The mystery of wedding veils

[kaykayblue]

Hello all,

Sorry for the bridal angle, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice or tips on wedding veils. All the websites say to match the veil to the dress, but my dress is pure lace, with no beading at all other than a small patch under the bust. It has a full lace back. I kind of feel like I will look like a doily if I wear a lace veil as well.

First here is the dress on a model, which makes it look a little more structured than it actually is.

Secondly there is the dress on a mannequin, which gives a better idea of how fluid it is. It's literally just a silk slip and a lace overlay.

The only thing I know is that I don't want some awful 1980's big tulle monstrosity on my head. Since the dress is simple should I go for a more dramatic veil? Or should I keep the veil simple in keeping with the dress?

I won't have much of an opportunity to shop for veils, so am trying to get as many ideas as possible now.

Thanks!!

I couldn't do two pictures in one post, so here is the other image

What about something similar in style to Kate Middleton? I think hers was soft silk with an edge of lace trim - which would pick up the style of your dress without looking like a doily!

What a lovely dress!

Gorgeous dress! Why not have a look at this site which gives advice on the fabric, styles, length, etc? I'd go for a sheer mantilla of bridal illusion fabric with a plain cut edge, which would float above the dress and not obscure its lovely lace. I think the mantilla shape is so much more flattering and a bit more unusual, but looks beautifully simple and so would compliment the clean lines of your dress. Also, I would avoid the stress of trying to match any lace on your veil with that on your dress.

Thanks mumof3xox! I tried on quite a lot, and decided that not only was this the most elegant, it was also by far the cheapest!!

Statistically challenged - I do really like the look silk veils, and maybe I could find one without a heavy trim, which I think would start edging into doily territory. After seeing some of the prices (upwards of £300?!?!) I was thinking about a blusher veil...but the more I look at them....the more they remind me of bee keepers!!!

Have you looked into the history and meaning of veils? Perhaps if you do you'll decide not to bother and save yourself £300+!!!

I think the dress is so stunning that a veil might detract from it's intricacy.... a simple piece of sparkly jewellery in your hair might look lovely.....

Boff...I can't be too plussed about symbols of virginity considering I'll be wearing a white dress!

Thanks cats I'll definitely check out that site.

Kbear - yea I was worried about that too - especially since I am having the full back option. I guess I was worried that I might look a little underwhelming as a bride considering my dress is very subdued, my hair will be too short to do anything really complex with, and I'm going for very natural make up. I thought maybe a veil would "bride" it up a little!

I haven't completely made up my mind. I'm not getting married in a church, so if I find a truly gorgeous hair comb (gold coloured) then I could be swayed.

I've seen veils like these, which are a bit shorter, so would finish at the waist (which might look better with the shape of the dress) and are completely sheer, so it wouldn't hide the dress.

here

I think a veil could look too cluttered with the high neckline and lace, especially if you will have your hair down, a tiara or similar might look better. I didn't wear one myself because I dislike the symbolism, but my dress was also lace covered shoulders/high neckline and I don't think it would have looked right even if I had wanted one.

x-posted re hair. I wouldn't describe the dress as subdued, I think it is really dramatic and very bridal.