• Length
• Fullness
• Fabric
• Decorative Details

Depending on the style of your dress, your face shape, hair length, and your individual preference, the variety of veils available for you to choose from are innumerable.  If you know ahead of time what you are looking for, specifically considering these four details, then finding your perfect wedding veil will be a piece of cake!

For an outdoor wedding you may want to consider a veil of shorter length.  A long veil can be elegant and beautiful, especially when delicately flowing behind you in the natural breeze, but your wedding day weather may not be “picture perfect” and a long veil would certainly interfere.   You may prefer a thin, light fabric for your wedding veil, but for an outdoor wedding consider selecting a slightly heavier fabric, like chiffon.  The fuller, heavier fabric will stay in its place better than a finer fabric such as bridal tulle.  Also, you may want to consider selecting a veil with decorative jewels or diamonds around the edges or at the bottom, which will assist in holding the veil in its place throughout the ceremony.

If you are a DIY bride and have the time and creativity, try making your own wedding veil.  First, decide on your veil’s length, fullness, fabric, and style.  Here is what you will need:

• Scissors
• Small veil comb (or tiara with comb)
• Fabric glue
• Needle, thread
• Fabric (of your choice, most commonly soft tulle)
• Embellishments (diamonds,ribbon, lace, jewels, pearls)

Some sample measurments:

• Shoulder-length veil: cut 24 inches of fabric
• Waist-length veil: 32 inches
• Fingertip-length veil: 40 inches

Step 1: Measure fabric to your desired length, fold the fabric in half, and cut.

Step 2: Sew your finished edges—add lace, ribbon, or other elegant trim (if desired).

Step 3: Add your embellishments—add diamond or jewels with fabric glue.

Step 4: Gather the veil together at the top and sew it into the comb using a needle and thread with a running stitch.

Be sure to try your veil on, see that it lays properly, and that you are happy with the placement of each of your embellishments.  Finally, your perfect, personalized veil is complete!

The Nuptial No-Nos

• Avoid short, flowing skirts and dresses that can easily blow upwards and wear something long (such as a pencil skirt) and tailored instead. Windy beach weddings are notorious for untimely exposures.

• Nix the high-heeled shoes that will sink into sand, mud or grass. Flats or stacked heels will be easier to maneuver on nature’s carpet.

• If the wedding will take place at midday when the sun is at its peak, refrain from wearing dark suits and jackets that will attract and absorb heat. Lighter-weight clothing is a much cooler option. A jacket that can be easily removed will come in handy if the celebration lasts into the evening or the day turns warmer or cooler than expected.

• Don’t wear hosiery, heavy makeup or chunky jewelry in hot, humid climates or you’ll melt.

Attire That Says “I Do”

• A dressy linen pantsuit would be nice and cool for an outdoor wedding. Pair it with a chic, floral-print top, and your ready for a garden wedding, or with sassy flats for the beach.

• Keep your summery yet sophisticated look by wearing sleeveless dresses, strappy sandals and glowing skin.

• Just as important as WHAT to wear is HOW to wear your hair.  Keep hairdos under control in hot weather with upswept styles that will remain neatly in place, no matter what Mother Nature dishes out.

• For outdoor weddings, don’t forget the accessories. No, I’m not talking about jewelry and purses but umbrellas, sunglasses, makeup blotting papers (or powder) and an extra pair of flat shoes just in case.

Extra Tip: For destination weddings, selecting a knit dress that resists wrinkles will keep you looking your best when you arrive or after unpacking.

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