The Art of the Veil: How to Choose (and Style) a Wedding Veil
written by Amanda Banks
When it catches the light, flows in the breeze, or softly frames your face, a veil adds something cinematic to your day. It’s a piece of design, a symbol of transition, and a beautiful storytelling element in your wedding imagery.
Whether you’re going full cathedral or barely-there chic, here’s how to choose a veil that feels like you.
1. Start with the Mood, Not the Rules
Forget the “shoulds.” The right veil complements the feeling of your day, not just the style of your dress.
Ask yourself:
Do I want my look to feel modern and clean, or romantic and ethereal?
Am I drawn to structure or softness?
What kind of movement do I want in my photos?
When you start from mood, not rules, you’ll choose a veil that truly belongs to your story.
2. Know Your Lengths (and What They Say)
Each veil length tells a slightly different story:
Birdcage: Chic, fashion-forward, and a little vintage.
Shoulder/Fingertip: Minimal and modern - great for outdoor weddings or sleek silhouettes.
Chapel: Softly romantic and classic.
Cathedral: Statement-making, cinematic, and stunning in grand spaces like Napa estates or San Francisco City Hall.
The key is harmony. Your veil should enhance the overall look, not compete with it.
3. Think About the Light
From a photography perspective, veils are magic. They diffuse sunlight, create soft shadows, and add layers of texture that elevate your images.
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or golden hour portraits, choose a lightweight, sheer fabric (like English tulle) that catches the light beautifully and moves with ease.
4. Don’t Forget the Moment
Veils are made for movement - the lift, the toss, the walk down the aisle. Those in-between moments (your partner brushing it aside, wind catching the edge) are where the magic happens.
Let your photographer guide you through a few natural movements during portraits to make the most of this detail. The result? Images that feel alive.
5. Be True to Your Style
Some brides skip the veil altogether and that’s beautiful too. Whether you wear one for the ceremony, remove it for the reception, or replace it with a bow, cape, or headband, the only rule is that it should feel like you!
The most timeless images are the ones that reflect your essence, not a trend.