After your wedding dress, a veil is one of the most defining aspects of your bridal appearance. In the early days, a veil was worn to protect the bride from evil spirits. But today it is simply considered a beautiful form of adornment. Today's bride can choose any type of veil she wishes, but it is important to that the veil is only one part of the overall look. If you are considering wearing a veil on your wedding day, the style you wear is highly dependent on the style and formality of your wedding gown. You also need to consider how it will work with face shape, body shape, hairstyle, and wedding location.
The most important consideration is selecting a veil that compliments your dress. Determine where the key focal points occur on your dress. If you have an embellished bust panel, or a back detail, you want to be sure to show it off. So in this case you need to either select a veil that ends before the point of detail on your dress, or choose a longer, sheer style that you can see the detailing through.
You also need to consider the style and the level of decoration on your dress. If you are wearing a simple dress, you can carry off a more elaborate veil. But if your dress is very detailed, a simple veil often looks more flattering. Only the most formal of weddings tend to accommodate the combination of both an elaborate dress and veil.
When choosing your veil you need to be sure to consider the length, width, color, tiers, and decoration.
Blusher Veil
Very short in length and made with only one layer of material. This style of veil is used to cover the face prior to the ceremony, and falls just below the chin. It can be worn with virtually any style of dress.
Chapel VeilA formal type of veil and is made from two layers of material. The first layer extends 2 1/2 yards from the headpiece and is used to cover the face during the ceremony. The second layer extends to the floor and is worn behind the head at all times. The Chapel Veil is appropriate to wear with a formal gown that is floor-length.
Cathedral VeilSimilar to the chapel veil, it is made up of two layers of material in two different lengths. The first layer is used to cover the face and falls 3 1/2 yards from the head piece. The second layer extends to the floor. It is the most appropriate if your gown is very formal and has a long train.
Elbow VeilCan be made from one or two layers of material and extends to the bride's elbows. This style is appropriate with any dress longer than knee length.
Fingertip VeilLike the elbow veil, it can be made from one or two layers of material. It extends to the bride's fingertips and looks best with formal, floor-length gowns.
Waltz VeilAnother style of formal veil and its lengths varies. The shortest length it should fall is the knees and the longest is the floor. This veil is made from a single layer of material.
Mantilla VeilCircular-shaped and rest on top of the head. The outside edges of the veil are covered with lace that frames the face. This style can be worn with any gown ankle-length or longer.
Fly-Away VeilLess formal than cathedral, waltz and chapel veils and is made from several layers of material. The veil is short and falls to the shoulder blades. The fly-away veil should be worn with simple gowns, floor-length or shorter with no train.
Russian/Fishnet VeilA short veil usually attached to a decorative hairpiece. The veil falls across the face and is made from a single layer of material. The material usually has larger holes than traditional taffeta veils and is sometimes
made of fishnet material.
Fabric ChoicesTulle is the favorite choice of fabrics for a wedding veil but chiffon, silk gauze and different types of nettings are also popular. In the move, The Sound of Music, Julie Andrew's veil was silk organza which is a stunning choice. But an equally stunning choice is silk gauze. It is not as transparent or springy as tulle, but it has a striking opacity and a floaty quality that makes it a beautiful choice. This type of veil lifts off the ground whenever you walk or the breeze blows. The veils also can be plain or have edges of lace, crystals, pearls, or ribbons.
Wedding Veil Trends for 2011
from theknot.com
Trend 1. Veiled Hats...They can make any wedding gown feel so sophisticated and chic. Not that we do not love veils by themselves but these hats just make a bigger, more original fashion statement.
Trend 2. Crystal-Studded Headbands...More glam than girly, these decorative bands are an excellent addition to both an up- or down-do. They're every bit as glitzy and more modern than a traditional tiara. 
Trend 3. Enamel-Plated Flowers...An intricate comb makes even the most tousled up-do look polished. And these molded hairpins are perfect keepsakes. If you are planning to wear both a veil and a hair comb, remember to secure both of these pieces separately. That way, if you want to wear only one to the reception, you don't have to completely redo your hair.
Trend 4. Feathers Anywhere...Feathers are fun, flirty and feminine enough to top off any bridal 'do. (Remember Carrie Bradshaw's cobalt blue plume in the "Sex and the City" movie.) Try adding some extra drama to an already over-the-top gown with vibrant feathers secured to a couture veil. Or you can stick a few tiny peacock clips into your up-do for a more subtle flair.
Handmade Veils
If you are looking for a handmade veil, you may want to consider contacting Jules at www.veilsbyjules.com.Jules has been making veils for friends and family members for about 10 years. She takes pride in her work and never rush an order. All of her veils are hand sewn and made to order. You will have Jules full attention when you tell her what you desire in your veil. She works from home and her prices are very reasonable. Jules can ship anywhere in the U.S. and will be in contact with you until your veil is completed. It's what you desire and what will compliment your wedding dress. It can be white or ivory, with or without a headpiece. It can be however many tiers you want, with or without swarovski or pearls..Just let her know what you want and she will do her very best to fill that order. Most veils take about a week. If shipping is involved, a little over a week. If you don't see what you want, you can email Jules a picture and she will be able to fill your order from your picture. If you are looking for a unique one of a kind veil, Jules would be happy to design and make one for you.
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