Junior Rasmussen
Choosing a wedding veil is an important part of planning a wedding. There are many different styles and lengths of veils available, and the right veil can elevate a bridal ensemble, adding a layer of romance, tradition, and modern flair to the wedding day. The length of the veil is one of the most important factors to consider, and it should complement the style and shape of the wedding dress.
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What You'll Learn
Veil length depends on the style and shape of your dress
The length of your wedding veil depends on several factors, including the style and shape of your dress, the venue, and your personal preference.
If you're wearing a long, flowing dress, you might want to consider a longer veil to match. For example, if your dress has a full train, you may need a chapel-length or cathedral-length veil. A chapel-length veil typically measures 90", while a cathedral-length veil can be anywhere from 108-120" or even longer. These longer veils are perfect for large, grand venues like churches or cathedrals and will create a dramatic, traditional look.
On the other hand, if you're wearing a shorter dress or a dress with a natural waistline, a shorter veil might be a better option. An elbow-length veil, for example, is a very popular choice and falls gracefully over the shoulders to the bride's elbow. This length is perfect for showing off the details of your dress, especially if it has a fun ruffled train or beautiful buttons and lace details. It's also a good choice if you're going for a vintage look—think tea-length dresses and polka dots!
If you're wearing your hair in an updo, you might want to consider a shorter veil that can be placed below the bun, or a longer veil that can be pinned to the crown of your head to add volume.
Ultimately, the decision on veil length depends on your personal style and preference. Don't be afraid to mix textures or try something unexpected. It's important that you feel beautiful and confident on your big day!
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Long veils are cumbersome outdoors
The length of a wedding veil depends on the bride's personal preference, dress style, and wedding theme. While some brides prefer to forgo the veil altogether, others opt for short, medium, or long veils.
Long veils, such as chapel and cathedral veils, typically measure 90" and 108-120", respectively. They are dramatic and elegant, but their length can interfere with the train of your wedding gown. When choosing a long veil, ensure it is longer than your dress's train to create a seamless silhouette and avoid the train getting lost in the veil's fabric and design.
If you want the drama of a long veil without the bulk, consider a waltz veil, which falls between the knee and ankle. Waltz veils are perfect for outdoor weddings as they create a beautiful effect when the wind blows without being too cumbersome. They also work well if you want to wear a long veil for your reception but still want the freedom to move and dance.
Ultimately, the choice of veil length is a personal one, and there are no hard and fast rules. However, if you're considering a long veil for an outdoor wedding, keep in mind the potential challenges and opt for a length that complements your dress and wedding theme without overwhelming you or your ceremony space.
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Veil colour matters
When choosing a veil, it is important to select one that matches the colour of your dress. However, a pure white veil is not recommended as the blue from the sky often reflects on it, making it appear blue in photographs. This can be challenging to edit, especially if your wedding colours include other shades of blue or purple. A good tip is to examine the veil in sunlight before making a choice, as this can reveal whether it will photograph well. Off-white, ivory, and cream veils are preferable options. These colours are also recommended for wedding dresses.
Ivory, in particular, is a popular choice for veils, with over 99% of veils being made in ivory or eggshell colours. Ivory has a warm, pale cast that can be seen when the fabric is scrunched up. It pairs well with candlelight, cream, or champagne-coloured fabrics, such as silk mikados and brocades with deeper tones. Dark ivory, a deeper shade of ivory bordering on cream, is a good match for these fabric colours. Eggshell, on the other hand, has almost no colour at all.
When choosing a veil colour, it is important to consider your skin tone. For those with golden fair skin, ivory is a good option to avoid looking too yellow. Additionally, it is generally recommended to avoid having multiple shades of colour between the veil and the gown. If the dress has multiple colours or an overlay, it may be necessary to dye the veil to achieve a close match.
While the veil colour should complement the dress, it does not need to be an exact match. The goal is for the veil to tone with the dress, and most tulle fabrics used for veils have very little colour. However, if you are opting for a coloured veil, soft pastel colours such as blush pink, mint green, or pale blue can add a subtle feature to your bridal look.
