Asian celebrity wedding hairstyle with veil

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In western societies such as the United States, women have traditionally worn wedding veils for hundreds of years. Many years ago, most women wore their hair long; unlike the shorter hairstyles many women have today. Long hair was once thought of as symbol of a woman’s virginity before marriage. Many think of the traditional white wedding veil in the same fashion regardless of the length of the woman’s hair.

Wedding veils were used before the traditional wedding gown and was included in the standard wedding attire in the 1900s. No one seems to have a definitive answer as to exactly when wedding veils came about though. There also is a great deal of mystique and lore surrounding the origins of the veil and the different Christian and secular meanings behind it.

There are religious faiths that require the wearing of wedding veils. This practice follows traditions practiced in biblical times, but not all religions have this requirement and not everyone has the same viewpoints on how religion plays into the wearing of wedding veils.

Many people choose to mix religion, traditions, and new concepts into their weddings. There is a trend towards giving the bride greater liberty to express herself and her personality during the process of choosing wedding invitations, decorations, and food selections. Picking out a style of wedding dress and choosing the apparel that the bridal party wears also falls under this current trend.

Many women choose to wear wedding veils because there is a long held belief that it is bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the exchanging of vows. Another thought process surrounding wedding veils is that concealing a bride behind a veil is for hiding her exquisite beauty from her man until he has earned the right to bask in her beauty by marrying her. Brides have traditionally worn white to symbolize virginity and other virtuous traits a woman possesses. The rules have been relaxed on this over the years; however, brides today wear gowns and veils in a variety of colors from lively to more subdued styles.

It is traditional for a groom to lift his bride’s veil after exchanging vows with one another. This is to symbolize a man taking possession of his bride although most people in modern societies do not think of it in that way anymore. Instead, it is thought of as the bride and groom becoming one union, rather than a woman becoming her husband’s property. However, some people persist in believing the roots of these older traditions.

In some African countries, men wear veils all the time starting around the age of 25 to ward off evil spirits. In contrast, many African women do not typically wear veils for weddings. Muslim women wear headscarves. Japanese women wear headdresses, headscarves, or head wraps. Nuns wear head coverings called wimples.

There are many types of veils that all have different meanings. However, they are sometimes confused with the traditional wedding veil. A wedding veil is said to be a symbol of modesty and innocence, and veils worn by dancers are said to be symbolic of sexuality.

Shopping for bridal attire including wedding veils is made simpler thanks to the wide world web, which offers up a wide selection in styles, sizes, lengths, colors, and prices to fit every bride’s budget and tastes. You can get ideas from comparing different styles and prices without leaving your house. Browsing wedding veils online also allows you to experiment with color options. Ordering wedding apparel, accessories, gifts, invitations, and other wedding related items online can save a lot of time, emotional episodes, and money. It is recommended to check the internet because most online retailers also have a brick and mortal store, which has the same products. You can find the veils that you like online then purchase it at the store depending on when you need it.

It is not mandatory to wear a veil at your wedding, but many brides choose to because the veil is so ingrained into the traditional setting of a wedding. You can wear a veil even if your wedding is more modern than traditional. There is no rule against mixing some older traditions with the new ones you may create with your wedding. It might be interesting to know some of the meanings behind the wearing of the traditional wedding veil. However, your focus should be on savoring every possible moment of this glorious event in your life.

Every bride dreams of looking like a dream as she walks down the aisle. The first time the groom sees his beautiful bride on the wedding day is a priceless moment.  As such, everything needs to be perfect. If you want your Prince Charming to be absolutely mesmerized with you, you must have the complete bridal outfit. The smallest details often have the biggest impact making bridal accessories extremely important. A gorgeous birdcage veil can transform even the simplest wedding gown into a sophisticated masterpiece. The perfect wedding veil for any bride can be found at castlebride.com.

