How to choose the perfect wedding veils

One of the most important considerations is selecting a veil that compliments your dress. Firstly, assess where the key focal points occur on your dress. For example, do you have an embellished bust panel, or perhaps a back detail you’d like to show off? In this case you need to either select a veil that ends before your point of detail, or choose a longer, sheer style that you can see the detailing through.

You also need to consider the style and the level of decoration on your gown. In general, if you have quite a simple dress you can carry off a more elaborate veil. However if your dress is very detailed, a simple veil often looks more flattering. Only the most formal of weddings, such as royal weddings; tend to accommodate the combination of both an elaborate dress and veil.  

Wedding gowns fall under several different broad styles and your veil needs to work with this style. There’s the classic style, which is formal, symmetrical and usually elaborate in some way. The romantic style possesses an element of softness and usually incorporates lots of attention to detail. The sophisticated style is an understated look that is free from fussy details and the eclectic look is creative with unexpected touches.

All of these factors need to be considered when you choose your veil; length, width, color, tiers, and decoration.  

Lengths:
 

Very short - very short veils such as visor veils do not extend past the chin. Visor veils resemble fascinators worn to horse racing events. If your bridal gown has a high neck detail, this type of veil can work well. They are a good style to pair with sophisticated or eclectic style wedding gowns.

 

Shoulder length- shoulder length veils are around 20 inches in length. They are perfectly suited to dresses that have bust, waist, or lower back details. However, they are often too informal for classic, formal dresses.

 

Elbow Length- approximately 25 inches long, this veil falls to around the elbow. They can work well with romantic ball gown style dresses, because they end where the fullness in the skirt begins.

 

Waist Length- this veil is just slightly longer then an elbow length veil at approximately 30 inches. They suit most dress styles that do not feature a train.

 

Fingertip Length- one of the most popular lengths, when you stretch your arm out it reaches around your fingertips. They are approximately 36 inches long and also suit the majority of dress styles.

 

Knee Length- a knee length veil is approximately 45 inches and reaches to around your knees. It looks good with mid calf length wedding dresses.

Floor length- often referred to as a ballet length veil, they just brush the floor at around 72 inches. They are well suited to full length gowns that do not have a train.
 

Chapel Length- slightly shorter then cathedral length; these veils still drape onto the floor. They are typically around 90 inches long. They are best partnered with dresses that feature a train.

 

Cathedral Length- the longest and therefore most formal, these veils are usually around 120 inches long and some extend up to nine feet along the ground. They work best with full length, classic wedding gowns.