How To Choose The Right Veil For Your Dress

Choosing the right veil for your dress is a common concern for many brides. Whether your gown is beaded, lace, plain or full of drama, there are veils that will complement it beautifully — and more than one that could be a great match. Even if you can’t visit us in person for a veil consultation, we’ve helped hundreds of brides find the right veil from home, and in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do the same. From silhouette and fabric to train length and theme, here’s how to confidently pick the right veil for your dress.

Which Types Of Veils Go With Which Dresses?

The rules for matching your wedding dress and veil aren’t as strict as you might imagine. While it’s easy to assume there’s only one “perfect” veil for your specific dress, the truth is that several styles could work beautifully. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider — from your dress’s details and silhouette to its train length, available veil styles and overall wedding theme.

And if we may toot our own horn for a second – you’re in expert hands when it comes to wedding veil advice. With almost 20 years of experience in helping brides find their perfect veil, especially through virtual consultations via DM and email, we’re well-equipped to assist you in making the best choice from the comfort of your home.

Need more help? Take our personalised wedding veil quiz for specific advice based on your dress. 

Tip 1. Look At Your Wedding Dress Details

Choosing the right veil for your dress depends on several factors including its details, silhouette, and train length—especially important if you’re seeking a full length veil. It’s also important to think about your wedding’s theme and which types of veils might match your overall vibe.

We’ll guide you through which veils pair best with detailed gowns, like those with beading or lace, and which ones complement simpler, more chic styles (hint: almost all of them!). We’ll also cover how different veil lengths work with various dress silhouettes, and which veil length might be best for your train.

Let’s explore each option below.

What Veil Should I Wear With a Lace Wedding Dress?

Lace wedding dresses can vary widely in their level of detail, from gowns covered in lace with high necks and full sleeves to designs that feature just a few lace appliqués on a tulle skirt.

If your dress is heavily detailed with lace, consider keeping your veil simple to avoid overwhelming the look. On the other hand, if your dress has more subtle lace accents, you have the freedom to choose a more intricate veil without worry. The key is to maintain a balanced look and keep the overall style cohesive—once a look feels too busy, it’s difficult to dial it back.

If you decide to pair a lace veil with your lace dress, aim to match the lace patterns as closely as possible. We can help you find the perfect lace for your veil by aligning shapes and patterns, whether they be scrolling motifs or floral designs.

Additionally, if your dress’s lace has sparkly beading, it’s important to choose a veil with similarly sparkly lace. A mismatch between matte and shiny lace can create an off-balance look.

What Veil Should I Wear With a Beaded Dress?

If your dress is adorned with sparkles, it makes sense to add a touch of that sparkle to your veil as well. You can keep it subtle with just a light scattering of diamantes or go for a bit more shimmer to catch the light. After all, you chose a sparkly dress for a reason, so why not let your veil complement that choice? Adding a bit of sparkle to the veil ensures that the back of your dress remains as dazzling as the front.

That said, I understand that adding more sparkle might feel a bit daunting for some brides. If you prefer to keep your veil simple and unadorned, that’s perfectly fine too. The sheer nature of veiling tulle allows the details of your dress to shine through beautifully, even without additional embellishments.

What Veil Should I Wear With a Plain Dress?

The answer is simple: ANY VEIL YOU LIKE! 😊

With a plain dress, you’re a beautiful blank canvas, and the possibilities are endless. Whether your gown is made of lustrous satin, silky crepe, or matte chiffon, an understated dress gives you the freedom to explore the entire spectrum of veils.

Maybe you were sure you’d end up with a lace or beaded dress, but instead, you fell in love with a simple yet stunning gown. Now’s your chance to incorporate those delicate details you originally envisioned—through your veil. From intricate lace to sparkling embellishments, the choice is yours, and there’s no limit to how you can personalise your look. Enjoy the freedom to choose anything you like!

Tip 2. Look At Your Wedding Dress Silhouette

Different dress silhouettes suit different veil lengths. The way a dress flares out — or doesn’t — can help determine the most flattering place for your veil to end. Below are some of the most common wedding dress shapes and the veil styles that pair well with each one.

