Weddings in 2023: Make sure your big day is protected
A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues,...
When it comes to choosing a veil for your wedding day, there is such a huge amount of choice. The style, the length, colour, edge finishing. The choices are endless.
"As a wedding photographer I have seen and photographed a fair number of veils," shares Fiona, of Fiona Forwood Photography, based in Buckinghamshire. "I wanted to share some practical tips on choosing your own wedding veil....
"When I got married, I wasn't particularly fussed about having a veil. I think it didn't even cross my mind as I was concentrating so much about the dress. When it came to dress shopping, I was very open minded as I had no idea what style I wanted. When I settled on a beautiful Ronald Joyce mermaid style lace dress the lady in the shop suggested a veil to finish off the look, and once she put it on it totally completed the look and I knew right away I wanted a veil. I chose a fingertip length with some lace detail on the edging to match my dress. It was perfect. Enough about me, my point is even though I wasn't bothered about a veil, as soon as I saw it on, I knew I had to have one so I think it is best to be open minded.
My advice is to first start with your dress, then once you have set your mind on this, then look at veils. Some styles certainly suit themselves better to some dresses. For example, when Di and Wayne got married bride Di said she was unsure of what style to go for. She decided on a birdcage style (also often called a bandeau veil) which is the smallest veil you can get, and it attaches to your head often by a head band or slide, and the veil is a stiffer net type fabric to sit gracefully over your face. The style went perfectly with her tea length wedding dress and it looked amazing on Di. Wedding dresses with long trains really suit long veils like the cathedral length which is one of the longest you can buy. Walking down the aisle these long veils look so beautiful and elegant. The only downside to super long veils is that I have seen brides get a little frustrated by them, as even though the fabric is super light, there is a lot of it. But that is what bridesmaids are for, to help you out!
When it comes to veil colours the main ones are white, off white and ivory. The colour of your dress will have a big impact on which one you choose.
Many brides have asked me over the years when they should take their veil off on their wedding day. My answer is always it is completely your choice; however, it is nice to have it still on for your photos. Often, once the wedding photographs are completed the veil will come off, but some brides like to wear it for the entire day until first dance and why not? It is your wedding so you should do what you want to do and what makes you comfortable. If it is annoying you and keeps getting stepped on, get rid of it.
Edge decoration is also a big decision. Do you go plain? Lace edge? Satin edge? How about sparkles? As with wedding dresses there is a lot of choice. My advice is to try lots on. Really get a feel for what look and style you want to go for.
To continue reading Fiona's blog on wedding veils, head over to her website: https://www.fionaforwood.co.uk/wedding-veils/