How to Wear Your Hair With Your Wedding Veil: Expert Tips From Nala & Knot x Rebecca Anne Designs
- Rebecca Anne
- Aug 16, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 21
Rewritten for October 2025 to bring you the most current advice on pairing your bridal hairstyle and veil.
If you’re a bride-to-be wondering how to wear your hair with your wedding veil, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common questions I’m asked. So let’s spend the next five minutes together exploring exactly how to achieve that balance between your dream hairstyle and the veil you’ve fallen in love with.
To help you feel completely confident about your bridal look, I’ve teamed up with the wonderful Laura and Natalie of Nala & Knot, the hair and makeup duo behind so many unforgettable wedding mornings (including my own). Together, we’ve answered all your veil-and-hairstyle questions — from romantic waves to polished buns, and every elegant style in between.
Bridal Hair and Veil Styling: Where to Begin
Nala & Knot believe every bride should look and feel entirely herself on her wedding day — and I couldn’t agree more. Their mantra is simple: any hairstyle can work beautifully with a veil when it’s planned with intention.
The key is communication. Let your hairstylist know which veil you’ve chosen, or if you’re still deciding, we can discuss how your preferred hairstyle might influence your design or attachment type. Whether you love the idea of soft curls, a chic chignon, or something sleek and modern, your bridal hair and veil should complement one another effortlessly.
Nala & Knot: “A huge vibe for us is that all bridal hair looks will work. We want every bride to feel confident, comfortable, and completely herself. We still get excited every time we place the veil — it’s always such a special moment.”
How to Wear Your Hair Down With a Wedding Veil
Many brides wonder if wearing their hair down will make it harder to wear a veil — but the answer is absolutely not. Loose, flowing hair and a veil can look beautifully relaxed and romantic.
Securing your veil with loose waves or curls
For hair worn down, the trick lies in creating a secure base. Nala & Knot recommend gently teasing the crown of your hair before inserting the comb, then adding a few crossed bobby pins beneath the surface to anchor it. This provides subtle structure without compromising the soft finish.
Adding texture for extra hold
If your hair is naturally silky, a light mist of texture spray or mousse adds grip. Every Rebecca Anne Designs veil comes with a curved comb to hug the head shape securely, but you can also request discreet veil loops that grip in place — ideal for delicate hairstyles or finer hair.
Attachment options that suit hair-down styles
If you’d prefer your veil to sit lower for a modern, flowing look, loops or a smaller comb can help achieve that seamless fit. I’m always happy to discuss your hairstyle plans during the design process so your veil feels as effortless as it looks. Wearing your hair down with a wedding veil is completely possible — the key is adding gentle texture at the crown and securing the comb with discreet crossed pins for hold without compromising softness.
Best Bridal Updos to Pair With a Veil
Updos remain one of the most versatile and elegant choices for brides — and they pair beautifully with veils of every length.
Low bun or chignon placement
A classic low bun or chignon allows your veil to sit an inch or two above the knot for a balanced, timeless look. This placement helps distribute weight evenly — especially useful for cathedral or organza-detailed veils.
High bun or ponytail placement
For a more contemporary silhouette, wear your veil just beneath a high bun or ponytail so it cascades freely down your back. Securing the comb slightly under the bun elongates your neckline and creates graceful movement as you walk.
Half-up styles for a versatile day-to-night look
Half-up, half-down styles are ideal if you’d like to make a subtle change later in the day. You can remove your veil after the ceremony and let your hair fall loose for the reception, keeping the texture and body already created.
Nala & Knot: “We are seeing so many brides have second looks with their bridal hair and makeup and dress changes. One great, versatile style is the half-up, half-down for the beginning of the day, which easily transitions into an all-down style for that second look that still looks incredible with your veil.” Read more styling ideas in my blog on how to plan your bridal second look.
Nala & Knot were quick to assure that it’s possible to achieve both — you don’t have to choose between fabulous hair and a beautiful veil. Remember that in most cases veils reveal some of the hairstyle beneath, so they can really complement each other. If you’re opting for a highly embroidered blusher-style or mantilla veil, it will naturally cover more of your hair and makeup look by design. If you choose one of these styles and also really want to let your hair fall free, you could wear your veil for your ceremony and then take it out later in the day — and even swap it for a new, fashion-led embroidered accessory from me.
Are Wedding Veils Heavy?
A veil’s weight depends on its length, fabric, and embellishments, so some are very light while others can feel more substantial. Lightweight veils are most common — especially short styles or those made from sheer bridal tulle — while longer styles such as cathedral or chapel-length veils, or those adorned with lace, beading, or embroidery, will naturally carry a little more weight.
Factors that determine veil weight
Length: Shorter veils like birdcage or fingertip styles are feather-light compared to cathedral or royal lengths.
Fabric: Rebecca Anne Designs veils are made from soft, airy tulle chosen for its sheer quality and beautiful drape. Organza or satin-edged designs offer slightly more body.
Embellishments: Intricate embroidery or lace adds elegant texture — and with it, a touch of extra weight.
Gathering: A gathered comb can create volume, while a “barely-there” drape offers that effortlessly light, floating feel.
Tips for managing a heavier veil
Hair and style: For veils with more structure, a fuller or updo hairstyle is best for support.
Stylist positioning: Ask your hairstylist to place the veil slightly higher on your head for balance.
Extra support: You can even add small veil weights for outdoor ceremonies.