A-Line Dresses with Veils

A-line dresses are wonderfully versatile, and so are the veils that suit them. Whether you’re going for classic or boho, this silhouette works with almost any veil length. A fingertip or chapel-length veil will flow naturally with the skirt, while a cathedral veil adds a touch of drama for formal venues or big entrances.

Fit and Flare / Mermaid Gowns

With fit-and-flare or mermaid styles, the skirt usually kicks out around the thighs — a great spot to end your veil. That’s why fingertip-length veils are such a popular choice here. They visually highlight your curves while staying light and elegant. Of course, a long veil can also look stunning if you want added length beyond the train.

Ball Gown Dresses with Veils

Ball gowns often have a cinched-in waist, which makes a waist-length veil a lovely choice — it draws the eye right to that flattering point and complements the fullness of the skirt.

But let’s be honest: if you’ve chosen a ball gown, you’re probably not afraid of a little drama. And what better way to lean into that than with a cathedral-length veil flowing behind you? A full skirt paired with a long veil is pure bridal magic — elegant, romantic, and guaranteed to turn heads.

Sheath and Column Dresses

Simple, sleek and minimal, sheath or column dresses often work best with equally clean, uninterrupted veils. A floor-length barely-there veil or drop veil looks effortlessly elegant and won’t distract from the silhouette. The long, vertical lines keep the look refined and modern.

Dresses with Shaped or Scalloped Trains

If your gown has a shaped train — like a scallop or cutaway hem — a long veil can trace and accentuate that edge in a really beautiful way. A cathedral-length veil is ideal here, especially if you opt for a custom made version with a lace or scalloped border that mimics the dress shape.

One Veil That Suits Them All

And lastly, we’ve yet to find a dress that doesn’t look amazing with a full-length floor, chapel or cathedral veil. These longer veils add a romantic, floaty layer that surrounds your gown in the most ethereal way — no matter its shape or style. If in doubt, a long veil is nearly always a beautiful choice.

We’re rather fond of a long veil here, in case you can’t tell. 😉

Tip 3. Look At The Length Of Your Dress’ Train?

You might want to have a veil that’s long enough to match the train on your gown so that your wedding dress and veil look like they were made for each other. There are three veil lengths that touch the floor: Floor length, chapel length and cathedral length. Most wedding dress designers will list on their website what the train length is for a particular dress, but to be honest you can usually just eyeball it.

• No train or hardly any train would be a floor length dress.
• A modest train with 2-3 feet of fabric on the floor would be a chapel length dress.
• A longer train with 3-4 feet of fabric on the ground, would be a cathedral length dress.

Some examples below.

Tip 4. Look At The Different Types Of Wedding Veils Available

Now that you’ve considered all your dress details, let’s look at some of the options you have available to you for your veil.

1. Two Tier Veil: This style features two layers of veiling, with one shorter layer worn over the face as a blusher and the other layer cascading down the back. It adds dimension and elegance to the bride’s look.
2. Single Tier Veil: This style features, you guessed it, just one layer of veiling. This type of veil somewhat defies the traditional origins of the wedding veil since it doesn’t veil the bride’s face and is worn only at the back as a decorative piece of the ensemble. Today, approximately 50% of our brides choose a blusher veil, and 50% choose a single-layer style.
3. Barely There Veil: The barely there veil is a sheer veil with no gathering at the comb. It’s very delicate and suitable for lightweight, floaty veils. A barely there veil is a single layer veil and it’s two layer counterpart is called a drop veil.
4. Drape Veil: A drape veil is a veil affixed to two smaller combs instead of one larger one which allows the fabric in between to drape in an aesthetically pleasing way, creating a somewhat vintage, regency look. It is a popular choice for brides who love the style and elegance of the Downton Abbey era.
5. Mantilla Veil: Originating from Spain, the mantilla veil is a lace-edged veil that drapes over the bride’s head and shoulders. It adds a touch of romance and sophistication to any bridal look.
6. Personalised Veil: This style features personalised embroidery often featuring stitched writing in an elegant scrip font creating a modern and edgy look. It adds visual interest and can be paired with various dress styles.
7. Waterfall Veil: A waterfall veil consists of a single layer of fabric that’s shaped at the sides in such a way that it cascades down the back, creating a soft and romantic effect. It is a whimsical and dreamy option for brides who want a fairy tale-like look.
8. Embellished Veil: Adding embellishments such as crystals, beads, or embroidery to a veil can add sparkle and glamour to the bride’s ensemble. This style allows for personalization and can be customized to match the details of the wedding dress.
9. Statement Lace Veil: A statement lace veil features lace that’s more than just a dainty lace trim. It adds a bold, contemporary and artistic touch to the bridal look, making it a unique and eye-catching choice.
10. Floral Veil: Incorporating floral elements into a veil can create a romantic and whimsical look. Whether it’s delicate appliques or embroidered flowers, this style adds a touch of nature and beauty to the bride’s ensemble.
11. Birdcage Veil: This retro-inspired veil is made of netting or lace and covers only a portion of the bride’s face. It adds a vintage and glamorous touch to any bridal ensemble, making it a popular choice for themed weddings.

