How to Put On and Secure a Wedding Veil

Putting on a wedding veil is simple once you know how, and a few small steps make sure it stays secure and comfortable from the ceremony to the last dance. Most veils attach with a comb that slides into the hair at the crown, and the right placement keeps the veil in place without pulling. Here is how to put on and secure a wedding veil on the day.

Where the veil sits on the head

Most veils are worn high on the crown, a few inches back from the hairline, so the veil falls cleanly down the back. A veil set higher gives a classic, formal line, while a slightly lower placement near the back of an updo gives a softer, more romantic look. The comb should sit where your hair is thickest so it has something to grip.

How to insert the comb

Hold the veil with the comb teeth pointing down and in toward the back of the head. Slide the comb into the hair against the direction of the teeth, then push it down and rotate it slightly so the teeth lock into the hair. Inserting the comb upside down, with the teeth scooping upward into the hair, gives the most secure hold for a longer or heavier veil.

Securing a longer or heavier veil

For a cathedral or royal cathedral veil, the weight pulls more on the comb, so it helps to anchor it with a few hidden bobby pins crossed over the comb. Spray the section of hair where the comb sits with a little hairspray first, or have your stylist build in a small braid or backcomb for extra grip. A made to order veil is balanced so the weight sits comfortably at the back of the head.

Wearing a blusher

If your veil has a blusher, wear the short front tier forward over the face for the processional, then fold it back over the head at the altar. Learn more in our guide to the cathedral veil with a blusher.

Tips for the day

Do a trial run with your hairstylist before the wedding so the comb placement is set. Keep a few spare bobby pins with you, and choose your veil length with your hairstyle in mind. For help choosing a length, see our wedding veil length chart, and explore styles in our fingertip veils.

Frequently asked questions

How do you keep a wedding veil from falling out?

Insert the comb upside down into thick hair at the crown, anchor it with a couple of hidden bobby pins, and add a little hairspray for grip. A trial run with your stylist makes sure it holds.

Which way does the veil comb go in?

Hold the comb with the teeth pointing toward the back of the head and slide it in against the hair, then push down so the teeth lock. Inserting it upside down gives the strongest hold.

Where should a veil sit on the head?

Most veils sit high on the crown, a few inches back from the hairline. A lower placement near an updo gives a softer look.

Can I wear a veil with an updo or hair down?

Yes. A veil works with an updo, half up styles, and hair down. The comb simply anchors into whichever style you choose.