Simple Guide to Find Your Perfect Bridal Veil
Choosing a wedding veil is one of the most transformative moments in building your bridal look. While the dress often gets all the attention, the veil frames your face in photos, adds movement, and sets the mood for the entire outfit. The right veil can make a minimalist gown feel editorial, a classic gown feel effortlessly styled, and even turn a sleek pant suit into a bold fashion statement.
At TEMPÊTE, we design veils for the modern bride - pieces that feel current, wearable, and beautifully considered. This guide will help you choose a veil that feels right for you.
Length changes the entire mood and movement of your look
Understanding Veil Lengths
CATHEDRAL VEILS
The length of your veil has one of the biggest effects on how your overall outfit feels. Long cathedral veils are the closest thing to a statement accessory you can wear without adding embellishment. They create beautiful movement when you walk, trail effortlessly behind you, and look dramatic in photos. Brides often choose them with cleaner dresses, letting the veil carry the visual impact.
MID-LENGTH OR FINGERTIP VEILS
They are popular for brides who want something easier to wear but still soft and bridal. They work beautifully with dresses that have detailed backs, as they fall just above or around the waistline, allowing those details to stay visible.
SHORTER VEILS
From bow-inspired tulle to airy fingertip layers they are quickly becoming favourites for modern brides. They feel confident and intentional rather than traditional, perfect for City Hall weddings, restaurant receptions, or even afterparties. Short veils also pair perfectly with mini dresses or structured pant suits, adding contrast and turning the outfit into a true fashion moment.
VOLUME VEILS
They use lightweight, gathered tulle to create fullness and depth without feeling heavy. Worn with a sleek gown or tailored separates, a voluminous veil adds texture and drama that photographs beautifully, especially outdoors.
Balance is everything — and breaking the rules can be even better
How to Match Your Veil to Your Dress
The secret to choosing the right veil lies in balance. A clean dress can handle a veil with texture, pearls, or soft lace trim, creating visual interest without feeling overwhelming. A statement gown almost always works better with a simple tulle veil, allowing the dress to remain the main focus.
But some of the best looks come from breaking those old rules. Modern brides are embracing contrasts, like pairing sleek pant suits or short dresses with dramatic cathedral veils. The effect feels unexpected and editorial, instantly turning the outfit into something fashion-forward.
If your dress already has strong lines, think about how your veil will interact with them. Soft edges and sheer layering can balance a structured silhouette, while a clean, single-layer veil complements bias-cut or draped gowns. Always think of your veil as part of the full picture, not as a separate piece.
Why shade matters more than you think
Choosing the Right Veil Color
One of the most overlooked details in veil shopping is colour. Not all whites are the same, and mismatched tones are far more noticeable in photos than most brides realize. Pure bright white fabrics often carry a cool or blue undertone that can look harsh in daylight or outdoor photography.
At TEMPÊTE, we always use soft off-white tones for our bridalwear and accessories. This creates a natural, warm look in any light and allows brides to mix and match pieces across our collections without worrying about color clashing. Off-white tulle also photographs beautifully, avoiding the flat, stark look that true white fabrics sometimes have.
When you shop for a veil, always ask what shade of white it is. Place it directly next to your dress to see how the colours work together in natural light. You can often request a fabric swatch to be mailed to you to compare with your outfit. A perfect colour match can make your entire look feel seamless, while mismatched tones can stand out immediately in photos
The earlier you plan, the better the results
When to Shop for Your Veil and Why Made-to-Order Matters
Your veil should be one of the final steps after choosing your dress, but do not leave it to the last minute. Many modern veils, especially those with custom detailing or specific lengths, are made-to-order. This ensures better craftsmanship and allows for details like exact colour matching, custom lengths, or layered adjustments.
At TEMPÊTE, every veil is handmade in our Vancouver showroom and cut to order. This means every bride receives a piece that feels considered and tailored to her dress, not just something chosen off a rack.
Find Your Perfect Veil at TEMPÊTE
The perfect veil should feel effortless, as if it was designed specifically for you. Whether you are drawn to a clean off-white cathedral veil, a dramatic volume piece, or a modern short veil to pair with a mini dress, the right choice is the one that works with your dress, your personality, and the feeling you want to create.
At TEMPÊTE, we design veils with this in mind, creating pieces that move beautifully, photograph perfectly, and work seamlessly with our bridalwear collections.
Visit our Vancouver bridal boutique to try on veils in person, or shop online for worldwide shipping. Book your showroom appointment or explore our collection today
Veil Collection 2026
Made in Canada
Crafted in small batches
in Vancouver, BC.