Wedding Hairstyles with Veil and Headpiece: How to Rock Both!

Your wedding day look isn’t just about the dress – it’s also about finding the perfect hairstyle, veil, and headpiece to pull everything together. While deciding between a veil and headpiece used to be the norm, modern brides are embracing both, creating stunning combinations that add elegance, charm, and a touch of individuality to their bridal look. But, styling a veil and a headpiece together can feel a bit tricky, especially if you’re not sure where to start.

To help you navigate this stylish pairing, Tara Bridal is diving into various wedding hairstyles with veil and headpiece ideas. From timeless updos to bohemian braids, these options will help you shine on your big day with both a veil and headpiece that complement each other perfectly.

1. Classic Updo with a Low-Set Veil and Decorative Headpiece

The classic updo has long been a favorite among brides – and for a good reason. It’s elegant, polished, and ideal for showcasing your veil and headpiece together. Start with a low bun or chignon at the nape of your neck. This allows you to secure your veil just below the bun for a graceful flow down your back.

Place a decorative headpiece—like a crystal comb, floral pins, or a pearl hair vine—right above your bun or slightly to the side for a bit of extra style. This works especially well with long veils like cathedral or chapel styles, giving your look some sparkle while keeping the focus on the veil. When it’s time to take off the veil for the reception, your headpiece will still keep your hair looking beautiful and bridal.

Tips for this Style:

• Opt for a veil with minimal detailing if your headpiece is intricate, or choose a veil and accessory with similar details to maintain a harmonious overall look.
• Use hairpins to secure the veil comb firmly above or below your bun.
• Ask your hairstylist to ensure the veil can be removed easily without disrupting your updo.

Bride: Erica Winn - NC, USA. Veil: Lacy from Tara Bridal. Photo: Griffin Hart Davis

2. Half-Up, Half-Down with a Halo or Flower Crown

If you’re aiming for a soft, romantic look, a half-up, half-down hairstyle is a great choice. This style gives you some volume and texture while keeping your hair away from your face. To make it even more enchanting, consider adding a halo or a flower crown. You can position the halo at the top of your head or slightly forward, like a delicate headband. It’s a lovely way to enhance the dreamy vibe of your wedding day!

Bride: Savannah Colston - North Carolina, USA. Photo: kelly. Veil: Cina.

For a truly ethereal vibe, pair this with a fingertip or elbow-length veil, which can be secured just below the half-up section. This arrangement adds dimension without distracting from the delicate headpiece.

Tips for this Style:

• Choose a lightweight veil if your halo has florals or other large details, as heavy veils may pull the style down.
• For extra texture, consider loose waves or soft curls on the down section.
• If you’re going for a rustic or boho look, try a floral halo with a sheer, simple veil for a natural, outdoor feel.

3. Loose Waves with a Side Comb and a Drop Veil

Loose waves paired with a drop veil and a side comb create a stunning look that feels both relaxed and sophisticated. Start by adding soft waves to your hair and parting it slightly to one side. Then, secure the side comb on the fuller side, close to your temple. This adds a lovely sparkle and a nice visual balance to your hairstyle.

Bride: Molly Yerger - Knoxville, Tennessee, USA - Veil: Kaitie - Photo: kelseyshea

For the drop veil, place it right at the crown of your head, allowing it to drape gently over your waves. This gives you a soft, vintage-inspired appearance that’s perfect for brides who want a touch of elegance without opting for an updo. It's a beautiful way to showcase your hair while still achieving that bridal flair!

Tips for this Style:

• Choose a light, flowing veil that won’t weigh down your waves.
• Use bobby pins to secure the veil more firmly in place.
• You can use pearl hairpins, floral pins, or simple hair clips to add a decorative air.

4. Braided Updo with a Floral Hairpiece or a Tiara and Long Veil

For a dreamy, fairy-tale theme on your wedding day, a braided updo adorned with a floral hairpiece or a Tiara and long veil is simply perfect! Start by weaving a few braids into your updo—try a crown braid, a fishtail, or even a cute braided bun.

