How To Chose Your Perfect Veil
Article by Gabrielle Elizabeth
Whether you have always envisaged what your veil will look like or it’s a last minute decision, the fundamentals remain the same and there are some important design features to consider.
Let’s start off with veil lengths:
If you’re looking for a beautiful yet hassle free veil, the elbow (72cm) or fingertip (122cm) lengths are great options.
The ballet length veil (150cm) falls around the mid calf mark so you still get the length, but it won't train along the floor. Depending on your height a floor length veil (200cm) typically touches the floor with a small trailing edge.
If it’s a statement piece and a veil that will create that wow factor you’re looking for, then a church length (250cm) or cathedral length veil (300cm) would be your answer.
Proportion is important to consider, if your dress has a wide train then a wide cathedral length veil would match this and fall beyond your dress beautifully.
What style are you looking for?
Single Tier Veil: Falls from the comb and flows down the back, single tier veils don’t have a blusher (the piece that goes over your face). There is the option to have these gathered to create a slightly fuller look or with no gather. If your dress has a low back or a detail you would like to be visible, having no gather creates that ‘barely there’ veil style.
Two Tier Veil: Has the option of a blusher, traditionally worn over the face and raised for the first kiss or in some cases at the end of the aisle before the ceremony begins. As the blusher is lifted over the head, this is when the veil has two tiers, two layers of tulle that flow down the back, both gathered at the comb.
Mantilla Veil: A single tier veil with no gather, worn at the top of the head and flows down either side of the face.
Drop Veil: Means two tier with no gather. This style of veil is usually secured in place with a headband, hair pins or accessory. There is the option to have a comb, sewn discreetly in the centre, perfect for if you don’t plan on having hair accessories.
(Above) A two tier elbow length veil being worn in different variations, with Blusher (Left) and paired with detachable bow (Right).
There are more shades of white than you might think! It’s important when choosing your veil to make sure the tulle matches the colour of your dress, so they compliment each other well. Always ask for a tulle sample if you are unsure.
No longer just a tradition, the wedding veil is a beautiful accessory that can be as subtle or as extravagant as you wish.
At Gabrielle Elizabeth we specialise in embroidery, capturing individual style through bespoke design. Whether it’s lyrics from your favourite song, embroidered peonies to reflect the flowers in your bouquet (above) or simply your initials and wedding date (below), there are many ways of incorporating sentimental and personalised touches to your wedding veil.
Finding your dream veil comes down to both your individual style, that of your dress and of course the wedding itself. One thing is for sure though, a veil is an accessory that won’t fail to take your beautiful dress into an extraordinary wedding outfit.
Article by Gabrielle Elizabeth
You can also find this article in Issue 4 of The Big Southwest Wedding Magazine. Click here to download your free copy.