Getting married? Congratulations! If you’re planning a traditional day, you’ve probably got a carousel of dress ideas in your head, not to mention shoes and jewellery too.
Whether you’re dreaming of a full fairytale gown or you’ve got your heart set on something slinkier, for brides who want to do things by the book, a veil is always part of the picture.
Why do brides wear veils?
A bride originally wore a veil to convey her purity and modesty as she walked down the aisle. While it can still do that today, modern brides have an array of styles to choose from. Contemporary veils can act as another way to express your personality or add to your bridal look.
How to pick a veil
Though veils are available in any length from birdcage to cathedral, that’s not the only deciding factor when it comes to choosing one for your wedding ensemble.
If your dress is full of intricate embroidery or delicate beading, why not look for a veil that echoes those details to help amplify the effect?
Once you’ve found The One, take it to your bridal hair trial so you can see how it works with your preferred style. If you haven’t got one yet, let your bridal hairstylist know you intend to wear a veil; they may have one in their kit that can stand in until you find your favourite.
To help inspire you, we’ve rounded up an edit of the best wedding veils.
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BlissGown Pearl Wedding Veil
Studded with pearls on a light-as-air handmade tulle veil, this design is available as a single or double layer. Both options come with a hair comb to help it stay stable and colour choices span white, off-white and ivory shades.
From £39.13.
Buy now £39.13, Etsy
Liberty in Love Soho Beaded Blossom Lace Edge Tulle Veil
Brides looking for a statement veil will adore the choice over at Liberty in Love. This statement design turned our heads instantly: 30 inches of luxury Italian tulle embellished with floral applique, lace and finished with pearls. Stunning.
Buy now £240.00, Liberty in Love
Crown and Glory Custom Slogan Circle Veil
Follow in style icon Hailey Beiber’s footsteps and wear a personalised veil on your big day. The model had "Till Death Do Us Part" embroidered at the bottom of her veil for her wedding to Justin. Crown and Glory can mimic the effect, adding up to 12 flocked characters of your choosing. It gives the veil a fun modern update that will make your guests smile and look great in photos. Comes with a transparent comb.
Buy now £45.00, NOTHS
Joyce Jackson Camden Tulle Veil with Leaf Motifs
A single layer of ivory tulle may feel simple, but the leaf-themed embroidery along the edges elevate the look to sophisticated heights. This veil is a floor-sweeper at 96 inches, pairing best with bridal gowns with a long train. Comes with a comb to help it stay in place.
Buy now £294.00, Liberty of Love
Monsoon Vicki lace veil
This vintage-looking veil is the perfect cherry on top for lace-wearing brides. The soft design features embroidered trims and subtle floral designs, held securely in place with a steel hair comb.
Buy now £69.00, Monsoon
Queenie and Lily Simple Light Ivory Birdcage Veil
If you’re looking for a simple veil that you can fix into your bridal hairstyle yourself, a short birdcage style is easier to handle than a floor-sweeper. This vintage look, popular in the 50s, is handmade with veil netting which will hold its shape away from your face.
The company suggests “Choose your headpiece then add a simple birdcage or bandeau veil separately. That way if you decide to take off your veil during the evening reception you can easily keep your headpiece in.”
Buy now £10.95, Etsy
Monsoon Pearl flower embellished veil
This bridal white veil can be worn two ways: falling from behind the head, or gently draped across the face for the all-important walk down the aisle. Monsoon’s sparsely decorated one weighs just 125g, making it comfortable to wear all day. Comes with a comb hair fastening.
Buy now £79.00, Monsoon
Team Hen Bridal Bow Wedding Veil
Bridal dressing isn’t just about the big day; there’s the pre-parties like the hen and shower too. For such dos, this bow-topped veil is a fun addition to your look. Plus you’ll get to trial the look and feel of a veil before the big day, and see how you like it. When it comes to weddings, it’s always helpful to rehearse or trial what you can.
Buy now £12.99, NOTHS
HP Maison 2 Tier Wedding Bridal Veil with Comb
For brides who don’t want to blow their budget on a veil, Amazon offers this tow-tier lace and sequin edged alternative. With the right hair, makeup and dress, no one will ever guess where you got it from.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
The Wedding Veil Shop Rosie – two tier waltz length ribbon edge veil
This classic veil is perfect for brides who want to wear their veil from the ceremony through to the reception. The double tier means you can eat, drink and dance unhampered, while the longer tier at the back allows you feel your bridal best until the last guests have gone home. The simple veil is edged with 7mm of matching satin.
Buy now £109.00, The Wedding Veil Shop
