From modern to traditional to vintage chic, bridal veils come in more flavors than Baskin-Robbins ice cream! So, to help all our brides and (brides-to-be) with veil terminology, we’ve created the bridal veil glossary below.
Very often these styles are combined. So, a bride wearing a pouf can also wear a birdcage blusher, or you may choose a short tiered veil to wear over a cathedral veil for a more dramatic walk down the aisle. However, to keep things simple, we’ve included our most commonly requested veils, all modeled by our wonderful Bridal Styles brides.
There are many more veil styles than those listed below, so if you don’t see what you envision, just ask us! We custom-make every bridal veil here in our boutique, so we can create or alter anything to help you create your one-of-a-kind wedding day look!
POUF: Layers of folded tulle worn at the back of the head to create a more modern and fun effect.
Bridal Styles bride Joanna wearing her pouf veil
BIRDCAGE/FRENCH NET BLUSHER: Partially or completely covering the face, this short veil is often made with French net.
Bridal Styles Bride Tina wearing her French net Blusher
BLUSHER: A single layer of tulle covering the face, it’s typically only worn walking down the aisle.
Bridal Styles brides wearing veils with blushers (clockwise from left): Jackie, Rula, Ana
FLY AWAY VEIL: Short layered veil usually reaching the shoulders or mid-back
Bridal Styles bride Stephanie wearing her fly away veil
FOUNTAIN VEIL: A veil gathered at the crown of the head and cascading over the shoulders to form a “fountain”.
Bridal Styles bride Mila wearing her fountain veil
ELBOW or WAIST-LENGTH VEIL: A single or layered veil reaching to the waist.
Bridal Styles bride Jane wearing her waist length veil
FINGERTIP VEIL: A single or multiple-layer veil reaching to the tips of the fingers.
Bridal styles bride Sabrina wearing her finger tip length veil
WALTZ-LENGTH VEIL:Typically a single tier veil reaching anywhere between your knees and your ankles.
CHAPEL-LENGTH VEIL: Usually 2 to 2-1/2 yards long, this veil extends a little past the gown and is considered more formal.
CATHEDRAL VEIL:Usually three yards or longer, this is the longest and most formal of all veils. Perfect for a bride aiming to make a dramatic entrance.
Bridal Styles brides wearing their cathedral length veils (clockwise from upper image): Tara, Virginia and Carla
MANTILLA VEIL: A dramatic round veil typically edged in lace and which can come in many lengths.
Bridal Styles bride Susan wearing her mantilla veil
To find your perfect wedding veil, visit us at Bridal Styles Boutique – we’ll customize the veil length, style, edging and design to your specifications and create something unique just for you!