Celebrity-approved wedding veils to inspire your bridal ensemble

In the enchanting realm of modern weddings, today's bride embarks on a quest for the perfect fusion of tradition and contemporary allure. Eager to revel in the magic of her special day while embracing the epitome of glamour, she seeks a trousseau that transcends time and captivates hearts. At the forefront of this sartorial symphony stands the timeless accessory that effortlessly bridges the gap between old-world charm and modern sophistication: the veil. Join us on a journey where veils become more than just an accessory; they emerge as symbolic canvases, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of modern brides. 

Make it personal
There’s no better way for brides to make their big day even more memorable than adding special, personalised elements to their looks. Deepika Padukone’s veil had ‘Sada Saubhagyavati Bhava’ embroidered in golden zari on her dupatta over her Sabyasachi lehenga. Alia Bhatt’s drape over her ivory saree had their wedding date—14 April, 2022—embroidered in white. When Patralekhaa tied the knot with Rajkummar Rao, she went a step further with a Bengali message on her red dupatta woven in gold: ‘Amar poran bhora bhalobasha aami tomaye somorpan korilam' (I’m offering you my love-filled heart). And Mouni Roy’s embroidered veil read ‘Aayushmati Bhava'.

Go over the top
Why stop at a few feet when you can make it 75? Priyanka Chopra doesn’t do anything with half a heart—and testament to this is the 75-foot-long trail of her tulle veil, a beautiful accessory to her custom-made Ralph Lauren wedding gown. “Every girl dreams of being a princess one day,” PeeCee had said of the jaw-dropping moment when five people had to help hold up the stunning piece of fashion as she walked down the aisle to Nick Jonas.

The groom's touch
Having a piece of your bethroed on your bridal wear…Can it get more romantic than this? Designer Arpita Mehta embroidered her wedding date on her veil in French knots—her husband and fellow fashion designer Kunal Rawal’s signature motif; she wanted to “add a touch of his aesthetic” to her look. Similarly, Katrina Kaif’s red-and-gold Sabyasachi saree was draped over with a veil that paid homage to Vicky Kaushal’s Punjabi roots—it was custom trimmed with handmade kiran in hand-beaten silver electroplated in gold, the designer explained. And woven into Parineeti Chopra’s Manish Malhotra veil was husband Raghav Chadha’s name.

Make it distinct
Known to take things up a stylish notch, Rhea Kapoor didn’t disappoint when it came to her bridal trousseau. Instead of a traditional dupatta or tulle or net veil, she opted for a standout, pearl number that resembled a piece of jewellery. No surprises there since it was designed by Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, paired with a chanderi Anamika Khanna sari and pearl jewellery from mother Sunita Kapoor’s treasury. Stark against her straightened, sleek black hair, this vintage pearl veil certainly set a trend. 

The best of both worlds
The striking red from traditional Hindu weddings with the silhouette of a white wedding was the amalgam that Shibani Dandekar chose. The magnificent flowing swathes of red tulle behind her, accompanying her all-red look by Jade by Monica and Karishma—her “dream dress,” she called it— made a convincing case for the future of bridal wear and veils altogether.

The enigmatic net
The bride walking down the aisle or to the mandap, her countenance visible yet hidden. That’s the elegance shrouded in mystery that a net veil lends to a bridal ensemble. Teamed with little peeks of the jewellery and the final reveal when the veil is lifted, these are the moments that enhance the experience and shine through memories years down the line.