Veil Lengths 101
After finding your perfect dress, the next step is deciding how to accessorize for your big day! There are countless ways to showcase your unique style, but one of the most common questions brides have is about the veil. For those choosing to wear a veil, the key is finding the right length that highlights the dress without overshadowing it. Selecting the ideal veil length is a crucial decision in shaping your bridal look, as it can dramatically complement or clash with your gown. With so many options available, it can be tricky to know where to begin. Read on to learn more about the different veil lengths, which dress wedding dress silhouettes pair best with them, and some bridal look inspo!
Birdcage Veil (Short Veil)
The birdcage veil is a short, stylish option that sits around the face or just above the chin. This chic, retro-inspired veil works well for brides looking for a bold yet understated look. Made from netting, lace, or tulle, it gives a unique touch to the bridal outfit without overwhelming the gown.
A birdcage veil is perfect for vintage-inspired wedding dresses, especially those with a 1950s or tea-length silhouette. We also love styling a birdcage veil for casual or outdoor weddings! Its shorter length works beautifully for laid-back or intimate celebrations, where a dramatic veil might be too much. If you're after a more non-traditional and playful vibe, the birdcage veil can showcase your dress and hairstyle, offering a stylish yet minimalistic touch.
Elbow Length Veil
The elbow-length veil is a versatile option that hits just around your elbows, offering an elegant balance between a short veil and a longer one. It’s perfect for brides who want a bit more drama without being too elaborate.
This length complements the elegant lines of an A-line gown or the fullness of a ball gown, adding extra volume and flow without taking away from the details and drama of the dress! On the other hand, elbow length veils are also perfectly paired with a simple, modern wedding dress. If you’re opting for a minimalist or modern gown, this veil length adds an understated elegance to your bridal look. The elbow-length veil offers just enough drama without overshadowing your dress, making it a great choice for a variety of wedding themes and venues.
Fingertip Length Veil
The fingertip-length veil falls just to the bride’s fingertips, offering a classic, timeless look that works well with almost any wedding dress. This veil length provides a perfect balance between sophistication and manageability.
This veil length beautifully complements sleek and form-fitting dresses by adding movement and elongating the bride's figure. We especially love styling a fingertip length veil with sheath or mermaid wedding dress, as it enhances the gown's design without overshadowing it. This veil style is perfect for brides seeking a traditional yet modern look, striking a delicate balance between formality and ease.
Waltz Length Veil
The waltz length veil falls gracefully to the mid-calf or just above the ankles, offering a beautiful balance between the drama of a long veil and the practicality of a shorter one. This veil is perfect for brides who want a sophisticated and elegant look without the hassle of a long train. The name "waltz" comes from the idea that the veil length allows for graceful movement, making it ideal for dancing the night away!
The waltz length veil pairs beautifully with A-line gowns, giving a harmonious flow that enhances the dress’s shape. It's also ideal for dresses with shorter trains, as it adds a touch of formality and elegance while still allowing the dress to shine. Including a waltz length veil in your wedding look is a great way to strike a balance between practicality and beauty, especially if you're after something with a bit more drama than a shorter veil but without the intensity of a long cathedral or chapel veil.
Chapel Length Veil
The chapel-length veil is longer than the fingertip veil at around 90-108 inches, but not as dramatic as a cathedral veil. Falling to the floor with a gentle train, this veil is perfect for brides who want a formal yet not overly extravagant look.
This veil length complements the grandeur of a ball gown, especially those with long trains. If your dress has a train, whether subtle or pronounced, the chapel-length veil flows beautifully alongside it, giving you a balanced, graceful look. Pro tip: if you’re opting for a longer veil, we recommend choosing one that extends about six to twelve inches past the train.
A chapel-length veil is ideal for brides who want to look elegant and timeless without the dramatic effect of a cathedral veil. It's a versatile option that works well with most silhouettes!
Cathedral Length Veil
For brides seeking ultimate drama, the cathedral length veil is the most grand and luxurious option at 120-150 inches long. It trails several feet behind the bride, making it the perfect choice for a show-stopping bridal look!
The cathedral veil works beautifully with dresses that have a large, voluminous skirt, like a ball gown, adding a dramatic and royal flair. This veil is ideal for formal weddings, especially in grand venues like churches or ballrooms, where the scale of the veil matches the grandeur of the setting. A cathedral veil is for the bride who wants to make a statement and create a lasting impression. If you’re dreaming of a fairytale-like entrance, a cathedral veil may be for you!
How to Choose the Right Veil Length for Your Wedding
When selecting your veil, you’ll want to consider these factors:
- Wedding Dress Style: Select a veil that enhances your gown’s unique details and silhouette, ensuring it highlights the dress while making you, the bride, the true star of the show. For instance, a dramatic cathedral veil beautifully complements the volume of a ball gown, while a sleek mermaid dress pairs perfectly with a fingertip veil to accentuate the gown’s clean lines and curves. The right veil will not only showcase your dress but also elevate your entire bridal look
- Wedding Theme and Venue: Think about the formality and aesthetic of your wedding. A grand church ceremony calls for a dramatic cathedral veil, while a beach wedding may be better suited to a shorter fingertip or waltz length veil.
- Your Personal Style: Your veil should reflect your personality and the look you envision for your wedding day. Whether you want a traditional, elegant look or something modern and understated, there's a veil length to suit every bride’s vision!
Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to start shopping! Out expert bridal stylists can’t wait to help you curate your dream bridal look, whether you’re visiting one of our brick-and mortar boutiques or you’re shopping with us online!
