Bride’s Comprehensive Guide to Style Veil with Wedding Dress: How to choose the right design, fabric, pattern?
A veil is an item of wedding clothing accessory that partly covers a women’s head or face. According to wedding historian Susan Waggoner, it is the oldest part of the bride’s ensemble. In older days, it was customary for a bride to be covered completely and wear a veil- it was a symbol of her purity and modesty. Many also believed that the veil hid the bride from evil spirits who would otherwise steal her happiness.
20 Types of Wedding Veil Styles by Length
While the conservative ideas that emphasized a bride’s chastity are no longer prevalent, veils are still a quintessential part of a bride’s trousseau. Choosing a veil for your wedding can be a daunting task, especially when there are multitudes of options ranging from a face-framing 4 inches to a floor touching 120 inches veil. Let us learn about different wedding veil styles one by one.
1. Pouf Veil
It became immensely popular in the fifties and the sixties, and it is still sought after nowadays. A pouf veil consists of gathered tulle or fabric that is sewn to a headband or a headpiece that creates height for a veil.
Length: Vary in length
Vibe: Vintage, Classic
Material: French Net, Net, Tulle, Organza, Hair Pin, Comb, Headband or Headpiece
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge
Wear With: Off Shoulder Ballgown, Fishtail, Tea length wedding dress, Fitted, Sheath
Best Hairstyle: Chignon, Hair down with veils, Romantic loose curls
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hour Glass, Pear, Lean Column
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square, Heart, Diamond, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Average, Tall
2. Bird Cage Veil
It is a short wedding veil made of meshed fabric, and it covers your head and upper part of the face.
Length: 4-9″
Vibe: Playful, Queenly, Vintage
Material: French Net, Lace, Tulle, Hair Pin, Comb
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge
Wear With: Off Shoulder Ballgown, Fishtail, Tea length wedding dress, Fitted, Sheath
Hairstyle: Chignon, Ballerina bun, Vintage inspired wedding hairstyles, Romantic loose curls
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hour Glass, Full Hour Glass, Pear, Apple, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Round, Square, Heart, Diamond, Inverted Triangle, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Short, Average, Tall
Recommended Bird Cage Veils For You
3. Visor Veil
It is a short, chin-length veil, and each side is pinned behind the ear. It is a non-traditional veil, and one side usually has a design or an embellishment.
Length: 14-16″
Vibe: Regal
Material: Tulle, Bridal Illusion, Crystal, English Net, French Net, Plastic Comb, Hair Pin
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge, Swarovski crystal, Rhinestone
Wear With: Tea-length dress, Fitted Dress
Hairstyle: Chignon, Hair down with Veil, Half hair up & down
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hour Glass, Pear, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square, Heart, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Short, Average, Tall
4. Blusher Veil
A long veil that is fastened on the crown and covers the entire face, often extending beyond. The veil covers the bride until she is presented to the groom.
Length: 14-16″
Vibe: Retro-chic, Conservative, Romantic, Traditional, Sweet
Material: Tulle, Bridal Illusion, Crystal, English Net, Alencon Lace, Plastic Comb
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge
Wear With: Tea-length wedding dress, Fitted Dress, Mermaid
Hairstyle: Chignon, High wedding updo, Side Swept Hairstyle
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hour Glass, Pear, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square, Heart, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Short, Average, Tall
5. Flyaway Veil
A shoulder-length, multi-layered veil that comes in a simplistic design. It’s ideal for you if you want to display the back design of your gown, and also it compliments an ankle-length wedding dress quite well.
Length: 18″
Vibe: Modern, Chic
Material: Tulle, Bridal Illusion, Crystal, English Net, Metal Comb
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge
Wear With: Backless gown, A-line
Hairstyle: Hair Down with Veil, Chignon
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hour Glass, Full Hour Glass, Pear, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square, Heart, Inverted Triangle
Suited Neck Size: Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Average, Tall
6. Shoulder Length Veil
A traditional veil that reaches your shoulders, and has a minimalist design that doesn’t steal away the attention from your dress.