Next, secure the long veil at the front, just above your updo, allowing it to cascade gracefully down. Then, place the floral hairpiece slightly to the side to showcase its beautiful details. This arrangement adds elegance and keeps the focus on both the veil and the floral accents. With this stunning combination, you’ll truly feel like a princess on your special day!

Tips for this Style:

• Choose a floral hairpiece/ a Tiara that complements the colors of your bouquet for a cohesive look.
• Opt for a veil with volume or lace edging to create a dramatic effect that enhances your hairstyle.
• Make sure to secure the hairpiece firmly to prevent it from shifting during the festivities.

For more options, be sure to check out our selection of long wedding veils HERE!

5. High Bun with a Blusher Veil and Jeweled Hair Pins

For a modern, high-fashion look, a sleek high bun paired with a blusher veil and jeweled hairpins is a chic choice. Start with a polished, high bun at the crown of your head. Position the blusher veil at the front of your bun so it frames your face beautifully under the blusher before cascading down your back.

Jeweled hairpins can be placed around the bun’s base for added sparkle and sophistication. This look is ideal for brides who want to feel glamorous while keeping a modern edge. And if you want a big reveal during the ceremony, lifting the blusher at that key moment is always unforgettable.

Tips for this Style:

• Keep the hair smooth and sleek to highlight the elegance of the bun.
• Use pins with crystals, pearls, or metallic details to match the blusher veil’s simplicity.
• Make sure the blusher veil length works with your hairstyle – some buns sit higher, so a shorter blusher may be better.

6. Boho Fishtail Braid with a Floral Hair Vine and a Sheer Veil

A boho fishtail braid with a floral hair vine and a sheer veil is ideal for free-spirited brides. This style is laid-back yet beautiful, perfect for outdoor or destination weddings. Start with a fishtail braid down your back, and weave in a floral hair vine that wraps around the braid for a whimsical look.

Add a sheer, lightweight veil at the top of the braid to keep the focus on the braid and vine while adding a bridal touch. The sheer veil keeps the style from feeling too heavy and adds an airy element that works beautifully with the braid.

Tips for this Style:

• Choose a veil with minimal decoration to let the floral vine shine.
• Secure the hair vine firmly in the braid to avoid it shifting during the day.
• Ask your hairstylist to give the braid a slightly messy texture for a true boho vibe.

7. Straight and Sleek with a Headband and Cathedral Veil

For a stylish and modern take on bridal hair, consider wearing your hair straight and sleek, paired with a chic headband and a long cathedral veil. This look is all about modern simplicity and sophistication.

Start with straight, polished hair that falls smoothly down your back. A thin or bejeweled headband placed right at the crown of your head adds a touch of elegance without being overwhelming. This minimalistic style is perfect for brides who want a contemporary vibe that feels effortlessly chic.

With a long cathedral veil, this look becomes instantly dramatic. The veil’s length adds elegance, making this style a wonderful choice for a formal wedding setting. And if you’re planning on removing the veil for the reception, the headband keeps your look complete.

Tips for this Style:

• Go for a super-sleek finish with a straightener and anti-frizz serum.
• Choose a headband that complements your dress and other jewelry.
• Place the veil under your headband to ensure it doesn’t shift throughout the day.

Explore more cathedral veil styles by tapping here!

Final Thoughts: Bringing Your Bridal Look Together

Finding the perfect wedding hairstyle that beautifully combines a veil and a headpiece may take some planning, but when done right, it creates an unforgettable bridal look. During your hair trial, take the time to experiment with different placements for the veil and headpiece. This way, you can discover what works best with your dress, hairstyle, and the overall vibe you want to achieve.

Whether you choose a timeless updo, romantic waves, or a unique style, there’s always a way to incorporate both a veil and a headpiece elegantly. The most important thing is to select what makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

For more inspiration on wedding hairstyles, be sure to check out our other blog: How to Wear a Wedding Veil for the Perfect Look. After all, it’s your day to shine—so make every detail count!