Wedding veils differ in length and appearance, and they carry a lot of weight when it comes to your final wedding day look. Use our guide to find out which of these common veil lengths is the best fit for you.
1. Shoulder length
A shoulder-length veil is typically 20 to 22 inches in length and ends around the middle of the upper back. The shorter style makes it easy to wear and allows the back of the dress to be seen, making it an appealing option for those whose dresses have special back details.
2. Waist Length
This traditional-style veil measures around 30 inches in length and may also be referred to as elbow-length in some stores. It is designed to end between the elbows and the waist, with the bottom edge drawing the eye to the wearer’s waist. The back of the dress is important to consider with this type of veil as well—the end of the veil should not cut through the back details.
3. Fingertip Length
The fingertip-length veil measures between 38 and 42 inches and hits below the hips, but above the knee. The length allows the back details of a dress to show through, and the shape is a good complement to fitted dress styles such as mermaid and fishtail.
4. Waltz Length
Designed to fall to mid-calf, a waltz-length veil is around 60 inches. This style is also called ballet-length and is the longest style that does not touch the floor. This provides the wearer with freedom of movement and looks pleasing with dresses that have little or no train.
5. Floor Length
Measuring 78 inches in length, this veil is designed to hit the floor and it typically matches the length of the bride’s gown. The floor-length style works well with dresses that are slim and streamlined or that do not have trains.
6. Chapel Length
Chapel-length veils are between 85 and 95 inches long and are a popular choice for dresses with short or no trains. With this style, the excess veil that trails behind the bride mimics the appearance of a train.
7. Cathedral Length
This dramatic style is between 108 and 120 inches long. It is a popular choice for all dress types and showcases the bride well due to its shape and silhouette. It extends past the bride’s train and, because of the length, is usually worn only for the ceremony.