Expert Advice From Mohammad Al Haj: How To Choose Your Wedding Veil
Written by on April 15, 2017.
Tagged under: Contessa Bridal, Expert Advice From Mohammad Al Haj: How To Choose Your Wedding Veil, bridal veils, how to choose your wedding veil, types of veil
Expert Advice: How To Choose Your Wedding Veil
So much thought and planning go into choosing the perfect wedding dress that your veil (if you are opting to wear one) can almost be a last minute decision. If you are confused about the various types of veil available, then our bridal fashion expert, Mohammad Al Haj of Contessa Bridal, is here to help! Below, in his last expert post for BCME, Mohammad explains how to choose your veil based on its length and colour, and discusses the other important things to bear in mind when completing your bridal look. Enjoy!
The veil is generally a simple accessory, but as there are so many variations, you may feel unsure as to what kind of veil to go for. Seeing that this is an iconic bridal piece, it is important to choose the perfect one for you.
Decide on the length of the veil
Test out a variety of options when you go for your first dress fitting to see what length works best with your gown. It is possible that the designer has already tailored a veil for the dress, but it may not match your personality or expectations. There is always the classic route of tradition, where longer veils are the standard of elegance, such as ballet, chapel or cathedral styles. These types of veils flatter most women; thus you cannot go wrong if you pick one of them.
However, if you want to add a little oomph and wish to play more with the style of your veil, you could consider shorter veils, like bandeaus, birdcages and blushers. This way you can add a retro edge or embrace a more modern look.
Make sure the colour and the fabric match your dress
Unless you want to spice up your look with a vintage piece, it is important that the veil matches your dress perfectly. Tulle is generally an ideal choice, as it is budget-friendly and will keep its shape perfectly. It also offers an airier look. For extra glamour, though, you can opt for lace, silk, and satin, too. They will hang more straight but will look lavish and extravagant.
Go for a balanced look
As a general rule, if your wedding dress is heavily embellished, your veil should be clean and simple, with minimal extras.
The reverse is also true. You can get creative with your veil if you have a simpler gown. Feel free to play around with unexpected shapes, accents and textures. Chapel length veils can look royal with lace trimming and floral embellishments. Similarly, a birdcage veil is smashing with pearl accents. For a modern and striking look, a glam sequined blusher can be the perfect choice.
Consider your hairstyle
This is something you need to envision in time. Some veils just don’t go with certain hairstyles or will simply hide an intricate hairdo. For example, halo veils, bridal caps and mantilla veils work best when hair is worn down or in low chignons, while blushers and birdcages are much more versatile and can be worn with most hairstyles. If you have a stylish hairdo and want to keep the focus on it, you may want to pin your veil below the bun. Your stylist will help you strike the right balance if you take your veil to the trial appointment.
Allow for accessories
You can elevate your overall appearance if you match your veil with a statement hairpiece. Halo veils, for example, need a headband to hold them in place.
If you have a blusher or a birdcage style, you can opt for unique accents. Finally, classic styles, like elbow, cathedral, chapel or fingertip length look best with a royal topper or a beaded or crystal headband.
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