To quote Shakespeare, to veil or not to veil–that is the question. Veils have been a glorified wedding tradition for decades, and I have to admit, there’s something timeless and romantic about imagining yourself sharing vows with your groom and having him lift your veil before your first kiss as husband and wife.
But for many brides, shielding their face with a veil or adding a bulky piece of fabric to their hair seems outdated and unnecessary. Ultimately, your love is the most important part of your wedding. Determining if you want to wear a veil is just another decision that will help you personalize your wedding, so it becomes a day to remember!
Finding the Right Veil
If you’ve always imagined yourself walking down the aisle with a veil, start by trying on a few different veils with your wedding dress. Many veils have details, such as lace or beading, that won’t complement the look of your dress. So make sure you try on veils with your dress, so you can find the perfect match.
It’s also helpful to have an idea of your wedding hairstyle. If you have a strong imagination, you’ll be able to determine if a long or short veil will pair with your hairstyle. If you’d prefer to see it in person, consider getting your hair styled before you try on veils. This will make the decision much easier!
You’ll also want to try on various styles of veils. For instance, you may think veils are too traditional until you find one that has a modern edge such as the bandeau veil. And if you want a traditional ceremony, but want to let loose at your reception, there’s no rulebook saying you have to keep your veil on the entire wedding! Wear it for the ceremony and take it off for the reception. The choice is yours!
Veil Alternatives
Have you tried on multiple veils and can’t find one that makes you feel comfortable? For many women, especially millennials, veils are too traditional — and that’s okay! There are plenty of beautiful veil alternatives that can complement the theme of your wedding:
- Hair combs — With beautiful beading, pearls and diamonds, hair combs are accessories that make a statement. For many wedding hairstyles, a comb can stand on its own without a veil for a sophisticated look. You can also find wedding headpieces that are similar to combs with elegant draping, timeless pearls, and soft flowers.
- Headband– If you’re looking for something that stands out more than hair combs, consider a headband! Jeweled headbands often look similar to crowns if you want a fairytale, princess vibe on the day of your wedding. If you’re going for a more natural, earthy style, many headbands have feathers attached for a softer feel.
- Flowers– Whether you create a headband with one colorful flower for a tropical look, opt for a boho wraparound headband with greenery and blooms, or place baby’s breath in your hair as it cascades down your shoulders, flowers are a delicate alternative to the traditional veil. Who can resist more flowers?
At the end of the day, you should feel comfortable, confident and beautiful on the day of your wedding. Determine if a veil can make you feel that way, and go from there.
To get started planning an affordable pop-up wedding, contact Pop the Knot. We’ll help you create a magical day you’ll remember forever!