There are SO many specific shots that I love to take on wedding days for many different reasons, but my creative side loves few moreso than veil shots.  And this is coming from a past bride who did NOT wear a veil at her wedding 11 years ago!  It did not feel like me at the time, but I truly LOVE them—I think they are beautiful, can add a full other dimension to your bridal look, and for sure make gorgeous photos.

A lot of my brides specifically want those creative veil shots that they have seen me share—but I get frequently asked what the best style or type of veil is to achieve some of those dreamy photos—so here are my top 3 tips for choosing a veil that will be amazing in creative veil photos!

HOW TO CHOOSE A VEIL FOR EPIC VEIL SHOTS

1). It has to be LONG.  There are definitely some special photos that can be taken with a shorter veil that only hits mid back…but if you are picturing the flowing veil, or the veil wrapped around to create all that gorgeous creamy beauty, it really needs to be closer to floor length

2). It doesn’t really matter how many layers there are!  One layer works just fine for these photos, and 2 is also ok, though the more layers the heavier your veil will be, which leads to my next tip…

3). The LIGHTER the better for flying shots.  It IS fine if it has beading/lace on it (and those details can be so beautiful in photos!).  But it will fall to the ground much faster than if you have a veil that has minimal or no beading- so it might be harder to get the full on flowing shot if the veil is heavy and has a lot of detail!

4). Veils can be SO EXPENSIVE- but they don’t have to be! Consider borrowing one from a friend/sibling who has already gotten married, buying a used one, or shopping for a super basic one on Amazon!  This is NOT an area where new is important (and if you want to include the traditional something old, new, borrowed, and blue—this will help you get there!)!

Here is a link to a super low priced veil I think would be GREAT (and can be returned if it isn’t exactly right!).

Here is one more that is a little fancier with lace trim, and would fall a little faster when tossed for those gorgeous shots, but would still produce the overall look.

Remember: You can use the veil as a separate extra touch for after the first look for when you come down the aisle to add to your “bridal look”, or you could even just have one for a few photos if a veil during your ceremony is not your thing!  There are no rules—create your own!

And last. If you don’t want to wear one or are in love with a short one—that’s ok too! You do you girl!  These photos are just a fun extra option for your day, and not necessary in any way.  When we don’t do exciting veil shots—we create tons of variety in many other ways!