Veils are the most symbolic, distinctive aspect of a bride’s regalia on her wedding day. While wedding dresses and suits can greatly vary in style and form, the veil is a specifically bridal item that is rarely worn outside of this context, making it a supremely meaningful garment. Among other things, they symbolize a bride’s modesty, humility, and purity.

While optional, veils also serve a fashionable purpose—the right style can enhance your wedding dress, elevating your bridal look altogether. In this article, we list the twelve main types of bridal veils to get you acquainted with your options.

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12 Types of Veils for Brides:

1. Cathedral Veil

One of the longest veils, the cathedral style spans beyond the train of the wedding dress, sweeping the floors of the church or ballroom behind the bride. This formal, dramatic style is best for voluminous gowns that instantly convey an aura of grandeur. If you are considering a cathedral veil, ensure that the aisle of your venue is long and wide enough for the veil’s measurements, enabling it to reach its full wingspan for your once-in-a-lifetime bridal walk.

2. Chapel Veil

Slightly shorter than the cathedral veil, the chapel veil reaches the floor and puddles behind the bride. This demure and sufficiently traditional veil and is a popular choice for formal weddings. Some brides opt to wear it with a minidress or skirt suit for contrast, giving the otherwise modern ensembles a recognizably bridal dimension.

3. Birdcage Veil

A short, 1940s-inspired veil that covers part of the face, the birdcage veil reportedly came about in the postwar era due to a fabric shortage, forcing bridalwear designers to significantly cut down on traditional lengths. Today, it remains a chic option for the fashion-forward bride. Luxury fashion houses like Dior offer birdcage veils in stiff netting, and others yet are studded with pearls and various embellishments.

4. Blusher Veil

The blush veil refers to any veil that completely covers the bride’s face, as opposed to veils that just spout behind her, trailing down her back. Blush veils work best with conservative dress styles, and perfectly match grand church weddings.

5. Fingertip Veil

As the name suggests, this veil style grazes the bride’s fingertips her arms rest at her sides. It’s a simple and classic choice, and pairs well with sophisticated column gowns, sheath dresses, and a-line skirts.

6. Elbow Veil

The shorter sister of the fingertip veil is the elbow veil. The waist-length garment accentuates shapely gowns with defined waists and hips, such as trumpet, serpentina, and bodycon dresses.

7. Ballet or Waltz Veil

This style is longer than the waltz veil but doesn’t reach the floor, offering a graceful and charming look.

8. Mantilla Veil

The mantilla veil finds its origins in Spain, and is known by its circular shape and distinctive lace trim, often with dainty scalloped edges. It is often worn with a high comb to fasten it to the hair, as well as a princessy tiara or similar headpiece. It pairs beautifully with gowns that feature twin lace to the veil trim, giving a bride a cohesive, put-together look.

9. Juliet Cap Veil

Perfect for brides who want a simple hairdo with rich adornment, the Juliet veil features a fastened cap from which a long veil cascades. The cap can be embellished with lace, fabricwork, crystal, sequins, embroidery, and more.

10. Cascade Veil

A cascade type is a layered veil with varying lengths, creating a waterfall effect that adds dimension and dynamism to a bridal look. This is also an easy way out for brides who have trouble deciding between an elbow, fingertip, and waltz veil—with a cascade type, you can have all three in one!

11. Bubble Veil

Next is the bubble veil, a chic, punk-inspired option for cool, non-traditional brides. Teased proportions are achieved with layers of tulle or related fabrics, adorning the head with a playful pouf that’s bound to spice up any bridal dress. Wear it with mini dresses, blazer dresses, and other contemporary picks.

12. Embellished Veil

Lastly, check out an embellished veil, which is any veil style enhanced with appliqués and standout ornamentations. Embellishment options include pearls, crystals, 3D flowers, rhinestones, ribbons, and clever fabricwork.

To explore the latest trends, expert advice, and breathtaking inspiration in the world of weddings, don’t miss out on the Get Wedded in Australia 2023-2024 digital magazine! Whether you’re a bride-to-be or a wedding enthusiast, this magazine is a must-read.

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