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The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Hair
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From buns and braids to chic lobs and loose waves.
By
Katherine Santana
Katherine Santana
Katherine is an experienced beauty and celebrity writer who has previously served as an associate digital editor at Brides.
Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 07/10/23 09:56AM
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.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Veil Style for Your Dress
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Curls Galore
This bride let her voluminous curls take center stage by cinching her veil a few inches below her crown. We love how the textured dress and gown beautifully complement her natural coils.
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All the Romance
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
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
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
Short hair, don't care. A veil can still be worn perfectly with pixie cuts.
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Floral Accoutrements
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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Loosen Up
Don't be afraid to pump up the volume. As opposed to a slicked-back ponytail, opt for loose, romantic strands.
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Classics Never Fail
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
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
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
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
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
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 Chic Lob
A wavy, blunt lob and sweeping veil prove to be a stylish combination.
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A Royal Drape
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
Voluminous waves and a veil cinched at the back of the head are perfect for minimalist brides.
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Pony Up
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
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 Blooming Chignon
This bride added a bit of flair to her traditional chignon by cinching a few blossoms just below the veil.
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A Lush Look
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
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
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
Although this bride is rocking a modern style, the veil is traditionally placed at the top of her head.
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Keeping With Tradition
Speaking of tradition, glamorous curls pair exquisitely with a draped veil cascading over the face making for a magnificent ceremony entrance.
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Veiled Plaits
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
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
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
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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Add Texture
This bride's raked-back natural curls provide both texture and structure to hold up the weight of the veil. The romantic results fit the French château venue.
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Birdcage Beauty
She had us at birdcage veil. What can we say? We love a shorter length and birdcage combo.
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A Twisted Take
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
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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All About the Face
If you're looking to achieve a half-up, half-down style, add two or three strands of hair to frame the face.
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A Sleek 'Do
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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Au Naturel
Beach waves are a classic. It's no wonder we love them so much, even for a wedding.
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Drop It Low
There's no hard and fast rule that a veil has to be placed above a hairstyle. This particular bride attached hers underneath her knotted chignon for a sweet touch.
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Sheer Glam
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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Vintage Vibes
This vintage-inspired, cathedral-length headpiece adds a retro flair to this exuberant bride's soft waves.
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A Relaxed 'Do
For laid-back brides, a relaxed updo with loose strands can still work perfectly well with a veil.
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Add Volume
This bride wore her veil at the very top of the crown to add volume to her beachy tendrils.
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A Braided Bun
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 Darling Drape
A simple updo is instantly brought to life with a veil washing over it in a waterfall-like effect.
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A Touch of Romance
Brushed-out waves are given a romantic touch with the gentle placement of this sweet veil.
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A Victorian Veil
Stone Cold Fox designer Cydney Morris draped this enchanting, vintage Victorian silklace veil over straightened hair with the ends coyly curled inwards.
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A Dramatic Blowout
Add drama to a smooth and bouncy blowout by attaching an ample-sized, sweeping veil.
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Glossy Glamour
This bride's glossy, dark locks make for a stunning contrast to the creamy, white veil billowing out behind her.
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Top Heavy
While we've grown accustomed to veil placements at the crown or even nape of the neck, supermodel Chanel Iman makes a serious case for bringing back the voluminous topper and ultra-high placement.
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Old Hollywood Waves
If you're having an Old Hollywood-themed wedding, chances are your hair is going to reflect the era. Cascading finger waves are a match made in heaven for an off the shoulder gown and sheer cathedral veil.
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Embellished With Pearls
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
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
Should I hire a professional hairstylist?
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.
How long will it take to secure a veil into place?
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.
When should I put my veil on?
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.
15 Gorgeous Alternatives to the Traditional Wedding Veil