Soft White, Ivory or Cream?
Choosing the right wedding veil colour can feel surprisingly overwhelming. One bridal designer may describe a dress as Ivory, while another calls a very similar shade Soft White or Light Ivory. Some wedding dresses even have warm cream or beige undertones. It's no wonder so many brides find themselves second-guessing their decision.
The good news is that matching your wedding veil is usually much simpler than it seems.
Unlike a wedding dress, a bridal veil is made from sheer tulle, allowing the colour of your gown to show through. This means choosing a complementary shade is often more important than matching the exact colour name printed on your dress label. Even if your veil is slightly lighter or warmer, the difference is often far less noticeable once it's worn.
At Madame Tulle, we've helped thousands of brides choose the right veil over the years, and one thing we've learnt is that every bridal designer has their own interpretation of colour. That's why we always recommend choosing your veil based on how your wedding dress looks in natural light rather than relying solely on its colour name.
Soft White
Soft White is our lightest veil colour. It is not a stark or bright white, but a soft off-white with cool undertones that beautifully complements many modern wedding dresses.
Soft White is ideal for dresses that appear bright and fresh without looking creamy. It pairs particularly well with contemporary satin, crepe and mikado gowns, where the clean silhouette allows the veil to softly complete the bridal look.
If your wedding dress looks almost white in natural daylight and doesn't have noticeable yellow or cream undertones, Soft White is often the best choice.
Ivory
Ivory is our most popular veil colour and complements the majority of wedding dresses available today.
Our Ivory has soft warm undertones that create a natural, harmonious look without appearing too yellow or too dark.
Because every bridal designer has their own version of Ivory, one designer's Ivory may appear lighter or warmer than another's. Rather than focusing on the label, we recommend looking at the overall appearance of your gown.
If your dress has a soft creamy tone rather than appearing bright white, Ivory is usually the most suitable option.
Cream (Available Upon Request)
While most wedding dresses are best matched with either Soft White or Ivory, we also offer a limited Cream tulle for brides whose gowns have noticeably warmer cream or beige undertones.
Cream is currently available in our soft tulle only and is offered upon request for selected plain veil designs. Because relatively few wedding dresses require this shade, it is not listed as a standard colour throughout our website.
If you believe your wedding dress may suit a Cream veil, please contact us before placing your order. We'll be happy to discuss your gown and recommend whether this colour is the right choice.
Every Bridal Designer Uses Different Colour Names
One of the biggest misconceptions is that wedding dress colours are standard across the bridal industry.
In reality, every bridal designer has their own interpretation of colour names such as Soft White, Ivory, Light Ivory and Cream. A dress labelled Ivory by one designer may look almost identical to another designer's Soft White, while another Ivory gown may have noticeably warmer cream undertones.
This is perfectly normal and is one of the reasons brides often become confused when choosing a veil.
Instead of concentrating on the colour name, focus on how your wedding dress actually looks in natural light. This will almost always lead to a better colour match.
How to Choose the Right Veil Colour
Soft White may be right for you if:
- Your wedding dress appears bright and fresh.
- It has cool undertones.
- It looks almost white in natural daylight.
Ivory may be right for you if:
- Your dress has soft warm or creamy undertones.
- It doesn't appear bright white.
- It matches the majority of modern ivory wedding dresses.
Consider Cream if:
- Your wedding dress has obvious cream or beige undertones.
- Your bridal boutique describes the colour as Cream or Dark Ivory.
- You're unsure whether Ivory will be warm enough.
If you're uncertain, we're always happy to help.
Three Common Mistakes Brides Make When Choosing a Veil Colour
1. Comparing colour names instead of the actual dress
The colour printed on your dress label is only a guide. Two dresses labelled Ivory may look completely different depending on the designer and fabric.
2. Judging colour from photographs
Mobile phones, computer screens and boutique lighting can all affect how colours appear. A wedding dress photographed under warm lighting may look very different in natural daylight.
3. Worrying about tiny shade differences
Because bridal veils are made from sheer tulle, small colour differences are usually much less noticeable than brides expect. Once the veil is worn, the colour of your wedding dress naturally shows through the fabric, creating a beautifully blended look.
Still Unsure?
If you're unsure which veil colour is right for your wedding dress, we're always happy to help.
We also recommend ordering our Tulle Swatch Set, allowing you to compare our veil colours against your wedding dress in natural light before placing your order.
Still have questions? We'd love to help. Please don't hesitate to get in touch before placing your order, we're always happy to help you choose the perfect veil for your wedding dress.
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