What brides really ask about veils
We counted the questions in more than 400 emails from brides. These are the ten they ask most, with our answers.
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Which length suits my dress and height?
Lengths are measured from the comb. Our standard lengths are fingertip 122cm, ballet 150cm, floor 200cm, church 250cm and cathedral 300cm, cut for a bride of about 165cm. Most veils work best when they are 20cm to 30cm longer than the dress.
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Ivory or off-white, and will it match my dress?
Off-white is the palest, a clean bridal white. Ivory is warmer and creamier. Screens and designers' colour names can mislead, so hold a sample against your dress in the light of your venue.
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Which tulle should I pick?
Traditional tulle holds its shape and wears well. Italian tulle is finer and softer, and it flows. Silk style tulle is heavy and fluid with no poof, though it can snag. We also make veils in pure soft silk and in polka dot tulle.
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Can I get samples first?
Yes. Tulle, lace and edging samples each have their own listing, so you can order only the ones you need.
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Should I have a blusher or a two-tier veil?
They are the same thing. A two-tier veil has a short blusher that you can wear over your face and sweep back. A single-tier veil has none.
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Which veil suits my dress?
Let the dress lead. A detailed bodice or back often suits a simple veil, such as a barely there style.
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Which lace will match the lace on my dress?
Our lace comes in one colour, chosen to suit both off-white and ivory tulle. It is not dyed to match, and it only needs to complement your dress. Lace samples let you compare them side by side.
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Will it arrive in time?
Every veil is made by hand once you order, so it depends on where you are and how soon you need it. Our delivery page shows the times and the faster options for your country.
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Can you make a custom length?
Yes. You can set any veil, and its blusher, to an exact length on the product page. A custom length is made just for you, so check the returns terms first.
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How do I wear it with my hair?
The comb slides into your hair and your hairstylist pins it in place. With an updo it sits at the base of the bun or just above it. With your hair down it sits at the crown. Bring your veil to your hair trial.
The UK and the US
UK brides asked more about samples, at 18% against 10% in the US, and more about wearing a veil with their hair, at 11% against 2%. Other questions came up about as often in both countries.
How we counted
- We looked at the first message in emails about choosing a veil. Order updates, returns and sales emails from other companies are out.
- We counted by matching words and phrases, then read a sample of each question by hand. Percentages are rounded and approximate.
- One email can ask several questions, so the figures add up to more than 100%.
- The UK and US comparison uses emails we could match to an order in that country.
- These are emails to Britten, not all brides. We publish no one's words.
You are welcome to quote these figures. Please credit Britten Weddings and link to this page. For a comment from Sarah Bates, founder of Britten, email press@brittenweddings.com