To veil or not to veil? That is a valid question! However, not all brides have decided to wear a wedding veil in the past few years. For some, it’s just a personal preference; for others, it’s because of heavy wind. So, if you are considering wedding a veil on your wedding day, I’m sharing when you should wear your wedding veil.

First Looks & Your Wedding Veil

If you decide to have a first look (check out the pros & cons here), I highly recommend you hold off on wearing your veil until right before the ceremony for the following reasons.

A New Look

Your soon-to-be spouse hasn’t seen you with a veil yet! By waiting, your groom will see you for the first time WITH a wedding veil. He might not even know that you plan on wearing one, so this will be a pleasant surprise, and his reaction will likely be priceless.

It Won’t Accidentally Come Off

There have been first looks where the groom (or family member) is so happy to see the bride that he wraps his arm around his bride. Then, with all the emotion and excitement, he accidentally pulls the veil off.

Variety In Portraits

Aside from all the portraits taken right after your first look without your wedding veil, we can also capture some newlywed/sunset portraits after the ceremony with your veil on.

No First Look & Your Veil

Even if you do not have a first look, I still recommend waiting until you are about to walk down the aisle to wear your veil. If it’s a long wedding veil, wearing it can make you feel restricted, and it’s more likely to get stepped on, get dirty, and fall off.

Just so you know, these aren’t “rules” by any means. Just suggestions from a professional wedding photographer! If you want to wear it all day from the moment you wake up, you do you! The only thing I do recommend if you decide to wear a veil is this:

Leave your veil on for newlywed & sunset portraits!

I always schedule sunset portraits for my gems if that’s something they’re interested in. Having a veil creates the most breathtaking portraits! Don’t get me wrong, sometimes veils can be tricky – especially if it’s a windy day – so we can easily take it out if it’s tugging too much or causing you a headache.

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Are you looking for a wedding photographer? I only take TEN weddings a year and tend to book up quickly, but I’d love for you to reach out and get to know you to see if we’re a good fit!

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