Tips For Choosing a Wedding Veil That Doesn't Overshadow Your Gown

When it comes to essential bridal accessories, nothing completes a beautiful flowing gown quite like a perfectly matching veil. One of the most traditional and age old elements of the marriage ceremony, veils have come a long way in terms of style. With such a wide selection available of a rather specialized item, it's not easy to determine which veil is best for you.
While some brides prefer to stick to tradition and don the classic face-hiding veil of the past, others opt for a more contemporary look or simply leave out the veil altogether. Before you begin the hunt for the veil that will accent your gown perfectly, take a moment to learn the basics of veil styles, shapes and sizes with this quick guide.

Length
Length is the first major category you must narrow down when picking a veil. This can mean the difference between a more modern look opposed to something more classical and is also important in its relation to your dress.
Short – Short veils can add a lighthearted or whimsical twist to your overall look and are easy to wear as they are too short to restrict movement. They tend to complement modern gowns well—especially those featuring a shorter cut—but can also be paired effectively with long, slim gowns as well.
Elbow Length – Though still on the modern side of things, elbow length gowns represent a happy medium in that they are easy to wear, match well with just about all gown types and suggest a more traditional look while maintaining an updated style.
Fingertip – As the name suggests, these veils extend all the way to the bride's fingertips, creating an elongating effect and complementing most gown types except shorter cut models. As they encroach on a great deal of gown area, it's important that their patterns and embellishments match well.
Chapel or Cathedral – Chapel veils are the sort you would most likely find in a movie marriage. They extend all the way to the bride's feet, creating a decidedly formal and traditional look. However, this type of veil is especially popular lately with an extra slim cut, which adds a modern edge to an age old classic. Chapel veils can be paired with most gown types but work especially well with ball gown silhouettes and dresses with long trains.
Blusher – The blusher is an additional veil that can be added to another and is worn over the bride's face during the ceremony. This rather short veil is traditionally raised by the groom during the ceremony and adds an extra romantic and classic touch to the gown.
Shape
Veils are available in a number of shapes, from basic squares and ovals to teardrops and capes. Most blushers are traditionally square shaped while short and middle length veils have rounded edges, forming a rough oval. The best way to determine which shape fits your gown and figure best is by trying a number of them on with your wedding dress.
Extra Embellishments
While it's perfectly normal to choose a plain, undecorated veil for your wedding day, many brides find that certain embellishments help bring their entire wedding ensemble together. While some alterations make a concerted effort to match the particular patterns and flourishes of the gown itself, others are designed simply to complement the gown independently.
Popular materials for sprucing up veils include pearls, Swarovski crystals, beads and lace. Here are a few ways veils are often modified to add to the bride's overall look.
Edging – The trim, or edging, of the veil can have a dramatic impact on its overall effect. Rather than sporting a raw edge, many brides prefer to add piping, lace or intricate beadwork. The modification of trim around a veil is a great opportunity to incorporate elements of the gown itself into the veil.
Color – Veils are available in just about every subtle hue a wedding dress may come in. However, some brides also enjoy the look of colored edging or beads in the veil, which both offer a quirky, modern look.
Lace – The addition of lace to the veil can be accomplished as edging or with more intricate embroidery. Embroidered designs can mimic patterns seen on the gown itself and can even echo a necklace or other piece of jewelry, offering a truly upscale and elegant effect.
Regardless of the type, length or embellishments you choose for your veil, simply the inclusion of one adds a truly charming touch to any wedding ceremony. The use of veils is coming back into vogue, with an emphasis on longer, more dramatic styles.
This versatile accessory can instantly add either of touch of contemporary or traditional fashion to your gown. Take a moment now to narrow down your choices for the perfect wedding veil.