How to pick out a great veil!
So….you want those dreamy veil shots that you see all over Pinterest of it flying in the wind….but here is the thing - IT NEEDS A PERFECT RECIPE for that to happen :) And I’m here to share it with you!
This blog post is going to be super simple and short today, and it is geared towards brides wanting that PERFECT veil shot! Either you are wanting some epic veil portraits of it flying in the wind or coming towards the camera, or maybe you just want some tips on picking the perfect veil in general for your wedding day…it really takes some intentional picking to get what you want. Not just any veil can fly, or even be comfortable!
Lets talk super quick about adding a veil in general to your look on your big day. Maybe you’re undecided….and I want to give you my opinion on the photography side of it….DO IT! There is something that putting a veil on does to a wedding dress….and I wish I could put my finger on it. It’s almost like it makes the dress come alive! It pulls all of the elements together in such a perfect way that looks so natural and BEAUTIFUL! Sometimes its hard to see unless you are on the other side looking at you, even when you look in the mirror its hard to see it all come together. EVERY bride is beautiful, but as a person who has photographed brides with AND without veils….there is just something magical that happens in that getting ready room that puts a pretty little bow on everything when the veil is added!
OK - SO YOU ARE GETTING READY TO GO VEIL SHOPPING! WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?
Here are my top 5 tips for picking out the perfect veil!
Make sure its lightweight! When you are at the bridal shop and you pick it up…or take it off the rack and it feels like it has some weight to it…you might want to put it back! Here’s why- If it feels heavy to your arms for just a few seconds, imagine having that hanging off the back of your head all day! You are going to end up uncomfortable, and with a headache….and no bride wants that on her wedding day!
Make sure it doesn’t have any HEAVY beading on it! I really feel like this ties into the first one really well. If having some of those dreamy “veil flying in the wind” shots….even if you find a lightweight veil that you love, if that veil has tons of heavy beading on the bottom its not going to stay in the air and fly…its going to fall straight to the ground…FAST!
But that doesn’t mean it can’t have ANY detail! Even though you don’t want tons of heavy beading or jewels on it…that doesn’t mean it can’t have any detail! Actually, some detail on veils is actually my favorite because it adds so much visually that makes photographing it beautiful! Look for the lightweight details that are added, like small fabric flowers, or maybe a little extra light lace!
It fly’s in the wind! Maybe ask the bridal assistant that is helping you at the shop if they can take the veil out front for you so you can see how well it fly’s in the wind! If you can hold one end, and have someone fluff the other end up and it falls slowly…ITS PERFECT! You can even do this inside at the bridal shop if they wont take it outside for you. Just put it on, and have someone fluff the end and see how it falls and feels :)
Modified cathedral length veils! These types of veils are perfect for those flying in the wind or swoopy coming at the camera shots! If you veil is too short (like shoulder or even waist length) it can be hard sometimes to get them to fly…or even have enough veil fabric to pull it towards the camera! So, searching for a longer veil that is at least down to the floor on you, is perfect! Maybe you're thinking…but I don’t want to have to wear a massive veil all day…you don’t have to :) You can just wear it for the ceremony and portraits and take it out for the reception!
I hope these tips were helpful in helping you find the perfect veil for your wedding day! Wedding dress and veil shopping is always so much fun…so don’t let this overwhelm you! Go with the one you love most - its going to be beautiful either way :)
Thanks for reading
XOXO - Sam Wynn