The Best Wedding Veils for Every Bride: Shop Vogue Weddings-Approved Styles in Tulle and Lace
Shopping for one of the best wedding veils may not be the initial focus of your wedding day look, but it’s a piece that can truly define your bridal style. The traditional accessory dates back centuries, with origins most notably linked to the Romans—a bride would wear a veil to shield herself from evil spirits on her big day. Trends have ebbed and flowed over the years, and now, while a veil isn t customary for “I do’s,” it’s a popular choice among brides to accentuate their wedding day attire, be it a dramatic and long-sleeved gown, a simple silhouette such as a slip dress or column, or even a courthouse look, like a tea-length dress or suit.
There are many types of veils to choose from. A cathedral veil, chapel veil, and ballet veil are among the most theatrical styles, featuring long and cascading lengths, including a train in the case of the former. Some will come tiered, while others are draped and closer to one length, ranging from simple tulle styles to lace or ribbon-trimmed to ornate embellishments like hand-embroidered floral appliqué, beading, crystals, and pearls. A drop veil falls in the longer and more dramatic category as well. This design is shorter in the front and hangs over a bride’s face during the ceremony, then draped back and appears tiered when layered over the trailing longer back.
Birdcage veils are the shortest and most popular choice for civil ceremonies or vintage-loving brides seeking a retro touch. These often feature a mesh covering, either simple or embellished, and can be attached to a comb, headband, or pillbox hat. For more of a European flair, there’s the mantilla veil. This style originated in Spain and resembles a scarf, coming in long and short lengths. It’s meant to be worn at the top of the head just behind the hairline and is often trimmed with scalloped lace for an incredibly romantic result.
Vogue’s Top Picks:
- The Tried-and-True: Danielle Frankel grosgrain-trimmed tulle veil, $990
- The Birdcage Veil: Eugenia Kim Grace Tulle Braided Headband Veil, $245
- The Short and Sweet Fingertip: Clio Peppiatt Chantilly embellished scalloped tulle veil, $1,130
- The Bridal Hat: Sensi Studio Glamour Veiled Straw Brim Hat, $258
- The Unexpected Drama: Lapointe Tulle Veil With Feathers, $850
- The Monogram Moment: Staud embroidered initials veil, $195
The most modern style of the moment is the bow-adorned veil. Some are short with a small bow placed at the crown, while others are of more considerable size, often affixing to a bridal updo and draping every-so-elegantly to the floor, sometimes extending into a train.
Whether your desire to wear a bridal veil stems from tradition or simply to enhance your wedding day look, keep scrolling to shop 22 of the best wedding veils, from long and extravagant to short and sweet.
Tried-and-True Styles
From a dramatic lace cathedral length veil by Monvieve to Danielle Frankel’s grosgrain trimmed, floor-trailing silhouette that comes with a fingertip grazing blusher, add one of these timeless veils as a final touch to your wedding day look. It will be the perfect heirloom piece to preserve and hand down to a family member one day.
Birdcage Veils
For a city hall affair or perhaps for your second look, opt for a statement making birdcage veil to frame your face. Channel your inner French girl in Maison Michel’s effortless pillbox hat or Simone Rocha’s beaded option to add an unexpected touch to any outfit.
Short and Sweet Fingertip
If you’re not a fan of long fussy trains, try a short and sweet fingertip-length veil. Erdem’s bow-adorned, dotted tulle veil adds a vintage touch while Markarian’s lace-trim option will complement any bridal getup.
Bridal Hats
Not feeling like yourself in a traditional veil? Try a bridal hat instead. Sensi Studio’s “glamour” veiled straw hat nods at Bianca Jagger’s iconic wedding look, or try the season’s latest pillbox hat trend in a creation by Gigi Burris Millinery.
For Unexpected Drama
From an iconic feather-trimmed veil by Lapointe to Susan Alexandra’s hand-embroidered pearl and sequin style, why not have some fun with your veil? You’re sure to make an entrance in one of these unique creations.
Customized Treasures
Add a personalized touch to your wedding day with a custom embroidered initials veil by Staud. Top it off with a monogrammed Jennifer Behr satin bow barrette that can also be styled separately for the after party.
