Your Veil

Here we will look at your options in terms of layers, length, edge finish, fabric, fullness, and shape.

   Layers

The choices for the number of tiers or layers are as follows:

Single Layer This is the lightest and most discreet option. In this case, the veil would not be worn in front of the face when walking down the aisle.		Cascade The cascade veil has a fluid, draped edge. The centre gathering makes a form of double tiers, allowing the Bride to wear the shorter layer over the face when walking down the aisle.
Double Tier Almost everyone looks best in a double tiered veil, as the added fullness frames the face nicely. The veil edgeing can be as light or strong as you like.		Triple Tier This is a more dominant veil that is less sheer. Triple tiers are best used with a strong veil edge outline to visually separate the layers. They are a great way to use a beautiful veil edgeing to add interest when wearing a more simple bridal gown.

   Length

There are a range of veil lengths for you to choose from, and quite a lot of variation possible if you have chosen a multi-tiered veil. In general, petite brides look better in shorter veils with less fullness, and taller brides look better in mid-length veils with the fullness in proportion to their size. Please also keep in mind that the area of placement of the veil on your head will also affect where it finishes on your body. The safest way to decide on your veil length is to put your gown on and ask a friend to use a tape measure to help you find the lengths you need.

Blusher or Shoulder – The blusher or shoulder length veil usually sweeps the shoulders, and is the shortest option to be worn over the face and then swept up for the kiss. It is usually between 14 to 27 inches in length.

Waist – This length is very easy to wear, as your arms are still free to move. It is the perfect choice to be worn over the face and then behind the body towards the end of your ceremony. If your gown has a full skirt, you can balance this by choosing a veil just a little shorter than your waist level. If you would like a waist length veil and your gown has detailing at the waist area that you would like to show off, you would be best to choose your length a little longer or shorter than your waist level to keep this area clear. The waist length veil is usually between 23 to 35 inches in length.

Fingertip – The fingertip length veil is one of the more common choices, just reaching the fingertips when the bride has her arms resting at her sides. The average length of a fingertip veil is between 40 to 49 inches. This length is very comfortable to wear while still providing a beautiful bridal look that can be worn with a wide variety of gown styles.

Waltz – The waltz length veil allows for a longer veil that will give you enough freedom for dancing and walking. The waltz veil lies within the mid calf area. The average length is between 54 and 66 inches.

Chapel – The chapel length veil just touches the floor, with no train. It is a suitable choice for the chapel or cathedral length gown. The average chapel veil length lies between 68 and 77 inches.

Cathedral – This elegant veil is best used with a cathedral length gown, and is used for more formal weddings. Your veil should be slightly longer than the train of your gown. Longer veils are also easier to see through if you have beautiful detail at the back of your gown you would like to highlight. The cathedral veil length is usually between 84 and 140 inches, depending on how much length you would like trailing behind you.

Monarch Cathedral – This extra-long cathedral style veil is for the uninhibited bride who wants to make a grand entrance. This style of veil is worn with a very long cathedral style gown, and is recognised to be used by royalty. Here you need to also consider if the width and length of the aisle can accomodate you!

Edge Finish

Obviously, the edge finish that you choose needs to compliment your gown. If your gown has beautiful detail in the back such as a beautiful train, buttoned or lace up back, you would be better to use a more simple veil edge finish so that you can keep the focus on your gown. If your dress is quite basic, you would benefit from a more detailed veil edge to add beauty and interest. Keep in mind that the most beautiful veil is the one that works best with your whole bridal look, and that may be the most simple one of all. Here are some of the options that you have to choose from:

Raw Edge – A simple cut edge, this finish is the most discreet as there is no definition to the veil edge. This finish can only be used with tulle, as other woven fabrics would fray.	Shaped Raw Edge – A raw edge can also be cut into a custom shape, eg. a scalloped edge which may also incorporate some form of simple embellishment such as beading or scattered rhinestones.
Braided Edge – This is a fine braid of around 3-5mm which provides a good outline.	Shaped Braided Edge – The braid can also be carefully formed into decorative shapes along the veil edge.
Simple Beaded Edge – Simple beading can be added to the veil edge, or scattered throughout the veil.	Full Beaded Edge – More concentrated beading can be used at the veil edge for more definition, and will also create the most beautiful veils when used to highlight embroidery or lace trim.
Pearl Trim – Man made pearl trim can also be sewn to the veil edge for a dainty effect.	Narrow Ribbon Edge – Narrow ribbon can be also be sewn along the veil edge for a more feminine look, which also has a fluid form. I use an enclosed seam for the ribbon edge for a softer finish.
Bias Satin Edge – If a wider satin edge finish is needed for a strong definition, bias cut satin is the perfect solution. I use bias cut silk satin which is incredibly soft and silky, and I use a special technique that eliminates machine sewing to provide a very elegant finish.	Lace Edge – The lace edge finish can be made using motifs or trims. Motifs are individual pieces which can be used on individual areas of your veil, or artfully arranged one by one around the edge. Lace trim comes in a variety of widths and designs, and this will provide a more streamline finish to your veil.

Veiling Fabric

The most obvious choice is tulle, however there are other options as well:

Soft Tulle – This is a super fine net fabric that is very sheer.	Lace – This is the heaviest option, and a beautiful choice to be worn with a more basic bridal gown.
Organza – This is a shimmering woven material, which is less sheer than bridal tulle. Organza fabrics may be silk or polyester. (Only available in 1st degree fulness).	Embroidered Fabrics – Organza and tulle fubrics are sometimes embroidered, and can therefore be used as a more affordable alternative to lace. (Only available in 1st degree fulness).
Russian Veiling – This is an open diamond shaped netting that is worn over the eyes or the whole face, resulting in a glamorous, alluring look. It is often used with a simple large flower (perhaps with feathers), or Juliet cap headpieces. Available in 6 inch width.

Veil Fullness

You can also stipulate the fullness of your veil.

1st degree gathering – Minimal gathering that creates a more sheer and discreet shape, recommended for shorter veils and slim-line style gowns with a smaller proportion.

2nd degree gathering – Moderate gathering which I recommend for almost any style gown, as the level of fullness frames the face nicely.

3rd degree gathering – Wide gathering that creates a full shape. This will work in proportion with full skirt gowns, and will be necessary for cathedral length gowns that have a very wide train.

Shape

Your veil may be cut into any of the following shapes:

Rounded – This is the most common option, it creates a soft, elegant line.

Squared – For something different, your veil can be cut squared. This drapes beautifully into a sharp point, which is lovely to highlight with a dangling crystal bead.

Attached or Detachable?

An experienced wedding style hairdresser will be able to secure your veil into your hair to hold very well throughout the whole day. However, you may find that it is uncomfortable to wear your veil during the reception, as it may get in your way during dancing or well-meaning hugs from friends and family. You can choose to remove your veil completely after your photographs, if it has been made separately to your headpiece. If attached, the attachment method varies depending on the style of headpiece you have chosen. Or you can choose to have the longest layer or entire veil made detachable for your convenience. This way you can choose to leave your headpiece and shorter layer on during the reception.
Shorter veils with a decorated comb in place of the headpiece would generally be left on throughout the evening.

Thank you for taking such an interest in choosing your perfect bridal veil! Feel free to take a look at some examples of my bridal veils, or continue reading to find some advice in choosing your perfect headpiece.