Check out our full range on wedding veils or consider designing your own veil on our website with our Custom Veil Designer.

Tip 5. Consider Your Wedding Theme

While it’s essential that your veil complements your dress, it’s also worth considering how your veil aligns with the overall theme of your wedding. Your veil can act as a beautiful extension of the atmosphere you’re creating for your big day, helping to tie everything together in a cohesive and stylish way.

For instance, if you’re planning a modern, minimalist wedding, a sleek, simple veil with clean lines will seamlessly match the contemporary aesthetic without overwhelming your dress. The veil’s understated elegance would enhance the sophisticated vibe of a modern celebration.

On the other hand, if you’re leaning towards a romantic, classical theme, a more ornate veil with delicate lace or intricate beading could be the perfect choice. This style of veil can add a touch of timeless elegance, making you feel like a classic bride in a fairy tale setting.

For those embracing a bohemian or rustic theme, a veil with soft, flowing layers and perhaps some floral accents or embroidery might be just what you need. This type of veil can add a whimsical, free-spirited feel to your look, perfectly complementing an outdoor or nature-inspired venue.

Ultimately, your veil should not only enhance your dress but also reflect the mood and style of your entire wedding. By considering your theme, you can ensure that every element of your bridal look works harmoniously together, creating a seamless blend of personal style and thematic consistency.

Tip 6. Getting the Colour Right

Choosing the perfect colour for your wedding veil is essential to complement your bridal gown and achieve a cohesive look on your special day. With our wide range of colours, including various shades of ivory and white, it’s important to ensure that your veil matches or complements the colour of your dress.

To avoid any mismatches, we recommend ordering a veil fabric sample before making your final decision. Our samples allow you to see and feel the fabric in person, giving you a better idea of how the colour will look with your gown. If you’re unsure about which shade to choose, our colours and fabric guide provides detailed information on the different shades available, helping you make an informed choice.

For more insights on how to select the right veil colour and avoid mismatches with your wedding dress, check out our blog post, White vs. Ivory Wedding Veils: How to Avoid a Mismatch. You wouldn’t believe how many brides believe their dress to be white when it’s actually ivory. This guide will help you understand the subtle differences between white and ivory veils and ensure you choose the perfect match for your bridal ensemble.

That wraps up our guide on how to pick the right veil for your dress. We hope you found it helpful and feel more confident in selecting the perfect veil to complement your bridal look.

And let me just remind you that at the end of the day, what you choose for your wedding gown and veil ensemble should be 100% your choice, your personal preference. Brides are free to choose whatever they want and this is intended as a guide only. You do you. 🙂

Looking for more advice on which veil goes with your dress? check out our Wedding Veil Style Quiz! Or perhaps your wondering how you’ll incorporate your veil into your wedding day hair? Check out this post: Stunning Bridal Hairstyles That Work With A Veil.

For a more detailed look at some of the different wedding veil styles available, check out this post:

Updated July 2025 to include new veil advice and real bride imagery.