VEIL LENGTHS:
There are several different veil lengths available when it comes to choosing a veil for your wedding dress. However the most important thing is to choose your wedding dress first and then find the perfect veil to work with it. Whilst it is lovely to borrow a veil, or wear an heirloom on your wedding day, you don’t want your veil to dictate what type of wedding dress you can wear with it.
The length of your veil will very much depend on your dress. If you are wearing a dress which has a detailed back, you need to ensure that your veil does not cover up the beautiful detailing, so you may prefer to opt for a shorter veil, or for a very sheer, single layer veil, through which you can see the back of the dress.
Blushers (the piece of veil which can cover your face) are optional, although they are becoming increasingly fashionable again. Blushers can either stay at the back of your head and create a double layered veil, or they can be brought forward over your face for a more dramatic look when you walk down the aisle.
The different types of veil lengths are;
BIRDCAGE VEIL:
Birdcage veils are particularly popular on vintage dresses, especially those which are a nod to the 1950’s. If you are creating a vintage look, or perhaps having a sophisticated, but understated registry office wedding, a birdcage veil may well be for you.
SHOULDER LENGTH: 20 inches
The shortest length of veil, this veil is 20 inches in length and sits just around your shoulders. This can be a stunning length for a very fitted fishtail dress where you want to show your figure off to the max, or for a pretty A-Line where the line of the veil echoes the flare of the skirt from the waist. Wear a single tier, or pull the blusher over your face for maximum impact down the aisle.
ELBOW LENGTH VEIL: 25 inches
This does what it says on the tin. This length veil falls gently around your elbows and gives a little more length than the shoulder length veil.
FINGERTIP LENGTH VEIL: 72 inches
A Fingertip veil falls just to the end of your fingertips and is a very popular length of veil. It works with most dresses and gives a classic look to any gown. Beware if you are very petite in height, as a fingertip length veil can be unflattering if it cuts you off in the wrong place.
CHAPEL LENGTH VEIL: 126 inches
A chapel length veil is a full, floor length veil which will meet the end of a short train. If you want full length, but don’t want too much veil behind you, then this is the one for you.
CATHEDRAL LENGTH VEIL: 144 inches
The most dramatic of all, the cathedral length veil will sweep to the end of a large dress train, or fall beyond a shorter train for a stunning effect. This length can be higher maintenance than other lengths, but can look absolutely stunning in the photographs!
Cathedral Length Veil
Elbow Length Veil
Short Veil