Veils, Veils, Veils!

When the time for veil shopping comes around many brides don't know how to start--just like with wedding gowns, veils come in a variety of shapes and styles and it can be difficult to choose the right one. As always, we girls here at Sealed With A Kiss are more than happy to help! Below you'll find our veil guide-- read through it to find out about veil lengths, tiers and more!

Veil Lengths

You'll learn that veils can be made to any particular length you specify, but there are a few standard lengths that you'll likely come across while veil shopping. 

1. Birdcage Veils (also known as face veils)

Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Birdcage veils are great for brides looking for a vintage feel on their wedding day. They typically only partially cover the face, and the netting can be adjusted to create the perfect shape around the face and hair. Many birdcage veils also have adornments, such as feathers and brooches, attached to the comb, adding a touch of dazzle to the look. 

2. Shoulder Length

Photo Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

Shoulder length veils are typically around 36 inches long and fall somewhere around the shoulders. 

3. Elbow Length

           Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Most elbow length veils are 54 inches long and fall somewhere near the elbows and waistline.

4. Fingertip Length

Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Fingertip length veils come to around 72" long, and fall around where your fingertips would if you dropped your arms down at your sides. This is one of the most popular veil lengths.

5. Floor Length

Photo Courtesy of www.charliebrear.com

Floor length veils, also known was ballerina veils, are 102 inches long or so, and stop right at the floor, leaving the gown's train uncovered.

6. Chapel Length

Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Chapel length veils are typically 126 inches long, and are just long enough to cover the train on most wedding gowns. 

7. Cathedral Length

Photo Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

Cathedral length veils are usually longer than the train on most wedding gowns, and are 144 inches long.

Veil Blushers and Tiers

Wedding veils come in tiers, which are essentially layers, with the top tier being the shortest length and the bottom tier being the longest length. 

Left Photo: Courtesy of www.laurajaynebridal.com; Right Photo: Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

The top tier of the veil is sometimes worn over the face during the wedding ceremony, and when this is the case it is called a blusher.

Photo Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

The blusher usually has the same design, lace or beading as the rest of the veil, as in the picture above, but it can be also be a plain tier, without any sort of embellishment.

Veil Designs

Veils come in a variety of designs, and most of the embellishment is placed on the edge of the veil. The veils can come with a variety of edges, like the lace, beaded and ribbon ones below. 

Left Photo: Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com; Center and Right Photo: Courtesy of www.laurajayne.com

The veil can also have a straight edge cut, or a scalloped edge. 

Photo Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

Photo Courtesy of www.richard-designs.com

Veil Colors

Just like wedding gowns, wedding veils come in a variety of colors. The more traditional white, ivory and champagne colored veils are most common, but most designers offer colors like antique, blush and silver. Talk to your consultant or designer about all the available color options to be sure you choose the one that complements your wedding gown best!

  

Veil Fabrics

Most veils will be made of tulle, but take the time to ask about your options! Designers sometimes have multiple tulle options, such as shimmer tulle, or a softer, more delicate mirage tulle, that will slightly change the look and fullness of the veil. You can also find veils made from chiffon and organza, which will alter the translucence of the veil. Try on a few and find out which you like best!

Finding the Perfect Veil

Research different types of veils online and see which styles catch your eye the most, but definitely make a point to visit a bridal salon to see the veils in person. The colors vary by designer, so be sure to bring a swatch of your gown (or the gown itself) to help you decide which color option is most complementary. Keep in mind that the design on the veil doesn't have to match your gown perfectly in order to look good, and try on different designs and styles until you find the right one. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the designs, and if there's something you don't like, feel free to ask about altering the design to your liking. Most importantly, have fun!