Choosing a veil should not be left as an afterthought, particularly because you want the veil to remain consistent with the formality of your wedding. Choose a veil that fits in with your overall look and does not over power any elements of your outfit, particularly and most importantly, your gown. You don’t want you veil to make you look like you’re drowning in fabric.

When you choose a veil, you also need to consider how you will be wearing you hair. Choose a veil that you can wear for the ceremony and later remove for your reception so you can showcase all that hard work your hairstylist put in to your luscious locks. If need be, think about the religious requirements for your wedding; different religions have different conventions when it comes to wearing a veil so you need to find out the appropriate wedding etiquette before your mother-in-law throws something in your face. We’ve sussed out the different types of veils and everything else you need to know.

Blusher
The blusher is just as its name suggests – slight, and looks almost accidental, but stunning when done right; just like a blushing bride. It is a single-layer veil that is worn over the face during the ceremony, and later, flipped back over the head. The blusher can also be worn along with one of the longer veils to provide a face covering for the ceremony that can later be removed.

Elbow
Once again, as its name suggests, this is an elbow-length veil that connects from your headpiece and extends down to your elbows. This is ideal for casual weddings as it provides the effortless elegance of a veil without overpowering the bride or the dress.

Fingertip
The fingertip veil extends all the way to your fingertips when your arms are hanging naturally. This is the most common of all veil lengths as it can be worn with a majority of dresses; from elaborate ball gowns to sleek column dresses.

Waltz
If your dress does not have a train and you want a little pizzazz, this long veil flows from your headpiece down to your ankles.

Chapel
Extending 2.5 yards from the headpiece, the chapel veil flows down over the train of your dress and is most ideal for more formal weddings to complement the length of your train.

Cathedral
Usually worn with a cathedral-length train, the cathedral veil is the most formal of veils as it extends 3.5 yards from the headpiece. Make sure that your gown is substantial enough to pull off this veil.

Mantilla
Add an ethnic flair to your look, or a little Spanish charm with the Spanish-inspired veil which drapes over the head and is usually made out of lace. There are varying lengths to the mantilla and it does not require a headpiece to be kept in place.