A wedding updo has a little extra magic when a veil is part of the picture.

I’m always drawn to how the right placement can make a bun or twist feel romantic without hiding all the lovely detail in the hair.

The tricky part is finding a style that feels special and still sits comfortably beneath the veil.

These ideas play with different shapes and finishes, so you can spot the kind of updo that feels most like you, whether you prefer a neat, polished look or something a little softer around the edges.

Low Bridal Bun With Face-Framing Tendrils

A low, loosely gathered bun keeps this bridal updo soft rather than tightly pulled back. Blonde face-framing strands curl around the cheeks and neck, while a lace-edged veil sits behind the bun.

I’d keep a few wisps loose when recreating this style, since they soften the shape and pair naturally with a veil. The bun also keeps the back of the hair neatly gathered without hiding the veil’s lace detail.

Crown Braid Updo With a Veil

A thick braid curves over the crown and joins a softly pinned low bun, creating an updo with a clear woven detail from every side. The loose tendrils around the face keep the shape from feeling too tightly pulled back.

I’d keep the braid a little relaxed rather than perfectly even, especially if you want the style to feel natural in photos. The veil sits neatly beneath the bun, so it can be removed later without changing the braided shape.

Low Chignon With a Bridal Veil

A smooth, low chignon keeps the blonde hair neatly gathered at the nape, while the center part creates a clean shape around the crown. The fine net veil sits over the hair and forehead, adding a vintage-inspired detail without hiding the updo.

I’d keep the bun compact so it stays visible beneath the veil. This arrangement also makes it easy to remove the netting later while keeping the main hairstyle in place.

High Curly Bridal Bun With a Veil

A high bun gathers natural curls into a full, rounded shape, with a few pearl pins tucked into the texture. The veil sits behind the updo, so the curls remain visible from the front and side.

I’d keep the finish close to the hair’s natural texture rather than smoothing every curl into place. That lets the bun keep its defined shape while the veil adds a traditional bridal detail.

Twisted Low Bridal Bun With a Veil

A loose twist sweeps across the back of the head and gathers into a low, textured bun. The brunette hair has a softly tousled finish, with a few wispy pieces left around the face.

I’d keep the bun relaxed rather than overly neat so the twist stays visible beneath the veil. A small jeweled comb tucked where the veil meets the bun adds a delicate finishing detail.

Low Wavy Updo With a Birdcage Veil

A loose, low updo gathers the blonde hair at the nape, with a few curled pieces left out to soften the shape. The short net veil sits over the crown and is pinned near the side, so it adds a vintage touch without covering the whole hairstyle.

I’d keep the updo relaxed rather than pulling it too tight, especially around the face. Pearl pins or small floral clips could work nicely with the veil while keeping the focus on its netted detail.

Tousled Low Bun With a Lace-Edged Veil

A loosely gathered low bun keeps the auburn hair off the neck while leaving a few curled tendrils beside the face. The slightly undone texture gives the updo a relaxed shape rather than a tightly pinned finish.

I like how the veil sits beneath the bun, so its lace edge shows clearly without covering the hairstyle. A few pins can secure the bun while keeping the wispy pieces loose.

Sleek Low Bun With Side-Swept Bangs

A smooth, low bun keeps this bridal updo neat at the nape, while the long side-swept fringe blends into loose tendrils near the ear. The sheer veil sits just beneath the bun, so it stays visible without covering the hairstyle.

I’d keep the bun’s finish simple and polished to let the fringe stand out. This shape is a lovely option if you want your veil secured low and prefer a few soft pieces around your face.

Braided Crown With a Textured Bridal Bun

A slim braid follows the crown and blends into a softly gathered bun at the back, while loose tendrils keep the updo from feeling too formal. The blonde hair’s darker roots add definition to the braid and bun.

I’d keep the veil secured just beneath the bun so it sits neatly without covering the braided detail. The style works especially well when you want an updo that shows off the back of the hair while leaving a few pieces around the face.

Messy High Bridal Bun With a Birdcage Veil

Loose brunette hair is gathered into a high, relaxed bun, with wispy strands left around the face. The short net veil sits across the crown, so the updo keeps its shape while the veil stays clearly visible.

I’d keep the bun slightly undone rather than pulling every strand tight, especially with a delicate birdcage veil like this. The loose tendrils also make the updo feel less formal and can be adjusted to suit your preferred amount of face-framing hair.

Twisted Bridal Updo With a Veil

Smooth sections of silver-gray hair cross over one another into a low, tucked-updo shape. A pearl-and-crystal comb secures the veil at the back, keeping the twist visible while the sheer fabric falls beside it.

I like the way the veil attaches just above the twist, so it feels connected to the hairstyle rather than covering it. This placement is a lovely option if you want the updo’s shape and hair accessory to remain part of the view.

Braided Low Bridal Bun With Loose Tendrils

A braided bun sits low at the back, with a soft center part and curled tendrils left loose around the face. The veil is tucked beneath the updo, so the braid’s shape stays visible.

I like the contrast between the neat bun and the relaxed curls, which keeps the updo from feeling too formal. It’s a lovely option if you want a veil-friendly style with some detail at the back and a few loose pieces around your face.

Low Bridal Bun With a Floral Hairpiece

A low bun gathers the red hair at the nape, while loose front pieces soften the swept-back shape. Small flowers tucked beside the bun give the veil a natural place to sit without hiding the hairstyle.

