How to choose the right veil for your face and dress!

The bridal veil is an iconic accessory that can add a touch of elegant magic to your wedding look. However, choosing the perfect veil is not always easy. It is important to consider the shape of your face, the style of your dress and the type of ceremony you have planned. In this article I will give you some tips to help you find the right veil for you.

1. Consider the Shape of Your Face

This aspect is very important. You might consider it on a par with eyeglass frames: some enhance you and make you even more beautiful, others are just not for you! This is completely normal, which is why it is important to make the most suitable choice for your conformation.

Oval Face

The oval face is proportionate and symmetrical, so most veils fit this shape well. You can really afford to experiment with different styles and lengths, from cathedral veils to cage veils, there are no limits for you!

Round Face

For a round face, choose a veil that adds verticality to the figure. To do this, choose a long veil that reaches, visually speaking, to elongate the shape of your face. Cascading veils or those with a length that reaches the tips of the fingers are ideal, while mid-length or shoulder-length veils might accentuate the roundness.

Square Face

If you have a square face, opt for soft, flowing veils that add delicacy to the angular features of the face. Elbow-length veils or mantilla veils are perfect for you; veils with multiple layers so as to add even more softness and smooth out the angular shape are also a good option.

Heart Face

For a heart-shaped face, choose veils that balance the width of the forehead with the part, narrower, of the chin. Cascading veils are great for creating this balance (as they visually add more material to that part of the face). You can also opt for a type of veil that reaches your fingertips, which will help you have the same effect.

Elongated Face

An elongated face can benefit from veils that add width at the sides. Multi-layered or shoulder-length veils can create the illusion of a more rounded, shapely shape.

2. Matching the Veil to the Style of Your Dress

This is definitely another very important aspect that you could talk about with the atelier where you have decided to buy the wedding dress. Usually they will be very happy to help you by accompanying you during this choice.

Princess Wedding Dresses

For a voluminous and princely wedding dress, it would be good to choose a long and dramatic veil such as a cathedral veil. This will add a touch of elegance and complete your regal look.

Mermaid or Fitted Dresses

For mermaid or fitted dresses, it would be good to opt for simpler and lighter veils. An elbow-length or long veil (with delicate embellishments on the edge) can add grace without overloading the dress.

Boho or Informal Dresses

For a boho or casual look, consider a cage veil (1950s type) or a mantilla veil. These styles add a vintage touch and are well suited to outdoor or casual weddings.

Simple Wedding Dresses

A simple wedding dress can be complemented with a more elaborate veil, perhaps with embroidery, beading or lace. This creates an interesting focal point and adds a touch of luxury on an accessory that you will remove at the end of the ceremony; it can be a great way to create a change of look without actually having one.

Decorated Wedding Dresses

If your dress is already full of details, opt for a simple, transparent veil. This will allow the dress to be the star and the veil to add a delicate touch without being too intrusive. It is very important to know how to balance things so as not to appear too excessive.

3. Consider the Type of Ceremony.

This aspect is not as load-bearing in creating a look that makes you and your face stand out, but it is certainly very important in making sure that your look is perfectly appropriate and in line with your wedding theme or desired wedding type.

Religious Ceremonies

For a religious ceremony, a longer, more traditional veil such as a cathedral or chapel veil may be more appropriate. These styles are solemn and certainly appropriate for formal settings, but you should also keep in mind all the information written above. If this type of veil is not suitable for you or your figure, you are under no obligation to make this type of choice, remember that the important thing is that you feel comfortable on your big day.

Outdoor Ceremonies

If you are getting married outdoors, consider more informal and less elegant veils. You might lean toward short, more practical veils that are not likely to snag or tear as soon as you walk down the aisle. An elbow-length or cage veil can be a practical and stylish choice, but if you prefer something long but practical you can also opt for a veil that skims the ground.

Civil Ceremonies

For a civil ceremony you certainly have many options. You may not wear a veil, opt for a fascinator or a shorter veil, or a more modern veil such as a cascade or mantilla veil may be perfect for the occasion. All of these options are elegant and suitable for less formal settings. 

Choosing the perfect veil for you is a combination of considerations about your face, your dress and the type of ceremony, obviously if these three factors do not match, the rules can be "broken" and you can choose which of these factors are most important to you. What I recommend is to take some time to try different styles and lengths and to see which one makes you feel most comfortable and confident. Remember, the veil is an accessory that completes your bridal look, it is not a mandatory or essential accessory, it is not the veil that will make you more or less of a bride, so have fun finding the perfect one for you!