A wedding veil is a crucial piece of your bridal attire and should be chosen with great care. No matter how fabulous a veil looks on a mannequin it could be a complete disaster if it is not well coordinated with your wedding dress or it does not accent your hair and facial features. Thus, it is important to know the exact type of wedding veil that will suit you best. Different lengths, fabrics and designs will complement your dress and facial features in different ways. You should also remember that you want people to say you’re looking fabulous in the veil and not that the veil looks fabulous all on its own. CastleBride Couture (castlebride.com) is the perfect place to get advise as to which birdcage veil may complement you best.

Two of the first things you need to take into consideration when selecting a wedding veil will be the fullness and length. A thin veil offers transparency, while being modern and flirty, while fuller veils provide a more sophisticated alternative. Bridal veils come in a number of lengths including floor, mid-calf, fingertip or shoulder length. Long veils are very popular, as they convey the whole “fairytale princess” image. However, if you choose a long wedding veil make sure it’s removable from the headpiece, so that you won’t be uncomfortable during the reception. Short birdcage veils are also gaining great popularity recently.  This has brought a breath of fresh air to wedding fashion. A birdcage veil is both light and highly elegant, allowing you to match it with any dress or hair style.

A birdcage veil, also known as a net or face veil, is the latest bridal trend. This sassy take on the wedding veil has recently become extremely popular, evidenced by the fact that many celebrities have been found wearing them in their weddings. For instance, the lovely Katherine Heigl wore a gorgeous birdcage veil in her 2007 wedding. In films, Jessica Alba wore one in the Fantastic Four, and Reese Witherspoon wore one in Sweet Home Alabama.  These veils are typically very short, and tend to frame the face perfectly.  They do not require a tiara. Modern birdcage veils are attached to the bride’s hair with a delicate pin or comb, matching both long and short hairstyles. The best thing about the birdcage veil is that it immediately gives the simplest gown a highly elegant feeling.

Wedding veils have always been the cherry on top of a wedding outfit. These days, the birdcage veil is the ultimate bridal accessory. Birdcage veils are beautiful pieces, which have the ability to turn even the simplest gown into a stunning outfit. So, whether you’re planning to go for a modern look or are trying to put together a classic ensemble, a birdcage veil can complete the look you’re trying to achieve. In order to find the perfect veil for you, visit castlebride.com, where you can choose from a wide variety of haute and vintage couture veils.

Ah the wedding veil… the ultimate accessory in the transformation from engaged girl to blushing bride. Though steeped in tradition as it is, unless required by your religion, a veil is strictly optional. Today wedding veils are more of a style statement than a symbolic gesture. Thus, the ideal veil depends largely on the style of your wedding gown and the overall look you want to create. Here are four easy steps to finding the right bridal veil to complement your wedding dress and bridal look.

Learn The Basics:

Tulle is the classic veil material, although lace, silk, and satin are also options. Veils can be embellished with embroidery, pearls, or sparkly stones. Lengths run the gamut from short blushers to elaborate cathedral-length jaw droppers.

Determine Your Overall Bridal Style:

Hair Apparent:

To showcase your hairstyle, choose a veil that fastens underneath your ‘do or one you’ll remove for the reception. Otherwise, you can opt for a veil that you’ll wear throughout the event. In this case, your hair will simply support the veil.

What’s Your Function:

How long you plan on wearing your veil can dictate how long it should be. Wearing it for the ceremony only? Go ahead and get one that rivals Princess Di’s. But if you want to wear your veil until the party’s over, you’ll need a more functional approach – either a shorter veil or a multi-layered one with a top layer that can be worn on it’s own during the reception. You can also ask your seamstress to create a bustle for a longer veil (that’s right, your train and your veil can be bustled!).

Picture Perfect:

If you plan to remove your veil immediately after the ceremony, keep in mind that it won’t appear in post-ceremony or first dance pictures. To ensure this classic accessory is adequately documented, many brides wait to remove the veil after the first dance.

Jazzing it Up:

Your veil should not compete with your dress, so if you’re donning an elaborately embellished gown, keep your veil clean and simple. Also, any ornamentation on your veil should start below where your dress embellishments end.

A Question of Formality:

Your veil – like your gown – should remain consistent with the formality of your wedding. In other words, lose the cathedral-length veil if yours is a simple beachside ceremony.

