Your wedding dress may be the star of the show, but there’s something undeniably magical about the moment a veil is added. Suddenly, the look feels complete.
Whether you’ve been dreaming about a dramatic cathedral-length veil since you were little or you’re not quite sure if you’re a “veil person” yet, the right veil can completely transform your bridal look. From soft and romantic to regal and show-stopping, there’s a veil for every bride, every gown, and every kind of wedding day style.
While there are plenty of veil lengths and styles to choose from, cathedral, royal, and fingertip veils are three of the most common options you’ll encounter while bridal shopping. So, let’s break them down!
Cathedral Veils
Cathedral veils are one of the most iconic bridal veil options. Long enough to extend beyond the hem of your wedding gown, they create a beautiful, sweeping effect as you walk down the aisle.
While dramatic, cathedral veils have a timeless quality that works beautifully with both traditional and modern gowns. They can complement a statement train or add an extra layer of romance to a simpler silhouette.
Cathedral veils are perfect for the bride who wants:
- A classic, romantic bridal look
- A beautiful aisle moment
- A veil that extends beyond her gown
- To complement a longer train
- A timeless look with a touch of drama
And, don’t think cathedral automatically means traditional! A simple, sheer cathedral veil can feel incredibly modern with a sleek gown, while lace, pearls, appliqués, or beaded details can create a more romantic or vintage-inspired look.
One of our favorite styling tips? Consider the details on your gown when choosing your veil. A simple veil can let an intricate dress shine, while a detailed veil can add even more dimension to a minimalist gown.
AVL0216 | Available at All Bon Bon Belle Locations
Royal Veils
If you’re looking for the ultimate veil moment, the royal veil is it.
Royal-length veils are longer than cathedral veils, creating an especially dramatic, luxurious effect. With an extra-long train of fabric flowing behind you, a royal veil is made for the bride who wants to make a statement from the moment she walks down the aisle.
It’s regal, romantic, and undeniably unforgettable!
Royal veils are perfect for the bride who wants:
- Maximum drama
- A truly show-stopping aisle moment
- An ultra-romantic, regal look
- To complement a dramatic wedding gown
- A veil that makes a statement all on its own
Because of their incredible length, royal veils can be especially beautiful in grand venues where you have plenty of space to let them shine. Picture one flowing down a church aisle, cascading down the steps of a grand ballroom venue, or trailing behind you for those dramatic, editorial bridal portraits (we’re in love!)
AVL0080 | Available at All Bon Bon Belle Locations
Fingertip Veils
If you’re looking for something a little lighter and more versatile, the fingertip veil is a bridal favorite for a reason.
As the name suggests, a fingertip veil generally falls around fingertip length, creating a soft layer of tulle that frames the gown without extending dramatically onto the floor.
Fingertip veils can work beautifully with a huge variety of wedding dress silhouettes, from fitted crepe gowns to romantic A-lines and everything in between.
Fingertip veils are perfect for the bride who wants:
- A softer, more understated veil
- Something easy to move around in
- To show off the details of her gown
- A romantic look without a long train
- A veil that transitions easily from ceremony to reception
They’re also a great option if your gown already has a lot happening. If your dress features intricate lace, beading, floral appliqués, or a statement train, a shorter veil can give you that bridal finishing touch without competing with the gown!
C350 | Available at All Bon Bon Belle Locations
What about blushers?
Let’s talk about the part of the veil that has brides asking, “Wait…what is that part called?”
The blusher is the section of a veil that can be worn over the bride’s face before the ceremony. Traditionally, it is lifted by the groom or another loved one before the “I do’s,” but there are absolutely no rules saying you have to wear it that way.
A blusher can add a beautiful, traditional element to your ceremony look and create some seriously dreamy photos.
You can also pair a blusher with different veil lengths, so you don’t necessarily have to choose between a blusher and the veil length you love. Think of the blusher as an optional finishing touch, not a requirement.
Some brides love the tradition and the anticipation of having their face covered as they walk down the aisle. Others prefer to wear their veil behind their head and keep their face uncovered. Both are beautiful!
AVL0217 | Available at All Bon Bon Belle Locations
What About Other Veil Lengths?
Cathedral, royal, and fingertip may be some of the most common veil lengths, but they are definitely not your only options!
You may also come across styles such as:
- Chapel: A long veil that extends beyond the gown but is generally shorter than cathedral.
- Waltz: A longer veil that typically falls around the mid-calf area.
- Knee-length: A playful, fashion-forward option that falls around the knee.
- Elbow-length: A shorter veil that lands around the elbows.
- Birdcage: A short, vintage-inspired veil that typically covers part of the face.
There are also endless variations when it comes to materials, edging, lace, pearls, beading, embroidery, appliqués, and even colorful or floral veils. So if you fall in love with a veil that doesn’t fit neatly into one category? Go for it!
Complete your Bridal Look
Finding your wedding dress is a huge moment, but your bridal accessories are where the look really starts to come together.
The veil can add drama, softness, tradition, texture, or a little bit of sparkle. And sometimes, the veil you never expected to love ends up being the piece that makes you look in the mirror and think: “Okay, THIS is my wedding look.”
So when you’re shopping for your gown, don’t be afraid to try on the veil. Even if you walked in saying, “I don’t think I want one.”
At Bon Bon Belle, we’re firm believers that you never really know until you put it on!
Ready to find the veil that completes your look? Come try a few on and see which one makes you feel the most like a bride.