To veil or not to veil?

I had the exact opposite problem.....I really wanted one, but was worried it would look odd and too formal as we were getting married abroad, outside and would be having some beach-y type photos and a very relaxed ceremony. I went with it in the end and am very, very glad I did - it kind of sealed the deal for me and made me feel more bridal than just dressed up nicely IYSWIM, although a lot of that original feeling was down to my choice of dress which was kind of dictated to me by the weather and heat I'd have to wear it in.

I say, go with your heart....if you don't want one, don't wear one otherwise you'll feel uncomfortable and irritated by it - I did spend a large proportion of the day pulling my head forward to free my veil from one too many vigorous hug!!

Personal preference! A lot of people these days don't wear veils so won't look odd to not have one.

For me it was a natural thing to have, couldn't imagine not wearing a veil anymore than I couldn't imagine not wearing a white wedding dress.

If i saw you without a veil I wouldn't think you looked odd. Once I tried mine on I knew I wanted one. Only time I get to wear one. so I was having it ?

Definately wearing a veil - I think it sets off the dress and it's the only chance I will ever get!

I tried one on and hated it, made me all claustrophobic!! I had a huge churchy wedding too.

Have whatever you feel comfortable with!

I didnt have a veil, it didntcross my mind to until my mum asked if i was having one, wasnt how I pictured myself looking so didnt and have no regrets

I guess in the end is how you feel about. It's pretty common now to go without a veil for church wedding. But most brides prefer to have a veil though... (it's how they imagine themselves getting married when their a little girl ?)

I'm also having a church wedding. I bought a cheap cathedral veil off ebay. The quality is ok. Not sure to put it at the top or beneath my hair as I don't think I'll be having a hair trial.

I guess on the day itself, I'll just see if it looks nicer with or without a veil and decide then. Not too much of a risk since it's a cheap one.

I always vouched that whenever i got married, that I wouldnt have one. However when I went to try on dresses, the lady in the shop put one on me and I was amazed how I felt in it. I think it all depends on how you feel in one.

The veil is the only thing I have bought from my outfit because I loved it! It's beautiful and Cathedral length and the bridal shop was closing down so reduced from £195 to £50 so I bought it lol! ?

I don't think you'll look odd without one. I have a cheap £10.99 one from eBay, as knowing me I'll get irritated halfway through the day and take it off! It's up to you though and if you'd feel comfortable with one x

I was so sure I didnt want one until I tried one on with my dress and changed my mind instantly! Will probably only have it on for ceremony, photos and wedding breakfast, will defo not have it on during the evening.

I was similar...but have taken the plunge and gone for the veil.

On the church front I dont think it matters-my mother knows (very) well and she didnt seem to think it was a big deal when I was considering not having one!

Thanks for all the replies It seems like a lot of people were not intending to have one until they tried it. I was just so sure and adamant that I did not want one that I just said 'no' when the bridal dress shop lady asked if I would like to try. Now looking at pics of brides on my photographer's website, I am wondering if I am missing out. Still, as everyone says, it really is personal preference and all the brides I have seen look lovely with or without a veil. Well, I am probably not going to have one but will have a browse of ebay for a possible last minute purchase just in case!

I'm a bit the other way - I have always wanted to wear a veil, and when I was trying on dresses it was the veil that seemed to finish off the bridal look for me. However, my dress has a lace bolero jacket with it, and although the veil looked amazing when I didn't have the jacket on, it was too much with the jacket too. I imagine that for the beginning of the day I'll wear the jacket in case it's chilly for photos and I end up with corned beef skin arms!! So if I got a veil I'd be starting without it and then putting it on for the party which seems totally illogical really!!!!

Its totally a personal choice - if you don't want to wear one then don't. Simple as that.

I was totally open minded about veils - I just thought once I find my dress I'll decide if I want a veil or not and in the end I did but I wouldn't have felt strange without one.

Keep in mind, its your day, have it your way!!!

Could you not maybe call in to a bridal shop near you and try a few on and see what you think? that way you will know for sure if you want one or not, as dont suppose theres much use buying one just in case, save yourself some money?

Am having one, but then always thought i would, although am torn about what length, really wanted a Chapel length, single tier, but now toying with the idea of a finger tip one. If you do decide to go for one, maybe just go for a shorter one?

I didn't wear one.

Go with what makes you comfortable x

I didn't wear a veil because I didn't want it to detract attention away from my dress. I wanted something to compliment the detail on my dress instead and opted for a headband similar to:

I think it depends on your dress and/or headpiece - my headpiece (a silver circlet worn low on my forehead) would've looked very odd with a veil and was more important to me than having one.

Thanks for the further replies, it's really helpful to hear what other people are doing.

Enterflora - looking around just in case sounds like a good idea. I also initially did not want one as I felt they looked a bit ott and the dress and tiara were the important parts for me. I tend to like quite a simple look and have always just liked the idea of a big(ish) dress and lovely tiara. Saying that, now I am closer to the date, I am thinking that a full-on bridal look may actually be quite nice!

Sarahb3426 - good suggestion, thank you. I think I will just go into the shop I got my dress from and try on a few to see how I feel. If I like it, I will just buy a cheap-ish one for the ceremony and the photos. I love those photos of brides with their veils flying out behind them in the wind!

I also asked OH to describe how he impagined me looking on our wedding day, covering my face to make sure I don't give anything away, and he described my dress and hair to be EXACTLY what I have chosen (scary!). No mention of a veil. When prompted with "veil or no veil?', he said, 'no veil, just a nice tiara'. So at least we think along the same lines, lol. But will keep an open mind like you other ladies and have a try to see how I feel.