The intern and I had a day talking Veils, and then we started to list off all the different kinds available.  We discovered both our mothers had the “cap” veils, very usual of the mid-eighties (and other odd periods during the 1900’s).  That being said, there are so many other chic and amazing pieces you can wear at your wedding now, it was time to explore the options!

The first, and most traditional, is the cathedral length.  This is one I’m seeing paired with either shorter trains, so the veil and its edging, shows up beyond the fabric of the gown – or with the super uber long trains for an extremely dramatic effect.  These veils make for glamorous photographs, especially in wind!   However, they do tend to get in the way at dinner and during dancing, so I recommend you have a hair style that allows you to take out the veil completely, and replace with some flowers or a headpiece or birdcage veil later on.

Then there’s the mid-calf and fingertip veils.  These are great middle-ground options for the bride that doesn’t want the extreme length of a cathedral, but also doesn’t want to go too short.  These are often paired with blushers (the piece you wear walking down the aisle: also extremely traditional and is making a comeback!) which are removable, or just blend into the veil layers.

And then the fabulous feather headpieces or birdcage veils, which scream vintage wedding, but are all the rage.  They aren’t seen often in Wisconsin yet, but they are definitely catching on slowly.  I love the Russian netting they’re made with – which can come in ivory or white – or black – for a splash of unique color.  You can even make your own.  One of my past brides just was in love with the netting itself, so we ordered some in yard lengths from England for a whopping $27, bought a metal comb from a Michael’s, and created the volume and length she wanted on her wedding day (granted, it was a longer veil that we made – leave the birdcages to professional milliners).

Veils come edged in satin ribbon – both neutral and colored – speckled with crystals and layered in lace.  They can be dramatic, or very simple; many girls don’t feel like a bride without one, but these days just a flower with a tuft of netting is acceptable and also very trendy.

Whatever you choose – make sure it’s your style, and your personality – that glows through!