You probably had your engagement ring on your finger less than twenty-four hours before you bought your first bridal magazine.  In the months since, you’ve been keeping a file of photographs of the dresses you like best, organized by ceremony-type, much like Monica Gellar of “Friends”.  You have formal evening gowns, floor length gowns in various shades of white, some with long trains, some with elegant beading or even a short gown selected.  You know what gown would flatter your shape best—princess, ball gown, sheath or empire waist.  You have gone beyond doing your homework. You are the “Good Will Hunting” of wedding gown shopping.

But what if the most important accessory to the wedding gown was forgotten?  What if the piece that ties the entire look together was omitted?  According to Missy Spearman, owner of Southern Bride in Greenville, SC, the veil is usually an essential yet overlooked piece.  She says she meets brides on a regular basis that are extremely knowledgeable about wedding gowns but seem to have forgotten about the veil.  “I prefer to custom design the veils to coordinate with the gown.  Each gown is individual and I believe each veil should be as well,” she says.  However, some brides hear “custom design” and fear the worst.  The truth is, it is no more expensive to custom design your veil and there are so many ways to personalize the look so that it can truly become a family heirloom.

The price of a veil can range from $45.00 to $400.00 with the average being around $120.00.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a gorgeous veil!

Let’s take this time to look at some things to consider when choosing a veil.

First, consider the style.  How sheer do you want your veil to be?  Fabric will also play a role in this, and we will cover that more a bit later, but one or two layers should be considered. The top layer is typically worn as a “blusher”.  Also, consider the width. 72” is a thinner veil and 108” gives a fuller appearance.  You must bear in mind length as well as there are several lengths to consider:  shoulder, 18”; elbow, 30”; fingertip, 40”; waltz or ballet, 54”, hits around the knee; chapel, 60-90” and hits at the floor; and cathedral, 106”, falls at the end of a chapel length gown.

Veil Lengths

As I mentioned earlier, you must think about fabric.  The most popular fabric for veils by far is tulle.  However, you may like English netting, birdcage netting, organza, chiffon, silk, or lace.  The question you will need to ask yourself when choosing a fabric is do I want my veil transparent or opaque?  The choice is yours!

The most important element to consider when selecting your veil is the design.  Your personality can shine through and through here.  This can be as common and simple as you like with an unfinished edge, a pencil or rolled edge, a ribbon edge, or a satin-corded edge.  You may choose a more complex design to include rhinestones, pearls, beads, or lace appliqués.  You will also need to consider how you plan to secure it to your head when you select the design.  Again, you can be simple and just pin it, or use a simple headband or comb.  Many brides like the idea of being the princess for the day and opt for the huge rhinestone tiara!  You will want to plan your hairstyle in advance as well.

Now that you are in the know on some things to think about when choosing a veil, let’s look at the three hottest trends projected for veils for 2010:

• Simple, sheer, cathedral (cut to the edge of your train), featuring a simple flower adorned with rhinestones.
• Shoulder-length, or birdcage veils, accented by a few ostrich feathers and rhinestones.
• Sheer, fingertip-length with a pop of color, typically to match the bridal party and/or flowers, added with scattered rhinestones in the headpiece.  Usually a soft color such as pink or aqua.

As you can see, the pattern seems to be simple, sheer, elegant, and sassy!

Simple, Elegant Flower

With all the planning the bride has to do, it’s no wonder some things get forgotten.  The wedding veil should not be one of those things.  It is the essential accessory, the piece that ties the whole look together, head to toe.  It is sometimes the one piece that becomes the family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation.  Sometimes it is the only part of the wedding ensemble that survives the generations.  It is the “something old.” It can be very difficult to know how to choose the perfect veil, how to design it to match your gown perfectly, or how to personalize it so that it becomes you.  There is also a lot of information here and “out there” about veils and what you should do. That is why it is so important that you meet with someone who knows his or her stuff!  Regardless of whom you choose to purchase your veil and accessories from, make sure they are trained and knowledgeable in all of the latest fashions and trends for veils, headpieces, and accessories.

This isn’t rocket science, it’s more important than rocket science, it’s your wedding!  It is an ever-changing industry.  Stay current as you select your accessories and make sure your consultant is as well.  Good luck!

Post written by Amanda Doohen

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