Frequently Asked Questions About Chapel Veils

Frequently Asked Questions About Chapel Veils

Perhaps you might be thinking, "What's the big deal? Just put it on your head and you're good to go." To a certain extent, that's true. But so many women are new to veiling these days, and I've had enough questions emailed to me regarding the actual wearing of veils, I thought it was time to write a few words on the subject.

Q.1. When is it appropriate to wear my veil?

A.1. Anytime you're in the chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you're at the Mass, at Adoration, taking part in a Eucharistic procession, or even just chapel cleaning, it's always appropriate to cover your head. Of course  while doing the last one, you'll need something that's easily tied back for practicality's sake.

 Q.2. Where should I put on my veil?

A.2. Some ladies like to put the veil on while still in the car, others in the  vestibule, while still others wait until they're in the chapel. Do what suits you best.

Q.3. How can I make sure that my veil is on straight?

A.3. Take a second or two to make sure you've got the veil on your head correctly, and that it isn't crooked or all bunched up in the back. Run your fingers across the back of the veil, and then check to see that it's on straight in the front, and that the sides are even, by bringing the two front sides together and matching them up.

 Q.4  How can I keep my veil from slipping?

A.4.  It's certainly fine to subtly adjust your veil during Mass. Is it wrong to say it's even a little bit charming? I think it can be. But if you find the veil is constantly slipping, then perhaps a sewn-in comb or clip is the best option  for you. Another alternative is to use a bobby pin or a tiny hair claw that can be slipped in between the fibers of the lace. However this option is less  desirable, as bobby pins and hair claws can easily damage the lace if you're not careful.

 Q.5. Why do some veils tend to slip more than others?           

A.5. It all depends on the style, as some veil styles tend to slip more then others. For example, veils with lighter-weight trim in the front and heavy trim on the back are often more likely to slip, while stretch lace veils generally tend to stay on fairly well. In addition, some hair types tend to make veils slip more than others. Women with fine, silky hair tend to have more issues with slippage than those with coarser, curly hair.

 Q.6. Is there a way for me to know in advance whether a certain veil will fit well?

A.6.  Prior to putting a veil up for sale on the website, my daughters and I test all  our styles for "wearability", and I think it's important for us to do so. By  “wearability” I mean, does it fall nicely? Does it frame the face well? All veils slip a little, but does the veil slip excessively? If we feel a particular style slips a lot, then I'll mention that information on the veil's page, and that a   comb or clip is recommended.

 Q.7. How do I pick the right color?

A.7. When it comes to Chapel veils, the bottom line is to wear what you like best!  There once was a time when no one would wear white after Labor Day,   These sorts of color rules have been greatly relaxed. But, it's always good to know what the rules are--or were--before breaking them. So here are some general guidelines you may want to consider.

Traditionally married women and older women wore black, while younger  ladies and girls wore white. Was this so that the men could see which ladies  were "taken?" I'm not sure, but somehow it seems reasonable to assume that   a sort of color-coding would be useful in this regard. However, there are no longer any "official" rules dictating what colors you should wear, so feel free to express your personal preferences here.

It should be mentioned that colors can express the mood or the tone of a  given day. Certainly for a requiem Mass, the darker colors are more suitable,   even for the younger girls. While at Easter, a lighter color veil is more appropriate, regardless of age.

 Q.8. How do I pick the right style of veil?

A.8. The particular length of the season's hemlines used to be strictly dictated by the fashion industry, but now there is more room for individual taste. A general rule is that the longer the hairstyle, the longer the veil. Think of letting the veil frame the hair. For example, if you have a bob, then a half-circle veil might look really pretty.

 Q.9. What should I do if no one else is wearing a veil?

A.9. Be a trendsetter! I know that sounds paradoxical when speaking of  something as traditional as veiling, but my point is that one shouldn't let the fact that nobody else is veiling stop them, if they're veiling to please Our Lord. So it really doesn't matter if others approve or disapprove.