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I’m sure what I am about to describe has happened to some of you. You stand in front of the mirror at the bridal shop, trying to decide if this is The Dress. You smooth down the fabric around your hips, adjust the neckline, check out the way that the train lays in the back. “Hmm,” you say, almost to yourself. Then, almost out of nowhere, the bridal consultant sweeps in and plops a veil on your head. “There! A bride,” she exclaims. “Perfect!”
In bridal stores, as well on shows like Say Yes to the Dress, the veil seems to function as the ultimate transformative piece (and hard-sell accessory): you put it on, you become a bride! But what happens when you don’t want to wear a veil?
I knew from the beginning that I didn’t want to wear a veil. That’s not to say that I didn’t admire veils. I love long, lace-tipped ones, like this one from Rohm. It’s also not to say that I didn’t try any veils on; I had veils dropped on my head whenever I seemed remotely interested in whatever dress I was trying on. Having the consultant do so, however, just reinforced my feeling that a veil just wasn’t for me.
I did know that I wanted to accessorize my gown with some kind of hairpiece. Like I had done so many times before, I turned to Etsy. I first started looking at different hair flowers. (I just realized that several of the ones that I bookmarked have tiny tulle netting attached!)
Image via Amie Noel Designs
Image via Tessa Kim
Image via The Little White Dress
I then started looking for crystal or pearl hair clips, wanting to see if I could match some of the detailing in my belt and other accessories.
Image via Aurora Bridal
Image via Amie Noel Designs
Image via Feathers and Frills
One of these hair accessories stood out more than the others. I placed my order and hoped that I would love it as much in person as I did in the picture. Bees, I did!
The packaging
The clip!
Are you accessorizing your gown with a veil, a hair flower, or a hair comb (or something entirely different)? How did you decide?
This is so true! I didn’t want to wear a veil, but when I found my dress, the consultant put one on my head and said, “There’s the bride!”. However, as much as I was against wearing one for the ceremony, I realized that I liked it! I didn’t expect to. So now I will forgo the hair piece and wear a veil for the ceremony. My how things change!
I am not wearing a veil either! I am getting married on the beach and I just know that the wind is going to be blowing-the veil would just be all in my face! I want to avoid that mess!
Yay! That one totally caught my attention, it’s so pretty!
i was veil-less too. i never even considered it - especially after it was popped on my head at bridal shops.
don’t regret it at all!
Oooh, your clip is gorgeous! I would want to wear it everyday.
also, my make up artist asked me if i was wearing one and when i told him “no,” he jumped for joy.
HE HATES THEM because they blow in your face and mess up your make up 
I still don’t have a dress but I’m pretty positive I want a cathedral length veil (must be my religious upbringing, haha). I then want to have a separate fingertip length veil to wear for the reception. I loveeee veils.
My FI on the other hand didn’t want a veil at all, but had the veil moment at the bridal store and got a basic fingertip length one. But she is planning on having a feather/flower headpiece for the reception.
I love your hair comb jewely piece. It is beautiful and will look great against your blonde hair.
Very pretty!! I used hair pins (and a veil too), because I have very fine hair, and my hairstylist warned me that some of those (admittedly gorgeous) clips are very heavy.
I love the one you picked!
I’m with you! I also did not want to wear a veil and did not do so. That being said - I also love them and think some are just beyond gorgeous. I got married in Oct and now helping my sister with her wedding, and now I seem to be the one running to plop a veil on her head and going….awwwwwwwww!!! LOL. She’s definitely wearing one. But it wasn’t for me (second wedding…on the beach….etc). Plus my DH didn’t really picture me in one, so that was good. I wore a flower fastenator with a few little feathers and netting. I bought mine on Etsy and send the seller a picture of me wearing it which she now as posted on her other listings. I was really happy with it and do not regret my decision to not wear a veil.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80455528/ivory-bridal-fascinator-wedding-hair
That piece is beautiful!
I’ve been so torn…we have a chapel length, lace mantilla in the family, but my dress designer made me a veil that I love. So, I’m wearing that for the ceremony.
For the reception, I decided on a ribbon hairband for my hair that could be worn alone or with a low, off-center pony tail. I’m still not sold on that, so I also got a flower comb.
I figure that having a few options on hand will help. Well, that’s what I’m telling myself right now.
@soyjoy222: Sometimes I wish I were more of a veil-wearing bride since I think that veils are so beautiful! I bet yours will look lovely on you.
@Katherine: That’s definitely a good reason to avoid a veil! I always liked beach weddings where brides just wore a flower or a clip.
@futureMrsCPT: Thanks!
@k8e: Haha, that’s a funny comment about your makeup artist! He also has some interest in you not covering up your beautiful makeup. 
@Mrs. Pony: I have to admit that I’ve put it in my hair a couple of times around the house, even if I’m only wearing sweatpants.
@Miss Eagle: Thanks! I like how both of you were able to find veils that best suit your personalities. There are so many options out there.
@Ms.Snax: Thanks!
@tanbarr: Wow, you look GORGEOUS! Thanks for sharing that link.
I’m going for the cathedral length veil, but I’ve been thinking about swapping it out for a hair flower for the reception!
@Miss Mink: Options are definitely helpful. You can always make a decision on that day, if you want to leave it up to how you feel!
@Tina Tina: My sister wore a fingertip veil that had a decorative flower comb at the top. When it came to the reception, she just had her hairdresser/friend cut off the veil from the flower comb! It was definitely an option I never would have thought of.
Gorgeous hair accessories! I am wearing a veil to the ceremony, but am looking for a clip or flower for the reception. You’ve given me some great ideas.
I’ve decided to wear a veil just for the ceremony, but will be switching to a fun hairpiece for the reception. I love love LOVE the pearl and crystal hair piece you posted. It totally matches the decor on my dress. Buuuut $100 is a little (ok, a lot) over what I wanted to pay for a hairpiece. Dang!
@Miss Hawk: Glad that I could help!
@Alleycat: I searched for “pearl and rhinestone comb” on Etsy. I found some similar ones at different price points as well.
I am an all out veil girl haha….I love your hair comb! Absolutely stunning!
Thanks, Miss Doe! I can’t wait to see your complete wedding look!
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Mrs. Mole, Los Angeles/Las Vegas Age and Occupation: 29, Test Prep Instructor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 31, User Experience Architect Engagement Date: April 2011 Wedding Date: January 2012 Venue: Wynn Las Vegas/Bouchon Bistro About Me: I’m a Wisconsinite-turned-Angeleno who is planning a destination wedding in Las Vegas. I am passionate about education: I spent 23 (!) consecutive years in school, and now I work to help other people get into graduate programs. I love running on the treadmill, buying bath products from Lush, learning new moves in step aerobics, and exploring my neighborhood on foot. I am sometimes snobby about food, but I am rarely snobby about books. I read everything from Geoffrey Chaucer to Iris Murdoch to Chuck Klosterman to Candace Bushnell. My fiance and I are getting married on our third anniversary!
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