How to Put a Veil On: A Bride's Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Placement

The wedding veil is one of the most iconic bridal accessories, and knowing how to put a veil on correctly can make all the difference in your overall look.

However, many brides find themselves uncertain about the proper placement and securing techniques. Whether you've chosen a cathedral-length waterfall or a simple fingertip veil, the right technique ensures your veil stays perfectly in place throughout your ceremony and photos.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about putting on your wedding veil correctly, keeping it secure throughout your special day, and avoiding common mistakes that could lead to veil mishaps. Let's make sure your veil looks absolutely perfect for your walk down the aisle!

Proper preparation before putting on your veil makes all the difference between a secure fit and a wobbly accessory. Following these steps will ensure your veil stays perfectly in place throughout your special day.

Your hairstyle serves as the foundation for your veil, fundamentally influencing how it will look and stay secure. Different hairstyles offer various advantages:

Updos and buns provide structure and a secure base, making them ideal for supporting heavier veils. High buns pair beautifully with crown placements, while low buns work wonderfully with both under/over-the-bun positioning.

Half-up styles offer excellent versatility, allowing for a secure comb grip while maintaining the softness of loose hair. These styles complement mantilla and fingertip veils perfectly.

Loose waves or curls create a romantic look but require lightweight veils. If you prefer this style, ensure your veil comb has grip-enhancing teeth or ask your stylist to secure it with hidden pins.

The position of your veil dramatically impacts your overall bridal look:

High placement (at the crown) creates more volume at the top and works beautifully with updos. This traditional position elongates your silhouette and draws attention to your face.

Mid-head placement offers a balance between traditional and modern styles, creating a classic look that evokes regal elegance.

Low placement (closer to the nape) provides a more contemporary feel, perfect for brides seeking a softer aesthetic. This position works beautifully with low updos or chignons and elongates your silhouette.

Scheduling a hair trial approximately two months before your wedding is essential. During this crucial appointment:

• Bring your actual veil to test with your hairstyle
• Take photos from multiple angles to see how it looks
• Test the hairstyle both with and without the veil
• Ask your stylist to show a bridesmaid how to remove it without disturbing your hairstyle

Furthermore, this trial allows you to experiment with different placements and secure methods. Your stylist can demonstrate how to use bobby pins effectively—two bobby pins crossed over to create an X shape across the teeth will hold your veil securely in place.

Putting your veil on correctly ensures it will stay securely in place throughout your ceremony and photo session. When done properly, this seemingly tricky task becomes straightforward with these step-by-step instructions.

First, take your veil and identify the comb at the bottom. Most veils come with a metal comb already attached, which is preferable to plastic combs as they grip hair more effectively. Hold the veil by the comb and examine it closely—you'll notice the comb has a curved shape designed to hug your head.

Next, position the comb so its curve aligns perfectly with the shape of your head. The concave part of the comb should face inward, curving like a frown when positioned correctly against your scalp. This anatomical matching is crucial—the curve of the comb should "hug" the curve of your skull for maximum security.

Gently slide it into your hair at your chosen placement point. Push the comb forward before flipping it to lay flat against your head—this technique catches more hair and creates a stronger anchor.

For fine hair or slippery textures, consider teasing or backcombing the section where you'll place the veil. This creates texture that helps the comb grip better.

Subsequently, add bobby pins for extra security by crisscrossing them over the teeth of the comb. Many veil combs feature special loops specifically designed for sliding bobby pins through. For particularly heavy veils or outdoor ceremonies, consider using small hidden clips for additional support.

The most secure method involves creating an "X" pattern with your pins—insert the first pin at a slight downward angle, then add a second pin at an upward angle to create a locked X formation. This technique is virtually windproof, keeping your veil perfectly positioned regardless of conditions.

Based on our experience working with over 3,000 brides, these practical strategies will ensure both convenience and those picture-perfect moments you're dreaming of.

Strategic timing matters for veil placement. Although you might feel eager to put your veil on immediately after dressing, consider your timeline first. If you're within walking distance of your first look, have your hairstylist secure it just before leaving to avoid interference during final touch-ups. For brides traveling to the ceremony, wait until arrival to prevent wrinkling or accidental removal during transportation.

Throughout your photo session, protect your veil against unexpected gusts. Beyond the initial secure placement, cross two bobby pins that match your hair color over the comb teeth for extra stability. Prior to outdoor photos, consider additional pins at strategic points. As you move around corners or navigate different surfaces, your veil fabric will gather naturally—ask someone to "fluff" it out between shots.

Upon completing formal photos, your hairstylist would ideally remove your veil. Nevertheless, since having them stay may not be practical, ask them to teach your mom or maid of honor the proper technique. The correct removal method involves placing one hand beneath the veil atop the comb while holding hair in place, then gently pulling upward with the other hand until the comb releases.

After the ceremony and bridal portraits, many brides opt for more freedom of movement. Some switch to a shorter blusher-style veil for dancing while maintaining their bridal look. Two-piece veils offer flexibility—removing the longer section while keeping the shorter piece intact. Alternatively, consider bustling your veil similar to a dress train for simplified movement without removal.

Even after mastering the basics, brides often encounter common veil mishaps. Fortunately, these problems are easily avoided with proper planning.

Numerous "veil fail" videos show brides having their veils ripped out during the procession or blown away mid-ceremony. To prevent this disaster, work with a professional hairstylist who understands secure veil placement. Moreover, always anchor the comb with bobby pins, criss-crossing them through the teeth for maximum grip. This technique creates a locked formation that stays put even in windy conditions.

Incorrect placement dramatically affects your overall look. Placing the veil too low makes it appear as though tulle is coming out of your neck, diminishing the visual impact. Instead, position it at the crown of your head, allowing the veil to flow elegantly and wrap around your shoulders when desired.

Your veil must coordinate with other hair accessories for a polished appearance. Certainly, tiaras, combs, or floral pieces need to work harmoniously with your veil. Test these combinations beforehand, communicating with both your hairstylist and veil designer to create a cohesive look.

A bridal session offers an invaluable opportunity to verify everything works together. This rehearsal reveals potential fit issues, allows your helpers to practice securing the veil, and confirms that your complete look feels right. Even timelines can be derailed when nobody has practiced putting your ensemble together.

Your wedding veil serves as a stunning finishing touch to your bridal ensemble; therefore, mastering its placement becomes essential for your perfect look. Throughout this guide, we've walked through every aspect of veil placement, from preparation to securing techniques.

We hope this guide helps you feel prepared and confident about wearing your veil. With these simple steps and techniques, you'll achieve that picture-perfect bridal look you've been dreaming of!