Comfort first: Many brides choose to remove their veil after photos or the first dance to move freely.
Designer takeaway: Even with detailed embroidery, my veils are designed to remain light and comfortable throughout your day. And remember — securing grips vertically as well as horizontally is a great insider trick to help keep everything in place.
Lauren Elizabeth Photography
Wearing a Veil With Short Hair or Curly Hair
Not every bride has long, flowing locks — and nor should she need to. Short, bob-length, or naturally textured hair can look absolutely incredible with a veil when styled intentionally.
How to secure veils in short or bob-length hair
Ask your hairstylist to create a small anchor braid or use crossed grips beneath the top layer for extra hold. Lightweight fingertip or chapel-length veils work beautifully with shorter styles, giving soft movement without pulling.
Enhancing natural curls and texture under a veil
For curly hair, embrace your texture rather than flattening it. Nala & Knot recommend curl creams or light-hold products to define shape before adding your veil. The comb should glide into the hair gently so it rests naturally without disturbing the curls.
Choosing veil weight and attachment options for comfort
If your hair is fine or fragile, request a smaller comb or veil loops for a gentler fit. I can adjust this during the design process to ensure your bespoke veil feels perfectly balanced for you.
Essential reminder: Short hair and curls can pair beautifully with a veil — the secret lies in subtle anchoring, thoughtful product use, and letting your natural texture shine through.
Modern Bridal Hair Ideas With a Veil and Bows
Veils and bows are no longer an either-or choice — they’re a modern match made in heaven.
Statement bows as a second-look accessory
Many of my embroidered bridal bows can be worn with or without a veil, giving you freedom to change your look throughout the day. Add a statement bow after removing your veil for an effortlessly chic evening style.
Styling transitions from ceremony to reception
If you’re planning a second hairstyle, Nala & Knot’s “first glance to first dance” service ensures your hair remains flawless all day. They can stay to restyle your look once your veil comes out — perfect for a bow swap or accessory change.
Non-traditional or fashion-led hair-and-veil pairings
Think beyond the classic bun: sleek ponytails, textured plaits, or soft brushed-out waves all pair beautifully with veils. The secret is balance — keep one element bold (like a statement veil or bow) and the other elegantly simple for a refined finish.
Modern brides are embracing individuality — pairing veils and bows with sleek ponytails, soft waves, or fashion-led updos for a look that feels stylish, confident, and completely personal.
Expert Tips for a Secure, Photo-Ready Hairstyle
Whether your celebration is in a grand hall or a windswept garden, a few extra precautions will help your veil stay in place and your hair look picture-perfect all day.
Veil checks during the day
Ask one of your bridesmaids to be your designated “veil helper” — someone who knows where it’s pinned and can check it’s sitting correctly before photos or your aisle walk. Nala & Knot recommend a soft bristle brush or comb if wearing your hair down to "ensure it can be brushed through and redressed for those all-important photos."
Outdoor weddings and veil stability
If you’re marrying outdoors, a few extra pins and a light spray of flexible-hold hairspray are worth their weight in gold. Your stylist can add subtle criss-crossed grips under the comb to prevent lifting in the breeze.
Plan your hair trial with your veil
Always bring your veil (or a sample version) to your hair trial. This gives your stylist time to practise fitting it securely and helps you see how the complete look feels when you move.
Expert Insight: “A hair trial with your actual veil is essential — it helps us secure it perfectly and gives brides complete peace of mind.” - Nala & Knot
Lauren Elizabeth Photography
Bridal Hair Trends 2026: What’s Next
Looking ahead to 2026, Nala & Knot predict that bridal hairstyles will remain feminine, polished, and softly textured — think 90s bombshell, glossy curls, and modern updos with relaxed finishes.
These styles pair beautifully with embroidered veils, bringing together contemporary ease and considered luxury. Whether you love the drama of a cathedral veil or the simplicity of a fingertip design, the current trend is all about personal expression.
Final Thoughts From Nala & Knot and Rebecca Anne Designs
Every bride deserves to feel confident, comfortable, and herself. From Nala & Knot’s artistry to the veil details stitched in my Devon studio, your bridal look should tell your story beautifully.
Nala & Knot: “Most brides head to Pinterest and Instagram to look for inspiration, and at your bridal trial you can work with your hair stylist to see what you like on yourself. It’s all about infusing your inspiration into looking and feeling like the most elevated version of you.”
It’s also so important that you aren’t bound by ‘shoulds’ on your wedding day. Allowing what you think you have to do to dictate your bridal look is a sure way to feel inauthentic, which is the exact opposite of what you want. When looking for inspiration for your hairstyle and accessories, I recommend going even further than bridal magazines — allow yourself to be influenced by fashion, lifestyle and all the other things that make you, you.
When it comes to designing your bespoke embroidered veil, the only limit is your imagination. Even if you’ve never seen me make exactly what you’re envisioning before, always feel free to ask.
Key takeaway: 'Bridal’ no longer means just one look — it’s about expressing your individuality and interpreting tradition in your own way.
If you’d like more detailed, step-by-step guidance on veil placement and securing, read my complementary guide: How to Wear Your Wedding Veil: A Step-by-Step Guide
And if you’re ready to start designing your bespoke embroidered veil, I’d love to hear your ideas — every detail begins with you.
With thank to Nala & Knot.
All photography by Kamila Nowak Photography except where otherwise stated.
