The type of headpiece you select will play an important role in how you wear your hair.

Once you've selected your hairpiece and veil, make an appointment with a stylist.  

Be sure to bring your headpiece with your for your appointment -- or at least a picture. 

Although some may tell you differently, there really are no set rules as to what headpiece you can wear with what gown. Go with what YOU like and think is beautiful. A few pointers:   

The more simple is the design of your gown, the more it will contrast and accentuate any extravagant  beadwork or lace design on your veil. Contrastingly, an extravagantly beaded or decorated gown can work well with a simple and sheer veil. A opaque veil made of sheer or transparent fabric such as silk chiffon, voile or organza can be worn over a heavily beaded or laced gown. 

Remember, if the veil/headpiece is not very sheer, it may  hide the expensive and detailed beadwork of the gown.

Elbow Length:  As it sounds, going down to middle of the back. These veils measure from 28" to 36 " in length.  A great choice which gives you a more noticeable length of tulle.

Fingertip Lenght: This veil is designed to go out to the lenght of your hands.  It is usually 40"-50" inches in length. This type of veil can be single layer, but is often double layer as are all longer veils.

Waltz Lenght:  On this veil, the tulle goes down between the calf and the ankle. Very long, but not touching the floor..  The length is usually 54" to 60" and the veil is usually going to be double layer.

Chapel Lenght:  This size of veil will just kiss the surface of the floor.  For this type of veil to be correct, it must be custom cut depending on your height... Remember, it's based on your height with your wedding hairsytle and your exact wedding shoes. So this veil should be bought long and then altered after those choices are finalized.

Cathedral Length:  Very elegant and lavish, these are used for very formal weddings. Sure to be a focus of attention by all, this type of veil is very dramatic, and will overpower the dress. You can accentuate a typical floor length dress with a Cathedral Veil to give the impression of a long train.  A Cathedral Veil stretch 5', 10' even 15' behind you... Usually one or two feet behind is sufficient. Obviously great care must be taken not to step on or damage the material. A long tulle is very photogenic, but be aware that it can also undo a hairstyle of it gets caught on something, so it can be risky. Great care should be taken.
 

Silk Tulle: A very elegant and vintage-style material. In the 1950's, nylon net came into use. But before that, silk tulle was commonly used. It is very soft and delicate and is considered to be the finest material used in modern bridal veiling.

If you go with silk, don't forget that it is very delicate.  Heavy beadwork usually cannot be used this type of veil unless it is heavily starched. Also, if you use starch on the silk, the material will go limp if exposed to a moisture. So it may not be a good idea to use genuine silk if it's an outdoor wedding, of if you live in rainy climate where you may get wet just going from car to venue. As an alternative you might use Nylon Tulle.

Cotton Net: Cotton net is easily stained by water and will tear easily when wet. It is stronger than silk however, but not as strong as nylon.

Nylon Net: This is the most commonly used. It is inexpensive and stronger than cotton or silk. It is more prone to creasing and not as soft, obviously. Nylon usually comes in 3 colors: White, which is great for new moderne gowns; Diamond White, which is a slightly off-white which works well with vintage gowns; and Ivory, which is great for antique gowns which may become more yellow.