A veil is like that satin ribbon you use to decorate a lovingly wrapped gift. Is it mandatory? Not really! But it surely adds a sweet touch to the bridal look and makes it just a little more special. A blushing bride shining like a star under the translucent veil and the groom unveiling her to see her face and matching the sparkle in her eyes, it’s all too magical!
However, choosing the veil is a long and extensive process, just like choosing the perfect wedding dress. Probably more so, because the veil will be chosen not only on its own account but also in accordance with whether it matches the gown perfectly! If the different types of veil lengths are throwing you off, we are here to decode the complicated math!
We are diving into the different veil lengths and what they mean and in turn, help you find your perfect one.
Visor Veil: This kind of veil mimics the look of a fascinator worn in a British wedding or a racing event. It has to be strategically placed behind the ears at a perfect angle and is usually embellished to make it more elegant. It is a small touch, but a visor veil comes with maximum impact.
Birdcage Veil: The birdcage veil is short and is just long enough to cover the bride's face. This kind of veil is designed to extend just past the chin, but it is often worn in a sideways swept look for a more dramatic look. It is a perfect choice for the vintage bride or a look that is more leaning towards retro. It adds the perfect amount of cinematic drama to a look.
Shoulder Length Veil: Measuring somewhere around 20 inches in length, this kind of shoulder-length veil is the perfect in-between choice. This veil length falls around your shoulders and is perfect for the bride who has a wedding gown which already has a lot of details going on, which she doesn’t want to hide or interrupt with it.
Elbow Length Veil: A little longer than the shoulder length veil, at around 25 inches, the elbow-length veil hits, as the name suggests, exactly at the elbow. It might be a single-layered or can also come with a blusher too. This is the perfect length for most dress types, but especially so when paired with a ball gown, as the veil ends where the skirt’s fullness begins.
Fingertip Length Veil: The fingertip length veil is known for being universally flattering and is worn most commonly. The length of the veil comes up to 36 inches and touches the fingertips for most brides. Even though this style of veil is still considered a long veil, it doesn’t steal attention away from the design of the gown.
Knee Length Veil: A knee-length veil is a perfect option that pairs perfectly with a bridal gown which is more on the fitted side. Measuring at around 45 inches, this is the perfect option for a long veil without having to drag a heavy veil around and checking how it lays. Intricate bodice or waist details will benefit from this length of veil.
Floor Length Veil: Floor-length veils measure around 72 inches and almost brush the floor, matching the length of the dress. This is a perfect pick for a full-length dressing gown that does not have a billowy train. If it is a dress with a flowy skirt, this train adds that bit of extra volume. In other words, this is the perfect pick to accompany a sheath silhouette or a ball gown.
Chapel Length Veil: AKA sweep veil or full veil, the chapel length veil is the kind of trailing veil that we can imagine when we think of a bride walking down the aisle. It measures anywhere between 90 and 108 inches and works perfectly with a more formal wedding setting. It generally is made in a way that it trails a few inches past your train or the hem of the dress.
Cathedral Length Veil: This veil is full of drama and is made for making an entrance. Considered as a more formal option, these types of veils range from anywhere between 120 to 144 inches. This kind of veil goes perfectly with a dress that has a train and the veil is designed to sweep past the bride’s train.
While a veil is traditionally worn to signify the aspect of purity and innocence, and there are many people who opt out of wearing one due to this significance, you can also see veils as just what it is- a beautiful accessory to bring life to your wedding dress. And once you dive into the different lengths, styles, and variations, you might just want to give in!
Please wait!
