Choosing a Veil

Ordering times

Veils are generally made to order as there are so many variations that one would need a warehouse to stock them in. They are also very fragile and will spoil if hanging in a shop for any length of time. They usually take about a month to make. Old veils can be hand washed and steamed but any glued-on decoration is likely to drop off so be mindful of that. If a whitener is used then the veil can end up “dayglo white” instead of soft ivory, which may make your dress look dingy or yellowed by comparison. So it's really better to get a new one to suit your dress, rather than an old one to try and renovate.

Styles

• Birdcage - chin length or shorter often in a wide gauge net rather than soft fine gauge veiling
• Single Tier - ideal if being pinned low at the back of the head
• Two Tier - ideal if wanting to wear veil over face as you walk to meet your groom
• Three Tier - ideal when fuller veil is required or when greater detailing is needed
• Mantilla - single Tier, floor length, lace edge Spanish style

Lengths

If the veil has a blusher or 2nd tier the veil is measured from end to end, but if not the length needs to be about 20-25in (50-60cm) shorter. Better to work on description rather than length as all manufacturers have a different method of measuring.

• Shoulder length is 30-54in (75-135cm)
• Waist Length is   72in (180cm)
• Floor Length is 108in
• Chapel Length is 126in
• Cathedral is 145in

Edging

• Uncut
• Stitched with plain or coloured or metallic thread
• Cord
• Wired to create a “lettuce” or ruffled edge
• Ribbon in different width and colour
• Metallic Braid in Gold or Silver
• Lace edge
• Lace appliqué can be stitched or glued on
• Lace can be flat or corded and may have embroidery

Beading

• Can be stitched or glued (Hot Fixed)
• Clear crystals and/or pearls can be scattered in a 5 or 10cm scatter all over the veil or just around the edge.
• Foil backed crystals create a diamante effect
• Some veils have diamante trim around the edges
• If you have pearls or diamante on the veil and you wear it over the face, they can look like black dots on photographs so opt for a plain blusher (the part of the veil that comes forward over the face) and be sure that the trim matches the dress.
  

Fixing

Most veils are sewn onto a comb and so are easily placed behind the tiara, but if you are wearing at the back of the head the comb needs to be sewn on differently.

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As you can see, with so much choice it is quite difficult to choose a veil! The best thing is to follow the guidelines below.

Guidelines

• If the dress is busy choose a simple veil
• If the dress is simple consider an elaborate veil
• Match diamante with silver beading and pearls with pearl, clear crystals or AB crystals add light and sparkle to any dress.
• Match the beading to the tiara

When you think you have an idea of what you want, come into the Ribbons and Pearls shop and look out our extensive stock. We can advise you further and order a high-quality veil with the right style, length, beading, edging and fixing to go perfectly with your dress.

Go to Veils Catalogue