Veil or No Veil? How to Decide if it’s Right For You

Veil or no veil — that is the question. Whether you decide to wear a veil or not on your wedding day, there are pros or cons to each. But how do you decide if it’s right for you? When it comes to choosing, there are other factors to keep in mind like personal style, your dress and if it’s practical. Don’t worry — we will go over everything you need to know to help you decide whether or not you wear a veil on your wedding day.

It’s Okay Not to Wear a Veil

Before we begin, please remember it is completely fine not to wear a veil on your wedding day. Don’t let people try to tell you otherwise. There are so many alternate options to veils nowadays that can help complement your personal style, such as tiaras, headbands, bows and other hair accessories.

Some brides who choose not to wear a veil think they may regret it later on, but if it doesn’t feel authentic to you, you won’t regret the decision to skip the veil. If it doesn’t fit your personal style or the vibe of the wedding, don’t wear one. In the worst-case scenario, keep a budget-friendly veil on hand if you change your mind or want one for photo ops.

How to Decide: Veil or No Veil

Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable and beautiful on your wedding day, and this impacts your decision on whether to wear a wedding veil. If a veil doesn’t make you feel comfortable, don’t wear one. Some people think veils are traditional, and if traditional isn’t your thing, don’t worry about it. Again, don’t let someone pressure you into wearing one because it’s “tradition.” There are so many other elegant headpieces to choose from. Here are some tips to help you decide!

• Style: As we’ve mentioned before here, your overall bridal look should reflect your personal style. If your look is more classic, you might love the idea of wearing a veil. Or if you prefer more non-traditional looks, you might decide to go without and wear a different type of headpiece instead.
• Dress: Take a look at all the details of your wedding dress — neckline, overall design, etc. For some dresses, a veil complements it, while other dresses are better on their own. Ensure both the dress and veil complement each other beautifully.
• Practicality: Consider the venue, weather and any possible deterrents a long veil can cause. A shorter veil is a good compromise between practicality and style.
• Professional Advice: When in doubt, ask a wedding stylist or bridal boutique for advice on a veil. They have experience and can give insight into whether or not your wedding look needs a veil.

Pros and Cons of Wearing a Veil

Pro: Veils Make for Stunning Pictures

Veils in wedding pictures will help create stunning and romantic pictures. Wearing one during your ceremony will ensure your pictures are dreamy and unforgettable. Allow your photographer access to your veil while you are getting ready for styled detail shots of your accessories.

Con: Be Careful for Outdoor Weddings

Having a wedding outdoors means the wind could be blowing your veil around. There are also people accidentally stepping on it with muddy shoes if it’s a long veil. If you want a veil for outdoor weddings, maybe opt for a shorter one, or even pick a different headpiece to wear.

Pro: Adds Drama While Walking Down the Aisle

If you are not doing a first look, the first time your partner sees you will be walking down the aisle. A veil reveal will create a romantic and dramatic moment you’ll never forget.

Con: Another Accessory to Fuss Over

On your wedding day, there are so many items for your wedding day attire to remember — dress, shoes, undergarments, jewelry. A veil is just another accessory to remember to prep and steam and make sure it doesn’t tear or get stepped on.

Pro: Transforms Your Look

Not everyone has a reception dress. You can easily transform your ceremony to reception look with a veil. Wear the veil during the ceremony then remove it for the reception, maybe switch up your hairstyle or add in a different hair accessory like a headband.

Con: Another Layer to Your Dress

Wedding veils bring an ethereal vibe to your overall wedding day look — however, you may not want it covering your face while walking down the aisle to your partner. A veil can obstruct your view. If you don’t want it covering your face, just treat it like any other hair accessory.

Pro: Only Opportunity to Wear a Veil

You will most likely never get another opportunity to wear a veil besides your wedding day. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime accessory while other clips, headbands, and hair accessories can be worn to other formal events.

In the end, do what you feel most comfortable in and fits your style. If you are indifferent about a veil, take into consideration your dress and venue to help make your decision. Veil or no veil, you will look beautiful on your wedding.

For more veil inspo, click here.