Wedding Blog
I’ve heard time and time again that a woman doesn’t truly feel like a bride until she dons her veil for the first time. One of the employees of Michelle’s Bridal Shoppe even told me a story about a bride who chose her veil first and planned the rest of her wedding day attire around that. For many brides, the veil is an integral part of her wedding day.
So I’m beginning to think I may have a problem.
The thing is, I fully appreciate a beautiful veil. There’s something really breathtaking about a cathedral length veil skimming the floor as a bride makes her trek down the aisle. It’s just that I don’t really like veils on me.
Some lovely full length veils from Romona Keveza.
Gorgeous right?
Well… this is me in a long veil. I like to call it the bride-eating veil…. for obvious reasons.
So I blamed this unfortunate tulle explosion on the fact that I’m a pretty petite person, and decided a long veil was just not for me.
However, the sad fact is that a short veil does not automatically reduce the likelihood of poof-overdose.
Also from Romona Keveza. I secretly love all of these looks and wish I could pull them off!
These are some more examples of my previous run-ins with veils of the shorter variety. You can tell by my face in the first picture that I’m a little underwhelmed.
So for now, I’m still undecided and decided to take a little break from the veil hunt, before I’m consumed by my biggest fear…
which would be, of course, these veils:
(I feel like I should mention that Romona Keveza is actually my favorite wedding dress designer… I just strongly believe these veils should stay on the runway!)
Anyone else in my shoes when it comes to the great veil dilemma? Any tips or suggestions of how to overcome my veil phobia? What kind of veil did you choose?
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Share this post: Attack Of The Killer Veils
hmm, i think you’re right. the long veils consume you because you’re petite. The medium (waist length) look great on you though! Good luck!
You should definately stick with a single-layer veil if you’re afraid of it overwhelming you. Just a thought…if you’re not happy with what you’re seeing in the stores you could make one of your own. The less wide the tulle, the less “poof” you’ll have. With a couple of $$ in fabric you could experiment until your happy with the results.
I had some of the same issues, and I ended up skipping the veil altogether. Are you set on having one?
Try a single layer veil, maybe more mantilla like with all over lace or lace bordering the edges. this then lays in a sinlge layer at the top or back of your head. The single layer and the added heaviness of the lace gives a smoother less poofie feel. Plus if you attach it ath the base of your hair instead oft he top it floats more smoothly down your back.
have you tried a mantilla? that’s what i got bc i really didn’t like the poof. and they’re beautiful when they’re long.
I don’t think you should lose hope of the long veil if that’s what you like. It looks like the ones you tried on are too wide and the gathering of the fabric blocks the prettiness of the back of your dress.
I actually really like the veil in the middle picture of the set of three you posted! It doesn’t engulf you the way the others seem to do, if that makes sense?
I haven’t actually tried on dresses or veils yet, but I’m a bit more drawn to veils that are under the hair at the nape of the neck.
I know that’s not a popular option, but I find it creates a nicer, less poufy, sillouette, while still maintaining that sweeping along the floor effect 
How about no veil? There’s no rule that says you have to have one, and whatever–that line about “a bride doesn’t truly feel like a bride…” was probably invented by the veil industry. Try flowers, a bird cage…be creative! Don’t box yourself in by a traditional veil.
I had a single-layer fingertip length veil that was fastened under my low updo. So it was basically at the middle to lower part of the back of my head. I didn’t want to be overwhelmed either, and this way I had a veil, but it didn’t consume my head. 
If you’re wearing your hair in a low updo, I’d suggest doing that. Otherwise, have you considered a birdcage veil? Or one that only falls about mid-back? Or a drop veil that’s relatively short and all one layer?
I think you look lovely in a veil!! I too had an aversion to *poof*. How about a drop veil, which is basically just a large circular piece of tulle draped strategically on your head…
I love long veils too, but they definitely don’t suit me!
What about an even shorter veil? Instead of fingertip, maybe an elbow veil? That would look gorgeous with your dress, and would probably be not so intimidating in comparison to your frame
Miss Chickadee: I think you looked great in the second fingertip veil you had on, but I’m in the same boat! I just hate the way veils look on me… I caved though and got two options: a single layer basic basic elbow length veil for the ceremony and a beautiful custom made birdcage veil (that I just love!!!) Your dress would look fantastic with a birdcage veil and there are so many cool options out there now!
I too am anti-poof so, like several earlier commenters, I highly recommend you try a single layer veil! There are so many options (drop, mantilla, etc) and NONE of them have poof! Hehe. I found they were far less common at places where I went shopping but hang in there and I’m sure you’ll find some veils that don’t want to eat you!
I think no veils are nice too. Maybe with just some flowers?
