Your guide to wedding veil styles
You’ve decided to add a veil to complete your wedding day look. Now the big question is: which style do you choose?
First, we love that you’re including bridal headwear in your wedding outfit. Many brides have opted not to wear one, but a wedding veil, a bridal headpiece, and even bridal pins can instantly take your look from special occasion to distinctly bridal.
Now, how do you go about choosing the best one for your gown and your wedding’s theme? Not to mention, which goes best with your personality and what would you feel most comfortable and beautiful wearing?
Here’s your guide.
The symbol of a veil in a wedding
There is no right or wrong reason to wear a veil to your wedding. Some see it as just an accessory while others have a more personal or traditional motivation.
What do they really mean in a wedding? The short answer: nobody really knows for sure. There are many versions of where wearing a veil to a wedding came about. But most wedding experts believe that it comes from Rome, where brides wore veils on their big day to protect themselves from evil spirits. We can think of a veil as a cloak against negativity on what should be one of the happiest days of your life!
There are, of course, different beliefs and traditions depending on where in the world you’re from or what religion you practice. But the general consensus is: wear a veil if you’re compelled to.
Wedding veil styles
So what kind of veil should you opt for? The good news is there are a lot of styles to choose from. If you’re quite indecisive though, that could also be bad news. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Wedding veils are often categorised by length. The catch is while there are more popular ones, they also tend to vary in name depending on the shop. You won’t go in blindly, though. There are some ballpark measurements to take note of.
Let’s start from short to long.
Short veils
If you’re the type to not want to think about whether or not your veil is draped properly and looking perfect behind you as you walk down the aisle, a short veil is for you.
While they used to be associated with more vintage or retro looks (think ‘60s-inspired or your mum’s ‘80s wedding), they’ve become quite trendy in recent years (read: more modern). They’re perfect for any kind of wedding look you’re going for.
Birdcage wedding veil
Length: 4-9”
These have retro roots but they’ve taken a more modern look, thanks to top bridal headwear designers. Covering just half of the face, these veils give off a mysterious yet flirty vibe. They also come in different styles; some have headbands as bases while others are fashioned with pins.
Shoulder-length wedding veil
Length: 20-22”
You guessed it — as the name suggests, this veil ends or hits your shoulders. This allows your dress to still be the star of the show while honouring the reason why you want to wear a veil.
Elbow wedding veil
Length: 25”
Yes, this one ends at your elbows. It’s great for those wanting to feel a bit more covered but still don’t want the risk of snagging and stepping. It ends just before your skirt starts, perfect for showcasing details of the lower part of your dress.
Mid-length veils
The perfect in-between. You get the comfortability of a short veil but also the drama of a long veil. These are perfect for semi-formal and formal weddings.
Waist wedding veil
Length: 30”
Wearing an A-line dress or something with a silhouette that accentuates the curves of your waist to your wedding? A hip wedding veil could be the perfect match for it. They give off more drama than short veils but are still “short enough” to not need extra care or caution.
Hip wedding veil
Length: 36”
Perhaps the most in-between of all in-between veils, the hip wedding veil is longer than a waist wedding veil but shorter than a fingertip veil. It’s perfect for those who need just the middle ground between these two styles.
Fingertip wedding veil
Length: 38-40”
Something for brides looking for a graceful, minimalist veil. The fingertip wedding veil sits on your fingertips while your arms are rested on your sides. They’re great to top off dresses and gowns with a bit more volume at the bottom.
Knee-length wedding veil
Length: 48”
Yes, this one’s meant to fall on your knees. The length can also be adjusted based on your height, but the rule of thumb is to keep it shorter than a waltz.
Waltz wedding veil
Length: 60”
Edging closer to the floor-length category, this wedding veil style ends mid-calf. It’s great for those who want to embrace drama but still want to dance away without worry of stepping or snagging on fabric.
Long wedding veils
Glamour is your name, and a long wedding veil is your game. Lovers of drama and going all-out, these styles are for you.
Floor-length wedding veil
Length: 72”
Just slightly touching the ground, this wedding veil gives off elegance through and through. It matches your gown’s length perfectly, offering a streamlined silhouette for your look.
Chapel wedding veil
Length: 90”
Going to the chapel and gonna get married… in a chapel wedding veil. Sounds like a great plan. Create an illusion of a train with this length. It gives the drama you need for your look and the control you want.
Cathedral wedding veil
Length: 108-120”
This one’s statement-making for sure. Think: regal, dramatic, glamorous and iconic. A cathedral wedding veil extends beyond your gown’s train. Top tip: Ask for someone’s help to carry it while you walk.
Wedding veil edging styles
Another way to make sure that your wedding veil is perfect for your personal style is by choosing the edging. Here are some to consider.
Full lace edge
Thinking of a romantic or vintage look for your wedding? This classic edging style is the one you’ll want to try. Delicate lace patterns and trims are placed intentionally on the edges of your veil — yes, from edge to edge, top to bottom.
Satin edge
Not a fan of patterns but still want something special for your veil? A satin edge may be for you. Soft satin is carefully sewn onto the edges of your veil for a classic but also modern look.
Cut edge
Want a more modern chic or a rustic look? A cut edge is the one for you. This style leaves the veil’s edge as raw as where it was cut.
Wedding veil embellishments
On top of these styles, you can also opt for an embellishment for the wedding veil style you chose. There are so many options, and you can be as creative as you want! Some have crystals or pearls while others have personalised embroidery. Some have delicate ribbons while others have appliques.
How to pick the right wedding veil style for you
Now that you know all of these options, it’s time to narrow them down. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you find the perfect match.
Consider your wedding theme and season
This is a good place to start. And this is probably also the first place you started when planning your entire wedding. Make sure that your wedding veil goes with the theme you picked. While we’re all for breaking rules and just doing what you want — it is your day, after all — you may want a cohesive wedding where all the details are considered.
Match it with your dress
Now, this one seems to be a no-brainer. You’ll want to pick something that complements your dress. Don’t count styles out though! Still try to experiment. You’ll never know when you might find something that surprises you. We’ve all heard of brides who were set on one style but chose something entirely different once they’ve tried something new or not on their list.
Make sure it goes well with your hairstyle
The goal is to let both details of your look shine. You wouldn’t want to think of your bridal accessory as an afterthought, but you wouldn’t want to cover up your hairstylist’s masterpiece either. Top tip: Test different veil styles during your wedding hair trial!
Think of your budget
We say go for it if you have the budget to blow on all the details of your wedding. Bespoke is the route to take if you want something that’s really uniquely yours. But don’t discount ready-to-wear; there are just as many wonderful options especially from small businesses or local designers.
