Your wedding gown is chosen and ordered, at last. It is now time to think about your veil, that beautiful piece of fluff that will make you look ethereal as you glide down the aisle. As with every other aspect of your wedding, you have a great many options in terms of your veil. Deciding which to choose means taking the rest of your "wedding look" into consideration. Here are some things to consider.
Your Hair
What you decide about your hairstyle will influence many of your other decisions. For just a moment, picture your wedding in your mind's eye. Do you envision it as elegant or casual? Romantic or fun? Traditional or trendy? Will it be held in a church, a garden, or a hotel? Will your dress flow or cling? Why do these things matter? Because where the wedding is to be held and its degree of formality will influence how you wear your hair and your veil.
The next important consideration is whether you want your hair or your veil to take center stage. If it's your hair, will it be pinned in place so it doesn't move or blowing in the wind? Your hairstyle is so important when choosing a veil, if you can, have it done and wear that style the day you go trying on veils.
You may be thinking, how can I possibly know how I'm going to wear my hair months or even a year from now? While you may alter some of the details before the actual day, chances are you already know deep down exactly how you want your hair to look. Keep that picture in mind as you look at veils. It will make decision-making so much easier.
Your face
Originally, a bride's face was covered by her veil until the end of the ceremony when she was "revealed" to her groom. In more formal or religious weddings, that tradition is still observed, using a double-tiered wedding veil.
Often today, however, the face is no longer covered. You may want a simple, single-tier veil or one attached to a headpiece. If you plan to hold your reception in a park, a garden or at the beach, where a veil might get in your way, you may want to omit it completely or keep it short and removable for after the ceremony.
Your height
Consider a veil that is in proportion to your height. If you are short (about 5'4" or less), an elbow length veil (about 30 inches long) can be flattering. If you are tall, the rule of thumb is to wear a longer veil, so ladies taller than about 5'6" should consider a fingertip veil (36 inches long). Also, if you are taller than the groom, consider skipping a tall, gathered veil or big headpiece.
Your wedding gown
You really can't pick a veil you absolutely love without knowing what your wedding dress looks like. Here is a rule to remember: you don't want your veil and the dress to compete for attention. You don't want an elaborate veil with an elaborate dress. Rather, a simple, minimally trimmed veil will put the spotlight where it belongs - on you and your gown. Conversely, if your gown is a sheath or some other classically simple style, a beaded, lace- or jewel-trimmed veil can be the star of the show. Here are some ways that rule comes into play:
* Allow your veil to show off your dress's details.
* Be sure the veil length is just above or below the dress's focal point or waistline.
* Choose a long, sheer veil to reveal and emphasize lavish details on the back of a gown.
* Make your veil as long as or shorter than your dress.
* Wear a very long veil only if your dress has a train.
* Choose a fingertip veil or elbow-length veil for a floor length gown.
Follow these tips and your veil will complement the rest of your ensemble as well as showcase your beauty in the best possible way.
Bobette Kyle-Wagner is publisher at MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com -- a Website helping engaged couples get the most use from Internet wedding resources. The site includes online wedding tips, original articles, tutorials, and shopping sections. Read more about wedding veils (styles, lengths, colors, etc.) at: www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com/veils
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