6 Wedding Veil Trends Brides Are Loving, According to Kleinfeld Bridal

Spoiler: What's old is new once again.

Bride in sparkly wedding dress
Credit:

Ellie Koleen Photography

We’re way past the stringent rules about what a bride can and can’t wear on their wedding day. So while not an essential, a wedding veil or headpiece can be a final touch for many—the quiet detail that somehow makes the whole look feel real. And now, the options are as diverse as the wearers themselves.

To get a pulse on what’s next for this ultra-special accessory, we turned to none other than Marissa Rubinetti, COO and VP of Merchandising at Kleinfeld Bridal—the bridal authority known for helping thousands of brides say “yes” on Say Yes to the Dress. Fresh off of New York Bridal Market and Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, Rubinetti shares the veil styles catching her expert eye and what brides are currently gravitating toward for 2025 and 2026 weddings.

Whether you’re a fashion-forward bride dreaming of drama or someone craving something classic with a twist, these wedding headpiece and veil trends offer just the right amount of tradition, reimagined.

Marissa Rubinetti, COO and VP of Merchandising at Kleinfeld Bridal

01 of 06

Traditional Mantilla Veils

pia davide wedding couple in getaway car
Credit:

Austin Calvello

Proving once again that many a trend is cyclical, our Kleinfeld expert points to vintage-inspired veils making a comeback. "We are seeing a nod to traditional modest accessories," shares Rubinetti. "Two-tier mantilla veils with a traditional blusher covering the face are very popular this season."

These traditional Spanish-style veils frame the face with a soft, yet statement-making scalloped edge of lace. Not just beloved by designers, their old-world elegance is becoming a trending favorite of brides: In the most recent Pinterest Annual Wedding Trends Report, the blogging site reported a staggering 640 percent increase in user interest in mantilla veils.

In love with this look? To let that trademark scalloped lace shine, pair it with a gown that complements rather than competes. Think romantic silhouettes, minimal embellishment, or delicate lace that echoes the veil's detailing.

02 of 06

Cathedral Trains

veil wearing trailing veil with dahlias
Credit: Simply Sarah

Brides are drumming up drama (complimentary) with cascading, high-impact veils. Pinterest activity around "cathedral veils with blushers" went up 218 percent. Made for the grandest of entrances, these veils are being seen adorned with intricate lace, embroidery, or 3D floral embellishments. "Lace was abundant this season," says Rubinetti, from delicate Chantilly lace to corded lace details."

To rise to the occasion, your gown should hold its own in both silhouette and spirit. Think regal ball gowns, or a sleek sheath with an unexpectedly dramatic train or extra-oversized bow.

03 of 06

Whimsical Hues and Full-Floral Moments

Madison Chamberlain Lucky Star Veil
Credit:

Madison Chamberlain

Indie designers like Madison Chamberlain are bringing whimsy and personality to their signature pieces with this colorful accessory trend. Full-spectrum and floral veils are covering runways and aisles alike in cascading blooms, 3D appliqués, and bright pops of color. Numbers-wise, this trend has been blooming steadily online: Activity around wildflower veils and statement veils grew 41 percent and 32 percent, respectively, on Pinterest.

Pair this unique veil with a dress that’s either minimalist or equally as playful. If you’re leaning into the fairytale vibes of the veil, a soft blush or muted pastel gown will complete the storybook effect.

04 of 06

Birdcage Veils

Black and white portrait of bride with birdcage veil
Credit:

freemixer / Getty Images

Remember what we said about cyclical trends? Originally popular in the '40s and '50s, birdcage wedding veils had a moment in the 2010s when "twee" style was all the rage. Now, they're back again and looking cuter than ever, with Pinterest activity climbing 64 percent. Supposedly, their origin can be traced to wartime fabric shortages. (Dare we say they're a recession indicator?)

On a brighter note, this relaxed style veil exudes a levity and playfulness that's fit for more nontraditional ceremonies and brides with a strong sense of personal style.

05 of 06

Drape Veils and Dainty Hair Pieces

Drape wedding veil by Ruffled Rose
Credit:

Ruffled Rose

Popular details like princess-like basque waists and airy fabrics have wedding dresses leaning ethereal. This wedding veil trend evokes a similar sentiment: Rather than cascading from a comb at the crown, drape veils are often sold as two pieces—each with cascading tulle attached to a comb or hairpin that is placed on either side of the head. The look is romantic and statuesque, goddess-meets-Shakespearean, and has been experiencing quite a boom. Activity grew a whopping 479 percent on Pinterest, with designs like the one above from Ruffled Rose trending amongst brides.

Along with the romantic hair combs of drop veils, other dainty bridal hair accessories are all over the wedding scene. "We noticed that headpieces were minimal with smaller combs, small hairpins, and simple pearls," notes Rubinetti. (See Twigs & Honey and Lelet New York for plenty of gorgeous, ready-to-wear options.)

06 of 06

Fingertip Length

Bride in fingertip wedding veil and groom in green velvet suit
Credit:

N Barrett Photography

Sensing a theme with these throwback trends? Fingertip length veils are also growing in popularity after previously shining in the '90s.

Fingertip-length veils strike that perfect in-between: elegant without being stuffy, stiff, or fussy. They hit just at the fingertips (hence the name) and move effortlessly with you, offering a graceful frame to your gown without stealing the spotlight. Because of their versatility, these veils pair beautifully with nearly every silhouette—so feel free to pair 'em with any one of this season's top wedding dress trends.

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