Traditionally, a bride wore her hair long, and down to represent purity. With the passing of time, the veil that usually covers the hair has come to represent this instead as more and more brides choose to fashion their hair in different styles. Today, the veil is either worn lifted throughout the ceremony, or sometimes lifted from the bride’s face by the groom after she’s been presented to him, acting as a direct symbol of the consummation of their marriage.
Symbolic or not, the veil has become an article of fashionable craft. Brides-to-be have an array of choices for the style, pattern, and length of the veil as it expresses a detailed final touch to her ensemble. A perfect veil will complete the overall appearance of the bride in her gown, as it will be the statement accessory placed closest to her face.
Veils are as unique as the bride herself. They can be made from a variety of different materials and patterns – some even created to match the patterns on the brides’ lace wedding dresses. There are a few popular standard lengths when it comes to veils.
Symbolic or not, the veil has become an article of fashionable craft. Brides-to-be have an array of choices for the style, pattern, and length of the veil as it expresses a detailed final touch to her ensemble. A perfect veil will complete the overall appearance of the bride in her gown, as it will be the statement accessory placed closest to her face.
Veils are as unique as the bride herself. They can be made from a variety of different materials and patterns – some even created to match the patterns on the brides’ lace wedding dresses. There are a few popular standard lengths when it comes to veils.
Cathedral and Chapel
The most dramatic choice of all the lengths, the cathedral length veil usually accompanies a gown with a sizable train. The lace pattern on the outer edge of the veil looks exquisite when laid out flat behind the bride. However, this veil is a diva – it requires constant attention and adjustment from the bridesmaids. The chapel length is shorter than the cathedral length in that it’s a slight train. However, in this case, shorter does not mean meeker – chapel length veils can be just as dramatic and detailed as the cathedral length.Ankle
Just as described by its name, the ankle length veil is a floor length veil. No train involved in this length and just the right amount of drama for black-tie, but modest enough for semi-formal. If your wedding gown is floor length with no train, but you want to add elegant flare, this will be the perfect choice.Fingertip
When the bride stands with her hands down by her side, this veil hits her fingertips. This is probably one of the more popular lengths because it’s a good balance between long and short. The fingertip length feels elegant yet spirited, and versatile enough for wedding dresses of all lengths.Elbow
Even shorter than the fingertip length veil is the elbow length veil. Aptly named, this veil hits the bride’s elbows when her arm is down by her side. Usually the elbow length veil is worn with short wedding dresses or knee length wedding dresses, however some brides that are shorter than 5’3” will find this length more fitting for their body. I personally think this length works for all dress lengths because it is the most playful of the bunch. A more layered look can also be achieved with this veil, giving more volume and poof, which can also be advantageous for a petite bride.Birdcage
The birdcage veil is very sophisticated and refined. With the television series Mad Men being so popular, many people are fashioning their wedding after the 1960s vintage theme. Imagine classy wedding dresses with sleeves and a sassy birdcage veil – totally modern vintage!
Which look is your favorite?
Would you go for long and dramatic or short and sweet?
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