47 Wedding Hairstyles That Look Perfect With a Veil

Updated 04/13/20

A veil serves as the classic finishing touch to your bridal hairstyle, second to donning your gorgeous gown. But one important question comes into play before you walk down the aisle: What the heck am I going to do with my hair? Brides need not worry, as 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 long tresses, we have all the inspiration you need.

Scroll on for our favorite swoon-worthy stylings.

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Curls Galore

Bride walking down aisle — MONICA LEGGIO

This bride let her romantic curls take center stage by cinching her veil a few inches below her crown. We love the fresh blooms added just off to the side.

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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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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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Floral Plaits

Undoubtedly romantic, this bride added a gorgeous flower crown to accentuate her dutch braid.

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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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Birdcage Beauty

Hannah Bronfman and Brendan Fallis First Kiss — Aria Isadora & Zach Hilty for BFA Weddings

For her wedding, Hannah Bronfman rocked a sleek bun with a vintage birdcage veil.

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Placement Is Key

You can still rock a veil with a laid-back hairstyle. It's all about the placement.

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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 Bob

Bridal veil — Bonnie Sen; Event Planning by Kruse & Vieira Events; Hair by Caitlyn Meyer

A wavy bob 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. This beauty looks positively royal at her elegant Lake Como, Italy, 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

Vow exchange — Robin Harper; Event Planning by Tara Cathcart of TMC PR; Hair by Matilde Campos

Don't discount the ever-humble ponytail. This bride proves that a low pony absolutely stuns with a veil.

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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

Bride in car — 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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Keeping With Tradition

Bride walking down the aisle — Biancca Wallace; Event Planning by Courtney Tibbets of After The Engagement; Hair by Courtney Nicole

The same bride continued to keep with tradition by draping the veil over her face as she entered the ceremony and walked down the aisle.

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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.

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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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A Beachy Bob

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 juxtaposition to her floral-printed lace dress.

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Au Naturel

Beach waves are a classic. It's no wonder we love them so much.

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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 chignon for a sweet touch.

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A Rosey Outlook

This bride accented her veil and beautifully tousled waves with dusty-hued roses befitting her autumnal vineyard wedding in Napa.

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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

Bride and dad — Jennings King; Event Planning by Fox Events; Hair by Charlotte Belk; Veil by Lee Petra Grebenau from Spina Bride; Floral Design by Poppy Custom Floral

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

Bride getting ready — 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 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 Dramatic Blowout

Father giving away bride — Roey Yohai; Event Planning by JZ Events; Hair by Hair by Halli

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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A Victorian Veil

Stone Cold Fox designer Cydney Morris draped this enchanting, vintage Victorian silk lace veil over straightened hair with the ends coyly curled inwards.