You’ve asked and we’ve answered! Welcome to your weekly column ‘Planning Your Happily Ever After’ with wedding consultant Shikima Hinds.

YOU’VE got the ring, you’ve got the dress, now it’s time to tie the look together with your wedding day accessories. One of the most important accessories to accompany your dress is the wedding veil. The veil is just like the icing on the cake — the final touch and the one thing that’s sure to make your guests swoon as you walk up the aisle.

A veil is so much more than an accessory, it captures the true essence and personal style of a bride. And here’s the good news: The veil is back with a vengeance as the once-upon-a-time frumpy necessity is now a fashionable accessory, though still steeped in tradition.

So, to veil or not to veil? You think you’re not a veil girl? Many brides are surprised the moment they try one on! They usually have a change of heart.

There are many different types of veils and it’s often difficult to choose. Perhaps you could wear a sweeping veil to the ceremony and finish the night with a contemporary bridal hair piece, all to add the perfect finishing touch to your dream bridal look.

Whether you’re dreaming of — a long-flowing veil, something a little shorter, or even a veil that’s finished with beautiful lace details or filled with pearls — there is sure to be a veil for every type of bride.

With wedding veil styles ranging from a face-framing 4” to a floor-sweeping 120”, choosing the right veil isn’t as simple as choosing a long or short version. Different types of veils and lengths can completely transform your wedding style.

Here is my guide to the most popular types of veils that will help you make an educated decision.

Birdcage veil

These small veils measure roughly nine inches in length and are intended to cover only part of your face, although they can be angled to one side for a little more exposure. Usually made of a net or lace.

Shoulder-length veil

Shoulder-length wedding veils are a great option for brides who want a traditional-looking veil that doesn’t compete with the details of their dress.

Blusher veil

A blusher veil refers to any sheer veil that fastens to the crown of the head and covers the entire face of the bride. It offers a less traditional look, with vintage appeal. This is the type of veil that, in a more traditional ceremony, would be lifted by the groom once the bride has been walked up the aisle, or at the end of the vows before the kiss.

Elbow-length veil

The elbow-length veil is usually worn high on the crown of the head and hits at or near the bride’s elbows. If you want a more conservative look for your ceremony, an elbow-length veil is an elegant way to cover up — and this is an excellent choice if you’re going for a more low-key aesthetic with understated appeal.

Chapel-length veil

For more traditional brides the chapel veil — a floor-length veil that extends a few additional inches beyond the hem of the wedding dress — is the type to select. A chapel-length veil will create the illusion of a train but without the attendant bustling. This choice is best suited for formal weddings.

Ballet-length veil

The ballet-length veil is an oh-so romantic, often lace-trimmed option that extends anywhere between the knees and ankles.

Fingertip-length veil

As one of the most versatile the fingertip-length veil is, as the name suggests, one that hits roughly near where the bride’s fingertips reach when her arms are at her sides (ie just above or below the hip). It allows any design on the back of a bride’s gown to be seen through the sheer fabric.

Cathedral-length veil

For a real fairytale wedding, this is the go-to look! In such a case nothing beats the cathedral veil, which trails one to two feet behind the bride’s dress and is by far the most extended type of veil available (outside of royalty). A cathedral-length veil extends beyond the train of the bride’s gown and is the most dramatic down-the-aisle length. Note: Given the amount of material involved, a cathedral-length veil is fairly high-maintenance as well.

Working to shape the face, you can wear your hair down, with flowing curls or a straight style, or you can choose a wedding updo hairstyle that will match perfectly with your veil. A veil doesn’t take away from your bridal style, it adds elegance to it.

From a traditional, cathedral-length veil to a playful birdcage veil, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and bridal attire. A wedding veil not only completes a bridal look but will also elevate it into something quite extraordinary. From romantic and modern to contemporary and casual brides, a wedding dress veil simultaneously completes a bridal look and emphasises your wedding style.