To Veil or Not To Veil? Unique Trends for Wedding Day Headwear
You’ve said yes to the dress. But while your gown is the crown jewel of your wedding look, the right accessories can make it look complete. That begs the question: Veil or no veil?
While bridal veils are the traditional choice, they’re not the only hair accessory that can complete your signature look. Alternatives, like flower crowns, tiaras, and Learn more about the history behind bridal veils below, and learn whether or not they’re right for your look!
Why Do Brides Wear Veils?
The oldest records of bridal veils date back to Rome, where brides covered their faces to ward off evil spirits. Other cultures adopted the tradition into their own wedding ceremonies. In Christianity, the veil symbolizes modesty and purity, while in Judaism, the groom veils the bride during the ceremony to signify that he chooses her for her inner beauty.
While they went out of fashion for a while, bridal veils came back in full swing after Queen Victoria wore one on her wedding day. Just like her iconic white gown, wedding veils have been a bridal tradition ever since.
Should I Wear a Veil?
That depends! While many brides still choose wedding veils for their symbolism or cultural significance, today, more choose veils because they like the aesthetic. Gauze and lace can look magical in the right lighting and give your wedding portraits an ethereal quality.
Modern wedding veil trends
Veiling can be a way to stay traditional, express your style, and add a finishing touch to your bridal look. Wedding veils are always timeless. But today, they come in all styles, lengths, and colors, making it easy to find an option that suits your vibe.
Embellished Veils
While traditional bridal veils are simple and sheer, some brides are adding in extra detail through embellishments like pearls or white fabric flowers. The fine detailing adds visual interest to a bridal veil, perfect for giving understated gowns an extra flourish.
Colorful Wedding Veils
Who says your veil has to be classic white? Veils made from soft pink and dusty blue can add a beautiful pop of color while keeping a traditional aesthetic. If you love color, but aren’t completely sold on a non-white gown, this would be the perfect way to work in your favorite shades!
Embroidered Veils
Embroidered lace or appliques can make your veil look luxurious and upscale. You can also go the colorful veil route, with embroidered flowers or leaves. Plenty of specialty bridal shops offer embroidered veils like these, but if you’re crafty, you can always give the DIY route a try!
Initials
If you love personalized accessories, consider getting a veil with your initials or a special message embroidered on the back. Veils like these are ideal for statement photos and make for a beautiful souvenir alongside your bridal bouquet.
Do Brides Always Wear a Veil?
Nope! That’s the cool thing about modern weddings: You can pick and choose the traditions that matter to you. If you find a wedding veil too formal or outdated, no one will bat an eye if you skip it. The wedding police won’t be at your doorstep, we promise.
Plus, while a veil can set some gowns apart, it can overwhelm others. It all depends on your wedding style and your vision for your finished bridal ensemble!
5 Gorgeous No Veil Wedding Looks
If you’re on the no-veil train, the following accessory options can help you complete your bridal look with a non-traditional stamp.
Flowers
Flowers aren't just for your bouquet. They work beautifully in braided wreaths, crowns, or simple floral hairpins. Forgoing your veil can allow the flowers to take center stage and highlight your face. As a bonus, some bridal florists may provide an option to buy hair accessories, so your hair flowers and bouquet will match! Of course, you can also go a DIY route with faux florals.
Capes
If you’re partial to the flowing look of a longer veil, but don’t want the veil to obscure your hair, consider a bridal cape or cloak.
These accessories are often made from the same tulle or lace as a traditional bridal veil, but they drape over your shoulders and back. This way, you can get the same magical, flowing effect of a veil without obscuring your hair or face.
Cloaks
While cloaks are similar to capes, they come with a hood! The hood serves the same purpose as a veil, but it adds a touch of whimsy. This makes bridal cloaks the perfect finishing touch for alternative brides, especially those planning fantasy or witchy-inspired weddings.
Plus, cloaks don’t have to be made of sheer fabric. A bridal cloak made with thicker fabric or lined with faux fur can keep you warm and elegant for winter weddings!
Scarves
A bridal scarf drapes delicately around your neck and waterfalls down your back. These can look particularly striking with strapless and backless gowns. The scarf can add a focal point to your neck without the need for jewelry.
Bows
Hair bows aren’t just for flower girls! A well-placed bow can add a classy look to a braid or bun. A bow also doesn’t have to be in your hair, either. Oversized bows are a trending accessory for wedding gowns. You can attach the bow to the back of your gown for a decadent look, and you can always take it off, if it gets in the way.
Will I Regret Not Wearing a Veil?
Again, that depends. If a bridal veil isn’t your style, or you aren’t into the symbolism behind veiling, you likely won’t regret skipping this tradition. But if you’re on the fence about veiling, it never hurts to have a backup plan.
You can find more affordable bridal veils from options like David’s Bridal and Etsy, or even thrift one from Facebook Marketplace. Keep your more affordable veil on standby while getting ready, so you can make a last-minute swap if the mood hits.
You can also choose to wear a veil in certain wedding photos, but take it off during your ceremony and reception. Remember: Tradition is a suggestion, not a rule. It’s your wedding day, so wear whatever makes you happy!
Walk down the aisle at Kirkbrae
If you’re looking for the perfect place to show off your finished wedding look (veil or no veil), Kirkbrae Country Club has your back.
As one of the best wedding venues in Rhode Island, we can help you host a picture-perfect ceremony and reception, thanks to our gorgeous grounds and scenic views. Our on-staff event planners can help you with all your crucial wedding decisions and ensure every element of your big day goes according to plan. Give us a call and learn more about celebrating your big day with us!