Wondering what to wear instead of a veil? We’ll tell you! Check out our wedding advice question below and subscribe for the latest right to your inbox!

It’s time for another Ask Emmaline question! Bride-to-be, Michele, asks:

“Help! I’ve tried on a few wedding veils in a store but I didn’t like how they looked. I don’t think a veil is my style and I just don’t see myself wearing a veil at my wedding. Does a bride have to wear a veil? Or is there something else I can wear as an alternative?”

Fantastic question! For starters, you asked if the bride has to wear a veil. Remember that it’s your wedding: there are no rules. A bride doesn’t have to do anything or wear anything that she doesn’t want to, so a veil is definitely not a requirement.

What to Wear Instead of a Veil

Now, before we show you some wedding hair accessory options, if you try on a veil in store make sure you also…
1.) try on a veil while wearing your dress (or a similar style)
2.) try on the veil with a hairstyle you plan to wear the day-of
3.) try on several veil styles
The third one — trying on several veil styles — is especially important because one style can look better on some people than others. Your face shape, hairstyle, dress, and personal style are all factors when it comes to picking the perfect veil — or veil alternative. Also, trying on many different veil styles to see which one you like best is also a great rule of thumb. For example, a bandeau veil — like this one, shown below from Tessa Kim — is a unique veil style that differs greatly from a traditional, classic look.

by tessa kim, photo by candice benjamin

If you’ve tried the above and still prefer no veil, you’re in luck: there are plenty of stylish wedding veil alternatives from which to choose. And you know what?
You don’t even have to wear anything in your hair if you don’t want to.

You can also change up your look mid-day: wear a veil for the ceremony and swap to a headband in the evening. Furthermore, you can wear a hair crown during the ceremony and remove it at your reception for a no-fuss look.

Now, on to the loveliness!

What to Wear Instead of a Veil

From wedding hair combs to hair crowns, we’ve got you covered. Here are some ideas for what to wear instead of a veil on your wedding day. You can find even more ideas in The Marketplace.

Hair Comb

by lottie da designs
Hair Flower

by tessa kim, photo by deyla huss

by tessa kim, photo by deyla huss
Halo Hair Wrap

Beaded Halo Hair Piece

Feather Headband

by tessa kim, photo by deyla huss

Gold Ribbon Headband

And here’s an example of the headband veil alternative being worn on a real bride:

Bridal Fascinator Hair Flower

by lottie da designs
Feather Bridal Headpiece

by tessa kim, photo by honey honey photography
Floral Headpiece

by sibo designs, photo by thecablook fotolab

Gold Leaf Headpiece

I love this one!

Here’s another look with this headpiece draped along the back.

Hair Pin / Comb

by tessa kim, photo by deyla huss

by tessa kim, photo by deyla huss
Floral Hair Crown

by roses and lemons, photo: a darling day
Draped Hair Comb

by lottie da designs
These are just a few of the many hair accessories you can choose.

Comment on → What to Wear Instead of a Veil

What’s your favorite style above? I’m loving the draped look lately, where you see the accessory just from the back. It’s gorgeous and perfect for a hair down hairstyle You should also see these hairstyle ideas for inspiration, too.

♥
Do you have a wedding question? Ask Emmaline! Your question might appear in an upcoming wedding advice feature. Regardless, we’re always happy to help via email, too.

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma