When to wear the VEIL!

IT’S TRUE! Let’s be real - Veils are BEAUTIFUL, but HEAVY! You can break the stigma of wearing your veil all day, and only wear it for the important parts!

I’ve been around the wedding day block quite a few times now, and over time I have seen things that work, and things that just don’t. My goal is to always make your WEDDING DAY ( and life :) ) just a little bit easier! So, here is my opinion on the veil, and when its actually beneficial to WEAR it!

Most brides end up wearing their veil all day because it’s what they think is typical. Most brides haven’t been brides before, so unless you are educated, and told it’s really OK to take it out, they don’t. Those are the brides, by the end of the day end up with a headache and just ready to be done, because veils can be a PAIN to maneuver and lug around behind you, unless you have a shorter, smaller, more lightweight veil.

SO, when is the best time to wear your veil on your wedding day? Here is a few reasons when and why its beneficial to wear your veil on your big day, so you are never questioning when you should take it out or leave it in!

If my couple is deciding to share a first look and the bride is very indecisive if she wants the veil in EVERY portrait of the two of them, I always recommend not wearing it for the first look, and here is why:

It can get in the way!! Seriously, the most photogenic veils are the longer more cathedral length ones, and it can be hard to think about if your veil is getting dirty, while being nervous about your groom seeing you for the first time, and it getting tangled in your flowers while trying to give him a hug, ect. You get the point. haha. Saving your veil for the isle is helpful in this situation!
It’s something new that the groom hasn’t seen before! It will make you look EXTRA bridal when coming down the isle, and you don’t have to worry about it not being special since you shared a first look.
It GUARUNTEES that we get extra portrait time after the ceremony! Everyone loves the traditional “veil fluffing” shots, and this gives us time to do that!
It keeps the veil from getting damaged or dirty before the ceremony! Lets face it, you spent a lot of time picking out that special veil that matches perfectly with your dress. Its not worth getting it messed up before everyone gets to see your whole look put together!
Veils actually photograph better in the evening! Sunset light will always be so much better than middle of the day light! Most first looks will take place during the middle of the harsh daylight, and your veil will get lost in the highlights of the photo and be over exposed! After the ceremony, the light will be in your favor so much more!
The bride gets 2 different looks on her wedding day! See some examples below!

These are some things that a bride prepping for her wedding day would never think about, but trust me when I say they make a HUGE difference in how you FEEL. and ultimately that is the most important thing! It also makes a huge difference for us photographers on your wedding day! I have also had some SW brides decide to wear their veil for the first look and then I help them take it out after for some extra variety! So MANY options!

ALL IN ALL, the best time to wear you veil on your wedding day, its