My favorite moment of TLC's Say Yes to the Dress is when the stylist adds a veil to the bride's chosen wedding dress. It's usually then that the tears start flowing. Veils can tie your look together and make the whole thing suddenly feel real.
But choosing the best type of veil can also be the tricky, since each evokes a different vibe. For instance, birdcage veils are practical, and they pair well with vintage-inspired gowns and venue decor. On the other hand, a cascading Cathedral veil adds more drama and dimension to your wedding photos, but they're more high maintenance.
Ahead, we break down the intricacies of each type of veil and how best to wear them, so you can find the perfect one to match your bridal ensemble.
Birdcage veils
The shortest style of veil, birdcage or cage veils cover only the top of your face and are usually made from netted tulle (think: Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama). Typically affixed to the hair with a comb, clip, or headband, these veils help evoke a vintage glamour vibe.
Though there are many ways to style them, birdcage veils look especially stunning with tea-length, knee-length, or mini-style wedding dresses with retro-inspired details. Since they're more casual than longer veils, they can also be worn during bridal events such as the rehearsal dinner, the bridal shower, or the bachelorette party.
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Wear it to a bridal showerEasy to affix, this silky-rayon headband-style veil is perfect for bridal events. -
Pair it with pearl earringsThis delicate, vintage-inspired tulle covering features a brass clip and Australian pearls.
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Available in three colorwaysVintage-inspired with a modern twist, it uses Russian netting and illusion tulle.
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Bachelorette party-readyThe hand-gathered French veil is secured in the back via cotton ties for a flirty, seductive style.
Flyaway veils
Flyaway veils are light, floaty, and typically shoulder length. They're ideal for less formal weddings and often consist of multiple layers of light, flowy fabrics. Flyaway veils frame your décolletage and look especially flattering with a strapless gown.
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Effortlessly romanticA creamy satin bow anchors this ivory mini veil, which offers a trendy twist on a traditional style.
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Wear it two different waysThis floral- and pearl-embellished veil and metal comb can be donned with or without the blusher.
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Easy and elegantA bejeweled headband adds shine to this simple, sophisticated covering.
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Timeless tulleThis angel-cut ivory veil has a timeless look that pairs well with a variety of dresses.
Blusher veils
The blusher is the shorter front portion of a two-piece veil that covers the bride's face. While blusher veils were said to ward against evil in ancient times, today they're often donned as a symbol of modesty and purity. Traditionally, the bride wears the blusher for the ceremony, until the first kiss when the groom lifts it to reveal the bride's face.
Kate Middleton famously wore a blusher veil, and the look brings a romantic elegance to a bridal ensemble, which fits in seamlessly with more traditional weddings.
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Short and sweetThis simple 18-inch flyaway style works well with form-fitting bridal gowns.
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Moves beautifully in photosThe handmade two-layer blusher attaches to the crown of your head with a silver comb.
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Guaranteed showstopperGlass-beaded French lace and a silk chiffon floral trim gives this hand-crafted veil an ultra luxe look.
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Brings the dramaA stunning double tier 110-inch ivory train, trimmed with satin ribbon and topped with a 30-inch blusher.
Drop veils
A drop veil is a modern, versatile style marked by a lack of volume or multiple layers. The drop veil can be worn over the bride's face, in which case the comb is sewn flat so there is no added bulk in the back. It's essentially a single piece of sheer fabric draped over her head. You can also pin it to the back of the head for a streamlined look. They especially suit low chignons or hair-down styles.
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Romantic and sophisticatedLet an intricately designed dress shine with this simple but stunning English net veil.
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A memorable statement pieceDelicate, hand-sewn silk ivory swallows bring a fairytale aura to this waist-length covering.
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Available in 10 colorsA glamorous cascade of brilliant cut crystal embellishments make this 108-inch drop veil really sparkle.
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Perfect for a beach weddingRows of silver beads create against a unique contrast against its tulle.
Elbow veils
An elbow veil is exactly what it sounds like: a shorter veil that flows past the shoulders and ends around the elbows. Elbow veils are usually around 32 inches long, and they provide an elegant way to cover up without hiding the bottom half of your dress.
These are more casual and less voluminous than floor-length veils. It's a subtly graceful style that pairs beautifully with fitted gowns and fits right in at outdoor ceremonies.
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A hint of glitzThis single-layer illusion tulle veil features pearls and beads scattered along the edges.
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Wear it for a spring ceremonyEmbroidered with silk organza punched petals, this covering would flourish in a garden.
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Touch of goldFlecked with sequins, this single-tier veil brings the drama without the fuss of a floor-length fabric.
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Looks darling with a mini dressThe voluminous three-layer number is perfect for a bachelorette party or reception dress change.
Double-tier veils
A double-tier has two layers: the front portion, known as the blusher, and the longer back portion. While blushers are traditionally worn over the face until right before the first kiss, many modern brides choose to wear their blushers at the back the whole time. This creates a two-tier waterfall effect.
Double-tier veils come in a variety of lengths and allow for a ton of customization in the form of embellishments. Crystals, pearls, or floral motifs are often sewn into the veil to make a grander statement. A highly embellished veil can provide interesting contrast to a more simple gown.
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A classic style with a twistDelicate beading along its edges brings a touch of shimmer to this 40-inch nylon veil.
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For the choosy brideCustomize this French tulle veil in seven lengths, three shades of white, and three comb colorways.
