How to Style Your Hair for a Cathedral Veil

Co-authored by Nine Morrison

Last Updated: November 10, 2022

A cathedral style veil is a sleek, classic look that works well with many hairstyles. There are no specific requirements for your wedding day style, so experiment with a lot of different styles that may go with your cathedral veil. You can let your hair hang loose with minimal styling. You can also try an updo. Once you've chosen your style, make sure to wear your veil in a way that compliments it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Letting Your Hair Hang Down

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Allow your curls to hang naturally, if you have curly hair. Instead of over-styling your hair, part it as you normally would and let your curls hang naturally. Natural curls can give you a great romantic look for your wedding day.^{[1]
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- Curls are prone to frizz, so use some product to keep them looking smooth. Apply an anti-frizz serum or a hair smoother prior to your big day.^{[2]
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2
Try pulling your hair half up. If you want your hair out of your face, but don't want an updo, pulling half of your hair up can be a great in-between. This style looks great for many different veil types, including the cathedral veil.^{[3]
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- Pull half of your hair up and pin it in place using a hair tie or hair clips.
- Use things like hairspray and anti-frizz serum to keep the hair hanging down looking smooth.
- If you want, you can use a hair curler to add curls or waves to your hair that's hanging down.
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3
Add soft waves and a side part to straight hair. If you have naturally straight hair, try adding some soft, gentle waves with a hair curler. Then, part your hair on the side. This can make for a sleek, romantic look that will complement the long, fairytale-like cathedral veil.^{[4]
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- If you prefer, part your hair in the middle instead of on the side. Your waves will look gorgeous either way!
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Use your veil to pull back some of your hair. This can work well if you're doing a half updo or parting your hair on the side. Make use of your veil as a hair accessory to keep your style in place. This works well if you prefer to have your veil towards the back of your head.^{[5]
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- This can work particularly well if you're wearing special earrings for your wedding day. Pulling some of your hair back with your veil can show off the earrings so your veil does not snag all the attention on your big day.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing an Updo

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Try a high bun. A high bun is a bun that sits near the top of your head. This can work well with a cathedral veil, as it gives you a classic, romantic look. A bun is a fairly standard wedding style, so it can work well with a more traditional wedding.^{[6]
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- A high bun is also great if you want to draw attention to your facial features and any earrings you're wearing. A lot of a high bun is covered by a veil.
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Use a loose updo. For a more casual look, tie your hair back loosely. A more sloppy bun that allows for some loose hair and fly-aways can be a great laid-back look that pairs with any veil, including a cathedral veil.^{[7]
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- This works best if you use your veil to pin your hair in place.
3
Braid your hair in an updo. A braided look calls attention to your hair. It can be an elegant, classic look that would pair great with a cathedral veil's long, flowing nature. It can also give a somewhat bohemian vibe.^{[8]
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- A ribbon in your hair pairs well with a braided updo.
- One great variant on the braided updo is the milkmaid braid. This elegant updo uses 2 pigtail braids to make a natural wreath around your head. Decorate them with woven-in ribbons, flowers, or hair gems.
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Opt for a low bun or chignon. A low bun can be held in place with a cathedral veil. Much like a high bun, a low bun can help you show off your facial features and any jewelry you’re wearing. It is a classic and sophisticated look that would work well with a cathedral veil.^{[9]
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- There are many variants on the low bun. You can incorporate some braids for an intricate look, sweep it to the side for a stylish vibe, or create a classic and elegant style with a twisted chignon.
- Low buns look great with a side part or side-swept bangs.
- You can also try a bun that is neither very low nor very high but somewhere in the middle.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Sure Your Veil Looks Good

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Make sure to keep your veil in place. Once you've picked the ideal veil and hairstyle, you want to make sure it stays in place. Nothing can sour a wedding day more than a veil falling off.^{[10]
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- Place one bobby pin in your hair near where the veil will go.
- Take another bobby pin and attach to the second pin in an "X" position, pinning your veil in place.
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Place your veil in the right place for your hairstyle. Where you place your veil depends on your hairstyle. If you want a more modern style, your veil should be placed towards the upper back of your head. For a more classic, romantic style, place your veil towards the front of your head.^{[11]
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3
Consider changing your style when you remove your veil. If you want more than one wedding style on your big day, there's nothing wrong with changing your style after removing your veil. You could, for example, let your hair hang down for the reception after keeping it pinned up with your veil during the ceremony.^{[12]
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