Length: 20-22″
Vibe: Traditional
Material: Bridal Illusion Tulle, Lace, Silk, Swarovski pearl, Metal Comb, Hair Pin
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge
Wear With: Tea-length dress, Trumpet, Sheath Dress, Empire wedding dress
Hairstyle: Low Set wedding updo, Hair Down with Veil, Tousled Curls and Big Waves
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hour Glass, Full Hour Glass, Pear, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square, Heart, Inverted Triangle
Suited Neck Size: Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Average, Tall
Recommended Shoulder Length Veils For You
7. Fountain Veil
A shoulder or an elbow-length veil that is gathered on your crown and cascades downwards like a fountain.
Length: 20-25″
Vibe: Versatile, Traditional
Material: Bridal Illusion Tulle, Lace, Silk, Swarovski pearl, Metal Comb, Hair Pin
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge, Sequin, Alencon Scalloped lace, Beaded, Pearl, Pencil, Rhinestone Edge, Satin Edge Trim
Wear With: Trumpet, Sheath Dress, Fitted
Hairstyle: Low Set wedding updo, Hair Down with Veil, Tousled Curls and big Waves
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Pear, Inverted Triangle, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square, Heart, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Average, Tall
8. Elbow Length Veil
A conservative veil that ends around your elbows. It makes for a romantic and hassles free alternative to a full-length veil.
Length: 25″
Vibe: Retro and Mod, Versatile
Material: Silk Tulle, Silk Chiffon, Bridal Illusion, Eyelash Lace, Swarovski, Rhinestones, Tulle, Metal Comb
Edge Finishes: Sequin, Alencon Scalloped lace, Raw Hand Cut Edge, Rhinestone Edge
Wear With: Ballgown, Floor-length train dress, Tea-length dress, Mermaid
Hairstyle: Bouffant updo, Hair Down with Veil, High Wedding Updo
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Pear, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Round, Heart, Diamond, Inverted Triangle
Suited Neck Size: Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Average, Tall
Recommended Elbow Length Veils For You
9. Waist Length Veil/Diana Veil
It’s a thirty inches veil that ends around your waist. Waist-length veils suit dresses with details on the upper half of the bodice.
Length: 30″
Vibe: Regal, Chic
Material: Silk Tulle, Silk Chiffon, Bridal Illusion, Pearl, Swarovski, Rhinestones, Tulle, Metal Comb
Edge Finishes: Silver Line Lace, Double Horsehair Edge, Raw Hand Cut Edge, Satin Ribbon Edging, Satin Binding
Wear With: Ballgown or A-line
Hairstyle: Anything!
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Pear, Inverted Triangle, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square, Heart, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Average, Tall
Recommended Waist Length Veils For You
10. Drop Veil/Halo Veil/Circle Veil
A circular layer of tulle with no gatherings or attached comb. It is secured to the bride’s head using pins, and it drapes the face in a surreal manner.
Length: Can vary from Elbow Length to Cathedral Length
Vibe: Classic, Bohemian Style
Material: Tulle, Bridal Illusion, Silver Hairpin, Flowers in the hair, Tiaras, Jewels, Flower Wreath, Pearl, French eyelash
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge, Horsehair
Wear With: Off Shoulder Dress, Low Back Dress, Mermaid
Hairstyle: Down hairstyles, Low Set wedding updo, Tousled Curls, and Big Waves
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Full Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Inverted Triangle, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Round, Square, Heart, Inverted Triangle
Suited Neck Size: Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Short, Average, Tall
Recommended Drop Veils For You
11. Juliet Cap Veil
This veil style from the twenties and thirties is all set to make a comeback. One edge of the veil is wrapped around your head, giving a cap-like appearance.
Length: Can vary from Elbow Length to Cathedral Length
Vibe: Bohemian, Vintage
Material: Silk, Tulle, Lace, Chiffon, Bridal Illusion, English Net, Embroidered Lace, Hair Clip
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge, Pencil, Scalloped lace, Satin Binding, Crystals, Rhinestones, Beaded Trim
Wear With: Mermaid, Fitted Dress, Slip Dress
Hairstyle: Tousled Curls, Hair Down with Veil
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hour Glass, Pear, Lean Column
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square, Heart, Diamond, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Average, Tall
12. Mantilla Veil
This Spanish style is a single-layered veil with lace trimmings. It is secured two inches back from the hairline, and it drapes one or both shoulders.
