Style Guide: Veil-Cabulary

Bridal headwear comes in all shapes and sizes. And to each its own name

By Anna Sachse

Jeff Navaro photo for Sara Gabriel

Birdcage: A small piece of netting that just frames the face and is usually fastened in place by a comb, pin or hat.

Blusher: A short, single layer of veiling worn over the face before the ceremony, then either flipped over the head or removed thereafter.

Chapel: A formal veil that falls two-and-a-half yards from the headpiece to the floor.

Cathedral: The most formal of all veils, this style falls three-and-a-half yards from the headpiece and trails behind you. (Think Princess Diana.)

Double Tier: A veil of two layers (either two veils or a veil and a blusher), usually of different lengths.

Elbow: Extending about 25 inches in length to your elbows, this veil is ideal for gowns with detailing at the waist.

Finger Tip: A very popular length, particularly with ball gowns, this style extends to the fingertips.

Flyaway: A multi-layered veil that just brushes the shoulders. Considered less formal than other styles.

Fountain: This veil is gathered at the crown of the head to create a cascading effect around the face. Usually of shoulder or elbow length.

Mantilla: A long, Spanish-style circular piece of lace or lace-edged tulle that frames the face.

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

Waltz: Also known as Ballet, this veil falls somewhere between the knee and the ankle.