There's an assumption that runs deep in bridal styling: the longer the veil, the more dramatic the look. Cathedral trains, sweeping chapel lengths, yards of tulle drifting behind you down the aisle. It's a beautiful tradition, and for the right bride and the right dress, nothing else will do.

But I'd argue the opposite can be just as true. A short veil - or micro veil - worn with intention, can hold just as much drama as its longest counterpart. Sometimes more.

What a micro veil actually offers

A micro veil is short by design, framing the face or the face and shoulders rather than trailing the length of a dress or train. A veil that grazes the shoulders more than makes up for lack of length with the incredible movement it creates. Choose the right veil - such as my Katharina micro veil pictured here - and you’ll get a fluid drape and swish that a longer style simply can't replicate.

These incredible images show exactly why I spent so long sourcing the perfect fabric and tailoring the shape to create this look. The hand-applied crystals and pearls were the perfect finishing touch for this bridal look, catching the light with every turn of the head, every gust of wind.

That movement is where the mystery comes from. A long veil tends to sit - or worse, get caught on heels or chairs. A micro veil never settles, and that freedom of movement adds softness and edge, drama and romance at the same time.

Katharina: drama in miniature

To create this look the Katharina veil is cut from the sheerest, softest tulle which I then embellish with delicate clusters of crystals and pearls, each one placed to catch the light at every angle. It was the last piece I made for my latest bridal accessories collection, Muse, although it had been in my mind from the very start. This special veil has become one of my favourite things I've made in almost 17 years of designing bridal accessories and I think these images show just why.

Rock n Roll Bride Magazine editor Kat Williams called in a sample of the Katharina veil as soon I sent her images from the Muse collection - she and her team created these hautingly beautiful images of Katharina for the latest edition of the magazine, and the images captured exactly what I mean about drama in a shorter length. All the movement, all the mystery, all the edge, all the drama, without a single inch of trailing tulle to manage.

The practical case for choosing a short veil

There's something to be said for what a micro veil doesn't do. No trailing fabric to trip over on the dance floor. No bridesmaid needed to carry or bustle it. No worrying about where it lands in every photograph. A micro veil moves with you rather than behind you, it can be more a part of your look than something long that looks added on.

 

In fact when I was choosing my wedding dress I was put in a veil a couple of times and I really didn’t like the way it clung to me, I felt overwhelmed, almost as if the fabric was fussing at me. If this sounds familiar then maybe a micro veil is for you!

Is a micro veil right for you?

If you're drawn to a more editorial or non-traditional bridal look, or you simply don't want to think about your veil once it's pinned in, a micro veil is worth considering. It pairs beautifully with sleek gowns, minis and even highly embellished ballgown styles and can be worn with a simple updos or relaxed long hair making it a highly versatile and unusual piece.

How to order the Katharina veil by Debbie Carlisle

Katharina is made to order by me in my Sheffield studio, using the hand-embellishing techniques I've refined over 17 years of designing veils and accessories for brides all over the world. You can shop this veil here or get in touch to request a bespoke veil - maybe a different length or a different style of embellishment.

Keep an eye out for more images from the Rock n Roll Bride shoot on Instagram soon, including a full carousel I've been saving especially.

Where to buy Rocknroll Bride magazine 

You can order Rocknroll Bride magazine online here.

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