No matter how utilitarian your everyday style, when you are a bride, it is much more fun to go for an outfit with all of the trimmings.
This is why veils remain so popular, even among brides who already live with their fiancés and with second time brides as well.
From the beach to the ballroom, this is a guide to the perfect veil for every type of wedding.
Your veil should complement your gown and suit your location.
This is why cathedral length veils are so popular in cathedrals, and little flyaway veils are seen adorning brides dashing down the steps at City Hall.
In some families, there are also religious or cultural traditions to keep in mind, such as the wearing of a blusher in Jewish ceremonies, and the custom of lace mantillas for Spanish brides.
Starting from shortest to longest, here is an overview of the different types of veils, and which style is best for which wedding.
Little shortie or flyaway veils can brush the shoulders or go as long as the waist.
The really short ones can be very sweet when made from interesting materials like point d'esprit or a netting with larger spaces than regular tulle.
This style is best suited for vintage inspired gowns, like a 1960s mod shift.
It looks adorable on a bride with a very short haircut.
The waist length veil is ideal for 1950s style dresses.
The most versatile length for a veil is fingertip length.
If you are unsure about which veil to choose, this is always a good one.
Look for fingertip length veils that have details that coordinate with your gown or bridal jewelry sets.
Beaded edges are very popular among brides wearing sets of crystal bridal jewelry; lace edges are beautiful for a romantic effect.
An often overlooked veil is the mid-calf length.
It can be just right if you are having an outdoor ceremony and want the look of a long veil without having one dragging through the grass.
A mid-calf veil can also be lovely for petite brides who might get swallowed up by an overly long veil.
A variation on this is a veil that hits just an inch off the floor.
For the prettiest effect, choose a floor length veil without any border, so that it can flow seamlessly into the hem of your gown.
If you are having an indoor wedding, you can select a veil that touches the floor.
A sweep veil extends about a foot onto the ground.
It works beautifully with a slim dress that has no train or a tiny sweep train.
In fact, a veil of this length is usually much more flattering with a slinky sheath dress than a fingertip length veil.
The long lines of the sweep veil will echo the flow of the slender gown.
Chapel length veils are lovely for brides who want a more traditional or formal look.
They flow about seven feet from the headpiece, and work very well with blushers and other layers.
One tip: if you are wearing a blusher or a tiered veil, you can remove the chapel length veil for the reception, but keep one of the shorter ones.
It looks very pretty in the photographs of the first dance and the cake cutting.
You can decorate a chapel length veil to match any style of wedding gown.
A silk ribbon edge is simple and lovely.
An embroidered and beaded border on the veil adds interest to a very plain wedding dress.
Lace is also a beautiful choice, either to match lace appliques on the gown, or to make an unembellished dress more special.
Finally, there is the cathedral length veil.
It is the longest type of veil, and is usually paired with a cathedral length train on a very formal bridal gown.
This ultra long veil is not as versatile as the other lengths.
It is best reserved for a very formal wedding in a cathedral or other venue with a long and grand aisle.
The dramatic veil is perfect for such impressive wedding locations.
Whatever your wedding will be like, there is a veil that will be the perfect finishing touch to your bridal gown.
Even if you think a veil is not your style, go ahead and try a few on with your wedding dress.
Nothing says, "Here comes the bride", quite like a veil!