How to choose the perfect veil
When choosing a veil, there are a few key things to look out for before making your final decision. While it may seem like it's simply a piece of tulle, I can say with confidence that it's so much more than that.
A veil has the power to completely transform your bridal look. It adds movement, softness, and that unmistakable bridal feeling that often ties everything together.
But don't be intimidated! At the end of the day, a veil is an accessory that's meant to enhance your look and make you feel the most beautiful you've ever felt. Most importantly, this part of the process should be fun.
Whether you're shopping in person or online, there are a few key elements that can help you identify a well-made veil and find the one that's right for you.
The three main things to pay attention to are:
The fabric
The comb
The construction
It's often the smallest details that reveal the quality of a veil, and knowing what to look for can make choosing one feel much less overwhelming.
The Veil fabric
When it comes to veil fabric, it's not quite as simple as tulle is tulle. There is actually a wide variety when it comes to both the colour and quality of the fabric.
One of the easiest things to remember is that the larger the holes in the tulle, the stiffer and more structured the veil will be.
A great example is to think back to Princess Diana and the iconic veils of the 1980s that followed her wedding. These veils had volume, presence, and made a statement. They were designed to stand out rather than softly drape around the body.
On the other hand, finer tulles create a much softer, more fluid look. They tend to float and move effortlessly, giving a more romantic and ethereal effect.
When the tulle is finer, it creates more of a soft-focus effect as it falls around the body. It also photographs beautifully, making it an excellent choice for those iconic veil shots, as it has a more fluid movement and a flattering, effortless drape.
Of course, tulle doesn't come in just one or two varieties. There is a whole spectrum of nettings, each with its own texture, weight, and level of structure.
The best way to find what works for you is to experience it in person. Pay attention to how it feels and how it moves. The right tulle should complement your overall bridal look and feel like a natural extension of it.
Does it feel the way you want it to? Is it soft or scratchy?
Does it hold its shape, or do you prefer the way it softly drapes? How does it move when you walk?
How does it frame your face? How does it complement your gown? And just as importantly, what does it look like from the back?
There is no right or wrong answer. These are simply a few things to observe when choosing your veil.
If you're buying a veil online, price can often be one of the biggest indicators of quality. While there are always exceptions, cheaper veils tend to be made from stiffer, scratchier tulles that don't drape or move as beautifully.
A great tip is to request a video and close-up images of the fabric before purchasing. This will give you a much better sense of the veil's movement, softness, and overall quality, th details that can be difficult to judge from a single photograph.
The Veil Comb
Perhaps not at the top of everyone's list, but one detail I believe is incredibly important is the comb.
You want something that will last all day, stay securely in place, and not leave you worrying about it breaking halfway through your wedding. For that reason, I always recommend a metal comb. Cheaper veils tend to use plastic combs, which are more prone to snapping and often don't feel as secure.
A tip: Take a close look at where the veil is attached to the comb. Ideally, the edge of the comb should be wrapped in ribbon or tulle before the veil is sewn on. This is a great indication that the veil has been thoughtfully constructed and finished with care.
Like many aspects of a well-made veil, it's a small detail that often says a lot about the overall quality and craftsmanship.
The Veil Construction
A veil may appear simple at first glance, but there are many small details that reveal whether it has been thoughtfully made. While lower-quality veils are often easy to spot, even higher-priced options can sometimes be poorly constructed.
Some of the key indicators of a well-made veil include the quality of the tulle, and comb, but it's equally important to pay attention to the finishing details, craftsmanship, and overall durability.
Look for clean stitching, neatly concealed edges, and secure attachments. Every element should feel intentional and well-executed. A beautiful veil isn't just about how it looks when you first try it on; it's about how well it holds up throughout your wedding day and for years to come.
The smallest details often make the biggest difference, and they're usually what separate a truly well-crafted veil from one that's simply beautiful at first glance.
Where the veil is attached to the comb, you shouldn't be able to see any raw edges. A well-made veil will have a clean, seamless finish, with the attachment point carefully concealed. It's a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about the overall quality and craftsmanship of the veil.
It's also a bonus if the veil is wrinkle-resistant. Your veil will likely spend time folded, packed, or transported before the big day, so choosing a fabric that releases wrinkles easily will help it look effortlessly beautiful from the moment you put it on.
If the veil you're considering has lace, make sure to check that the edges aren't fraying.
There's also a tricky aspect to lace quality: while some laces may look luxurious and expensive but are actually very prone to snagging. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to worry every time you turn around that your veil might catch on something. Choosing a durable, high-quality lace will ensure your veil remains beautiful while allowing you to move freely and confidently.
You want the tulle to feel delicate without being fragile. A high-quality veil should be soft and airy while still being durable enough to withstand movement throughout the day.
