By Samantha Iacia

Whether you’re sporting a formal updo or long, loose waves, here’s the lowdown on wedding hairstyles with veils.

Once you’ve decided how to wear your hair on your wedding day, it’s time for another question: how to wear a veil. If you’re on the fence between veil or no veil, these beautiful wedding hairstyles with veils make a strong case for wearing one (and might we add that being a bride is pretty much the only opportunity you’ll have in life to wear something so dramatic!). While veils are a classic bridal accessory, there’s more to them than simply throwing a piece of tulle over your head and calling it a day. First, you should brush up on the wedding veil styles to decide what works best for you, and then you’ll need to think about how it will pair with your chosen hairstyle. Your wedding hairstylist will be able to give you some pointers, but we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ideas to get you started.

Here are all the different wedding hairstyles with veils you can choose from for your bridal look. 

Chignons and low updos with veils

These are some of the most popular wedding hairstyles with veils, and since chignons are extremely versatile—you can make them as casual or as formal as you like—they work for a range of wedding seasons, venues, and dress necklines. When adding a veil to a chignon, messy bun, or low ‘do, you have two options: the veil can be tucked into the top of the hairstyle to lift it slightly up and out, or you can add the veil to the underside of the bun instead (keep in mind that this will leave the veil closer to your neck and shoulders, and will also make the fabric appear a few inches longer).

Add a pearl or beaded headband to a loose chignon, then finish by pinning your veil to the base of the hairstyle for a classically romantic look. 

Finish your messy bun or low ‘do with a side braid for a wedding hairstyle that’s elegant but not overly formal (and still catches the eye once you take the veil off!).  

If you’re wearing a hijab, turban or other head covering on your wedding day, look for local seamstresses and bridal retailers who can design a custom veil or headpiece to fit exactly what you need.

A birdcage veil is simple and sweet, and it never goes out of style. Choose this no-fuss accessory if you want an iconic bridal look without the hassle of a longer veil. Birdcage veils look especially elegant paired with low chignons and slight bouffant styles. 

A smooth, flyaway-free chignon is a go-to hairstyle for medium-length and long veils—plus, keeping all of the hair away from your face means you can show off a lovely pair of earrings.  

For an ethereal, perfectly undone vibe, leave a few loose sections of hair around your face, then curl them slightly to add volume and texture. Pin your veil to the underside of the chignon and voilà: goddess bride.

Half-up wedding hairstyles with veils

For half-up wedding hairstyles with veils, the veil should be attached to the bottom half of the style. The hairstyle and veil should rest at the crown of your head or just below it. Many brides opt to include a sparkly hair comb, fresh flowers, or other decorative accessory at the top of the veil for added wow factor.

A rhinestone comb adds just the perfect hint of sparkle when tucked into a curly half-up style. This is an easy way to make your hairstyle feel slightly more formal if your veil is on the more simplistic side.

Add a headband to your half-up hairstyle as a stylish way to keep flyaways in place—especially helpful if you’re having an outdoor ceremony or reception. 

Dainty flowers (like these sweet wax flowers) will give your wedding hairstyle a free-spirited vibe. 

Long wedding hairstyles with veils

Long, loose curls are another extremely popular wedding hairstyle with a veil, especially if you’re going for an effortlessly romantic look. Unlike half-up styles and buns, the comb of the veil won’t have anything to “hook” into if you’re planning to wear your hair down. You’ll either need to pin it in place using bobby pins, or you can consider adding a few clip-in hair extensions to serve as an anchor for the veil. Bonus factor: they’ll make your tresses look extra voluminous! Another option is wearing a mantilla veil, which sits on the top of your head (usually attached with a couple bobby pins) instead of at the back.

Divide your hair into two sections with a deep side part, then clip one side back using a sparkly barrette. Finish with a long cathedral-length veil for a regal look that would be perfect for a glamorous winter wedding. 

If you’re into making a statement, use fresh flowers instead of a barrette to pin one side of your hair back. Oversized blooms, like roses, peonies, and these phalaenopsis orchids will be impossible to miss.  

If you’re wearing braids on your wedding day, secure a few strands at the back of your head with your veil for an easy, quick style.  

If your wedding veil is decorated with lace appliqués, position them at the front just above your forehead for a dramatic, vintage-inspired look. 

This simple wedding hairstyle with a veil is also one of the most timeless options. If you’re going for total minimalism, skip the sparkly barrettes and wear your veil closer to the top of your head to show off loose, bouncy waves.  

Mantilla veils are worn very close to the hairline, covering almost all of your head and shoulders. They’re an ideal option if you need to have your hair covered for religious reasons, or if you like the ultra-romantic look. 

High updos and top knots with veils

High updos are perfect if you want to keep your hair out of the way and polished all day long, or if you need a hairstyle for a summer wedding. Traditional updos are always a classic option, but braided buns and top knots are great for brides in search of a less formal style. A veil looks elegant and chic when fastened underneath the updo. For a retro-inspired look, go with a bouffant style and place the veil closer to your hairline in front of the bun.

Smooth your hair back into a bun, add a deep side part, and finish with an oversized curl to one side of your updo for a glam, retro vibe. 

Finish an elegant twisted updo by using loose tendrils and side bangs to beautifully frame your face and highlight your décolletage. 

Whether you’re getting married in the summer and need to keep your hair off your neck, or you just feel best with your hair in a cute bun, this whimsical hairstyle is even better when you add a braid. Finish the look by pinning a veil to the underside of the ‘do. 

If you have full bangs, you can clip your veil in front of your updo (right at the start of your bangs) for a mod ’60s-esque effect. Winged eyeliner optional! 

Brides with a lot of hair or very full updos (like this gorgeous braided bun) can add a sparkly hair comb or barrette in addition to the veil.