Choosing the Right Type of Veil for Your Wedding Gown 

The dress is the main star of the show for a bride in regards to wedding day attire, but what about the veil?

The wedding veil you choose can completely change the look of your ensemble. If you have a lace dress and choose a birdcage style, it can create a more vintage look. If you have a simple dress with a dramatic, cathedral length veil, the look becomes anything but simple.

You probably spent a considerable amount of time choosing your dress, so this piece of your ensemble should get proper attention as well.

We discuss different veil types and lengths so you can find the perfect finishing touch for your wedding dress.

The Story Behind this Accessory

In ancient times, brides were depicted as innocent, and vulnerable. To keep this sense of purity, the veil was worn to hide her from evil spirits.

Wearing one on your wedding day is still a tradition in many cultures. Today’s modern bride selects the perfect veil as a beautiful accessory to complete their look for the big day. The length, color, design and style, just like the dress, depends on the bride’s personality and preferences.

Different Wedding Veil Lengths and Styles

One of the biggest differentiators with a bridal veil is the length. Make sure you try a few different lengths so you know how they look with your specific wedding gown. Beyond length, there are also specific styles, so it's not as easy as choosing from long or short. We go over four of the different types of veils in detail below. 

Cathedral Veil

Cathedral length refers to long veils that range anywhere from 7 ½ feet to 10 feet. Some even go up to 20 feet in length. Talk about a piece of art! All eyes will be on you as you walk down the aisle with this dramatic look.

The perfect dress for this type would be a full length, classic gown. If your dress is beautifully beaded or features a lace train, pick a cathedral length veil that is simple and sheer, as you don’t want it to take away from your dress. On the other hand, if your dress is simple, you may want to pick one with lace at the end to add the drama. Also, consider a wedding dress with a long train and beautiful illusion back detail as it’s a perfect pair for this dramatic length. 

A cathedral veil is best worn at indoor locations, such as a church or a grand hall. Avoid picking this type if your wedding ceremony is outside where the wind, grass, or sand can be a factor. 

This style requires constant adjustments to fully showcase its beauty. 

As for hair, a simple up-do works best to keep the attention on the veil. Make sure the up-do is secure and will be able to hold up the weight of this accessory.

Chapel Veil

Chapel length veils are approximately 7 feet, a bit shorter than the Cathedral length. This style  works best with dresses that have a small train attached, or dresses with beautiful beading or lace at the bottom.

The simplicity and elegance of this type will not distract the eyes from the beauty of an elegantly beaded bridal gown. The length will add a soft and romantic feel to your look. 

The Chapel veil is great for indoor locations. It also requires less attention since it drapes down but hangs just above floor length. A classic, secured up-do pairs perfectly.

Fingertip Veil

Fingertip length veils are approximately 3 feet, but the actual length depends on the person wearing the piece. To find the perfect fingertip veil for you, start by placing your arms at your side. The spot where your fingertips hit is how long it should be. This type is flattering with all dress styles and on any body type, making it one of the most popular options. It’s common to see it paired with a ball gown style dress. 

This length helps elongate the body. The style does not take away from your dress because it is shorter. A lace mermaid wedding dress with a small train combined with a fingertip length veil will grab everyone’s attention. All eyes will be on you!

This type can be worn at an indoor or outdoor wedding. You will not have to worry about it getting dirty while being dragged on the floor and your maid of honor will not have to continuously fix the placement of it either. When it comes to picking a hairstyle for this type, you have options! Consider a fun up-do or a half up/half down hairstyle.

Birdcage Veil

The birdcage, also known as the cage veil, is the shortest out of any type. It usually reaches down to your cheeks, the longest would be down to your chin, and covers part of your face. It’s typically made up of simple netting that varies from tightly netted to loosely netted. With the different options available in this style, pick the one that best compliments your dress and your personality.

The birdcage veil paired with a simple beaded clip would give you the ultimate vintage bridal look. This accessory would bring beautiful balance to a vintage inspired layered lace bridal gown. It may be a simple piece, but it will make a great statement.

This type of short veil is the least worn of them all. So if you want to stand out and go for the classic vintage inspired wedding, this style is perfect for you. Another great thing about this style is that it’s hassle free! Your MOH doesn’t have to pay close attention to make sure it’s spread perfectly on the floor, or not caught on part of your dress. This one is great for someone who is rocking a chic, pixie haircut. A simple up-do will also go well with this style.

Other Styles 

We covered four of the main types of veils, but there are other length options, too. Shoulder length veils, as the name suggests, fall right at the shoulders. These are great for the bride who wants more of a traditional look. 

Elbow length styles usually fall down around the elbows, which is a bit shorter than the fingertip style. This type can add a bit of additional coverage to the shoulder area. 

Color Options

Many veils come in various color options. The color should complement the dress, not take away or outshine the dress. The most popular colors include white, blush pink, ivory, and gold. Many brides stick with a color that matches with their gown.

When choosing a veil, take into consideration your wedding hair, gown and other accessories. Be sure to try out a few different options with your dress to make sure you pick the perfect one to complete your wedding day look!