5 Versatile Veil Alternatives

(via YouAreRaven)
In fact, you most likely love the idea of a long, flowing, traditional veil. After all, it's hard to say they aren't gorgeous, delicate, and romantic, but after a while, they all start looking the same. Maybe you've realized that they're not really practical for all the hustle and bustle of a wedding day.

(via YouAreRaven)
And you know what? Those long veils are almost too good at getting under foot, and you're probably having a hard time justifying an investment in a trailing piece of tulle or lace that's going to get muddied and ripped up on the dance floor.
Even if you're not into all the romantic froufrou, you realize that your wedding day is a unique and important event; one that will be distinctly different from all the rest.
Even if you're a little offbeat from the everyday bride, picking a hair piece that compliments your personality and sets your style apart is something a veil alternative can definitely help you do.

(via YouAreRaven)
So, to help inspire your wedding headpiece and find the perfect wedding veil replacement, I've compiled 5 versatile veil alternatives along with some awesome places to acquire them. These ideas will hopefully give you confidence to embrace something a little light, a little practical, and a little out of the box.
5 Versatile Veil Alternatives
1. The Birdcage Veil
(via Twigs & Honey and Hushed Commotion)
The Origin: During the late 1930s and through the 1940s, there was a shift in wedding styles as WWII raged on. Gone were the lavish, decadent styles of the roaring 20s. Modest and simple styles took a front seat in the wedding industry with the popularity of the short, sophisticated birdcage veil. These veils were most likely seen as a much more affordable and respectable wedding detail during wartime.
Why it's awesome: Although the purpose of these veils was simplicity, they have evolved overtime to adorn the hair of fun, vibrant, and strong women who have a keen sense of style. This style is flirty and refined all at once.
Versatility Factor: Very Versatile. From tea length gowns to elegant, floor length dresses, this style can be worn with almost any dress. These are a favorite among vintage-inspired brides and come in many styles and levels of extravagance.
2. The Bridal Cap (also known as the Juliet Cap)
(via Danani Handmade Adornments and Ruby and Cordelia's Millinery and Fancy Goods)
The Origin: These veil alternatives hail from a bygone era of romance and impeccable detail as it borrows it's name from the Elizabethan days when Shakespeare's pen reined the literary world. with plenty of added flair borrowed from the lavish style of the 1920s.
Why it's awesome: For history buffs, this style dates back to the 16th century and it's STILL in. It's timeless, while at the same time still managing to look incredible bold and one-of-a-kind.
Versatility Factor: Somewhat Versatile. These cap veils come in different lengths, cuts, and vary in added details. They're extremely versatile as they can still evoke a sense of nostalgia no matter how modern new designs look.
3. The Headband
(via Sibo Designs and Twigs & Honey)
The Origin: The headband dates back to ancient Greece; however, it's best known as the go-to hair accessory for 1920s brides, especially the flapper.
Why It's Awesome: It's the perfect hair adornment for brides that want to wear their hair long or in an elaborate up-do. It won't crush or cover your hair.
Versatility Factor: Very Versatile. Headbands come in all sorts of styles; they can be worn across the forehead, over the crown of your head, or as pictured above, around the back.
4. The Cocktail Hat and Fascinator
(via Be Chic Accessories and Lo Boheme Bridal Accessories)
The Origin: It used to be customary for women to wear hats anytime they ventured out, and women had hats for all occasions, including an elegant evening out. In the 1930s, small, decorative hats started to appear, and as a result, heralded the birth of the fascinator, which is an elaborate and decorative hair adornment fixed to the hair with a comb or clasp.
Why It's Awesome: These small hats give a calm and elegant tribute to the pill-box hats of the 50s and 60s and can lend a modern, sophisticated touch to any look.
Versatility Factor: Very Versatile. Modern ladies hats and fascinators often make bold statements, but can be highly toned down for a more simple, softer look.
5. The Floral Wreath
(Crown by Flowers by Adrian, Photo by Lora Grady Photography and crown by Erika Eddington, Photo by Evelyn Eslava)
The Origin: This veil alternative is probably the most ancient of styles. These luscious adornments span multiple cultures and eras, and were worn for a variety of reasons, such as festive occasions, holy days, to distinguish for military and political figures, and lately, they've been enjoying quite the revival in the wedding industry.
Why It's Awesome: These can definitely be a DIY, and there are tons of resources out there to check out, but what better way to support small businesses than by recruiting your florist to design something gorgeous for your wedding day? Florists are natural creatives and love branching out from the everyday floral designs. A great florist will appreciate the challenge!
Versatility Factor: Very Versatile. Depending on the style of your floral wreath or crown, you can achieve any bridal look ranging from classical to bohemian.
Which veil alternative catches your eye the most? Have you found any favorites not mentioned in this post? Please share in the comments below!