How Much Does a Wedding Veil Cost? We Have The Answer to This and Other FAQ

Ask any of your married friends about the moment they first felt like a bride, and they'll likely tell you it was when they first wore their veil. The bridal hair accessory brings a wow-factor to any wedding look, but just how much does a wedding veil cost? And how do you find the right wedding veil style to complement your wedding-day wear? While you might not get the chance to ask these questions as you try on looks at the bridal salon, it's important to have this information before you make a purchase. So, as your expert source on all things wedding fashion, we're breaking down everything you need to know about wedding veils, from how much they cost to how to decide on a length, fabric and style. We spoke with Sandra Morales, wedding veil designer and owner of Ofrenda Studio, to get the details.

In this article:

• How Much Does a Wedding Veil Cost?
• How to Choose the Right Wedding Veil for You

How Much Does a Wedding Veil Cost?

According to Morales, the cost of a wedding veil is typically between $100 and $600, however, just like the average wedding dress cost, high-end or custom options will likely cost more. While fabric quality is one of the primary factors in determining the cost of a veil, Morales says that, "in this day and age where fabric technology standards are really high, you can get great quality tulle at an affordable price." Custom veils and veils with intricate details can lean expensive. Morales' top tip to avoid overspending is to set a budget beforehand. Luckily, The Knot Budget Advisor can help you do just that. Once you input your location, you'll see an average wedding budget breakdown that's typical to your area. From there, you can evaluate how your spending stacks up against that average to determine what portion you can realistically set aside for a veil. (Psst: Did we mention that this tool is free?)

How to Choose the Right Wedding Veil for You

Once you make the decision to wear a veil, the next step is to nail down the right style for you. According to Morales, "a wedding veil is a ritual of self expression and it should align with your own unique style, feelings and vision." But determining what your ideal veil might look like isn't always easy. After all, there are so many styles to choose from, from modern wedding veils to classic ones. To figure out which one will best complement your wedding look (and bring your outfit vision to life), keep these tips in mind while shopping:

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Wedding Veil Length

If you keep up with our content, you probably know that veils come in a variety of lengths, and that each length has a name associated with it. While this can certainly get confusing, you shouldn't worry about getting too wrapped up in these details, as there are no rules about how long your veil should be in relation to your dress. According to Morales, the decision should come down to personal preference.

"Short veils like shoulder and elbow length (20"-30") are ideal for a more casual, fun look," says Morales. "They allow for effortless movement while offering a playful, but elegant vibe." Fingertip-length veils (36"-40") are one of the most versatile options in Morales' opinion, as they work with almost any dress style and body type. Knee-length veils (44"-50") are great for keeping on during the reception, since they won't get in the way while you're dancing. "Waltz-length veils (60"-72") are not the most popular choice, but I personally love how they frame the whole look, Morales says. "I especially like them paired with trainless and tea-length gowns." Chapel-length veils (90") are great for brides who want the elegance of a long veil, but don't want to trip over an extremely long train. Cathedral veils (108"-120"), on the other hand, are for those who want all the drama. "They're just about as bridal as you can get," says Morales.

Wedding Veil Fabric

There's a common misconception that your wedding veil fabric has to match your wedding gown fabric. In reality, that couldn't be further from the truth. There's a variety of different fabric pairings that work well with each other. Classic tulle veils, for instance, pair perfectly with virtually any gown, thanks to their delicate, lightweight quality. "Designed to complement rather than compete, tulle veils work well with more ornate gowns featuring lace or beading," says Morales. On the other hand, chiffon veils pair well with flowy fabrics that are free from heavy embellishments. "Chiffon has a soft, natural drape that makes for a relaxed look," says Morales. Because of this, chiffon veils are a favorite among boho brides and are often worn at beach and backyard weddings. Organza veils pair well with simple gowns made from satin or silk. Because the fabric is a bit more structured, it adds an element of volume to the slinky, liquid-like quality of those fabrics.

Wedding Veil Embellishments

Once you've narrowed down a fabric and length, it's time to decide if you want a veil that's simple or that makes a statement. There are endless options when it comes to wedding veil embellishments, from pearl veils to embroidered veils and everything in between. "While we're all about following your heart when it comes to choosing a veil, you might also want to consider your dress details to make the decision a little easier," says Morales. "For example, if your dress has intricate back details, an overly ornate veil might overshadow it." Alternatively, if you plan on wearing a simple wedding dress, you might decide on an embellished veil for a subtle touch of sparkle. But these aren't your only options. If you're a "more is more" kind of bride, consider rocking an embellished dress and veil. Morales says: "Most brides think embroidered and embellished veils can only be paired with simple dresses, but you'd be surprised to see how beautifully they pair with more intricate gowns as well."

Consider Your Comfort

Our top tip for choosing a wedding veil? Don't compromise on comfort. "If you think that a veil will make you feel uncomfortable throughout the day (or stop you from showing off your moves on the dance floor), opt for a lightweight or detachable option so you can take it off after the ceremony," Morales suggests. If you worry that a veil will cause you discomfort as you walk down the aisle, consider not wearing one at all (don't worry, there are plenty of other elegant wedding dress accessories you can don instead). "Comfort is contagious," says Morales. "Feeling at ease can have an impact on the emotions and expressions of those around you, and you shouldn't let a veil interfere with that."

Ask a Wedding Veil Expert

When it comes to choosing a wedding veil, Morales believes that you shouldn't listen to too many opinions. "A veil is not something you buy everyday, so it's natural to want to seek opinions from friends and family, but having too many differing ideas can result in insecurity and confusion," she warns. Instead, consider speaking with an expert, such as a bridal stylist or seamstress.

You can find a wedding veil expert at your local bridal salon. Head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace and select "More Filters." From there, select "Veils" under the "Accessories" tab. This will show you a tailored list of bridal salons in your area where you can try on veils and get personalized advice from a stylist.