Length: Can vary from Elbow Length to Cathedral Length
Vibe: Regal, Modest
Material: Silk, Tulle, Lace, Comb, Lace, Bridal Illusion
Edge Finishes: Lace, Alencon Lace, Scalloped Edge
Wear With: Trumpet, Fishtail Dress, A-line dress
Hairstyle: Low hairstyles, Down hairstyles
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Full Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Inverted Triangle, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Round, Square, Heart, Inverted Triangle
Suited Neck Size: Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Short, Average, Tall
13. Hip Length Veil
These veils fall somewhere in between a waist-length veil and a fingertip veil. They are great for a short-heightened bride for whom a fingertip veil might actually be waist-length.
Length: 36″
Vibe: Elegant, Custom
Material: Tulle, Bridal Illusion, Organza, Pearl, Metal Comb
Edge Finishes: Pencil, Diamantes, Beaded, Satin & Organza Ribbon, Crystal, Scalloped lace
Wear With: A-line, mermaid, Sheath dress, Full skirt wedding gowns
Hairstyle: Half up & down hair, Low bun hairstyle
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Full Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Round, Square, Heart, Diamond, Inverted Triangle, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Wide, Short & Wide, Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Average
14. Arm Length Veil
This veil ends somewhere around a bride’s wrists, and won’t get tangled in her bouquet. It is also a popular alternative to a train.
Length: 38″
Vibe: Versatile, Flattery, Magnificent, Modern
Material: Tulle, Bridal Illusion, Organza, Pearl, Plastic Comb
Edge Finishes: Horsehair, Pencil, Raw Hand Cut Edge, Crinoline, Scalloped lace, Diamantes, Beaded, Satin Cord, Swarovski Crystal
Wear With: Ballgown, Fishtail, A-line, Fitted, Sheath, Mermaid, Full skirt wedding gowns
Hairstyle: Half up/half down and updos, Chignon
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Full Hourglass, Pear, Lean Column
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Round, Heart, Diamond, Inverted Triangle, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Short, Average, Tall
15. Fingertip Veil
A veil that reaches the bride’s fingertips. It is a very popular style as it flatters all body types.
Length: 38”-42″
Vibe: Versatile, Flattery, Magnificent, Modern
Material: Tulle, Bridal Illusion, Organza, Pearl, Plastic Comb
Edge Finishes: Horsehair, Pencil, Raw Hand Cut Edge, Scalloped lace, Diamantes, Beaded, Satin Cord, Swarovski Crystal
Wear With: Ballgown, Fishtail, A-line, Fitted, Sheath, Mermaid, Full skirt wedding gowns
Hairstyle: Half up/half down and updos, Chignon
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Full Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Round, Square, Heart, Diamond, Inverted Triangle, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Wide, Short & Wide, Average, Long, Thin, Long & Thin
Best Height: Average
Recommended Fingertip Veils For You
16. Knee Length Veil
As the name suggests, the veil falls between the knees and the mid-calf. This is a great style to choose if you want a beautiful alternative to a train or want to draw attention to the waist and bodice details on your gowns.
Length: 48″
Vibe: Dramatic, Elegant
Material: Tulle, Bridal Illusion, Metal Comb, Pearl
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge, Pencil, Horsehair, Scalloped lace, Satin Binding
Wear With: Fitted dress, Ball Gown, Sheath
Hairstyle: Tousled Curls and big Waves, Hair down Hairstyle, Low Bun
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Full Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Inverted Triangle, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Round, Heart, Diamond, Inverted Triangle, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Wide, Short & Wide, Average
Best Height: Short, Average
Recommended Knee Length Veils For You
17. Ballet/Waltz/BallerinaVeil
It falls between the calf and the ankle, and it is perfect for the bride’s first dance with her husband at the reception, hence the name!
Length: 54″-60″
Vibe: Romantic, Ultra-feminine
Material: Soft Tulle, Embroidered Tulle, Bridal Illusion, English Tulle, Metal Hairclip, Plastic Comb
Edge Finishes: Raw Hand Cut Edge, Pencil, Scalloped lace, Horsehair, Satin Binding
Wear With: Sheath, Fitted Dress, A-Line
Hairstyle: Tousled Curls, Hair down Hairstyle, Low Bun, Half up & down hair
Best Body Shapes: Neat Hourglass, Full Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Inverted Triangle, Lean Column, Rectangle
Best Face Shapes: Oval, Round, Heart, Diamond, Inverted Triangle, Pear
Suited Neck Size: Short, Wide, Short & Wide, Average
Best Height: Short, Average
Recommended Ballet Veils For You
