Choosing wedding veil lengths and styles can be one of the most foreign tasks to complete when shopping for a bridal look. After all, in our modern world, a veil is one accessory almost exclusively reserved for brides and rarely seen outside of a wedding event, so most people don’t typically have experience shopping for one. Originally worn as a sign of modesty and a symbol of good luck, the wedding day adornment is now seen by many brides as a means of adding an ethereal note to their dress. A veil can be a simple stretch of sheer white tulle or a colorful creation with embroidery and appliqués. Veil style equates to personal style, so it’s up to brides-to-be to decide what kind of veil best suits their ceremony look.
Recently, there’s been a marked uptick in interest in veils that push the envelope of what a veil can be, or look like. Consider Hailey Bieber’s ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ veil by Off-White–a great inspo for brides who’d like to incorporate a personal message into their look. “Like song lyrics from your first dance, your initials, or your wedding date,” suggests bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz. She reports that more and more brides are out to make a fashion statement when they walk down the aisle, and they are embracing high-drama veils in pursuit of ‘wow’ factor. “There’s nothing like a veil to say, ‘Here comes the bride.’”
Considering pushing the boundaries with your blusher? Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, Hurwitz counsels. “Designer Hermione de Paula has even incorporated a client’s pet and favorite flowers into her veil,” she says. “If that’s too bold for you, try extra length, like Priyanka Chopra-Jonas’ 75-foot-long veil—but maybe not that long. You can also incorporate a pop of color with 3D floral appliqués like you see in some of Monique Lhuillier’s floral veils.”
How to Choose the Right Veil for Your Wedding Dress Style
The best rule of thumb when choosing a veil is to think about how it balances with the rest of your attire. After all, a veil is an accessory, and like all accessories, it’s there to complement your look, not compete with it. Contrast is fine–you can accentuate a minimalist silhouette via a veil with some volume, a dramatic embroidered design, or appliqués.
Subtler types of coordination include mirroring the lace pattern on your dress in the trim of your veil, for instance; it’s also good to think about the proportions of your wedding veil lengths. A long cathedral veil goes perfectly with a dramatic train, while a short tulle style serves as a sweet pairing with a suit or mini dress. While a minimal veil and dress can work great together, take a second before purchasing two very loud designs in contrasting patterns or shades. And remember, it can look absolutely beautiful pairing a veil and dress from different designers. Just try to have a reference photo or bring your veil along to shopping appointments and fittings so you have a clear idea of your ceremony aesthetic.
Want to know a bit more about wedding veil styles? See a breakdown of common designs ahead.
Wedding Veil Styles by Length
A blusher is a veil that covers the face. It is traditionally lifted and pulled back by whoever walks the to-be-wed down the aisle, or by their fiancé. A blusher is sometimes built into a veil design or fabric can be sewn on as a separate fabric addition.
A birdcage veil is a very short design usually made from a net-like material or lace that covers a portion of the face. It is usually paired with a hair accessory as an accent.
A mix of veil and cape, this whimsical style is defined by its hood, usually made of tulle, lace or organza. Many brides choose this to create an angelic look for their wedding day.
Often made from tulle, this shorter veil style is a touch retro–and as its hem only just kisses the shoulder blades, the flyaway is great for spotlighting an open or statement back.
Extending from your crown to your elbows, this veil length is a nice option for fuller coverage, or if you’d like to emphasize your gown’s train. It s also a popular style for a bachelorette or courthouse look thanks to its shorter length.
Called “fingertip” because its hem is meant to fall at the end of your fingers, this style pairs beautifully with a wide variety of gown silhouettes. It also offers the drama of a longer veil, while allowing you to move freely.
If you plan on wearing your veil to your reception, it’s advised not to choose one longer than a waltz (or ballet) veil. Since it cuts off mid-calf, you’re less likely to trip on it while dancing along to your band.
As expected, a floor-length veil hits the floor just beneath you. It’s a great style if you want to bring volume to your look.
A chapel veil extends a bit further onto the floor. This is a great veil to pair with chapel-length gowns, or you can use it to create the illusion of a train, minus the hassle of bustling their dress later in the evening.
If you really want to bring drama to your ceremony entrance, choose a cathedral veil. The design has about two feet of fabric extending along the floor behind you.
Once you pass the length of a cathedral veil, you move into the territory of royalty. These long styles can go as far as your bridal designer has fabric. Just be aware that these stunning styles definitely call for assistance.
Other Considerations When Picking a Veil
Don’t forget to think over your beauty look when choosing your veil style. Your hairstyle especially will factor into how your veil rests on your head. If you have an elaborate updo, think about pinning a veil lower, using a comb to set it beneath the style. Loose waves look beautiful with a veil pinned at the crown of the head. Headbands or other hair accessories can also help fix your veil throughout the ceremony.
