Whether it’s a full-length train or a flirty fascinator, a veil can turn a beautiful bride into a breathtaking one. Follow this guide for your ultimate wedding-day style.
The Birdcage veil
This short 50s-style veil is perfect for a vintage wedding look. It also suits tea-length and short bridal wear.
Usually made with net or tulle, it can be worn covering your eyes, just below your nose or down to your chin.
Birdcage veils are more playful when worn to one side. They look fabulous with a short hair or longer hair that’s tied back in a simple updo like a chignon. Add red lipstick for an utterly sophisticated look
The Mantilla veil
The Spanish-inspired mantilla is the veil for you if you’re planning a bohemian-style wedding.
It’s made out of lace ad has a scalloped edge that frames the face and shoulders. It drapes over the heads and can be worn short, to your shoulders or down to the floor.
It looks best with hair down or in a sleek updo.
The Fingertip-length veil
Kate Middelton wore a fingertip veil at her wedding to Prince William in 2011. It was made of layers of silk tulle with hand-embroidered flowers on it.
This is the world’s best-selling veil as it flatters most brides and dresses
Line the edging with lace appliqués, a satin trim or delicate beading for extra glamour.
The Shoulder-length veil
This veil falls just above or below the shoulders, but can also be worn down to the middle of your back.It’s best in transparent tulle so that any details on the back of the dress can still be seen.
Fashoin-forward brides love this veil as it hints at tradition and works easily with a blusher (the bit of the veil that’s worn in front of your face as you walk down the aisle). It also suits sleeveless gowns and sweetheart necklines, as well as A-line and short dresses.
The Cathedral-length veil
This is the grand dame of veils, known as the royal veil because it falls beyond the train of the
dress. Famously worn by Princess Diana, it’s ideal for brides who dream of a fairy tale.
While this veil makes an unforgettable impression, it is heavy and hard to manage (especially in photographs) and you’ll need your bridesmaids to carry it for you as you walk.
Have a second tier so that you can remove the longer layer at the reception.
The ballet-length veil
First worn in the 1800s, this veil falls between your knees and ankles and was known as the waltz veil because brides could dance in it.
It’s the ideal choice for those who want the drama and romance of a full veil without the worry of tripping over it.
Generally, longer veils look better with longer hair.
The Juliet cap veil
Dating back to the 16th century Europe, the Juliet cap gathers at the head and frames the face. It’s usually embellished with lace, beading or embroidery.
Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy and Kate Moss all famously wore Juliet caps at their weddings.
It’s a fashionable look now as a result of the popular Great Gatsby bridal trend.
The Elbow-length veil
This has all the grace and elegance pf a longer veil, bus is much easier to handle.
Wear it with a soft blusher in front of your face for a radiant arrival.
It is quite informal, so is lovely for a casual or daytime wedding.
The Chapel-length veil
This is a statement veil that falls to the ground.
It’s often worn with a blusher or another shorther veil for a layered, whimsical effect.
Romantic and elegant, it looks beautiful with embellishments in your hair, such as a silk flower or crystal headpiece.