How to Style a Straw Bridal Hat with a Chapel Veil

Quick answer

To style a straw bridal hat with a chapel veil, choose a hat with a wide brim for balance, secure it with hair pins and a comb, then drape the veil over the back of the hat so the train falls gracefully behind you.

Step-by-step styling guide

1. Prep your hair and hat: Style your hair in an updo or half-up style that provides a stable base. Place the hat on your head and mark where the brim sits. If the hat has a comb, slide it into your hair at the crown. If not, use two to three bobby pins in an X pattern on each side to secure the hat. Avoid placing the hat too far forward; it should sit just behind the hairline for a balanced look.
2. Drape the veil over the hat: Hold the chapel veil by its comb or attachment point. Gently lay the veil over the back of the hat so the blusher (the shorter front layer) hangs over the brim. The train should cascade down the back of the hat, not over the sides. If the veil has a blusher, let it fall naturally over the front brim for a soft, layered effect. Do not tuck it under the hat.
3. Secure the veil to the hat: Using small, clear elastic bands or a few stitches, attach the veil's comb to the hat's inner crown or brim edge. If the veil is built into the hat (as with Style #2638), skip this step. For separate veils, ensure the attachment is hidden from view. Check that the veil does not pull the hat backward. Adjust the angle before finalizing.
4. Adjust the train and blusher: Stand in front of a mirror and let the veil train fall freely. Adjust the hat so the train hangs straight down the center of your back. For the blusher, arrange it to frame your face without covering your eyes unless you want a dramatic reveal moment. A common mistake is letting the veil bunch on one side. Smooth it out evenly for a polished silhouette.
5. Final security check: Gently shake your head and walk a few steps to test stability. If the hat shifts, add extra pins at the temples or nape of the neck. For outdoor ceremonies, consider a light spritz of hairspray on the pins to increase grip. Do not over-pin; too many pins can damage the straw. Stick to four to six pins maximum.

Product facts

• Wide straw bridal hat with chapel veil - Style #2638: Wide straw bridal hat with chapel veil - Style #2638 features a 19 1/2-inch brim and a whisper tulle veil with a 23-inch blusher and 77-inch train from the brim edge. The generous brim offers ample surface to anchor the veil securely, while the 77-inch train provides chapel-length drama without overwhelming the hat.