Wedding hairstyles with a veil: 12 fairytale perfect looks to consider

For many brides, wearing a veil is a key part of the wedding day experience and it would be a shame to pass up the opportunity to rock one! However, it does pose a bit of a problem: choosing between all the romantic wedding hairstyles with a veil, to find the one that will be right for you.

Now, there’s no need for this to be a cause of stress, as there are plenty of veiled ‘dos out there that look drop dead gorgeous, both under the veil and for your reception! Whether it’s braids, buns or bouffants that take your fancy, we’ve got it all.

smiling blonde bride with a crown braid and veil embracing the groom

1. Crown braid

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a wedding day hair look is longevity. From the morning getting ready prep to the evening reception, you need something that’s going to last! We recommend this pretty crown braid because it’s ultra pretty and won’t fall out midway through the day. Credit: @stylemepretty

Editor’s tip: To give your look extra staying power, remember to set your style with a strong hold hairspray like the VO5 Ultimate Hold Hairspray. This way, however crazy the after-party gets your hair will still look picture perfect!

brunette bride with short bob length hair in a half up hairstyle wearing a lace veil and holding a bouquet

2. Short bob style with veil

If you’ve always loved wedding hairstyles with a veil on other people but thought that your hair was too short to wear one, get those negative thoughts out of your head, right now! There are ways of incorporating a veil into even the shortest pixie and bob cuts, just look at this bride’s chic half-up style.

We recommend experimenting with your stylist at your hair trial to see what works best with your length and cut. Credit: @kristin.does.hair

curly haired bride wearing a white slip dress and lace veil

3. Curly updo

Bridal beauty is all about naturally enhancing your features, so if your hair is naturally curly, why not embrace it and make it look extra special with a veil detail? Keeping it natural will help you to feel like yourself, so you’ll be comfortable and at ease on the day. Credit: @stylemepretty

Meghan Markle Duchess of Sussex on her wedding day with her dark hair in a low messy bun with a veil and tiara

4. Low chignon

If you’ve gone down the traditional route with your wedding and you’re looking for wedding hairstyles with a veil to complement this theme, we would always recommend a chic low chignon.

Classy and simple, this trusty style is a go-to for many brides (Meghan Markle included!) and it’s not hard to see why.

woman with her hair in a side braid with a wedding veil

5. Side braid

If updos aren’t really your thing, don’t feel pressured into rocking one for your wedding! Romantic side-swept braids (like this Instagrammer’s) are a great alternative to wearing your tresses up and still allows you to show off your length. Credit: @belairebridal

Editor’s tip: Spray the TONI&GUY Illuminating Hair Perfume onto your locks to give your braid a shimmering shine and a heavenly scent to match.

brunette bride with her hair in a ponytail standing with her husband

6. Polished ponytail

To give a standard ponytail a wedding-worthy upgrade, add a dainty twist detail at the base of your pony for an easy way to work your go-to look for the big day.

For extra style points, loosen a few face-framing tendrils of hair and curl them for a soft, feminine look. Then just secure your veil above your ponytail and get ready to dance the night away! Credit: @ellasbridalhair

blonde bride with her hair in a milkmaid braid and a veil on top

7. Milkmaid braid

Your wedding day should be the start of your happily ever after, so get the fairytale off to a good start with this whimsical milkmaid braid.

Made up of 2 pigtail plaits crossed over on the top of your head, it’s a more foolproof take on another bridal favourite, the crown braid. So, if you’re thinking of doing your own hair on your wedding day, this is one to keep on your radar. Credit: @lovesparklepretty

blonde bride with her hair in curls with a wedding veil covering her head

8. Romantic curls

There’s nothing quite as confidence-boosting as a head full of tumbling curls. So, for the ultimate bombshell bridal look, go all out with these gorgeous spiral curls and rest assure all eyes will be on you – it is your day, after all! Credit: @edenluxebridal

blonde bride with her hair in a high bun with a veil and pink flower hair accessory

9. High bun

There’s a reason ballerinas favour tight, swept-back high buns – they give dancers a graceful, elegant composure.

So, take a leaf out of their book by giving this stunning style a try and you’ll be ready to hit the dancefloor for your pas de deux moment! Credit: @wedding_veils

bride with caramel blonde and brown hair in a fishtail crown braid with a veil wearing a lace wedding dress

10. Fishtail crown braid

This detailed fishtail crown braid is all you need to inject a whimsical boho feel into your wedding day look. Leave some strands of hair loose around your face and curl them for a softer, more tousled finish that doesn’t look too perfectly pristine. Credit: @ulyana.aster

brunette bride with her hair in a half up bouffant hairstyle with a veil

11. Half-up bouffant

Looking for wedding hairstyles with a veil but conscious of fine locks leaving your ‘do looking deflated? Then this bumped-up bouffant could be the answer.

With the root-lifting qualities of a ’60s beehive, you can rest assured your look won’t fall flat as the day goes on. Credit: @hairbytien

Editor’s tip: Using a volumising dry shampoo, such as the TIGI Bed Head Oh Bee Hive! Dry Shampoo, will help inject some volume into your locks and give your ‘do more texture, enabling your bouffant to last all day and well into the night!

back view of a brunette bride with her hair in an intricate boho braid with a veil

12. Fairytale braids

Wearing a veil doesn’t mean you have to settle for a look that’s anything less than spectacular! With an array of larger, pancaked braids and smaller detail plaits (plus, some pretty flower hair accessories thrown in for good measure), this intricate style is definitely one for the photo album. Credit: @graceelizabethphotofilm