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Perfect for an outdoor eventWith cut-out floral appliqués, this herbal-inspired veil adds a romantic touch to any gown.
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For the minimalist brideThe simple, sophisticated soft tulle veil clips in with a gold comb and stuns atop a curve-hugging dress.
Fingertip veils
This versatile, mid-length style of veil falls approximately to the length of the bride's fingertips when she's standing with her arms down at her sides. They're an excellent choice for outdoor ceremonies if you're concerned about your veil dragging on the earth and getting dirty, but you want still something more dramatic than a short veil.
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Light and airyPair this cascading tulle comb veil with a simple, sophisticated gown for a classic look.
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An earthy, boho touchPearl accents strung around the edges of its soft tulle are inspired by nature's beauty.
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Available in ivory or whiteThe 42-inch gossamer tulle veil is dripping with romantic lace florals along its trim.
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Pairs well with sparkling gownsScalloped edges embellished with crystal beads make for a memorable detail.
Waltz veils
A waltz veil, also known as a ballet veil, is the longest style of veil that does not reach the floor. The average length of a waltz veil is about 60 inches from the comb to the end. On most brides, it falls to about mid-calf, giving much of the drama associated with longer veils but without the risk of getting it dirty or stepping on it.
A waltz veil goes particularly well with dresses that have a shorter train. The veil will fall above the train, allowing the length of the dress to shine. Waltz veils can be embellished with beaded or lace edges to elevate the look even further.
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Graceful and timelessThe single-tier raw edge veil can be customized with your choice of four comb styles
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Affordable and elegantFlecked with different sized faux pearls, this raw-edge veil looks stunning when worn over a low chignon.
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Perfect for fit-and-flare or mermaid gownsThis sheer illusion drop waltz-length veil is showered in hand-applied crystals.
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Lovely in laceThis veil features floral lace appliqué embroidery and is lightweight so as not to overpower your gown.
Chapel veils
If you like to take the drama up a notch, consider a chapel veil. At approximately 90 inches long, a chapel veil extends beyond the train of the dress (depending on the length of the dress) and splays out a bit wider than the dress. The elegant look is perfect for more formal ceremonies as well as indoor events held in ballrooms or halls.
Chapel veils pair nicely with traditional and more formal dresses, although there is still versatility there. While they look very graceful during the ceremony and photos, the bride may want to remove the veil during the reception, where its length may get in the way and stepped on during dancing.
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Vintage flairScalloped Venise lace edges give this 90-inch silk tulle number a romantic touch.
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Pop of colorVerdant embroidered beaded flowers make a statement on this flowing nylon tulle veil.
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Soft and suppleThis cascading 85-inch veil has a timeless elegance that won't take away from a formal gown.
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Heading to the chapelA blusher helps add a modest layer to this 110-inch tulle veil, secured with a silver comb.
Cathedral veils
For maximum drama, go with a Cathedral veil, which ranges from approximately 108 to 120 inches in length and extends between one and two feet beyond the back of the gown. Formal gowns and princess-style ball gowns look particularly beautiful with a cascading Cathedral veil, which adds even more extravagance.
Keep in mind that if you're wearing a Cathedral veil, you'll want to enlist a person or two to help arrange it once you get down the aisle and in photos. A Cathedral veil is more high maintenance and requires some fluffing to display its full glory, but it's worth it if you want a more regal vibe.
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The London lookThis 108-inch long veil trails into a delicate lace-embroidered edge beginning at the fingertips.
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Float down the aisleThe three-dimensional organza flowers add dimension so you won't get lost in its 120-inch train.
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Compliments a white rose bouquetSparse lace roses and petals are scattered across the bottom of this sheer tulle veil.
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Blusher includedThis airy two-tier veil fastens into a low chignon and comes in four shades, including a blush pink.
Mantilla veils
Mantilla veils are a traditional Latin design historically worn in Roman Catholic ceremonies. These circular headcoverings feature a thick trim (usually scalloped lace) that frames the bride's face. Though Mantilla veils are typically Cathedral-length, they also come in shorter styles.
A Mantilla veil emphasizes old-school romance, and works best on brides who opt to wear their hair down or in a low chignon. With its eye-catching lace trim, it's important to consider other embellishments on your dress (especially any lace details) to make sure they don't clash.
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French romanceThe Alençon lace-trimmed headcovering is available in elbow- or fingertip-length sizes.
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Pairs well with a princess-style dressThe two-tier cathedral-length veil attaches via comb and trimmed with matching silver-threaded lace.
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Lashes and laceEdged with an ethereal eyelash lace, the fingertip-length nylon veil is fastened with a silver comb.
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Polka dot patternThis unique veil features a soft spotted net, outlined by ornate Chantilly lace.
Juliet veils
Juliet veils, or Juliet cap veils, are marked by a cloche-style cap at the top of the veil. And yes, they're named after the very same Juliet from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Jackie Onassis wore a Juliet veil when she married President John F. Kennedy. This style evokes a sort of vintage, bohemian feel, and therefore fit into weddings with a similar aesthetic.
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Pair it with a long-sleeved gownSoft floral details in delicate French lace frame your crown with this fingertip-length covering.
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Back in the roaring '20sThis English net tulle veil is inspired by the 1920s. It comes in three colors and 10 different lengths.
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Splashy and memorableThe statement-making ankle-length veil is covered in three-dimensional rosettes.
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For the nostalgic brideLace leaf appliqués and pearl embellishments give this cathedral-length veil an extra feminine flair.
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