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Veils were originally worn as a gesture of modesty, but their main purpose now, is to act as a flattering frame for the face.

They are usually circular or oval and come in various lengths - from short face veils to cathedral veils as long as your train. Veils can be edged with lace, scalloping or satin ribbon.

Sometimes seed pearls or sequins are sewn on to give a scattering effect.

Once you have your wedding gown picked out, it is time to think about headpiece and veil. The headpiece is the final touch to the wedding outfit.
Try different shapes and styles, and see what complements your face shape, hair style, and wedding dress - take your time with the decision.

If you choose to have a lace trim, make sure the lace of your veil does not clash with any lace on your dress. One way to avoid that would be to choose a veil with a fluted edge.

Select a headpiece that continues a theme from your gown. The gown and headpiece should look as if they were designed together. If gown is sequinned or pearled, the headpiece should follow the same trim. If your gown is rich in details, you can safely wear an elaborate headpiece. If gown is understated, a simple headpiece is best.

Traditionally, a headpiece and veil go best with classic gowns.
Some brides like to wear a hat. If you are a sophisticated type and plan a late afternoon ceremony you may like a little cocktail hat.

If you are young and planning an early morning wedding, choose a romantic hat trimmed with ribbon and french veiling. A white pillbox with veiling at the back looks wonderful when worn with a classic sheath.

A wide brimmed hat is flattering on the face and looks great with a victorian or edwardian style gown.
Consider your face, figure and hair length. A long face will be abbreviated by a hat with a wide brim and low crown.
You can lengthen a round face with a pillbox or a high tiara.

If you are short stay away from billowy veils. Instead try a wreath of silk or real flowers.
For short hair try a juliet cap or floral wreath.
A lace mantilla or tiara will suit any length of hair.

(right) is a headpiece of white satin roses with pearls.

(left) a delicate headpiece of porcelain roses and gold filigree work.
Can be worn with or without a veil.

A few tiny flowers such as Stephanotis or Jasmine

If you do not like hats, and do not want to wear a veil, loop some imitation pearls through your hair, or wear a circlet of fresh flowers. The bridal gown needs the finishing touch of something on the head.

There is a wide variety of veil lengths for a bride to choose from. The length usually relates to the style of the gown.

Shorter veils are mostly worn at informal weddings or when the bride wants the back of her dress visible because of ornamentation there.
Those known as Facial/Madonna/Blusher/Shoulder Length veil are often combined with other lengths and used at semi-formal and formal weddings.

Elbow length is worn with short or informal gowns.

If you are having a very formal wedding and the dress has a long train, then the veil is often the same length.
Sweep length veil skims the grounds and is worn with formal gowns.
Ballet/Waltz length falls as far as the knees and again, is better with a formal gown.
For semi-formal and formal weddings, a Fingertip length Veil touches the fingertips.
Chapel Lenth veil is a style that lays on the floor for about 18 inches and is combined, also with some shorter lengths. It is for formal and semi-formal gown styles.

You may wish to wear your mothers veil, providing the "whites" match or check out what is available in bridal stores.

You could get a milliner to make something especially for you, and they can incorporate a design similar to your dress, even in the same fabrics, lace or beading. Appliqued lace on the bottom of the veil gives a one-of-a-kind look and is beautiful. Your veil can have a raw edge where the tulle is cut to the size and length and left.
A Rat Tail Piping edge is a small satin cord stiteched to the edge of the veil.
Other edges can be satin binding, pearls, lace or a rolled edge.

Blusher veils are liked by many and can add old-fashioned allure. Brides sometimes remove the veil from the headpiece during the reception.

For your wedding, if using flowers in the headpiece, they need to be smaller and daintier than the flowers in your bouquet, but in the keep the same colour tones.
Ask your Florist what she suggests.