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Veil length affects the type of photos you can take
The length of a wedding veil can significantly influence the type of photos that can be taken. While some brides may prefer a shorter veil for a more vintage or contemporary look, others may opt for a longer veil for its romantic and dramatic appeal.
Shorter veils, such as those that are elbow-length or shoulder-length, are versatile and elegant. They complement the bridal ensemble without stealing the spotlight from the dress. Elbow-length veils, for instance, can accentuate the details of the dress, such as buttons and lace, and pair well with fun ruffled trains. However, shorter veils may have limited creative possibilities for certain types of photos. For instance, an elbow-length veil may be too short for "under-the-veil" pictures or for letting the veil "fly" in creative shots.
On the other hand, longer veils, such as chapel-length or cathedral-length veils, offer endless photo opportunities. They create a seamless portrait, ensuring that the dress's train doesn't blend in with the veil. Chapel-length veils, typically measuring 90", allow for under-the-veil photos, flying veils, and veils coming towards the camera. Cathedral veils, which are even longer, can stretch out a few feet behind the dress, creating a romantic and ethereal look. The longer the veil, the wider the creative possibilities for veil photos.
It's worth noting that the colour of the veil can also impact the photos. While pure white veils may seem like the obvious choice, the blue from the sky can reflect on them, causing them to appear blue or purple in photographs. Off-white, ivory, or cream colours are recommended to avoid this issue.
Ultimately, the choice of veil length depends on the bride's personal style and preference. A shorter veil can be more suitable for a less traditional or smaller venue, while a longer veil can add drama and romance to the bridal look.
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Your hairstyle will determine how your veil sits
If you're wearing your hair half-up, the crown of your head is the ideal placement for your veil, according to celebrity and wedding hairstylist Lucy Gedjeyan. "The crown has the most support and will typically have the most concentrated product there, so it will really help anchor the comb of the veil," she explains. If you're wearing a veil over your face to be lifted by your spouse-to-be, the apex of your head is the best location for the veil. If the veil is meant to stay behind you, place it about two inches to the rear of your apex.
For a high bun or ponytail, you can wear the veil closest to the occipital region, below the bun, to avoid adding unwanted height at the top of the bun. When it comes to a high ponytail, placing the veil at the crown is the most flattering option. For these hairstyles, hairstylist Hardges suggests placing the veil behind the bun or ponytail, with the comb or clip placed at the base to ensure a well-anchored veil.
If you're wearing your hair in a French braid, position the veil at the start of the braid. There is usually a little pocket between the hair framing your face and the beginning of the braid that is perfect for securing the veil.
If you're wearing a low bun, you can pin the veil underneath to show off your twisted updo. You can also add braids to a chignon and pair it with a shorter veil for a low-maintenance look.
If you're wearing your hair down, a fingertip veil is a popular choice as it falls beyond the bride's hips and allows any design on the back of the gown to be seen through the sheer fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of a wedding veil depends on the bride's personal preference and style. Wedding veils come in a variety of lengths, from short and sweet shoulder-length veils to dramatic cathedral veils that are 108-120 inches long.
An elbow-length veil falls gracefully over the bride's shoulders, ending at the elbow. This length is versatile and elegant, accentuating the wedding dress without stealing the spotlight. It is a good choice for brides who want to showcase the details of their dress, such as buttons and lace, or for those who prefer a more vintage or
A fingertip veil is a popular choice, falling beyond the bride's hips to their fingertips. This length works well with most dress styles, especially trumpet or mermaid gowns, as it ends where the skirt flairs out. It adds romance and drama to the bridal look, making it suitable for both classic and modern brides.
A waltz-length veil falls between the knee and ankle, creating a beautiful effect when the wind blows. It is perfect for brides who desire a longer veil without it laying on top of a long and ornate dress train. Waltz-length veils are well-suited for outdoor weddings and offer freedom of movement during the reception.
A cathedral veil is the longest veil option, typically measuring 290-300 cm or beyond 100 inches. It extends past the hem of the dress, creating a dramatic and traditional look. This length is ideal for formal weddings in grand venues and pairs well with fuller gowns to create a balanced and proportional silhouette.
