Bridal Veils
A veil is usually the last thing a bride chooses and the thing that pulls the whole look together. At Solana Bridal in Orange County we fit veils against your actual gown, in the same light you'll be photographed in, so you can see how the length and edge work with your neckline before you decide.
Wedding veil lengths, shortest to longest
- Birdcage — sits across the face or just below the eyes. Short, vintage, and the least fussy option for a civil ceremony or reception change.
- Shoulder — around 20 inches. Frames the face without covering back detail, so it suits gowns with an open or buttoned back.
- Elbow — around 30 inches. Ends near the waist and works well with full skirts, where a longer veil would hide the silhouette.
- Fingertip — around 40 inches, reaching the fingers when your arms are relaxed. The most versatile length, and it flatters nearly every silhouette.
- Waltz or ballet — around 60 inches, falling between knee and ankle. Long enough to move beautifully, short enough to walk in without help.
- Chapel — around 90 inches, pooling slightly on the floor behind you. Pairs naturally with a chapel-train gown.
- Cathedral — 108 inches and beyond, extending past the train. The most formal choice, and the one that photographs most dramatically from behind.
Matching a veil to your gown
A few things we look at with you in the fitting room:
- Back detail. If your gown has an illusion back, buttons or beading, a sheer single-layer veil lets it show through. A heavier or lace-edged veil will cover it.
- Lace. A lace-edged veil should echo the lace on the gown rather than compete with it. Bringing the two together in person is the only reliable way to judge this.
- Train length. Veils typically either stop short of the train or extend past it. Landing exactly at the same point tends to look unresolved.
- Blusher. A separate layer worn over the face for the ceremony, then lifted. It can be added to most lengths.
Modest and fully covered veils
We keep modest options in mind throughout the fitting, including longer and wider veils that give more coverage across the shoulders and back, and styles that work with a hijab. If that's what you're looking for, see our modest wedding dresses and tell us when you book so we can set the room up accordingly.
Trying veils on in Orange County
Veils are difficult to judge from a photograph — length reads completely differently on different heights, and edging that looks delicate on screen can be heavy in person. Book a private 90-minute appointment at our Santa Ana showroom and try them against the gown you're actually wearing.
Our in-house alterations team can also shorten, re-edge or add a blusher to a veil you already own. See in-house alterations.
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Solana Bridal · 515 N Sycamore St Ste 400, Santa Ana, CA 92701 · (855) 876-5262