A wedding veil is a traditional bridal accessory worn by the bride during the wedding ceremony. It is a length of fabric, usually made of tulle or lace, that is attached to a comb or headpiece and draped over the bride’s head and face.
The veil can be worn in various lengths, from shoulder-length to floor-length, and can be made in different styles and designs to match the bride’s dress and personal preferences.
The wedding veil is a symbol of purity, modesty, and innocence, and is believed to have originated in ancient Rome and Greece, where brides wore red or yellow veils to ward off evil spirits.
Today, the wedding veil is still an important part of many wedding traditions and is often passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom.
What Are the 7 Types of Wedding Veils
There are several types of wedding veils, each with its own unique style and length. Here are seven common types of wedding veils:
Cathedral Veil
This is the longest type of veil, usually extending beyond the bride’s gown and flowing behind her. It is usually worn in a formal wedding and is often made of tulle or lace.
Chapel Veil
This veil is slightly shorter than the cathedral veil, typically extending to the ground. It is a popular choice for formal weddings and is often worn with a long train.
Fingertip Veil
As the name suggests, this veil typically extends to the bride’s fingertips. It is a popular choice for semi-formal weddings and is often made of tulle or sheer fabric.
Elbow Veil
This type of veil is shorter than the fingertip veil and typically falls to the bride’s elbows. It is often made of tulle or lace and is a popular choice for semi-formal or outdoor weddings.
Shoulder Veil
This veil is shorter than the elbow veil and falls to the bride’s shoulders. It is often made of tulle or sheer fabric and is a popular choice for less formal weddings.
Blusher Veil
This veil is a short veil that covers the bride’s face and is typically made of tulle or netting. It is often worn over a longer veil during the ceremony and lifted by the groom during the kiss.
Mantilla Veil
This veil is a circular piece of lace or tulle that is worn over the head and shoulders, often held in place with a comb or hairpin. It is a popular choice for Spanish or Latin American weddings and adds a touch of elegance and romance to any bridal look.
What Is a Chapel Veil
A Chapel Veil is a type of wedding veil that is typically shorter than a cathedral veil but longer than most other veil types. It is named after its historical use in religious wedding ceremonies held in chapels.
The chapel veil usually extends to the floor or slightly beyond, and is often made of lightweight and sheer materials such as tulle or lace. The length of the chapel veil makes it an elegant and formal option, perfect for more traditional wedding ceremonies, but it is also practical enough to wear during the reception without worrying about it getting in the way.
Chapel veils can be plain or adorned with embellishments like lace appliques, embroidery, or beading, depending on the bride’s personal style and the overall look of her wedding gown.
What Is a Fingertip Veil
A Fingertip Veil is a type of wedding veil that typically falls to the bride’s fingertips when her arms are at her sides. It is a popular choice for brides who want a veil that is long enough to add a touch of elegance to their wedding dress but short enough to allow movement and freedom of motion.
Fingertip veils are usually made of lightweight and sheer materials such as tulle, chiffon, or lace, and can be embellished with lace appliques, embroidery, or other details to match the bride’s gown.
This type of veil is suitable for both formal and semi-formal wedding ceremonies, and it complements a wide range of wedding dresses, from simple and understated to more ornate and detailed designs.
What Is an Elbow Veil
An Elbow Veil is a type of wedding veil that extends to the bride’s elbows, making it shorter than a fingertip veil but longer than a shoulder-length veil. It is a popular choice for brides who want a veil that is elegant and timeless but not too long or cumbersome.
Elbow veils are usually made of lightweight and sheer materials such as tulle or lace, and can be embellished with lace appliques, embroidery, or other details to match the bride’s gown.
This type of veil is suitable for both formal and semi-formal wedding ceremonies and can be paired with a variety of wedding dress styles, from ballgowns to A-line dresses to fit-and-flare silhouettes.
Elbow veils offer a perfect balance between style and practicality, allowing brides to move around easily while still adding a touch of sophistication to their wedding day look.
What Is a Shoulder Veil
A Shoulder Veil is a type of wedding veil that falls just below the bride’s shoulders. It is a short veil that is often chosen for brides who want a simple and understated look or for those who prefer to wear their hair down.
Shoulder veils are usually made of lightweight and sheer materials such as tulle, chiffon, or organza, and can be adorned with lace appliques, embroidery, or other details to match the bride’s gown.
This type of veil is suitable for less formal wedding ceremonies, outdoor weddings, or weddings where the bride wants a more relaxed and informal style.
Shoulder veils pair well with a variety of wedding dress styles, including sheath dresses, column dresses, and short dresses, as they do not compete with the dress or overpower the overall look.
They are a great option for brides who want to wear a veil without the added weight or fussiness of a longer veil.
What Is a Blusher Veil
A Blusher Veil is a type of wedding veil that covers the bride’s face during the wedding ceremony and is typically worn in combination with another longer veil. It is a short veil that is designed to be lifted up and over the bride’s face during the wedding ceremony, either by the bride herself or by her father or other family member.
Blusher veils can be made of various materials, but they are often made of lightweight and sheer materials such as tulle, netting, or lace, and can be adorned with lace appliques, embroidery, or other details to match the bride’s gown.
Blusher veils can be worn with a variety of wedding dress styles, and they are suitable for both formal and informal wedding ceremonies. They add an element of romance and tradition to the bride’s overall look, and they can be removed after the ceremony, leaving the longer veil in place for the reception.
What Is a Mantilla Veil
A Mantilla Veil is a type of wedding veil that has its origins in Spanish culture. It is a circular or triangular piece of lace or tulle that is draped over the bride’s head and shoulders, with the edges of the veil falling to the floor.
Mantilla veils are usually made of lace and can be embellished with embroidery, beading, or other decorative elements.
They are often worn with a high comb or peineta, which holds the veil in place and adds height to the bride’s hairstyle.
Mantilla veils are typically associated with more traditional or formal weddings, and they are especially popular for weddings with a Spanish or Latin American theme.
They add a touch of romance and sophistication to the bride’s overall look, and they are particularly well-suited for dresses with simple, clean lines or those with intricate lace details.
Mantilla veils are a timeless and elegant choice that can be passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom.
What to Bear In Mind When Choosing a Wedding Veil?
Choosing a wedding veil is an important decision, as it can greatly enhance the overall look of your wedding dress and complement your bridal style. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a wedding veil:
1. Length
Consider the length of your wedding dress when choosing your veil. Longer veils, such as cathedral or chapel veils, are typically paired with more formal and traditional dresses, while shorter veils, such as fingertip or shoulder-length veils, work well with less formal and more modern dresses.
2. Style
Your veil should match the style of your wedding dress. If your dress has a lot of intricate details, consider a simple veil, whereas if your dress is more understated, you may opt for a more ornate veil to add some glamour to your look.
3. Material
Veils can be made from various materials, including tulle, chiffon, lace, and silk. Choose a material that matches the look and feel of your wedding dress, as well as the season and venue of your wedding.
4. Embellishments
Veils can be adorned with lace appliques, embroidery, beading, or other details to add a personal touch to your bridal look. Consider the embellishments on your wedding dress when choosing your veil.
5. Hairstyle
Your veil should complement your hairstyle. Some veils, such as mantilla veils, are best worn with an updo, while others, such as shoulder-length veils, work well with hair worn down.
6. Comfort
Choose a veil that is comfortable to wear and won’t distract you or cause any discomfort during the ceremony or reception.
7. Budget
Veils can range in price from affordable to very expensive. Set a budget and choose a veil that fits within your price range.
Overall, choose a veil that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable on your special day.
