The Veil
Did you miss it Sunday night? The EPIC return of Downton Abbey and one beautifully inspired 1920's wedding? I couldn't keep my eyes from the television, hooked on every will they or won't they Mary and Matthew moment! (Let's be real, I clapped and cheered!) BUT out of all the turn of the century drama, the one thing that simply took my breath away was Mary's veil. In a word, stunning. Perhaps I'm a traditionalist but I love a beautiful and delicate veil and this one took the cake!
There are so many options for Brides these days when it comes to what they'll wear and that certainly isn't limited to the dress! Veils come in so many shapes and sizes it can be hard to choose which one is right for you! Or if you should even wear a veil at all! Today every Bride's style is different from the rest, the key is finding the look that works perfectly for you and your dress!
So if you do decide to go the veil route, what kind should you get? Let's break it down shall we?
Shoulder length veil -- This is particularly short veil that will hit right around your shoulder, (most of these veil names are quite literal.) Think opening scene of My Best Friend's Wedding! (ya know, I'm a-wishin, and a-hopin ;)) Definitely a more vintage look, but could certainly look amazing with the right dress and Bride!
Blusher -- Ahh the blusher! A piece of delicate fabric that will be attached to your veil, meant to flow over the Bride's face as she walks down the aisle. These will come in all shapes and lengths depending on the veil, like seen in Mary Crawley above. I simply LOVE blushers.
Elbow length -- An elbow length veil will hit right around you guessed it, your elbow. a perfect fit for a hot summer's day! And depending on where you place your veil in your head could determine the length of the veil. Some woman prefer to place the veil at the nape of their neck while others will place the veil towards the top of their head. Try the different positions and see what works best with your hair and your face structure.
Fingertip length -- A fingertip veil will hit just around the bottom of your fingertips... something I learned when trying on veils! This seems to be a VERY popular option for brides as the veil doesn't flow all the way to the ground but still gives that ethereal bridal look! Think Kate Middleton and the Royal Wedding:). (Psstt, my veil was this length.)
Floor Length -- Floor length pretty much is true to form, as most floor length veils will skirt the bottom of the floor. Very Similar to the Chapel and Cathedral veils, but just shorter in length.
Chapel Length -- Chapel length will typically fall at the end of the train on your wedding dress (of course depending on the length of your train!) It will flow down the back of your dress and land near the end of the hem, making it a dramatic addition to your wedding dress! Typically these veils are traditional for church settings, but c'mon who wouldn't love to see a beautiful long veil blowing in the wind of an outdoor ceremony?!
Cathedral Length -- Ok we're talking Princess Di or Sound of Music length veil here. This is the veil made for drama! So if you're walking down a long church aisle or just want to go for that added drama of a LONG veil, this is the one for you! And as a photographer, can I just say that this is my FAVORITE kind of veil to photograph? It's just so incredibly bridal and feminine and offers so many options when photographing the Bride! Definitely NOT just for church weddings so if you're getting married outdoors don't be afraid of the longer veils!
Details -- Veils are trimmed in everything from a simple satin fabric to beading to intricate lace. (Some Brides have even monogrammed their veils!) Depending on your dress the detail on your veil should match whatever detailing you have on your dress. Your veil shouldn't compete with the dress but pair with it perfectly!
Other Options -- Beyond just the traditional veil, there are so many options for Brides looking to be just a bit different on their wedding day. Birdcage veils, flowers, brooches, headbands, and more!
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So are you going to wear a veil on YOUR wedding day? I honestly think there is nothing more Bridal and beautiful than a delicate veil!! If you're not wearing one, what are you doing instead?!