Wedding Planning Idea: To Veil or Not to Veil – Is It Even A Question?

As a Seattle wedding photographer, I love giving my brides helpful tips related to wedding planning. I have already posted wedding day timeline examples if you want to take a look, and am planning to write more on any tips and tricks I learn as I shoot weddings.

Today’s post has a special place in my heart as it is related to fashion. If you don’t know me yet, I want to tell you that fashion has been one of my love and inspiration for a long time. Thus, I love shooting beautiful wedding dresses along with all kinds of wedding accessories you can think of – veils, tiaras, earrings, necklaces, wedding shoes, and more.

Today, I want to focus on wedding veils. Are you still deciding whether you should wear a veil or not? Or are you looking for something that can replace a traditional veil?

Hopefully, this article can help you as you are planning for your wedding.

Ready? Then so am I. Read on for more.

One of the most classic wedding traditions & Why Modern Brides Choose to Wear Veils

Although there are many different beliefs about why a bride wears a veil on a wedding day, wearing a veil is undeniably one of the most classic wedding traditions. It is found to be practiced in ancient times and also mentioned in the Bible.

Aside from practicing your belief, nowadays, wedding veils play a big role in wedding fashion. All brides probably encounter this question as they prepare for their wedding: Should I wear a veil or not? If you are one of them, picture this: From the top of your head, the sheer layers of veil flowing down in such a dreamy way and brushing against your gown as you walk down the aisle. Maybe there is a gentle wind blowing your veil, making it dance in the air as you walk down the aisle.

Your wedding photographer (including me, of course) will certainly agree that veils make great photos. They not only make for great pictures but will make you carry the air of modesty and elegancy. However, besides the reason of it being picture-perfect, let’s talk about some other lovely reasons why you should choose or not choose to wear veils.

YES to Veil #1: A Best Friend to Your Wedding Dress

Whether you’re choosing to wear a wedding dress with volume, or a fit-and-flare mermaid dress, a veil can be the perfect addition. You will just have to choose the right one that can enhance the look of your dress.

Are you wearing a dress that has breathtaking details on the back? Then, you should choose a sheer and chic veil that can show off your back!

Are you going to wear a sassy, cocktail-length wedding dress? Remember this: Shorter the dress, the shorter the veil. Maybe you can bring out more of a whimsical vibe with a short multi-layer veil.

YES to Veil #2: Matchy-Matchy

You can easily find a wedding veil that will match your wedding jewelry. If you are considering wearing a set of pearl earrings, why don’t you check out a veil that is sparkled with little white pearls all over? I’ve seen brides add flowers to their veils or choose a veil with some other beautiful detail that complements their wedding attire. Here are some ideas you can look into when choosing a veil that has more unique design: pearls, pleated fabric, chiffon flowers, and scalloped lace edges.

NAY to Veil: SO Many Other Accessories

If you’ve decided that a traditional veil is not for you, that is okay too. It’s your wedding, and your opinion is what matters the most. However, if you still want some of the above advantages of veils, like framing and personalization, there are alternatives. Here are eight wedding veil substitutes that are unique, chic, and full of character.

 

Blushers

Blushers are a fabulous mix between veils and modern hair accessories that you’ll love. They’ll give you that bridal feel while being smaller than a veil and thus easier to control. There are many designs available, and it’s the perfect way to make a chic statement.

 

Fascinators

Look like royalty as you wow guests at your wedding with a sassy fascinator. It’s the perfect addition to a vintage wedding gown if you’re wearing one. Fascinators are also a great way to add a pop of color to your wedding day fashion.

 

Flower Crowns

Flower crowns are perfect for brides who are having a boho-chic wedding. They can, however, be styled for all kinds of weddings too. Give your wedding a more romantic air by choosing to wear a flower crown instead of a veil.

 

Flowers

You don’t have to shape your flowers into a crown to use them either. You could simply wear one in your hair. You’d get a gorgeous simple look perfect for a beach wedding.

 

Hair Pins and Combs

They may be small, but they can make a magnificent impact on your look. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen brides transform their looks with just hairpins. Hair combs could also add a lovely pop of style to your wedding day beauty.

 

Headbands

Don’t worry; these aren’t your sporty headbands. Instead, they are intricate bridal accessories that you’ll love. There are many designs, but the most popular ones are made of ribbon with jewels in the middle. You’d look so pretty in this wedding veil alternative.

 

Tiaras

Channel your inner princess and rock a tiara at your wedding. You’ll look like royalty and feel like a million bucks too. It is your special day, after all, and you deserve the best.

 

Nothing at All

Lastly, if you don’t want to wear any sort of headpiece, whether a veil, tiara, or any of the likes, then don’t. No rule says you have to, and it’s your wedding day. Your wishes come first.

Bonus: When to Buy Your Bridal Veil

Your choice will most likely be determined by your gown. So, you might have to go wedding dress shopping first before you pick your veil, its style, its fabric, and its color. It’s always safe to ask your wedding dress designer which veil will complement your wedding dress. They will gladly help you out.

In case you have a vintage family heirloom veil and want to wear that particular veil, take your veil with you when you go dress shopping. It doesn’t have to be an exact match, but you can get something in a similar tone of color.

In Conclusion

Isn’t wedding planning exciting? Something as simple as deciding whether to ‘veil or not to veil’ can make you really think about what you want. I hope that this post has been able to help with that. Just keep in mind: You are allowed to wear whatever you want.

You deserve to have your beautiful bridal look and other special wedding moments documented and preserved. For that, I am here. I ensure every couple I work with receives my best service, energy, and time. Feel free to contact me if you are planning your wedding in and around the Seattle area. I’d love to hear what you are planning and yes, I’d be honored to be a part of your big day.