To Veil or Not to Veil?
To Wear a Veil or Not to Wear a Veil:
A Bride’s Guide to the Modern Veil Trends and Styles
Your wedding day is one of the most personal and meaningful days of your life. Every detail, from the dress to the shoes to the flowers, will reflect your unique style, vision, and personality. But when it comes to one of the most iconic bridal accessories—the veil—the decision isn’t always so clear cut. To wear a veil or not to wear a veil? It’s a question many brides find themselves pondering.
Once an essential part of the traditional bridal look, veils have become a more optional and often personalized choice in modern weddings. While some brides opt for the timeless elegance of a veil, others embrace more contemporary or minimalist styles, skipping the accessory altogether. So, what’s the right choice for you? Let’s explore the current veil trends, different types of veils, and why you may (or may not) want to incorporate this beautiful accessory into your bridal ensemble.
Why Wear a Veil?
Before diving into the types of veils and trends, let’s first understand why veils have been a staple of bridal fashion for centuries.
Historically, veils were symbolic of a bride’s purity, modesty, and her transition into married life. In some cultures, the veil was also thought to ward off evil spirits or bad luck. Today, while the symbolism may be less emphasized, many brides still wear veils because they represent tradition, beauty, and a sense of elegance. If you choose to incorporate a blusher veil, there’s something undeniably romantic about the moment when the veil is lifted before the kiss, or when it’s softly draped over the bride as she walks down the aisle.
For those brides who feel that a veil completes the bridal look, it’s often the finishing touch that adds a layer of grace and timelessness to their wedding attire.
The Case for Skipping the Veil
On the other hand, there’s no obligation to wear a veil if it doesn’t resonate with your style. Many modern brides choose to forgo the veil in favor of other hair accessories, such as a flower crown, jeweled headband, or even a chic fascinator. If you’re not drawn to the traditional look, or if you’re concerned about comfort (veils can sometimes feel restrictive or heavy), you can still achieve a stunning bridal look without one.
Another reason brides skip the veil is to showcase the beauty of their wedding dress. If your gown has intricate detailing, like a back full of lace or beading, a veil could obscure those features. A bare head or alternative hair accessories allow the focus to stay on the dress itself.
Veil Trends: What's In for 2024?
If you do decide to wear a veil, you’ll be happy to know that 2024 bridal veil trends embrace diversity and creativity. Here are a few of the top trends:
1. Long and Dramatic
The long veil is making a huge comeback. Think cathedral-length veils that cascade gracefully to the floor or even beyond. These veils add an element of drama to any bridal look and work especially well with sleek, minimalist wedding dresses. Long veils also give brides the opportunity to add custom embellishments—like embroidery, beading, or lace—that make the veil as special as the gown.
2. Floral and Boho
For a softer, more ethereal look, floral lace veils are a huge trend. These veils typically feature delicate floral designs that can be embroidered or appliquéd onto the fabric. They complement bohemian-inspired weddings and natural, outdoor settings perfectly. For a more whimsical look, brides are also incorporating real or faux flowers into their veils—such as tiny blooms woven through the fabric or tucked into the hair.
3. Blusher Veils
The “blusher” is the part of the veil that covers the bride’s face before it’s lifted by the groom or someone special. These veils are trending for their classic and romantic feel. Whether paired with a cathedral-length veil or a shorter style, a blusher veil can create that picture-perfect moment as you walk down the aisle.
4. Bold and Edgy
On the other end of the spectrum, some brides are opting for more modern and edgy veils that defy tradition. Think metallic or colored veils, embellished with sequins or crystals. Some brides even wear a cape-style veil, which drapes over the shoulders instead of the head, creating a dramatic and fashion-forward effect.
5. Two-Tier Veils
The two-tier veil, which features two layers of tulle or other fabrics, is making a comeback in a big way. It’s perfect for brides who want versatility—it can be worn over the face as a blusher or pulled back for a fuller, voluminous look.
LengTHS of Veils and How to Choose the Right One for You
Now that we’ve covered trends, let’s explore the different types of veils you can choose from. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to veils, so consider the length, style, and embellishments that best suit your dress, venue, and personality.
Birdcage Veil A retro-inspired veil that’s perfect for a vintage or modern bride. This shorter veil covers just the eyes and is often made with netting. It’s an excellent choice for brideswho love a vintage vibe or those who want something unique and playful.
Blusher Veil The Blusher is the veil type that typically goes over the bride’s face in the first half of the ceremony. Some blushers are two layers so as to have one layer stay in the back for added beauty and drama. Some bride’s love this extra-short length and choose to wear it back, skipping the over-the-face tradition.
Fingertip Veil As the name suggests, the fingertip veil falls to the bride’s fingertips. It’s a versatile length that suits most dress styles, from ball gowns to A-line dresses. This veil is one of the most popular choices for modern brides.
Waltz Veil If you’re looking for something a little different but still elegant, the waltz veil falls just below the knee or mid-calf. This veil adds movement and a sense of whimsy without being too overwhelming.
Cathedral Veil A cathedral veil is a floor-length piece that extends behind the bride in a sweeping train. It’s perfect for a formal church ceremony or grand ballroom wedding. Cathedral veils at Kimberly James Bridal measure 108 inches long.
Royal and Regal Veils If you love the long veil look but need your veil extra long, consider the Royal length (120 inches long) or the Regal length (144 inches long)! These lengths are perfect for the bride who has a gown with an especially long train, or for any bride who wants to bring as much drama as possible to her wedding look.
Now that we have covered different veil sizes and lengths, keep in mind that how a veil is embellished and decorated is just as important. As we lined out above, all of these veils, regardless of length, could be simple and classic, lined with beading, lined with Chantilly lace or floral embroidery . . . the options are endless! We’ve even seen the trend of embroidered or beaded script on veils, with phrases such as “Happily Ever After” or “‘Til Death Do Us Part,” or customized text such as the wedding date with the names of the engaged. There’s also the mantilla veil, which is a lace-edged style with the lace going all the way up and over the comb of the veil, creating a soft, romantic look. Often associated with Spanish or Mexican bridal traditions, the mantilla works especially well with lace gowns.
Final Thoughts: To Veil or Not to Veil?
The decision to wear a veil is ultimately yours. It’s about what feels authentic to your style and your wedding vision. Whether you decide to go for the traditional look with a classic veil or opt for a chic alternative, your bridal style should be a reflection of who you are.
Veils remain a beloved part of wedding tradition, but they’re also evolving in exciting ways. If you’ve always dreamed of wearing a veil, now is the perfect time to experiment with unique styles, lengths, and embellishments. We recommend trying at least a few sizes and styles at your bridal appointments to get a sense of what could look best with your gown and to discover if it’s in your vision. And if you feel that a veil isn’t your thing, know that there are countless other options to make your wedding look just as stunning.
Whatever you choose, it’s your day to shine in a way that’s all your own.
