Smoot Photo
Hair by Gayle Parker
Short Petal Veil /Henley Photography
There’s no rule anymore about pairing short veils exclusively with street length dresses. Whatever guidelines exist these days have more to do with following your proportions and sense of style. The shorter ‘fashionista' veil is gaining in popularity. Why? Short veils are out of the ordinary –very outside the traditional bridal box right now. There's something chic, even edgy about a bride sporting one. As early as the 1990s, Vera Wang reinvented pairing short, pouf veils with very formal gowns. Whether she wanted to show off the extraordinary back details of her gowns or usher in a new look, I don’t know; I only know the juxtaposition this duo created worked.
Brides say the best thing about wearing a shorter veil is, they don’t have to do any adjusting in that switch from the solemnity of ceremony to big time partying hearty. Short veils are easy to maneuver around in and stay put whether you’re exchanging vowels, cutting cake or dancing,
Typically they are made out of either tulle, the standard light weight bridal veiling, or, netting—wider and crisper, offering a more structured and chic look
STYLES
Bird Cage or Net Pouf-Made of either netting or tulle, this veil falls above the shoulder line. Since it’s a shorter style, it tends to look structured, more hybrid of headpiece and veil. Great for fashionistas.
Net Pouf below and opposite Photo by Ron Greystar
Blusher or Flyaway-Typically the length veil worn over the face during the ceremony. Can also be worn shoulder length in layers. Although considered informal, this is the choice of some chic, formal-gowned brides.
The Petal Veil-Pictured right is above the shoulders and the front curves something like flower petals opening.
ejones photography 
Scarf-Great option for the bride going informal. Some scarves though would pop and rock with the right formal gown as well.
Nose Veil-Typically worn over the face and attached to a headpiece or hat like the one pictured below.
Henley Photography Hair by Kathie Rothkop Make-up by Rob Ward
Alot of head chic. I'm incorporating more creative touches via hats and headpieces. Yes, I still do veils--all kinds from long cathedral styles to little net poufs and birdcages. The hat pictured above swathed in tulle is modeled after a combo of 20s Gatsby and 50s Paris Vogue (a la Irving Penn).
Above is a silk dupion hand-rolled floral headpiece with net pouf, custom matched to the gown and fabric. With made to order gowns you can get an entire head to toe look on your wedding.