But if you really want a veil, I would say go with the fingertip or elbow length
I too was very wary of the veil. For the record, I think the middle picture of the bottom set of pictures (of you) looks lovely.
I decided on a 1 layer cathedral with lace edging. the lace helped weigh down the pouf factor.
I don’t think the veils are as overwhelming on you as you think, but you should be happy with your veil choice. I agree with what the others have said…a single layer drop veil, mantilla or a bird cage veil might work for you! Good luck!
i echo mrs. emerald and suggest the drop veil…. but the single-layer under the up-do idea could work as well!
I know its been suggested, but I really like birdcage veils-and it looks like one could work with your dress! I think they’re adorable and a little vintage.
I struggled with the idea of a veil, but in the end I ended up being a hair bride–a bride more focused on my hair than my veil, and just had the comb. It looked very me, and I didn’t have to stress about a veil any longer.
I am petite as well and my one veil requirement that it not be in my face at all. I fell in love with a single layer cathedral length veil that stayed out of my face. I have short hair, so it was pretty high on my head, but it was gathered enough to fall nicely and not try to frame my face, which my hair was completely capable of doing. I found ones with detailed or heavy edging to be too much for me, so i stuck with a very plain edge. I thought about putting beads on it, but ended up just using it as is. Good luck deciding.
This is one of the issues I let me mom run with. She talked to someone who said making veils was really easy and she’d made them for her daughters. Well then my mom wanted to give it a go. At first I was scared how it would turn out and just wanted to buy the one in the store rather than hurt my mom’s feelings if I didn’t like hers. But she seemed so excited about it - I figured why not. It wasn’t perfect but no one could tell. I loved having another piece my outfit that was made with love personally for me by mom (she also made my garter)
It really was simple to make - and you can make as full or not full as you’d like. Of course mine was elbow length - I don’t know if she would have tackled a floor length one! And it was simple - no lace or beading - just piping along the edge.
I thought that the second medium-length one (next to the one where you’re “underwhelmed”) looks really cute!
Also, I know a lot of people who decided not to wear a veil at all — either for aesthetic reasons or because they didn’t like the symbolism. (That symbolism is another conversation altogether!)
I borrowed my veil and headpiece from my sister in law from when she got married. It served two purposes: first, it was my something borrowed. And second, I didn’t have to think about all the options (because she had essentially done the work for me when she picked it out to begin with!)
you could check out alternatives like flowers, or feathers (this works for the right person!), and or a birdcage veils…
If you’re wearing your hair up a veil might look okay…if not, the floor length veil does swallow you up and the shorter one just doesn’t go with your dress.
Whoops, I just noticed the difference in the pictures. I think the middle picture of the shorter veil looks good!
have you looked at narrower veils? i also thought veils looked weird on me and i ended up getting a 54″ wide finger-tip length veil. a lot of veils i looked at were around 75″-108″ wide which makes a pretty dramatic pouf on top of your head but the 54″ width is nice and sheer.
if you opt for a cathedral length, you may want to get one that is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top.
hope this helps!
I’m really torn about the veil. I have a beautiful cathedral-length drop veil I got on sale (it was such a bargain I couldn’t resist), and I admit when I put it on and look at myself I feel very elegant and bridal. But, I also think a cathedral veil in a noncathedral wedding is a bit ridiculous, and part of me honestly just doesn’t like veils and would rather go bare-headed. I figure this is a decision that’s going to come down to the very end :-).
personally i didnt notice a difference between the models and you! i thought the veils look fine =) its all in the eye of the beholder i guess, but to me you dont look overwhelmed at all =P.
I agree with X, I don’t think the long veil wa eating you… perhaps it was a little too “poofy;” but that can be fixed.
I couldn’t find a veil either, so my mother made me one. We bought some tulle (some nice, soft tulle!) and she made it herself. It took all of 30 minutes (she was watching Law and Order, so I’m sure it would take less time if you weren’t “as busy”)… I wanted a long veil, but no poofiness. So we made it as slim as possible; it wasn’t even as wide as my shoulders (It got a little wider closer to the floor). It really was the best thing we did; I was able to wear my long veil, and not feel over-whelmed by a lot of material.
I actually think the second one of the shorter set looks great ! There are single layer veils (that’s what I”m looking into, as I also am afraid of too much “poof” in my veil. Also with a classy mermaid silohutte, have you looked into maybe a “birdcage” style that maybe just kinda covers your just over your nose ? Kinda 30s ish style, so you may not what that Vintage-y style… but I think with a glam mermaid shape it could look awesome ! Also you could just do a flower, or pretty hair accessories and not have a veil at all !
