Your guide to veils

Long Veils

For some brides, a veil is not a veil unless it sweeps up the aisle behind them! “This is the one time in your life when you get to wear a veil, so go for it,” says Y&YW fashion director Peta Hunt. “And there’s nothing more show-stopping than a cathedral-length veil.”

Long veil styles include:

Ballet or waltz: this veil usually falls between the knee and the ankle.

Chapel: a formal veil that extends to the floor , usually worn with a chapel or sweep train. Some chapel veils have multiple layers or a blusher veil.

Cathedral: the cathedral train is the most formal style of veil and is sometimes called a ‘royal veil’. It can have multiple layers or a blusher veil and is usually worn with a cathedral train in a very formal setting.

Medium length veils

“A medium-length veil is perfect for a hot summer wedding and can transform any style of  dress,” says Y&YW fashion director Peta Hunt.

Styles of medium-length veils include:

Double tier: a two-layered veil, usually of different lengths, one of which may be the blusher, or face veil.

Elbow: the elbow length veil is most appropriate in an informal setting. May be used in combination with longer layers to create the blusher.

Fingertip: a long veil that reaches the fingertips when arms are relaxed.

Mantilla: the traditional mantilla is a circular piece of tulle or lace with lace edges draped over a comb. It’s an alternative to more formal veils and may be any length between elbow and ballet.

Triple tier: a veil of three layers, usually of different lengths, one of which can be the blusher.

Short veils

“Nothing says bride better than a veil, even a short one which can be fun and funky and perfect for a chic city wedding,” says Y&YW fashion director Peta Hunt.

Styles of short veils include:

Blusher: a short, single layer of veiling worn over the face before the ceremony and then lifted back over the head.

Flyaway: a multi-layered veil that just brushes the shoulders which is less formal than other veil styles. A good choice for brides wishing to emphasise the back of their gown. Best worn with an ankle-length gown.

Fountain: a veil gathered at the crown of the head which cascades over the shoulders to form a fountain shape. Usually shoulder or elbow length.

Pouf: a gathered piece of tulle or netting that fastens to a headband, comb or headpiece to create height for the veil.

Visit the Y&YW Directory for bridal shops in your area.