“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 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 choose the perfect finishing touch for your special day! Have a look at this video and then read more about each below.
A Shoulder length veil – or now called the “mini veil”, falls just at the shoulders. This short veil is perfect for less-formal brides who want to keep their look simple and more casual. 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 sometimes have a wider netting and are 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 dresses. The elbow veil can have a slight amount of edge detail, sparkle, or simply plain tulle.
A Fingertip 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. It 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 Waltz length veil falls between the knee and ankle and is perfect for brides who want a long veil without having it lay on top of a long and ornate dress train. A waltz veil is also great for outdoor weddings as 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 train of your wedding gown. There are some designers who 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 in the longer veil lengths, and here is where we get into the Chapel, Cathedral, and Royal.
Chapel length veils are traditionally about 90″ long. A little longer than a sweep train, 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 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. For our brides, this is the most popular of the veil lengths!
Royal length veils are the longest veils available, creating a majestic effect and a grand entrance. These veils are 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. You will also need to consider your ceremony space. You must have plenty of room to show off this incredible piece!
All of these are single tier veils, although any can have tiers added in back and sometimes these are referred to as ‘waterfall’ veils. However, the most common tier added would be the blusher veil, which is the single layer that is worn over the face as the bride walks down the aisle, about 30″ long. Usually 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.
Veils can have an incredible impact on the look of your dress. If you have a plain satin dress, 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 dress is more elaborate to start with, try a plain tulle veil to add the accessory without competing with the details of the dress. Your bridal stylist will show you coordinating veils and you can see how each one changes the look!
Your veil 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! There are many brides who do not want a veil, but it can be confusing because of the tradition or “expectation”. Not to worry, there are a number of different choices for those brides, too!
Have a question about the right veil length for your dress? Contact us or text 215-491-8500, we’d love to help!