Matchy-Matchy:

When it comes to color and embellishments, veils should complement wedding dresses – not mimic them. Don’t obsess about finding a perfect match.

Consider Your Budget:

Just like anything else, veil prices vary. According to The Bridal Association of America, the average cost of a bride’s veil is $274. Here’s what you can get for your budget:

* At the low end – for between $20 and $50 – expect to buy a short, one-layer veil made from tulle or netting.

* In the mid-range – for $150 to $250 – you can buy a tulle fingertip-length veil that includes some detailing, such as ribbon or pearl trim.

* At the high end – for $300 to $500 or more – you can get a long veil with several layers and ornate lace or beaded details, possibly in higher-quality silk tulle.

Brush up on Wedding Veil Styles:

Here’s the lingo you’ll need to know to get started:

Blusher:

The blusher is a short, single layer veil worn over your face during the ceremony, then flipped back over the head or removed before “kiss the bride.” You can wear a blusher solo or with a longer veil.

Flyaway:

The flyaway veil is multi-layered and barely brushes the shoulders. This veil is appropriate for more casual looks.

Elbow:

As the name implies, an elbow length veil extends to your elbows, providing the grace of a veil without overpowering your dress. This style is very popular for more casual weddings.

Finger Tip:

The finger tip veil extends to your fingertips when your arms are hanging naturally. This popular veil length complements most wedding dresses – from sleek sheaths to elaborate ball gowns.

Chapel:

The chapel veil extends to the floor, falling 2 ½ yards from your headpiece and flowing over your train. This veil complements the length of your train and is appropriate for more formal weddings and attire.

Cathedral:

The cathedral veil – or royal veil – is the most formal. It extends 3 ½ yards from your headpiece and is usually worn with a cathedral-length train.

Double Tier:

Like the name suggests, a double tier veil consists of two layers (either two veils or a veil and a blusher) that extend to different lengths.

Waltz or Ballet:

This long veil falls between your knees and ankles, a good option if you prefer a long veil, but your dress does not have a train. (you won’t trip on it while dancing, hence the namesake.)

Fountain:

The fountain veil gathers at the crown of your head and cascades around the face to your shoulders or elbows.

Mantilla:

This Spanish-inspired veil – often made of lace – drapes over the head to varying lengths. A headpiece isn’t necessary to keep it in place.

Pouf:

The pouf veil features gathered material added to the point where it connects to your headpiece, creating added volume. This style works with most veil lengths.

Now that you’re an expert on wedding veils, this complete guide to wedding accessories and jewelry will help you accessorize your bridal look like a pro.

With so many different styles of wedding veils to choose from, how do you know which type is right for you? One way to effectively choose a wedding veil style for your wedding day is to look through the plethora of styles that fill the pages of the bridal magazines. Also, consider looks that you love the most. Before you head to the store or start your research, here are some of the basics of wedding veil styles that you will need to know.

What Length Should Your Veil Be?

Wedding veils, just like wedding gowns, come in a variety of lengths. There are three main categories of wedding veil length that brides can choose from, though it is important to remember that a bride may have her wedding veil tailored to meet her specifications and personal style.

Cathedral Length

A cathedral length wedding veil is a floor length veil. This style veil is usually reserved for very formal weddings, usually set in a church. The cathedral veil will usually extend about 6 inches (or more) beyond the train of the wedding dress allowing for a very dramatic look. This wedding veil style works best with semi-cathedral or cathedral length wedding gowns.

Fingertip Length

Measuring in at about thirty-six inches long, the fingertip length wedding veil is a great addition to any full length wedding gown, though it will not work as well with a gown that has a train. The veil will fall right to the bride’s fingertips and is a very elegant look. The fingertip length wedding veil is a popular choice for formal and semi-formal weddings.

Elbow Length

The elbow length wedding veil is about thirty inches long and is the most popular length today. The elbow length veil works very well with wedding gowns without a train and will fall to the bride’s waist. The veil will accentuate and enhance any detailing at the waist and will also compliment a full skirt. Formal and semi-formal weddings are usually where you would find an elbow length veil.

