Wedding Wednesday: Veils {Rapid City Wedding Photography}

You probably are aware of the endless options for wedding dresses, but you might not be aware of the near equal amount of veils there are to choose from. Today we’ll briefly cover the basics, offer some tips for picking out the perfect complement to your gown, and of course show off some gorgeous Legacy brides wearing examples of the various types.

Basic Veil Terminology & Descriptions (in order from shortest in length to longest)

Birdcage: The shortest of all the veils, birdcage veils are most often worn just covering the eyes and usually never extend past the chin.  Adorned with flowers, Swarovski crystals, or feathers, there are many options to help customize it to your dress and wedding style.

Blusher: Most commonly shoulder length or a little longer, this veil is actually the one worn in front until whoever walks you down the aisle lifts is up. They usually have little to no edging or detail and are often separate from another veil, as to have the option to forego it at the reception.  See below for some fun ways you can get the most use out of your blusher veil!

Elbow-length: Just as it sounds, this veil extends to the elbow and offers a romantic, yet informal feel perfect for daytime, outdoor weddings.

Fingertip-length: Just as it sounds, this veil extends to the fingertips and is usually the most flattering to brides and their dresses.  Often these veils are available in single or double tiers.

Chapel-length: For a more formal affair, a chapel-length veil can be most fitting. Continuing on down to the floor, it adds a strong sense of elegance to any wedding.

Cathedral-length: The longest of the veils, these are perfect for super formal weddings. Although, they have gained popularity in many destination beach weddings, as they are so very lovely to photograph.

 

Tips for finding the perfect veil:

  • If you decide to have a blusher, please, please, please choose one with absolutely no edging. You will thank me later when you look at your photos and you don’t have anything (i.e. a weird edge) splitting you in half. We still want to see your beautiful self behind that blusher!
  • Speaking of blushers, they are most often the least expensive but have several uses, making them the biggest ‘bang for your buck.’ Planning a night out on the town for your bachelorette party? Add it as a short veil to your ensemble. Chances are good that someone is going to make you wear one anyways. Whoever catches the bride’s bouquet is supposedly the next to get married, right? Why not tie the blusher to the bouquet and help the next girl out? Finally, a blusher is probably the most timeless piece of your bridal attire, which makes it the perfect heirloom if you so desire.
  • Don’t forget to think about where your wedding will take place. Do you need to worry about your veil constantly being blown into trees or is there a chance that there could be lots of mud? Then you might not want a very long veil. It seems like a pretty obvious thing to consider, but when you’re caught up in the moment at the bridal store, it can sometimes be a distant thought.
  • Finally, even if you think you won’t want a veil, go ahead and just try one on. You may find that it makes you feel more like a bride or you might confirm what you already thought. Either way, you’ll never know for sure until you try. But be prepared for happy tears from those accompanying you, as mothers and bridesmaids are most famous for doing this as a veil is being placed on at a fitting.

 

 

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