Shopping for a wedding veil can be overwhelming, but we're here to help inspire you for your magical moment. If you choose to wear a bridal veil - and you don't necessarily have to - it can transform your wedding style, enhancing your dress and pulling your whole look together.
From the length to material, trims to embellishment, there are so many decisions to be made that it can be intimidating at first. While some brides prefer a face-framing birdcage style, others choose a long cathedral veil as seen on the likes of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
Veil lengths - what do they all mean?
There are so many different veil lengths and styles. While a long, flowing cathedral veil is eye-catching and dramatic, you might find a shorter style suits you better, plus they're lower maintenance. Lengths can vary between brands, but here's a general guide to what they all mean.
- Birdcage wedding veils (4-9 inches): These tend to either cover just the eyes or fall at the jawline. Classy and understated, they're a great option for brides who are having a low-key wedding.
- Shoulder-length wedding veils (20-22 inches): Sitting just across the shoulder blades, this length is traditional but you can still show off your entire dress.
- Elbow-length wedding veils (32 inches):As the name suggests, this veil falls past your shoulders and down to your elbows. It's popular for both contemporary and retro style veils, subtly covering your shoulders while also allowing you the freedom to move.
- Fingertip-length wedding veils (38-40 inches):Also known as wrist length, this falls just beyond your hips. It's a favourite length as it's very versatile, suiting most dress styles and body shapes.
- Waltz-length wedding veils (60 inches): Sometimes known as a ballet length, a Waltz veil falls between your knee and your calf. These are considered long but are still easy to move in.
- Floor-length wedding veils (72 inches):Designed to match the length of your dress, just skimming the floor, this is the perfect piece for brides who want a longer veil without the fuss of having a train.
- Cathedral-length wedding veils (100 inches+): The showstopper, and loved by the royals. This is the longest veil you can get, as it extends beyond the dress trailing elegantly behind you.
What is a blusher wedding veil?
This is an extra part of the veil, which covers the face and falls to just above where you would naturally hold a bouquet. Traditionally, it's lifted as the bride reaches the top of the aisle. While these are becoming less common and some consider them old fashioned, it's still a popular choice amongst brides.
What is the meaning behind a wedding veil?
Historically a wedding veil was a symbol of modesty and virginity. It was also believed to shield a bride from evil spirits. In cultures where arranged marriages are the norm, it can be used to hide her face from the groom. Today a veil is most commonly used purely as an accessory and draped over the back of the dress rather than in front.
When does a bride wear a wedding veil?
It's all down to personal choice, but many brides ask their hairstylist to securely attach their veil as a final touch before leaving for the ceremony. Brides wearing a longer veil may choose to take it off after photos and before the reception to avoid any mishaps, whilst those wearing a shorter veil often wear it through the evening. If you do remove it, ask your hairstylist to teach one of your bridesmaids how to do so without ruining your hair. They're usually attached with a comb or a headband and lots of bobby pins.
Looking to buy your wedding veil online? From traditional cathedral length veils to playful birdcage veils, pearl-encrusted to organza-embroidered, we've found something to suit everyone's taste and bridal attire. Here are the best wedding veils to choose from for your big day...
The best wedding veils to shop now
Not On The High Street Ivory Birdcage Veil
This vintage-style birdcage veil is handmade from soft French netting, attached to a thick padded ivory satin headband that measures 40cm wide. It's adjustable so it can be worn above or below the mouth.
Etsy Birdcage Face Veil
Made from high-quality mesh, this birdcage veil from Etsy features scattered rhinestones for an extra touch of glamour. It stays in place using two side combs.
Liberty In Love Pearl Birdcage Veil
If pearls are more suited to your bridal style, Liberty in Love has this stunning netted birdcage veil with lustrous ivory faux pearls and mini gold tone combs at each end.
Gigi & Olive Ribbon Bow Mini Veil
As seen on Sophie Habboo at her London wedding, Gigi & Olive's shoulder-length veil paired perfectly with her Vivienne Westwood mini dress. It features a simple satin bow ribbon.
Clio Peppiatt Embellished Tulle Veil
Clio Peppiatt's beautiful elbow-length wedding veil is hand-embroidered with faux pearls and crystals for subtle sparkle. It's cut to cascade down your back and frame your bridal gown.
Danielle Frankell Grosgrain-Trimmed Veil
Danielle Frankel's stunning elbow-length wedding veil is made from layers of semi-sheer grosgrain ribbon-trimmed tulle. It's fastened with a comb that you can tuck into your hair.
Twigs and Honey Fingertip Veil
Created with french lace and illusion tulle, this very feminine fingertip-length veil is handmade to order by Twigs & Honey. The US bridal studio is loved worldwide.
Forever New Embroidered Bridal Veil
Channel Hailey Bieber in Forever New's bridal veil. It's embroidered with 'Happily Ever After' and falls to a finger-tip length.
Monsoon Pearl Flower Embellished Veil
This waltz-length wedding veil from Monsoon is made from layers of gauzy tulle and embellished with pearl flowers.
Etsy Riviera Wedding Veil
If you have money to spend, this handmade floral wedding veil is a stunning option. The cascading cathedral-length piece would pair beautifully with a simple wedding gown.
Etsy Pearl Wedding Veil
Encrusted in delicate pearls, this veil is a real showstopper. Handmade from soft tulle, you can choose from several different colours and lengths to suit your bridal look perfectly, but it will have the most impact as a long cathedral length.
