WEAR YOUR VEIL TO YOUR RECEPTION?
A Chapel, Cathedral or Royal veil may not be the best veil if you plan to wear it all through the night. Their length makes them an impractical choice.

As I said before, there is no formula to follow when looking for THE veil, but these questions will help narrow your search and get you to your dream veil quicker. Be patient and you will find the veil right for you.