I agree with trying a single layer veil, and securing it lower on the back of your head — I am also not a fan of the poof on top, and thought I looked silly with double layer veils on top of my head. I’ll definitely be getting a single layer and putting it below my updo! Makes such a difference but still adds a nice effect to the overall look.
I am also petite. I am dead set on a cathedral veil, but worried about the poof. I agree with many who have said single layer and trying placing it lower on your head if you don’t want it to frame your face. Keep trying. I think that you will look beautiful in a cathedral veil and I’m sure you will find the perfect one.
I agree that you should go with a single layer veil. I have the same issue. I looove long cathedral length veils with antique lace and all - but they don’t suit me because i am a little bit on the shorter side and they swallow me up!
i am going with a single layer blusher veil. it come to my elbows and goes so much better with my dress too! good luck
I think the long veil looks great on you!
In fact, I believe that the shorter one will “cut you in half”, so to speak, instead of elongating your look - and if you’re petite you want to avoid that. The Romona Keveza ones are gorgeous. I agree with the others about trying to find a long, single layer veil. You should definitely go for it!
I think the veils look great on you! I agree with whoever liked the middle one of the three.
It’s a bit more subtle than the others.
I wasn’t a fan of veils at all, but I, too, received the whole “you don’t feel like a bride until you have a veil” thing. I opted for an elbow/fingertip length veil, though mine was two layers. It wasn’t terribly poofy, but to minimize that effect even more, I wore the veil a little lower rather than high on my head. That actually made a big difference. Looking at photographs from the wedding, I’m glad that I wore a veil for the ceremony!
http://frostburg.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030852&l=e0f85&id=52200410
don’t give up just yet. keep looking, you’ve still got time to decide whether you want one or not.
miss chickadee, you look lovely! i think i agree with other wb posters that you should go with a shorter veil that is positioned BELOW your updo. i think it might be the case of a lot of fabric … because your dress has a long train. good luck! you look great!
I’m with Evie - I think I’m essentially not a fan of veils on my because of the symbolism that I don’t car for. Also don’t like the poof and my I’ve always been a hair person, so it only makes sense for me to go without a veil, use a flower or comb for an accessory and be a hair bride.
Oh wow, my computer is lagging today or I am, because I need some caffeine. Sorry about the misspellings! My comment should have read: I’m essentially not a fan of veils on ME because of the symbolism that I don’t care for.
*This former English major is embarrassed!*
I am petite, and I loved my single-layer, cathedral- length, no-pouf veil. I would suggest, as others have, that you try a single-layer veil and wear it lower. I had my hair in a low chignon and my veil was secured just above it, and I absolutely loved the look and it didn’t overwhelm me at all, just complemented my look and made me look very bridal.
I’m also petite (5′3”) and I’m not wearing a veil. I always knew I wouldn’t wear one. It’s just not “me” and I think the biggest mistake a bride can make is over-accessorizing– you get swallowed in all the crap you adorn yourself with! I’ll put flowers in my hair (which IS much more me) and not think even for a moment that people will be confused about who the bride is.
Even though The Knot and the people who sold you your dress tell you that you need to wear a veil to be a bride, they’re not right. Be true to yourself!!
i’m really petite too and i didn’t wanted a nice long veil without it being too overwhelming. http://www.occanseydesigns.com worked with me to create a beautiful custom veil… for the best price too! their website has a whole slew of samples and the owner is very prompt in communicating. good luck!
With the shape of your face and your nice long neck, I’d go with the veil-under-the-updo option is you are set on a veil. And a pretty flower (real or silk) or sparkly hair pin would also look great. Do whatever makes YOU feel gorgeous!
I wore a birdcage veil and LOVED it! I was torn between a cathedral and birdcage (I know they’re very different, haha), and ended up going w/the birdcage and I’m SO GLAD I did. During the reception I pinned it back and it looked like a vintage-y hair decoration. It was great to feel “bride-y” without having to worry about a huge veil following me around all day!
http://www.myweddingveil.com/photogallery.htm
I ended up going for flowers instead of a veil. None looked right on me and I liked flowers better anyways!
I think it looked like the long veil was consuming you because the pictures of the girls on the catwalk are walking and so their veils are trailing behind them.
I really don’t think that the long veil looked like it consumed you. …but its your day!
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Mrs. Chickadee, Peoria, IL
Age and Occupation: 22, Freelance Advertising
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Mechanical Engineer
Engagement Date: February 10, 2007
Wedding Date: June, 2008
Blogging Since: September 13, 2006
Venue: Methodist Church/Country Club
About Me: My parents always said I should wait until graduating college before getting married…Mr. Chickadee and I finally graduated this past spring and we didn’t waste any time getting straight down to business. It’s been four long years, but the wedding planning is finally underway!
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