Do all girls wear a veil for their First Communion?

Trends are changing.  Yet we estimate that probably 98-99% of all girls making their First Communion will still wear a veil.  All will wear something on their head or in their hair.

A veil is a covering, a form of modesty.  It also harkens back to the “little bride look”, of course.

But today’s Communion veils have come a LONG way from the frothy fountain of tulle enveloping the child.  A wide assortment of First Communion veil styles are now available.  Here are some of the basic styles:

• Tiara - the tiara is very much loved by most little girls.  It makes her feel like a princess!  Tiaras are made in scale to be appropriate for children.  The veil either hangs from the back or attaches with a separate comb.  The tiara looks good with just about any hair style from updo to short to long.
• Wreath - the wreath is an all-time classic and usually looks good on all children.  It encircles her head, usually with floral or leaf motifs but can be accented with pearls, crystals, etc.  The veil hangs from the back; it some times comes separately so it can be removed afterward yet she can continue to wear the headpiece.  Again - the wreath looks good on just about any hair style.
• Headband - this is the #1 most sought-after style by mothers and yet it is also the one that they are dissatisfied the most when they put it on their child.  The veil on a headband headpiece creates a lot of fullness around the face.  It is definitely the wrong style for a full, round face.  First ask yourself - does she usually wear a headband and look good in it?  Then if yes, would she look good with tulle about 4-6″ around face with the headband?  Some girls will look terrific, of course!  Good for medium to long hair lengths.
• Bun wrap.  This is a smaller circle than the wreath and is intended to encircle an updo at the top or crown of the head.  Do not think that a bun wrap would make a good wreath on a petite child  - they are much too small for that.   This can be very pretty with medium to long hair done up and is usually designed to keep the veil out of her face.
• Bows, Barrettes & Clips - these are intended to be worn either at the crown or nape of the neckline.  They look best with long hair that is pulled back - either the front pulled back to the crown or all of it pulled back to the nape of the neck.  These can be very pretty and stylish and are frequently the choice for those who don’t want the traditional “little bride” look.  Hair has to be long and thick enough to support the weight of the headpiece on a barrette clip.</p>

Are all headpieces white?  Almost always - with one exception . . . .

                  . . . . if she is wearing a family heirloom Communion dress, chances are very good that the dress is no longer bright white.  In that case, it is important NOT to put a bright white headpiece against it, or the dress will look terribly dingy!  Choose a diamond white or light ivory headpiece instead.  They aren’t common, but they are available if you shop early.