Navigating the Sea of Bridal Veil Colors

Eggshell, pearl, natural white, diamond, blush—just reading through all the color options can leave any bride feeling overwhelmed. With so many shades and fabrics available in the wedding world, it’s hard to know where to start, especially when it comes to something as personal as your veil. Should your veil match your wedding dress exactly? Let’s clear up the confusion: your veil doesn’t have to be an exact match to your wedding dress, and here’s why.

The Color of Your Veil: Does It Need to Match Your Dress?

It might be tempting to think that your veil must match the color of your wedding dress perfectly. After all, it’s a critical piece of your bridal ensemble, right? But here’s a secret: your veil does not have to match your wedding dress exactly—and in fact, it can look even more stunning when it’s just a bit lighter than your gown.

Why? The difference in shade can actually create a subtle contrast that makes your veil stand out without overpowering your dress. When your veil is slightly lighter, it brightens up your look and ensures the veil doesn’t take on a yellowish tint when photographed, especially in natural light. The difference is subtle but can make a world of difference in photos, allowing both the gown and veil to shine on their own. 

The Top Wedding Veil Color Categories: White, Off White, and Ivory

When it comes to veil colors, there are three main categories to consider: White, Off White, and Ivory. But within each of these categories, there are multiple variations that can suit your style and gown’s specific shade. Let’s break them down:

White

A true, bright white—think bleached paper or fresh snow. This is the purest form of white and looks great with dresses that are also pure white.

Off White (also known as Diamond White or Silk White)

This is a soft, slightly darker version of white, sitting somewhere between pure white and ivory. It’s a versatile choice that works with many wedding gowns and is closer to white than ivory on the color spectrum.

Light Ivory

By far the most popular choice, light ivory is a soft, creamy shade with fewer yellow undertones than traditional ivory. It has a sophisticated and soft glow, making it an ideal match for many modern wedding dresses that feature light ivory tones.

Ivory

This classic color has warm, creamy undertones and pairs beautifully with gowns in ivory or cream hues. It has a more traditional bridal look, and it complements gowns with deeper ivory or creamy shades.

Blush

For the romantic bride, blush is a subtle, pale pink that adds a delicate touch of color to your ensemble. It’s very close to champagne but with the slightest hint of pink, giving a soft, vintage-inspired look.

Rosette

If you’re looking for something bolder, rosette is a deeper, more pronounced pinkish-rose hue. This is ideal if you want your veil to stand out as a statement piece or to add a rich, romantic layer to your look.

Nude

Nude veils are a warm, earthy beige shade, darker than champagne, and are perfect for those who want a soft, neutral veil that complements warm-toned gowns. It can also work beautifully with boho or rustic-themed weddings.

Glimmer

For a veil that catches the light in all the right ways, a glimmer veil is a neutral cream color with a subtle sheen and delicate sparkle. It’s a great choice for brides looking to add a little extra magic to their bridal ensemble.

The Fabrics: Finding the Perfect Match

Just like the color, the fabric of your veil plays a crucial role in how it will look on your big day. The standard bridal fabric is "bridal tulle" which has a bit more structure and is super lightweight. But there are a few other options you should know about before pulling the trigger.

Here are a couple of additional fabric options to consider when choosing the perfect veil if you want something super soft or with a bit more of a vintage effect:

English Net

English net is a premium fabric with a vintage feel. It’s a bit weightier and more opaque, with larger holes that give it a soft, ethereal look. English net is perfect for brides who want a veil that feels timeless and romantic.

Premium Silk

For an ultra-soft drape and a luxurious feel, premium silk is a beautiful choice. It’s more see-through than English net, offering a lighter and more airy feel. It’s perfect for brides who want a soft and flowing veil.

Pro Tip: Order Samples Before You Commit

When it comes to selecting your veil color, it’s always a great idea to order sample swatches before making your final decision. Since different designers may use slightly different interpretations of each color, receiving physical samples will help you ensure that the shade of white or ivory you choose matches perfectly with your gown. You can even order free veil sample swatches from various designers to find the ideal match!

Ultimately, the choice of veil color comes down to your personal style, the shade of your dress, and how you want to feel on your wedding day. Whether you’re going for a traditional ivory look or something with a bit more blush or sparkle, there’s a perfect veil color out there for every bride.