Nothing makes for a more dramatic entrance than a bride walking in wearing a veil. But finding the perfect match can be tricky if you are not sure what to look for. Different types of veils and lengths can completely transform your wedding style. Designers will often make veils tailored specifically for their dresses, so you can use these as a starting point.
Shorter veils, like birdcages and blushers, tend to lend a bit more personality as well as an informal or retro edge to your look, while longer veils (chapel and cathedral styles) lean more in the way of tradition and formality (but are also the most universally flattering). If you can’t find one that you love, you can always go the custom route. Many companies will create a veil to your specifications, from the length to the color and the kind of embellishments.
To help decide the style that’s right for your wedding, we give you a crash course in Veil 101- enjoy!
Blusher. Going for a less traditional look with vintage appeal? A blusher is a short veil (usually 30″ in length) that falls over the face and ends near the top of the dress. During the ceremony, it’s pulled back to reveal the bride, which makes for an exciting and moving moment—the first time the groom sees his bride’s face.
Elbow. If you want a more conservative look for your ceremony, an elbow-length veil is an elegant way to cover-up without wearing a bulky bolero or shrug. An elbow veil (usually 32″ in length) falls gracefully over the shoulders to the bride’s—you guessed it—elbow.
Fingertip. A fingertip veil (usually 38-40″ in length) falls beyond the bride’s hips and allows any design on the back of a bride’s gown to be seen through the sheer fabric. And with all of the gorgeous, detailed-back wedding dresses spotted on the runway this season, who wouldn’t want to show off that angle?
Waltz. There’s no rule that says you need to take off your veil for the reception. But if you do choose to keep it on, make sure it won’t get the in the way of dancing and mingling. A waltz veil (usually 60″ in length) falls to the mid-calf and is a great option for those who want to wear a longer veil for the reception, but still want the freedom to move throughout the evening.
Floor. A floor-length veil (usually 72″ in length) just grazes the floor and matches the length of the gown. The flowing fabric will add extra volume to your look, perfect if you are torn between a ball gown and more streamlined silhouette.
Chapel. Opting to forgo a train? A chapel-length veil will create the illusion of a train, without any pesky bustling required. “A chapel-length veil (usually 90” in length) sweeps across the floor extending slightly beyond the gown.
Cathedral. For the most regal entrance, it’s a cathedral-length veil. A cathedral-length veil (usually 108″-120″ in length) extends beyond the train of the gown and is the most dramatic down-the-aisle length.
