47 Wedding Hairstyles That Look Perfect With a Veil

Updated 09/11/20

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 smiling in dress and veil with 3D floral appliquès — Amy Anaiz; Event Planning by We Do! Collective by Fallon Carter; Hair by Modimel

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

Floral-framed bun with veil — 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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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

Newlyweds kissing at the altar — 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

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

Newlyweds holding hands — 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

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 Lob

Newlyweds portrait with blunt lob hairstyle — Chi-Chi Ari; Event Planning by Tiffany Rivera of Simply Breathe Events; Veil by Blossom Veils; Hair by Hair by Fran

A wavy, blunt lob and sweeping veil prove to be a stylish combination.

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A Royal Drape

Newlywed portrait — 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

Voluminous waves and a veil cinched at the back of the head are perfect for minimalist brides.

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Pony Up

Cascading veil over ponytail — 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

Vow exchange — Tony Wodarck; Event Planning by Courtney Tibbets of After The Engagement; Hair by Jen Plus Colour & Say I Do Updos

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

Newlyweds — 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

Bride and bridesmaid laughing — 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

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

Bridal portrait with cascading veil — Lisa Poggi; Event Planning by Exclusive Italy Weddings; Veil by Cassandra Silvestro; Hair by Styles by Omar

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.

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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

Ring exchange — 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

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

Bride walking down the aisle — Hannah Pickle; Event Planning by Grand Events NOLA; Hair by Glam NOLA

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

Newlyweds on canal boat in Venice — 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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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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Sheer Glam

Newlyweds in white posing in front of Brooklyn bridge — 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 hair style.

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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

Newlyweds at the altar in front of ocean — Sara Lobla; Event Planning by Alice Spitalny, Ben Simmons & Charlotte Simmons of Little Island Design; Hair by Jennifer Yepez using Kevin Murphy

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

Portrait of Bride in embellished cape — Stephania Campos; Event Planning by Daryl Wilson of D Concierge Events; Hair by Nikki Garcia; Makeup by Stacy Kent

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 silk lace veil over straightened hair with the ends coyly curled inwards.

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A Dramatic Blowout

Newlyweds first look — Flora & Flauna; Event Planning by Tall & Small Events; Hair by Seven Salon

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

Chanel Iman Newlywed Portrait — AMY AND STUART PHOTOGRAPHY; Event Planning by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

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.