Short and Sweet Veils

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a new wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces. Designed to make wedding planning all the more inspiring and enjoyable, Idojour offers accessories and apparel for your wedding weekend, complemented by both inspirational and practical content. Rosanna oversees content, among many other things, and makes sure that everything comes together beautifully on the site.

Here, Rosanna discusses how to find the perfect veil.

The wedding veil is one of the oldest wedding traditions, symbolizing modesty, purity, and chastity. In this day and age, however, wearing a veil is not a requirement, which is why it's so much fun to let your style and personality shine when it comes to selecting your veil. But with so many lengths and styles available, how do you know which veil is the right one for you? 

guide to bridal veils

Keep in mind the following when shopping for your veil:

► Your veil should complement your look, not compete with it.
► Simple gowns will offset any intricate lace or beadwork on your veil.
► Heavily beaded or laced gowns look best with sheer or transparent fabric veils (silk chiffon, voile, or organza).
► A blusher, a single layer worn over your face during procession, can be added to any veil.

Today, we look some options for brides who prefer short and sweet veils.

The Birdcage Veil

birdcage veils

Birdcage veils come in many different styles and can bring a vintage feel to your bridal look. The netting can come down to cover either one or both eyes, your nose, your chin, or even your entire face. It's entirely a matter of choice; see what looks and feels good for you.

Left to right: Birdcage veil pictured on Idojour Serena Birdcage Veil, $99.

Styling Tipswedding dresses

Dress: Sheaths, fit-and-flares, or short and flirty dresses (think 1950s) with lace and ruffles.
Accessories: A feather fascinator or vintage brooch.

Left to right: Sarah Seven Enrapture Dress, $840; Claire Pettibone Provence Dress.

The Flyaway Veil

flyaway veil

Flyaway veils are wispy and often multi-layered, with the longest layers falling on the shoulders. These veils are usually less than 20" and are the shortest of the veils that fall behind the head. It’s a great pick for a less formal occasion, and it’s perfect for a bride who wants a simple, more understated veil.

Left to right: Flyaway veil pictured on The Velvet Couch; Flyaway Veil pictured on Elegant Park Press

Styling Tips:

wedding dresses

Dress: Short dresses, sheaths, and gowns with no train. It looks great with more casual fabrics like cottons, shantung, or soft cotton lace. 
Hair: A loose side braid or a low-key hairdo, like a bun or a French twist.

Left to right: Libby by Jenny Yoo,$1400; Tadashi Shoji One Shoulder Lace Gown, $388 

The Elbow Veil

elbow length veilThe elbow veil cascades over the shoulders and floats along your upper arms, ending just above the elbow. It can measure anywhere from 28" to 36" in length, and it's a more casual veil alternative. This veil was a favorite of the postwar 1950s.

Left to right: David's Bridal Elbow Length Veil, $79; Wedding Veils Australia, $90.74.

Styling Tips

wedding accessoriesAccessories: A satin-covered headband.
Dress: Short casual dresses, long pencil sheath gowns, and gowns with either a short train or no train at all.

Left to right: Dessy Headband in Matte Satin, $7; After Six Wedding Dress Style 1030 by Dessy, $410.

The Fingertip Veil

fingertip veilsThe fingertip veil is meant to float around you like a cape, extending to your outstretched fingertips and typically measuring 48”. It was most popular during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It's also a modern Royal favorite — Kate Middleton wore a silk tulle fingertip length veil when she married Prince William.

Left to right: Fingertip veil pictured on Wedding DressJustine M. Couture 45" Blaise Veil, $129

Styling Tips

wedding day accessoriesAccessories: A set of embellished hairpins.
Dress: This style complements just about any long dress style, but it may not be very flattering for petite brides.

Left to right: Justine M. Couture Tiffany Combs, $319; Adele Wechsler Donna Gown, $1140

Stay tuned for part two of our wedding veil series: long and flowy veils!

—Rosanna Casper