I’d keep the bun slightly relaxed rather than pulling every strand tight, so the wispy pieces stay part of the look. It’s a lovely option if you want your updo to feel romantic but still let your hair’s color and texture show.

Veiled Low Bun With Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs and a smooth low bun give this updo a neat shape without hiding the fringe. The white net veil sits just above the bun, so it adds a bridal detail while leaving the swept-back hair visible.

I’d keep the bun close to the nape to preserve this simple silhouette, and place the veil securely above it. The fringe can be shaped lightly so it stays airy rather than covering the eyes.

Low Bridal Bun With Highlighted Face-Framing Pieces

Highlighted strands sweep back into a loosely gathered low bun, while two curled pieces fall beside the face. The pinned-up shape keeps the length off the neck, and the loose sections give the style a softer finish.

I like how the veil sits behind the bun, leaving the twists and lighter strands visible. If you’re considering a similar updo, ask your stylist to leave the front pieces loose until the veil is in place.

Curly Bridal Updo With Loose Tendrils

The curls are gathered into a high, loosely pinned updo, with a few tendrils left around the face and neck. That airy shape lets the veil sit just beneath the bun without hiding the hairstyle.

I’d keep some of the natural curl texture visible rather than smoothing the updo too much. It gives the pinned style a relaxed finish and pairs nicely with the veil.

Low Bridal Bun With a Veil and Loose Tendrils

A softly gathered low bun keeps this bridal updo neat at the nape, while a few long tendrils fall beside the face. The relaxed pieces give the style a less formal feel than a tightly smoothed bun.

I like how the veil sits just behind the bun, leaving its shape visible from the side. This is a lovely option if you want an updo that holds the veil securely but still has a few loose details.

Braided Crown With a Low Bridal Bun

A thick braid curves around the crown and joins a low, softly gathered bun, with a few loose tendrils left around the face. The updo keeps the hair secured while letting the braided detail show from the side.

I’d keep the braid a little relaxed rather than pulling it tight, so it sits comfortably with the veil tucked behind the bun. The loose fringe also gives this traditional arrangement a more personal feel.

Side-Swept Bridal Updo With a Veil

Swept-back blonde hair gathers into a low, softly rounded bun, with a deep side part shaping the front. The smooth finish keeps the updo neat while still showing the hair’s natural tonal variation.

I’d keep the veil tucked just beneath the bun so the gathered shape stays visible. A few fine strands near the ears can make a similar updo feel less tightly arranged.

Twisted Low Bridal Updo With a Lace Veil

Twisted sections sweep back from the crown and cross over a low, loosely gathered updo. The dark brown hair has fine caramel highlights that pick up through the twists, while a few loose tendrils soften the sides.

I’d keep the veil attached just above the gathered hair so the twist detail stays visible. A lace-edged veil suits this relaxed, braided texture without competing with it.

Braided Crown With a Low Bridal Bun

A slim braid curves across the crown and joins a low bun, with a few loose strands left around the face. The blonde highlights help the braid stand out against the deeper roots.

I’d keep the veil tucked just beneath the bun so the braided detail stays visible. The pinned-up shape also leaves room to adjust the veil without covering the face-framing pieces.

Sleek Low Bridal Bun With Floral Combs

The smooth, side-swept sections gather into a rounded bun at the nape, keeping the silhouette neat while leaving a few fine tendrils loose near the face. Two jeweled floral combs sit above the bun, with the veil attached just behind them.

I’d keep the bun low and secure so the combs and veil have a clear place to sit. The polished shape also suits brides who want their hair gathered away from the neckline without adding braids or extra texture.

Half-Up Bridal Curls With a Veil

The hair is gathered loosely at the back, leaving long curls to fall over one shoulder. Fine blonde highlights pick up through the twists, while soft pieces around the face keep the shape from feeling too pinned in place.

I’d keep the updo relaxed rather than smoothing every strand back, so the curls remain the focus. Tucking the veil into the gathered section lets it sit behind the hairstyle without covering the details.

Textured Bridal Chignon With a Veil

A loosely gathered chignon sits low at the back, with softly woven sections adding texture across the crown. The blonde hair has fine highlights that show through the twists, while curled tendrils fall around the face.

I’d keep the veil tucked just beneath the bun so the hairstyle’s shape stays visible. The pinned-up length also keeps the neckline open, while the loose pieces give the updo a relaxed finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I keep my veil secure in an updo without it slipping? A: Ask your hairstylist to anchor the comb with hidden hairpins, ideally crossed over the comb for a firmer hold. Bring your veil to the trial so you can test its weight and placement with the finished hairstyle.

Q: Should I put the veil above or below my bun? A: A veil tucked above a bun often gives a little extra height, while placing it below shows more of the updo. Try both at your hair trial and see which feels comfortable and suits the veil’s shape.

Q: Can I wear a veil with a loose, romantic updo? A: Yes. A soft bun or low chignon can hold a veil beautifully, as long as the stylist leaves a secure section for the comb and pins. Avoid making the updo too loose where the veil attaches.

Q: What should I bring to my wedding hair trial? A: Bring your veil, any hair accessories, and a photo of your dress neckline. That gives your stylist a clear idea of how the updo and veil will look together.