When choosing a wedding veil length, it is important to think about the detailing and style of your wedding gown. The wedding veil should never take away any attention from the dress. A wedding veil is meant to compliment the overall style. It is also a good idea to think about your body’s proportions when choosing a style of wedding veil.

How Many Tiers Should Your Veil Be?

This question may come as a surprise to many brides, but believe it or not, some veils come in multiple tiers. A tiered wedding veil is one that has more than a single layer of fabric. The categories range from one-tiered wedding veils to four-tiered wedding veils. One- and two-tiered wedding veils are the most popular and are usually all a bride really needs.

One-Tier

A one-tier wedding veil is for the bride who believes in the mantra, “less is more.” A one-tier veil allows the bride to achieve a minimal, simple, chic, less formal look with subtle elegance. The one-tier veil will never have a blusher, which is a shoulder-length layer of veil material that is worn over the face as the bride walks down the aisle. The one-tier wedding veil is an ideal choice for the bride who prefers to wear the veil on the back of the head and showcase her up-do hairstyle.

Two-Tier

The two-tier wedding veil is a good choice for almost any dress, but is especially beautiful with formal or semi-formal wedding gowns because they do have a blusher. A two-tier wedding veil frames the face softly and allows for a full appearance. With a two-tier wedding veil, almost any hairstyle will work. This wedding veil style is ideal for the bride who wants to make a dramatic entrance or maintain a traditional wedding.

What Color Should My Wedding Veil Be?

You may have thought that wedding veils come in only white or ivory, but that is simply not true. There are four main color categories – white, diamond white, ivory, and champagne. If your wedding gown is white or ivory, then the veil chosen should be called the same color as the dress. Diamond white is more of an “off white” that works well with silk gowns and antique white gowns. Champagne veils are often suited for dark ivory wedding gowns.

Daring brides who break the mold with colorful gowns may also have a wedding veil custom-made in just about any color. One rule of thumb to remember is, if your wedding gown and veil are not exact color matches, always make sure the veil is at least a shade lighter than the dress. It is usually a good idea to choose your wedding veil at the same bridal salon where you have purchased your dress.

Anchor your wedding veil with an elegant bridal headpiece, or let its sparkle make a style statement all of its own. Usually attached to your wedding veil, your bridal headpiece can hold it in place for the entire event or allow it to be detached through hooks or snaps. You can also wear your headpiece sans veil for purely aesthetic purposes. Here´s what to consider when choosing a bridal headpiece.

Style

When trying on headpieces, try to bring as much of your wedding day ensemble as you can (dress photos, accessories, veil, etc.) to get the best sense of which style complements your look. You never know what will or won´t work until you put it all together.

Cost

Bridal headpieces typically cost $20 to $100. Of course, you may find one for less, and you can always pay more.

Headpiece Style Guide

From a wedding tiara to a snood, here´s the lingo you´ll need to know to get started:

Profile (comb):
The profile is an ornamental comb (often featuring flowers, crystals or pearls) that is worn either on the top or side of the head, or underneath your hairstyle. Profiles can be worn with or without a veil and are a great way to accent a sophisticated updo.

Backpiece:
A backpiece is a barrette or comb (often decorated with flowers or beads), fastened to the back of the head, to which your veil is then attached.

Tiara:
A popular headpiece for brides who want to feel like a princess, wedding tiaras are a jeweled or beaded semi-circle that sits on the top of your head.

Crown:
A crown is a full circular headpiece that sits on the top of your head and is usually decorated with stones or beads.

Headband:
A headband is a band of fabric that extends from one temple to the other. This classic look can range from simple to elaborate, and is often made of satin, lace, or any fabric to match your dress

Bunwrap:
As the name implies, the bunwrap is a circular band that wraps around a bun or updo.

Juliet Cap:
A Juliet cap fits at the crown of your head and can be accented with pearls, beading or stones. You can wear a Juliet cap alone or attach your veil to it.

