Veils. There's something almost magical about them. Many of my clients have told me that the first time they REALLY felt like a bride was when they tried on their veil for the first time. Not only that, but they have a uniquely long and well documented history. Remember Jacob & Leah in the book of Genesis?
I'm not an expert on veils, but as an experienced wedding photographer, I've encountered my fair share of them over the years! My brides frequently ask me questions about their veils, so I wanted to share my insights in case you've been pondering the same questions (and so I can have a handy spot to refer them!).
When should I put on my veil?
If you plan to wear your veil for all of your portraits, then it is usually the last thing that you put on when you're getting dressed for the wedding. I love taking photos of the bride's mother or friend attaching the veil! But some of the brides that I photograph choose to have some portraits wearing their veil and some without it. If that describes you, then you should wait until AFTER your photographer has taken a good selection of photos without your veil before donning it. It is possible to take it off and put it back on again, but there are no guarantees that you hairstyle will survive intact.
I'm not an expert on veils, but as an experienced wedding photographer, I've encountered my fair share of them over the years! My brides frequently ask me questions about their veils, so I wanted to share my insights in case you've been pondering the same questions (and so I can have a handy spot to refer them!).
When should I put on my veil?
If you plan to wear your veil for all of your portraits, then it is usually the last thing that you put on when you're getting dressed for the wedding. I love taking photos of the bride's mother or friend attaching the veil! But some of the brides that I photograph choose to have some portraits wearing their veil and some without it. If that describes you, then you should wait until AFTER your photographer has taken a good selection of photos without your veil before donning it. It is possible to take it off and put it back on again, but there are no guarantees that you hairstyle will survive intact.
Is there one style of veil that is best for photographs?
There really isn't. The veil, like so many other aspects of the wedding, is completely personal. While I love the drama of a cathedral length veil, I also love to photograph the dreamy movement of a fingertip length veil. Choose the veil that suits your dress, your personal taste, and the formality of the wedding. Whether it's a flirty birdcage, heirloom lace, or yards of tulle, it's going to look amazing in photographs.
There really isn't. The veil, like so many other aspects of the wedding, is completely personal. While I love the drama of a cathedral length veil, I also love to photograph the dreamy movement of a fingertip length veil. Choose the veil that suits your dress, your personal taste, and the formality of the wedding. Whether it's a flirty birdcage, heirloom lace, or yards of tulle, it's going to look amazing in photographs.
Is it necessary that I wear my veil over my face?
The bride's veil being lifted away from her face is an iconic moment, but it's one that most brides with whom I work choose to do without. If you wish to wear the veil down until your husband-to-be lifts it, you should go for it. But if you prefer to wear your veil draped over your back and shoulders, that is a valid and popular choice.
The bride's veil being lifted away from her face is an iconic moment, but it's one that most brides with whom I work choose to do without. If you wish to wear the veil down until your husband-to-be lifts it, you should go for it. But if you prefer to wear your veil draped over your back and shoulders, that is a valid and popular choice.
When do I take my veil off?
The majority of brides I know choose to remove their veil after the ceremony. This frees them up to move more easily during the reception, and makes it more likely that their veil will survive the night without being torn. If you do this, remember to get help removing your veil! Wedding hairstyles can be complicated, and you don't want to pull yours apart right before your reception.
The majority of brides I know choose to remove their veil after the ceremony. This frees them up to move more easily during the reception, and makes it more likely that their veil will survive the night without being torn. If you do this, remember to get help removing your veil! Wedding hairstyles can be complicated, and you don't want to pull yours apart right before your reception.
Do I have to wear a veil?
Some parts of the wedding seem so universal that it's easy to forget that they're optional. Wearing a veil is one of these optional things. If a veil makes you feel wonderful, wear one. But if it just doesn't feel right to you, you are allowed to skip it! Your wedding should be a special, joyous day -- don't feel pressured to wear an accessory (even a popular one) that doesn't add to that joy.
I hope I've answered all of your veil questions, but if you think of others, feel free to leave them in the comment box below!
Some parts of the wedding seem so universal that it's easy to forget that they're optional. Wearing a veil is one of these optional things. If a veil makes you feel wonderful, wear one. But if it just doesn't feel right to you, you are allowed to skip it! Your wedding should be a special, joyous day -- don't feel pressured to wear an accessory (even a popular one) that doesn't add to that joy.
I hope I've answered all of your veil questions, but if you think of others, feel free to leave them in the comment box below!
----------->It's a great idea to start thinking about the timeline of your day early on in the wedding planning process! If you would like to have a timeline to start from delivered right to your inbox, click here to take a quick 2-question quiz, and we will email you back with an ideal preliminary timeline based on the sunset time on your wedding day as well as whether or not you would like to do a first look!
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