Match Veil with Dress

There's a lot to process when it comes to choosing a veil. We asked expert bridal styles what wedding veils they prefer, according to wedding gown style. These are by no means hard and fast rules, but they're helpful tips for brides looking for a starting point.

A Heavily Embellished Gown

If you have your heart set on a heavily beaded or embellished dress, you can go one of two ways with your veil. For the princess-y bride who loves herself some sparkle, a classic, raw edge cathedral veil with scattered Swarovski that will 'twinkle' as you walk down the aisle is absolutely stunning. Another fitting option she suggests: "A veil with minimal matching beadwork along the edge."

A Simple-But-Stunning Dress

If a bride has a simple dress and wants to amp up the drama without any embellishments, an angel cut veil trimmed in satin, horsehair or organza is always a good choice. "It will frame the face of the bride beautifully, and when it cascades down, you'll see a spiral of fabric on the edge that gives you that dramatic look and feel." A veil with touches of light lace is also very elegant styled with a simple dress.

A Dress with a Statement Back

A breathtaking ornate or sheer illusion lace back is a popular trend. To show off your backside, a special custom cut cathedral without any accents (beadwork or crystals) in the body of the veil. Think sheer and chic and remember to steer clear of multiple layers of fabric.

A Gown with a Long Train

As long as your gown doesn't have a ton of back detail, you can pretty much wear any type of veil with a dress that has a long train, is by far a cathedral veil. "It's so interesting and creates a dramatic, ethereal look." Just make sure the veil extends past the train, this is particularly important if the train on the wedding gown is heavily beaded.

A Modern Dress

For brides opting to go the contemporary route (think fit-and-flare, mermaid gowns and tea-length dresses), a more modern style veil is perfectly appropriate. These are the short, layered, square-cut and blusher styles. A short veil (shoulder to elbow length) is great for a tea-length dress or a city hall dress.

A Vintage Wedding Dress

If your something borrowed happens to be your wedding dress, why not go all out with a birdcage veil to match? It will become the ornate part of the ensemble.

A Short Wedding Dress

The shorter the dress, the shorter the veil! For a sassy, cocktail length gown or shorter, we love a birdcage veil, or better yet, a whimsical multiple layer veil in a shorter length.

A Beachy Bohemian Dress

Getting hitched oceanfront? A chapel veil is great for a beach wedding when you want the veil flowing in the wind but not to be too cumbersome.