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From buns and braids to chic lobs and loose waves.
Updated on July 10, 2023 09:56AM
Photo by GIANNI CAMPOS; EVENT PLANNING BY REBEKKAH ROSADO OF RUNWAY EVENTS / Design by Julie Bang
From your shoes to your jewelry and your something blue, there are so many accessories a bride needs on her wedding day. One of the most traditional pieces to complete the look is the veil. A veil is the classic finishing touch to your bridal hairstyle, second to donning your gorgeous gown. But one question comes into play before you walk down the aisle: What to do with your hair? Fortunately, nearly every wedding hairstyle can be worn with a veil, but placement is key.
If you're rocking a low bun for the big day, secure your veil underneath the updo for a more unexpected take. Or, if you want your waves flowing in the wind, a cathedral-length veil placed over the head can be very romantic (also very traditional). Simply put, there are no rules. Whether you're contemplating an updo with your veil or looking to show off your tresses, we have all the inspiration you need.
Scroll on for 50 of our favorite swoon-worthy hairstyles to pair with a veil.
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All the Romance
Photo by KELLY ANNE BERRY
We can't decide what we love more: This bride's trendy blunt cut or her sweeping veil. The look is feminine and romantic to a T.
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A Curly Crop
Photo by ASHLEY SEARS / Fer Juaristi
Fashion designer Carly Cushnie added a veil to the back of her head, allowing her curls to take focus. The voluminous veil balances out the height of Cushnie's 'do.
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Fringe Benefits
Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick Photography
Actress Carlson Young rocked a soft fishtail braid underneath her veil. Her full fringe adds a decidedly French-girl twist to the ensemble.
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Pixie Length
Photo by HANNAH COSTELLO
Short hair, don't care. A veil can still be worn perfectly with pixie cuts.
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Floral Accoutrements
Photo by Andrew Bayda & Misha Moon; Hair by T&A Arts
Undoubtedly romantic, this bride added a gorgeous halo of ivory flowers to frame her ample bun and topped it off with a vibrant veil.
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Classics Never Fail
Photo by David Bastianoni; Event Planning by Events by Paulina
A center part and low chignon make for a classic combo, with a veil sweetly tucked in just above the knot.
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Go for Gold
Photo by Tec Petaja
A glossy low bun is stunningly sophisticated, and the lovely pop of gold detail along this bride's veil is a great touch.
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Defining Moment
Photo by SALLY PINERA
Honey & Silk's Stephanie Liu opted for a veil underneath her loose bun. Ringlets around the face add definition to the updo.
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New Heights
Photo by Gianni Campos; Event Planning by Rebekkah Rosado of Runway Events
This bride tucked her bangs back and let her hair fall around her shoulders for a retro-glam look. The veil was pinned high above the crown to add height to the 'do.
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Placement Is Key
Photo by Joey Willis; DRESS, VEIL, & ACCESSORIES by Grace Loves Lace; Hair by Byron Beauty Bar
You can still rock a veil with a laid-back hairstyle. It's all about the placement, and this veil donned with pearls is perfectly placed in the middle of the bride's head.
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Retro Radiance
Photo by Sara Lobla
Long, straight locks and a bejeweled headband give this veiled look a retro spin. Keep your strands extra glossy for a radiant and ethereal look.
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A Royal Drape
Photo by To The Moon; Hair by Karuna
Draping a veil over a high bun gives off a regal look, especially when paired with dripping hair adornments. This beauty looks positively royal at her multicultural nuptials.
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Minimalist Moves
Photo by Bokeh Photography
Voluminous waves and a veil cinched at the back of the head are perfect for minimalist brides.
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Pony Up
Photo by Robin Harper; Event Planning by Tara Cathcart of TMC PR; Hair by Matilde Campos
Don't discount the humble ponytail. This bride proves that a low pony absolutely stuns with a veil.
If you plan on rocking a ponytail down the aisle, try a fingertip veil that hits just beyond the hips. This popular mid-length style is a perfect option, as it will complement your hairstyle without overwhelming.
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Double Dose
Photo by David Salim; Event Planning by Design Anarchy Studio
Two hair accessories are better than one. In addition to her veil, this bride enhanced her updo with a jeweled headpiece.
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A Lush Look
Photo by Jillian Mitchell; Event Planning by Daniela Navaro; Hair by Karla Flores
These luscious curls were made for a cascading veil. The tiers falling around the bride's face and shoulders bring the focus to her beautiful features.
