When Should You Buy Your Wedding Veil?

When planning a wedding, most brides start with the big things, the venue, the dress, the photographer. Accessories like your wedding veil might come further down the list. But here’s the truth, your veil is one of the most important details of your bridal look and the timing of when you buy it really matters.

So, when should you buy your wedding veil? Let’s go through the ideal timeline below.

Veil by Natasha Nicole Studio - Photography by Fiona Lewis

Why Timing Matters for Your Veil

Your wedding veil isn’t just an accessory, it frames your face, complements your dress, and features in so many of your photographs. So many of shots of editorial and modern brides showcase the veil, especially if it has little details. Choosing it too late can mean limited options or rushing into a decision that doesn’t entirely feel you.

If you’re considering a bespoke or embroidered, lace, or embellished veil (like a floral design or personalised detail), you’ll need to allow extra time for design, embroidery samples, and the hand making process. These aren’t things that can be rushed without compromising on quality.

The Ideal Timeline for Buying Your Wedding Veil

Here’s a simple guide to when you should start thinking about your veil:

1. After You’ve Chosen Your Dress (Around 9–12 Months Before the Wedding)

Your dress is the star of the show, and your veil should enhance, not compete with it. Once you’ve found your dress, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about veil options as you’ll have an idea of how you want to look and feel on your wedding day!

2. Start Researching Veils Early

Browse inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, and bridal magazines to get a sense of the veil styles you love. Do you picture a dramatic cathedral length veil? Something fingertip length? Or maybe an embroidered veil with florals or initials? Think of how you’ll wear your veil and whether you want it for the ceremony or to wear throughout the evening. A shorter veil is much more manageable for dancing at your reception, but a long veil may give you your ideal bridal moment at the ceremony. Also consider swapping accessories if needed! Maybe a statement veil for your wedding and a removeable bow, shorter veil or hair accessory for the evening would be best for you.

3. Order Your Veil Around 6 - 8 Months Before the Wedding

This is a brilliant time to choose and order your wedding veil. It’s early enough to make sure you aren’t stressed, but late enough that you’ve made decisions about your overall look and feel confident in your bridal style. Ordering your veil 6 - 8 months before your expect to receive it (in time for your last fitting is great) gives you time for:

• A custom design and sketches (about 3 weeks)

• Embroidery samples (about 3 weeks)

• Final creation (4 - 8 weeks  or longer depending on the detail)

For bespoke veils, that’s around 10–14 weeks of work from first sketches to finished piece. Starting early gives you breathing room and ensures you won’t feel rushed.

4. Last Minute Brides: Is It Too Late?

If you’ve left things a little late, don’t panic. Many designers (myself included) can sometimes accommodate tighter deadlines, but it may limit customisation options. The earlier you reach out, the more possibilities you’ll have. You can always ask to placed in a designers veil diary or simply enquire if they have availability even if you haven’t settled on the exact design you’d love.

If you’re thinking of a custom veil or a piece unique to you, sketches and samples are a beautiful way to choose your perfect motifs, lace or embellishments.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Time

• Dress Alterations: Veils are often styled at your final dress fitting. If your veil arrives in good time, you can try everything together to see the full effect and make sure you feel confident in your look before the wedding day.

• Hairstyle: If you know you’ll wear an updo, loose curls, or a braid, it’s worth considering how your veil will work with your chosen hairstyle. You can find inspiration on Pinterest or on wedding veil hairstylists on Instagram as they are well versed in placing veils in different hairstyles. If working with a designer you can also ask for a different attachment to suit your hairstyle. A comb is widely used to secure a veil, but you could have clips or ties depending on what would complement your hairstyle most.

• Season: For peak wedding seasons (summer and early autumn), veil orders tend to book up faster. This is true for bespoke or custom veil designers as well as veils you may purchase from a boutique or online store.

Why Buying Your Veil Early is Worth It

• Peace of Mind: It’s one less thing to worry about in those busy final months.

• More Choice: From delicate embroidery to statement designs, you’ll have plenty of time to explore options.

• Personalisation: If you want your initials, wedding date, or meaningful floral motifs embroidered into your veil, you’ll need time for the design process.

• Keepsake Quality: A veil made with care and time becomes a treasured heirloom, not just a last minute accessory.

So, when should you buy your wedding veil? The best time is around 6 - 8 months before your wedding, after you’ve chosen your dress but while you still have time to explore design options.

If you’re dreaming of a bespoke embroidered veil, I recommend reaching out as early as possible to allow time for sketches, embroidery samples, and handcrafting your finished piece!

Remember your veil is the finishing touch that completes your bridal look. Giving it the attention it deserves will make you feel even more confident and beautiful on your wedding day.