How will you know the perfect veil when veil lengths vary from sassy shoulder to ultra-dramatic royal? We’ve got you covered. Read on to become an expert in wedding veils!
Your wedding veil is the completer piece to your bridal look. It is typically worn during the ceremony and for photographs, and then removed for the reception. It is important that you choose the right veil to match your dress silhouette, venue, and personal style.
Take a look at this video and then read more about each:
“Are You Wearing A Veil?”
This question will absolutely be asked of every bride to be. Wedding veils are an essential accessory for most brides, as they add a touch of tradition, elegance, and beauty to the wedding dress. And there is no reaction quite as special and memorable as a bride who cries when she sees herself in one for the first time.
Veils come in a number of different lengths and yours can be determined in a number of ways as each length has its unique style and significance. In this blog, we will discuss the different wedding veil lengths to help you determine the right kind of veil for the perfect finishing touch for your special day!
Shorter Veil Lengths
- Shoulder/Birdcage
- Elbow
- Fingertip
- Waltz
A Shoulder length veil – or now called the “mini veil”, falls just at the shoulders, approximately 20″. This shorter length is for less-formal brides who want to keep their look simple and more casual, or modern brides adding glamour. A shoulder-length veil is also good for brides who want to show off their dress’s back details or jewelry. Some of these can be worn over the face and is then referred to as a birdcage veil. Birdcage veils can also have a wider netting. The short veil look is quite glamorous.
An Elbow length veil falls at or just above the elbow. This adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your bridal look. It is perfect for brides who want to add some volume to their dress and show off their waistline, and works well with empire waist dresses. The elbow veil can have a slight amount of edge detail, sparkle, or simply plain tulle. The elbow-length veil works nicely on a ball gown for those who prefer the ball gown train to be a focal point.
A Finger tip veil is a popular choice among brides as it falls at the fingertips. This length of veil is versatile and works well with most dress styles, but most certainly the trumpet or mermaid as it ends just where the skirt flairs out. The fingertip-length veil adds romance and drama to your wedding day look, making it a perfect veil choice for a classic or modern bride. These can be plain or have detailing at the edge to match the formality of the dress. A fingertip veil length is a perfect match with a trumpet or fit & flare silhouette, as it ends where the skirt flares.
A Waltz length veil falls around the ankle and is a great choice for brides who want a long veil without having it lay on top of a long and ornate dress train. A waltz-length veil is also known as a floor-length veil and it is great for outdoor ceremonies. It creates a lovely effect when the wind blows.
As we get into the longer veil lengths, they become more and more dramatic and must be tried on with your wedding dress. You do not want the length of the veil or details to interfere with or take away from the dramatic train of your wedding gown. Many designers make matching veils for their wedding dresses. This is the ultimate look when the designer puts it together with the exact details that match the dress. Typically they will be longer veils, and let’s discuss those.
Kitty Chen Ada with matching royal veil is a beautiful, cohesive look
Longer Veil Lengths
- Chapel
- Cathedral
- Royal
The romance of a long veil cannot be matched. If you want to take the look to the next level, the drama of a longer veil will do the trick.
The Chapel length veil is traditionally about 90″ long. This type of veil is perfect for brides who want a dramatic and elegant look without as much dragging in the back. A chapel-length veil can really elevate a dress with a small train by serving as the train itself and therefore requiring no bustle for your dress. A chapel veil is a great option for a destination or beach wedding!
A Cathedral length veil is approximately 120″ long and creates a breathtaking and awe-inspiring effect. On an ornate dress, it will add to the formality and drama of the entire bridal look. On a plain dress, it can be chosen with lace or beading detail to frame the dress. It is a timeless look for formal weddings held in a church or cathedral. Extra photos can be taken using the veil as a wrap or blowing in the wind. The cathedral-length veil is our most requested bridal veil length.
Royal length veils are the longest veils available, ranging from 144-180″ long! They create a majestic effect and a grand entrance. These style of veil is named after the royal brides who wore them. They create a regal look, however, they require careful handling as they can be heavy and cumbersome. They are best paired with dresses that have a long train to balance the overall look. If you want to make a statement and create a dramatic effect on your wedding day, a royal length veil is an excellent choice.
Consider your ceremony space. You must have plenty of room to show off this incredible piece, which is also a favorite of wedding photographers to capture the most amazing wedding photos!
Tiers and Blushers
All of these are single tier veils, although any can have tiers added in back and these additional layer veils are referred to as ‘waterfall’ veils. However, the most common tier added would be the blusher veil.
The blusher is the single layer that is worn over the face as the bride walks down the aisle, about 30″ long. The tradition of Blusher veils is that they are lifted over the bride’s head by her father just before he “gives her away”, it then lays as a layer in the back. The blusher was worn in ancient times to protect against evil, but today it is a symbol of modesty and purity.
Any veil can have edging, lace, sparkle, crystal or pearl embellishments, satin edging, or it can be a plain soft tulle.
What Veil Lengths & Styles Will Look Best?
Your veil will have a real impact on the look of your dress.
For sleek crepe gowns or a satin bridal gown, try adding a veil with floral lace appliqué or beading. This can incorporate details that elevate and complement the sophistication of the dress.
If your gown is more elaborate to start with, such as a detailed or layered lace wedding dress, try a plain tulle veil to add the accessory without competing with the details of the dress.
Have a dress with color? Have color to match in your veil! Add custom matching florals, rosettes, or beading to tie the look together.
Your bridal stylist will show you a range of veil lengths and styles. You will see how each one changes the look.
Your perfect length will depend on your dress style, personal preference, and wedding theme. Whether you choose a short or long veil, it will complement your dress and enhance your bridal ensemble.
What If I Want A Custom Veil Length?
This is a popular choice for brides wanting a specific length or look. Custom veils can be made by a bridal seamstress. Our seamstress at Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo makes them for brides using the exact lace appliques and/or beading details of the wedding gown.
What If I Don’t Want A Veil?
There are many brides who do not want a veil! It can be confusing because of the tradition or “expectation”. Not to worry, there are a number of different choices for those brides, too:
- headbands or tiara headpieces with crystals or pearls
- flower crowns for a boho/country look
- hair jewelry including gemstones, rhinestones, vines with small florals, etc.
Have a question about the right veil length for your dress? Contact us or text 215-491-8500, we’d love to help!
About Us
Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo is owned by Franco and Wendy Salerno. We founded the store in January, 2013 with a mission of running an honest, kind, and family-oriented bridal and tuxedo business. The name is a combination of our two daughters, Daria and Deanna. Today, our business is a Bucks County staple and the go-to place for wedding attire. Our long-time employees are kind, genuine, and truly part of the family. The lasting relationships we have made with customers, vendors, and designers are something we are truly grateful for.
Our store received national recognition in July, 2025 on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. In 2024, Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo was named a Top 100 Small Business in America by the US Chamber of Commerce. We have been featured by Apple.com, ABC National News, TLC’s “Say Yes: Wedding SOS”, the Wall Street Journal, Square, and Axios. We are approaching 1,000 Google reviews with a 4.9 rating, and listed in the Knot’s “Hall of Fame”.
Locally, we are active members of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, the Montco Gateway Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce), and the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce serving on committees and as board members. Franco was Treasurer, Executive Committee member and a Board member of the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce and their 2024 Mitchell-Conner award winner. He was also a board member of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce for many years. Wendy is a former Chair of the Women In Business, awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023, and named a 2025 Bucks County Parent Woman of Influence. Our daughter Daria is a former wish granter for the Make-A-Wish® foundation. We proudly partner with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Angel Gowns, Wish Upon A Wedding, and donate to local schools and community band, choir, and theater programs.