Nothing beats the dramatic entrance of a bride wearing a veil when walking down the aisle. Veils are the iconic bridal accessories that add a touch of magic and whimsy to the overall look and they have to flawlessly match the style of the wedding gown. However, veils come in a variety of lengths and styles, how do you decide which one is the right for you and your wedding dress as well? Follow these tips to ace your veiled look on your big day.

Silhouette matters

To find a veil that complements your bridal look, start your hunt by considering the style or silhouette of your gown. There are various lengths for you to choose, from the short birdcage to chapel length veil. While shorter veils lean more in the way of informality, personality and retro edge; longer ones tend to be more formal and traditional. Here’s the rule in most cases:

• If your dress is a ball gown: a fingertip veil will blend perfectly into the romantic motif while a chapel veil will offer a dramatic flair to your feminine look.
• If your dress is an A-line: a thin elbow veil or a thick shoulder veil will allow you to show off the back features of the gown like beading, appliqués, or an interesting design. In case you want to add boldness to the back of your dress, chapel or cathedral veil will be a good choice.
• If your dress is a modified A-line: mid-hip, elbow shoulder and fly away veils will let your dress shine while drawing attention up to your face.
• If your dress is a trumpet: a fingertip veil will match beautifully with the dress. Want to contrast the flare and add a touch of cheekiness to your attire? Fly away or birdcage veil will do the work.
• If your dress is a mermaid: a semi-waltz veil, waltz or knee veil falls right around the origin of the flare, making your ensemble cohesive. Besides, a thin chapel or cathedral veil will lend you a regal touch to the entire look.
• If your dress is a tea length: a birdcage veil is a perfect option to enhance your classic look. Additionally, an elbow or mid-hip veil will bring a traditional charm to your bridal look.

Choose a complementary color

Color blocking may not be suitable for your bridal look. When it comes to choosing your veil, it’s best to pick a color that matches closet to your gown; otherwise it will ruin the overall look. As a general rule, a diamond white veil will pair perfectly with a silk or an antique wedding dress while a champagne colored veil will complement a dark ivory colored dress well. In case you cannot match it exactly, the veil should always be at least one or two shade lighter than the gown.

Strike the right balance

In most cases, if your gown is heavily adorned, your veil should be clean and simple with minimum extras and vice versa. Have your heart set on a simple, streamlined dress? Feel free to create a striking effect by having a floral embellished chapel-length veil or a couture-inspired bubble one. Another thing that needs to be considered is the focal points of your gown. If you’re wearing a dress with a statement back such as illusion back gown, surely you don’t want the veil hide the detailing. In that case, a long, sheer veil without embellishments in the areas which cover your back will be a good choice.

Pick the right fabric

It’s necessary to have a fabric swatch of your gown on hand when you go veil shopping as it mainly affects your choice of trim or edging for the veil. For instance, if you go for a gown made of silk or satin then a satin edging on the veil will perfectly top off your look. Tulle is the classic choice for veils and it never goes out of style. It’s the most budget-friendly option that keeps shape better and lends a lighter, airier look compared to other fabrics like silk and satin.