Nontraditional Wedding Veils for the Fashion-Forward Bride

If you're in the process of curating your bridal ensemble—your wedding dress and accessories, included—then you've likely decided whether or not to wear a veil. This is often a big-day fashion dilemma for contemporary brides, especially. How could your modern bridal getup possibly support an accessory as traditional as a veil (these dainty headpieces have been built into bridal fashion for centuries)? Ultimately, we don't blame brides for skipping the classic accessory, since so many options just don't suit a new-age look.

There are, however, plenty of contemporary brands out there making unexpected, nontraditional veils for the modern bride. From unique accents, like studs, metallic stars, pearls, and romantic floral appliqués (like the ones seen here, on this Zanzis Couture number) to didn't-see-that-coming color (like pink and slate!), there are plenty of ways to redefine and reinterpret this classic accessory. Of course, not every nontraditional veil out there has to feel ultra-modern. In fact, you can make a major statement by pairing your contemporary wedding dress with an antique veil, scavenged from your favorite vintage shop. Or, take a new approach, entirely—more and more brides are working with their florists to dress up simple, gauzy veils with fresh blooms, pinned straight to the fabric.

However you choose to make this age-old accessory your own, know that there's an option out there guaranteed to suit your personal big-day style. Whether you're a bohemian bride who gravitates toward crocheted lace, embroidery, or fringe or a minimalist who's looking for a subtle twist on a classic accessory, we have you covered—the following nontraditional wedding veils are sure to inspire your own.

Looking for a contemporary way to translate the "something blue" big-day tradition? Consider a dusty-blue veil, like this gauzy, moody option.

A polka dotted veil is a fun way to infuse a touch of retro flair to your bridal ensemble, as evidenced by this beauty's Etsy accessory.

A lace veil is arguably as classic as it gets. If you want to embrace lace during your walk down the aisle, but don't want to look overtly traditional, consider a crocheted option, like this vintage option. Though the hand-woven fabric connotes Old-World vibes, it's a lace most classic brides wouldn't even consider (they typically gravitate towards traditional floral iterations).

Pearls are the latest bridal trend to sweep the wedding sphere—we're seeing them everywhere, from big-day barrettes and button-down backs to veils. This option by Alyssa Kristin was composed of a simple, traditional base (a stretch of tulle!), but accented with the modern pearls. The bride wore the accessory low, place towards the top of her sleek bun, for another contemporary touch.

Bohemian brides, this colorful, embroidered veil by Elodie Courtat is for you. Filled with climbing cherry blossom vines and daisies, the veil has one additional floral touch: A textured petal topper, placed where the veil is pushed into the hair.

This classic veil option might be known as the bird cage, but this Butterfly Story veil is all about the butterflies. The colorful little creatures looked incredibly life-like; positioned on top of the veil and embedded into the bride's romantic updo, the critters appeared to be resting gently on the bride-to-be.

Believe it or not, the flowers atop and throughout this elongated headpiece are fresh—the florist pinned verdant flowers in a cascade down the veil and finished off the bride's look with a flower crown trailing cherry blossoms.

Though flowers are a popular veil component, these oversized, Hawaiian-inspired floral appliqués feel decidedly new-age—especially when place below a messy, voluminous bouffant.

If you're searching for a veil with a touch of color, bookmark this slate Monique Lhuillier option. Bordered with a stretch of blue-gray lace, the veil brought a unique edge to the bride's ensemble—as did her fall-ready flower crown by Andi Jamison for Bows and Arrows, which was styled by Stefanie Miles.

Your veil doesn't have to be the focal point of your big-day ensemble to make a statement. Take this bride's unique look, for example. We love how the romantic pink flowers throughout her veil referenced the same-colored appliqués on her gray-blue wedding dress. The result? A completely cohesive getup, from head to toe.

Veils come in all shapes and sizes—and while elongated, floor-length options are often the go-to for most brides, shorter, daintier accessories, like this one by SIBO Designs, have impact, too. Crystals lined the edge of the chin-length headpiece; sparkly clusters were also placed throughout the fabric for an extra dose of shine.

Want to keep your look traditional for your ceremony, but love the idea of an unexpected veil? Don an unexpected iteration for another part of your big day—your morning-of boudoir shoot. Better yet, use the same veil you'll wear down the aisle in a new way to double its use. Jardine Hansen pinned fresh flowers down this trailing headpiece for this bride's solo photo shoot. Ask your florist to do the same—and then simply remove the buds when it's time for your service.

Bring a touch of metallic edge to your big-day veil by adding several gold-lace appliqués to a champagne-hued veil (the warmer tone suits the metallic hue).

We're not sure what we love most about this dynamic chapel-length veil: It's romantic 3D dahlia appliqués, it's bow-tied edges, or the romantic vine motif embroidered around the edges. The accessory perfectly complemented the bride's lace Claire Pettibone wedding dress.

This floral-themed veil is proof that going for the ultimate degree of romance in your bridal ensemble often pays off. From its lush fabric garden rose headpiece to its spray rose-studded body, this Love Sparkle Pretty option is as dreamy as it gets.

There's something so minimalist about this pleated, fingertip-grazing beauty by Suzanne Couture Millinery, which pairs prettily with sheath gowns.

Your love was written in the stars—and with this gold, starry What Kady Did Next veil, your wedding-day look can be, too.

A nontraditional veil can absolutely be a vintage one. In other words, you don't need to buy an ultra-modern, trendy piece to diversify your bridal ensemble. This bride—who wore her mother's fabric-crown wedding veil for her own walk down the aisle—is proof.

Here's another star-themed option that might appeal to edgier brides. In addition to multi-sized celestial appliqués, this Rue De Seine veil also featured bold metallic studs.

If you're a bohemian bride who loves to shop vintage, you'll likely gravitate towards this one-of-a-kind fringed veil by Jennifer Behr. Pro tip: This accessory may be Old-World-inspired, but it's seriously bold—so be sure to keep the rest of your ensemble (wedding dress, included!) simple if you choose to wear it.