Veil or No Veil: Bridal Style Decision

If you decide to go with a veil for your wedding, you need to consider a few things first:

Consider your wedding dress. It’s best to find a dress first and then choose a veil that enhances your gown. For example, if you have a lace or beaded dress, look for a veil that compliments those elements. Want to look like a princess bride? You may want to add a Cathedral veil to complete the look. Looking for something more simple? A single-layer elbow-length veil with a sprinkle of lace or beads to match is a great option. Remember, a veil should never take center stage or draw attention away from you and your dress.

Take your venue into account. If your ceremony is taking place in a large, elaborate church, you may want to consider a long, dramatic veil. Alternatively, if you’re getting married outdoors during a windy season, it’s best to opt for a veil that’s shorter in length. This will prevent the veil from blowing around too much or even flying away altogether.

Keep your hairstyle in mind. Most veils work well with the bride’s hair down. But if you’re planning on an updo, or a more intricate hairstyle, choose a thin or sheer veil that won’t conceal your hair and will show off your look. Whether you’re doing your own hair or getting it done by a professional, it’s a good idea to practice placing and fastening your veil before the big day.

Veils come in various sizes and lengths. When deciding on the veil length, keep in mind that a short, voluminous veil will make you appear shorter, and a long, flowing veil makes you appear taller and slimmer.

The variety of veils that exist is plentiful, and making a choice can be overwhelming. Below, we’ll break down the attributes of popular veil types so you can make an informed decision for your big day.

The Monarch Veil is the longest and the most spectacular veil. It makes for amazing photos and a breathtaking walk down the aisle.

Length: 130+ inches.

 

The Cathedral Veil is the most dramatic and formal style and, therefore, the mother of all veils. This style is often referred to as the royal veil since it normally falls at least 9 feet or more from a headpiece or crown and is often paired with an equally powerful cathedral train. Because of the vast amount of fabric, the bride will require assistance from her bridesmaids.

Length: 108-120 inches.

 

The Chapel Veil is similar to a chapel wedding train, extending a little over two yards from the headpiece. This veil style is often worn in combination with a sweep train and blusher. Its length makes it one of the more formal styles.

Length: 90 inches.

 

The Fingertip Veil style extends to the bride’s fingertips when her arms are resting at her sides, though it will vary depending on the bride's build and height. It is very popular with brides who have chosen wedding ball gowns. The fingertip veil is normally used as an alternative to a wedding dress train, especially in cases where brides want to show off the back of the dress

 

The Elbow-length Veil extends to the bride's elbow, which makes it quite versatile. It’s suitable for both formal and more simple gowns. It can have varying layers of fabric, usually either one or two, depending on the desired depth effect. This veil style is also popular with ball gowns because they end where the fullness of the skirt often begins.

Length: 32 inches.

 

The Blusher Veil is a short and single-layered veil that falls loosely over the bride’s face, extending and finishing below the shoulders. The blusher is worn over the face before the ceremony and can either be flipped back over or detached altogether after the wedding ceremony. A blusher veil is usually built into a main veil.

 

The Birdcage Veil is the shortest version of all veils. It usually only consists of netting combined with a headpiece that only covers the eyes, goes halfway across the face, or sits just below the jawline. Birdcage veils feel effortlessly chic and create an aura of vintage, ladylike sexiness.

Length: 9-12 inches.