Wedding Veils
Veils are totally in if you are having a traditional white wedding. They come in all sorts of shades and lengths. If you are on the fence and having a semi-traditional and semi-modern wedding, a veil can be a beautiful accent or a noisy distraction. Before you set out trying on the perfect veil to complement your treasured gown, I encourage you to read a little bit about the history of the wedding veil. You might just be surprised.
Click here to read a little bit about the history of wedding veils.
Now, you are ready to hit the boutiques to find that elegant veil. Here is a list of terms from TheKnot.com to help you narrow down what you are looking for:
Blusher
A short, single layer of veiling, the blusher is worn over the face before the ceremony, then either flipped over the head or removed thereafter.
Chapel
A formal veil that extends to the floor, the chapel falls two-and-a-half yards from the headpiece. It’s often worn in combination with a sweep train and blusher for extra oomph.
Cathedral
The mother of all veils, the cathedral is also the most formal. Sometimes referred to as the "royal veil," this style falls three-and-a-half yards from the headpiece.
Double Tier
A veil of two layers (either two veils or a veil and a blusher), usually of different lengths.
Elbow
As the name implies, this type of veiling extends 25 inches in length to the bride’s elbows.
Finger Tip
A very popular length, particularly with ball gowns, this style extends to — you guessed it — the fingertips.
Flyaway
A multi-layered veil that just brushes the shoulders. Considered less formal than other styles.
Fountain
This veil is gathered at the crown of the head to create a cascading effect around the face. Usually of shoulder- or elbow-length.
Mantilla
A long, Spanish-style circular piece of lace that frames the face. Made either of lace or lace-edged tulle, the mantilla is usually secured with a comb.
Pouf
A gathered piece of tulle or netting that fastens to a comb or headpiece to create height for the veil.
Waltz (also known as Ballet)
A veil length that falls somewhere between the knee and the ankle.
To learn more about wedding veils, visit TheKnot.com.