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Turn Up the Volume
Photo by Olivia Leigh; Hair by Kelly Miller Hair
Donning a 'do with tons of volume at the crown should not deter you from wearing a veil. This beaming bride is proof that you can have both.
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Lively Braids
Photo by Mel Barlow; Event Planning by Carole Grogan of Bright Blue Events; Makeup by Megan Lombardi & Megan Mortenson
Liven up your half-up, half-down style by adding a few loose braids at the sides. This will also create a slight anchor for the veil to nestle into.
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A Modern Take
Photo by Biancca Wallace; Event Planning by Courtney Tibbets of After The Engagement; Hair by Courtney Nicole
Although this bride is rocking a modern style, the veil is traditionally placed at the top of her head.
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Veiled Plaits
Photo by O'Malley Photographers; Event Planning by Valley and Co.; Hair by Misbehaven Spa & Salon
This bride wore her hair in a loosely plaited braid down her back and tucked the veil at the base, just at the nape of the neck.
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Higher and Higher
Photo by Phillip Van Nostrand
A high bun and dramatic veil are a match made in heaven. Also, can we just talk about how perfect those "something blue" shoes are?
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A Gilded Touch
Photo by Lelia Scarfiotti
This ethereal bride paired a gilded, Grecian-inspired headpiece with her veil for a look that was just as dreamy as her Tuscan nuptials.
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A Bridal Bun
Photo by HOLLY CLARK; Event Planning by The Lake Como Wedding Planner; Hair by Jennifer Bradburn from Face to Face Agency; Veil by Mira Zwillinger
This bride elegantly draped her jaw-dropping veil over a mid-height bun. We're absolutely obsessed with the results.
Whether you plan on wearing a low bun or mid-height bun, be sure to use a comb or hairpins to fasten the veil into place.
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A Twisted Take
Photo by A HEART STRING WEDDING CO.
Add a bit of flair to your beach waves by parting the hair in the middle, and creating two fun twists at the sides.
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Bohemian Goddess
Photo by Juan Trijillo; Event Planning by Organización de Una Boda; Hair by Oui Novias; Veil by Beba’s Closet; Headpiece by Suma Cruz
Planning on pairing your dress with a flower crown or headpiece? Try attaching the veil to the back of the piece and letting it fall from those points, creating a goddess-like effect.
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A Sleek 'Do
Photo by Bottega 53; Event Planning by Venice First; Hair & Makeup by Makeup by Jane
A slick, low bun is both totally chic and modern. This bride's minimalist hair and veil combo made for a stunning complement to her sophisticated dress.
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Sheer Glam
Photo by Amy Anaiz Photography
This bride accented her glamorous waves with a barely there veil. The sheer topper added all the bridal drama without detracting from the equally statement hairstyle.
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A Braided Bun
Photo by Christina McNeill; Event Planning by Ruby & Rose; Hair by Dreamcatcher Artistry
This bride's interwoven topknot has a veil cascading out from beneath it. The rogue tendrils framing her features add a sweetness to the overall look.
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A Victorian Veil
Photo by Joey Willis; Event Planning by Little Lane Events; Hair by Lindsey Neavitt, Floral Design by Holly Hipwell
Stone Cold Fox designer Cydney Morris draped this enchanting, vintage Victorian silk lace veil over straightened hair with the ends coyly curled inwards.
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Embellished With Pearls
Photo by Alexandra & Vladimir Nadtochiy
We love a good hair accessory. This bride adorned her low bun with pearls that complement her simple veil perfectly.
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Sideswept Side Bangs
Photo by Love Is My Favorite Color
If bangs are a part of your hairstyle, don't hide them, embrace them! This bride showcased her sideswept side bangs and chose a simple veil atop her head to accent her face and hair.
FAQ
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It's not required, but if you think you'll need help perfecting your hairstyle, reduce your stress level by bringing in a hair expert. Be sure to schedule a wedding hair trial prior to your wedding day to ensure that there are no surprises the day of, and that the look is something you actually like.
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It depends on the veil and the complexity of the hairstyle that you’ve selected, and the best way to determine how long it will take is to do a test run or two. Whether you're bringing in a hairstylist or plan on doing your own wedding day hair, be sure to allocate enough time so that you're not in a rush.
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It's probably the last thing you'll put on—right before you leave the room to head to the ceremony. If you're traveling from the room you're getting ready in to the church or venue by car, you may want to wait until you've arrived to put the veil on.