Snood:
A snood is a net that encases a bun at the back of your head and can be made from a variety of fabrics and embellishments. You can attach a veil to the bottom of this headpiece.

Wreath (or Garland):
Wreaths wrap all the way around your head and often feature organic materials such as flowers, greenery or twigs. This headpiece creates a natural, romantic look.

Get even more advice on choosing bridal headpieces, wedding veils, shoes and jewelry to complete your wedding ensemble in this complete wedding accessories guide.

For brides who have no previous experience with developing a wedding hairstyle or choosing a headpiece and veil (or deciding to go without), understanding how to attach and adorn the various components can be a challenge. In the twilight zone called wedding planning, the simple concept of a comb, for example, can take several forms.

In your everyday life, a comb is probably something to run through your hair in the morning taming nighttime tangles. Your hairdresser will certainly use that type of comb while creating your wedding hairstyle, but there are two other bridal versions you may need as well: a comb to attach the veil and one to decorate your hair. The choice is yours whether to have both versions, neither, or one to suffice for both uses.

The Veil Comb

When you buy a veil, it often comes attached to a basic comb. This veil comb is purely functional and will not be a visible part of your veil or hairstyle. It simply helps secure the veil to the top or back of your head. The advantage to using this type of comb with your veil is you can remove the veil after the ceremony while leaving your headpiece intact for the reception.

To place this type of comb, push it into your hair — down if you are wearing your veil in back or toward the back of your head if you are wearing the veil on top — so the hair covers the teeth and the veil hides the top of the comb. For a more solid base, insert with the comb angled then rotate backwards into place after the comb is in your hair. You can make the comb more secure, if needed, with bobby or hair pins.

These combs can be various widths and lengths and made of wire or plastic. Wire combs cost more than plastic, but are more versatile and can be pinned if necessary (as opposed to plastic, which is thicker and more cumbersome).

The Decorative Bridal Comb

Unlike the plain veil combs, decorative bridal combs are made to be seen. They can be a perfect accent for your veil, or add interest to your hairstyle if you go veil-less or remove the veil for the reception. The range of styles and sizes available make them versatile and can enhance most hairstyles, from classic to ornate. They can be simple, but elegant, depending on how they are decorated, but can also create a less formal look than some other headpieces.

Hair combs can be worn on the top, side, or back of the head. In the back, you can secure a large comb under a bunch of upswept curls, around a French twist, or beneath a low-set bun. On one or both sides, you can wear smaller combs for an elegant style, instead of a larger headpiece. Decorative combs can also be worn on the top to help hold the hair in place or function much as a tiara. In fact, you can even buy tiaras attached to combs instead of built into the typical band.

Tiara Combs

You have heard of tiaras and you have heard of combs, but you may not know that there are also tiara combs. These look like a tiara but hold your hair or veil in place like a comb. These decorative combs are made with the teeth positioned at an angle so the decorated part stands erect when attached to your hair from the front (as opposed to back or side combs, which are made with the decoration attached flat against or parallel to the teeth section).

Combining Veil and Decorative Combs

Some brides prefer to wear the veil and decorative comb as one piece. You can accomplish this by attaching the veil directly to a tiara or other top/back comb instead of to the plain veil comb. This reduces the number of pieces you must deal with when developing a hairstyle for the ceremony, but limits your options for the rest of the day. You will have to remove both your headpiece and veil or keep your veil intact throughout the evening.

Whichever type of combs you use, involve your hair stylist in the decision. He or she will most likely have valuable input into what sizes and types will most create the look you desire, while assuring your hair remains drop-dead gorgeous throughout the day and evening.

This is a lovely long hairstyle worn with a veil.

Courtesy of Jen Huang Photography
Patricia & Charles
Harlem, NY

This is a lovely half up, half down style worn under a veil by a real bride. Courtesy of Sabrina Castro. Keep those beautiful pictures coming, ladies!

This is a sophisticated hairdo topped off with a feathered birdcage veil.
Submitted by ElegantEventDesign.com
Photography by ImaginePhotographyOnline.com