When you think of iconic celebrity brides and looks we’ve loved, the dress is most definitely unforgettable, but so too is the veil. In fact, I would argue it’s the dramatic veil moments we remember—and make us swoon—most of all.
A few of the historical greats? Royal bride Lady Diana Spencer’s epic wedding veil made from 139 feet of tulle artfully embellished with thousands of micro-sequins and pearls to give it an ethereal, pixie-dusted glow. For her 2018 wedding, Priyanka Chopra topped her bespoke Ralph Lauren wedding dress with an epic veil which measured 75 feet and required five attendants to carry as she walked down the aisle. Kourtney Kardashian’s Dolce & Gabbana cathedral-length veil is what made her 2022 wedding style a standout. She paired a chic lingerie style wedding mini-dress with a miles-long custom veil featuring embroidery inspired by two things: the Portofino gardens of her wedding location, and a few of Travis Barker’s famous tattoos.
In the evolving world of modern bridal style where anything but classic wedding dresses have become a thing, the allure of the veil—a very old-world wedding accessory—absolutely endures. Vancouver-based designer Ou Ma who is the creative genius behind the bridal brand OUMA loves the fact this very traditional accessory (which is also so incredibly photogenic) is still so beloved and requested by brides.
“A veil completes a wedding look,” Ma says. “A wedding dress and veil are natural partners. What I have experienced with so many of my clients when they try on a veil is it becomes a moment when they finally realize feeling like a bride. It’s the final touch for their wedding look, but also a transformational moment which begins a new chapter of their life.”
Ma, who just launched the 2025 OUMA bridal collection called Radiant Reverie, says there are two extreme trends happening in veils right now: extreme maximalism or ultra-simplicity. “If you want a big look, I love veils with 3-D flowers or laces paired with an equally luxe detailed gown,” Ma shares. “For more understated looks, you can go without a veil, but I suggest trying something to give a little interest with delicate embellishment or decorative patterns.”
A current favourite veil Ma loves from the latest OUMA collection is the Cris veil, a single layer cathedral length drop veil adorned with Chantilly laces randomly placed on it to create a dreamy waterfall effect. “It pairs beautifully with the Cris dress which has asymmetrical draping in silk tulle. Worn together, these pieces are such a simple and beautiful combination.
Though you can get lost in the lexicon of veil language (cathedral, fingertip, birdcage, and blusher are just a few styles to know) Ma says she has a magic formula for matching veils with wedding gowns: the veil should always be at least 20 inches longer than the train of the dress. Ma also says a veil can help shape the entire fashion mood of your wedding look and bring a bespoke element of personalization.
“Veils can bring something to your wedding style to reflect who you are,” Ma explains. “If you have a more serious dress but want an element that’s a bit more creative because that’s who you are, pair it with a veil that’s unexpected and has whimsical elements like ruffles or fringes. I am all about having fun with veils. Two of my favourite veil looks ever are Lily Collins lace cape-meets-veil, and Bianca Jagger’s veil-trimmed wedding hat.” —Alison McGill
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