We talked about the cute and sexy birdcage veil… and now you’re all asking about other styles of veil, so we’ve consulted bridal designer Enzoani and here are their tips to carrying off the ultimate bridal accessory.
Shoulder length veils sit – as you might expect – just above or below the shoulder and are around 20 inches in length. They’re perfect for brides who also want to incorporate a blusher veil over their face and they work well with both A-line dresses and more retro styles – if you’re choosing a short wedding dress and you want more than a birdcage, this could be the option for you. If you want to show off any pretty back details on your dress, choose a lightweight, single Italian tulle veil, which will be more transparent than a two tier design
Finger-tip veils – again, as you might expect – reach to round the length of your outstretched finger tips. This is a versatile choice and works with most styles of wedding dress, from a simple column gown through to something more ornate. It’s the most popularly chosen veil and, if you need confirmation, have a look at Kate Middleton’s veil when she married her Prince.
The mantilla is a Spanish-style veil edged with heavy lace and usually floor length. It’s perfect for brides who want a romantic, boho-inspired look. Wear it with a Juliet cap and a form-fitting lace dress for ultimate glamour. Usually attached to a flat comb, the mantilla veil is worn on top of your head as it’s designed to frame the face and shoulders as well as show off the lace detail around the edge. It’s a style which works for both up and down hairstyles, but a sleek up-do will help add a chic Spanish vibe.
The pouf is a tulle veil gathered to a comb or headdress to create height. Use it to make a real style statement with almost any style of dress, although it works particularly well with prom or retro styles. Depending on the amount of tulle you can wear your hair either up or down. If you want a veil that’s high and tight, wear a chic chignon, while longer versions with more fabric will look better with loose, flowing hairstyles.
Cathedral length is a dramatic veil longer than floor length, also known as a train length. It’s perfect for true princess brides wanting to make a statement. If you’ve chosen a fairtytale gown, this could be the perfect accessory to complete your Cinderella look. Elegant and dramatic, this veil is usually around 144 inches in length, but could be longer as it trails behind the bride. Choose a soft Italian tulle and it will flow beautifully as you walk. The positioning on your head can be flexible, but it’s easier if you have some attendants to help manipulate the train before you walk down the aisle. And it’s worth having it attached to a detachable comb, so you can remove it for the reception.
Chapel length is the shorter sister of the cathedral length veil. Just a little understated, but still reaching to and trailing on the floor, it complements the length of the train on your dress. All the advice which applies to cathedral length veils applies in equal measure to chapel length.
Phew! That’s quite enough for today… Let us know which you choose – and send us some pictures. There’s nothing we like more in this office…
