The Modern Bride's Guide to Cathedral Wedding Veils

You stand at the top of the aisle in your wedding dress, framed by light and the most gorgeous cathedral veil. There's a collective intake of breath, and straight ahead your favorite person in the world is completely awe-struck. Few wedding accessories rival the breathtaking drama of a cathedral-length veil. This timeless piece transforms every step into a moment and infuses your wedding look with romance.

What is a Cathedral Veil?

Cathedral bridal veils are among the longest veil styles you can wear. They typically measure 9-12 feet in length, and extend well beyond your wedding gown's train. Typically, cathedral-length wedding veils have a blusher veil that floats over your face as you glide down the aisle. However, if that's not your style, that's okay! Like everything else about your wedding day, you're not limited to tradition.

Cathedral Veil vs. Chapel Veil: What's the Difference?

When we talk about veils, length is often what sets them apart. Fabrication and embellishment are factors, as well. However, in the case of cathedral length and chapel veils, it's all about measurements!

For context, when we mention trains in the following, we're talking about a chapel length train, which is usually about 3 to 4.5 feet of fabric from your waistline to the hem.

Chapel veil: Usually about 90 inches in length, it floats just past the end of chapel length train.

Cathedral veil: A lovely swath of ethereal fabric measuring 108-120 inches (9-10 feet), a cathedral will trail past a train for a good 48 to 60 inches (4 to 5 feet).

Royal cathedral veil: Picture what Meghan Markle, Princess Diana, or Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece all wore.  These were all royal cathedral veils. They're over 120+ inches, although we often make them 15 feet (180") or longer!

Do Cathedrals Always Have to be Two Tier Veils?

Many cathedral veils include a blusher veil—that second tier we mentioned earlier.

However, modern women aren't bound by tradition. You can absolutely have a cathedral veil without one!

Why Cathedral Wedding Veils Work With Every Style

The beauty of this veil style lies not only in its dramatic length but also in its versatility. It can complement any wedding dress, from form-fitting to voluminous ball gowns. They also look S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G with a wedding headpiece. Your veil's soft tulle enhances your headpiece's magical, light-catching effect. After you remove your veil, it dazzles!

Throughout this guide, we've included some of our fabulous brides wearing their custom cathedral veils (and crystal wedding pieces) to show you the incredible range of possibilities.

Cathedral Veil Styles

If more than one of these long veil types sound perfect for you, don't feel you have to choose! You can often blend the elements. For instance, perhaps you'd like a cut-edge veil scattered with crystals and pearls that's also two-tier. We're happy to create the custom veil of your dreams.

Lace Cathedral Veil

Adorned with delicate lace, this veil exudes a timeless and romantic charm, and looks fabulous with a bridal hair vine.

The lace can be any type and accenting it with pearls and crystals only makes the textile more beautiful! Lacework can fall gracefully down the length of the veil and stay to the edges, or it can flourish into the center and pool into a dramatic finish at the bottom. We've also hand-cut lace appliqué and artfully scattered it across the veil as if blooms were floating over its expanse.

What we also like about lace is that it's an opportunity to incorporate  fabric from your wedding gown or that of someone special like a mom, auntie, sister or grandmother.

Crystal-and-Pearl Cathedral Veil

If you love luxury and glamour, a veil adorned with crystals and pearls (and lace, because why not!!) is an excellent choice. The edges of the veil can be cut edge (without embellishment) with a smattering of stones and pearls throughout, or it can be edged or embroidered with crystals and pearls. You can even carry the embroidery through the crown of the head and body of the veil.

Cut-Edge Cathedral Veil

Minimalist in design, this ethereal cathedral veil is characterized by its raw edge. The absence of embellishments or trimmings gives this veil an airy, modern look. We love this veil with a statement bridal hair comb or vine.

Royal Cathedral Veil

Fit for a princess, this extra-long veil measures twelve feet or more, and creates maximum drama as it sweeps across the floor. As indicated by its name, this is an extremely regal, Queen-for-a-day look, and is fabulous paired with a glittering wedding crown.

At Bridal Styles Boutique, we're particularly known for our extra-long, magnificent Royal cathedral veils. For over three decades, we've designed and crafted custom royal veils. Whether edged in the finest laces and embellished with beautiful motifs, crystals, pearls, and beading, they're high up on our favorite things list!

Mantilla Cathedral Veil

Originating from Spain, a mantilla veil is characterized by delicate lace that drapes over the head and shoulders, then down the back. The lace follows the edge of the veil (or even forms the veil itself) and conveys an old-world feel. There are so many accessories that look lovely with a mantilla—particularly a crystal rose headpiece.

Embroidered Cathedral Veil

Opulence is the name of the game with an embroidered cathedral veil. The embroidery can be in a floral motif, ornate pattern, or even incorporate your initials. You can choose to have your embroidery follow your veil's edge, accent the bottom, or even extend up its length and onto the crown of your head. Bridal headbands are a favorite among our embroidered veil brides.

Two-Tier Cathedral Veil

This cathedral veil style consists of a shorter piece meant to be worn over the face during the ceremony, and then the longer cathedral portion. When the blusher is pushed back, the two cascade prettily together.

How the Veil is Gathered

How your veil is affixed to the comb affects how it falls and looks:

Perhaps you like the idea of a frothy fullness spilling out over your high updo or just above your low bun? In that case, there should be more gathering on the comb. If you picture yourself wearing a veil that skims your head, the tulle and comb can be joined in a way that creates little to no volume.

When we create your custom veil, you can specify exactly the effect you want. If you like, you can even visit us at our bridal accessory boutique in New York City and bring your gown so we can assess and suggest veil lengths and details that speak to your vision.

How to Wear a Cathedral Veil

Whether you want to wear your hair up or down, a cathedral veil looks fantastic. For instance, a sleek updo paired with a cathedral veil can create a look of timeless elegance, while loose, romantic waves can give off a more relaxed, bohemian feel.

When to Remove Your Veil

Cathedral veils are typically removed after the ceremony and wedding day photos. This is great for ease of movement and lets your crystal headpiece and bridal jewelry dazzle! However, some women choose to drape their cathedral veil over an elbow for their entrance and first dance.

The Beauty of Custom Cathedral Veils

While ready-made cathedral veils are available, a custom cathedral bridal veil offers unmatched personalization. When you work with our experienced bridal accessory team, we can create a one-of-a-kind piece that captures your aesthetic and exceeds your expectations.

Why Choose a Custom Cathedral Veil

• Perfect for your dress: It's designed to complement your specific gown's length, style, and details.
• Lace matching: We can create a lace cathedral wedding veil using the same lace as your gown, incorporate lace from an heirloom gown, or select a complementary textile to your dress.
• Unique embellishments: Choose what (and how much) you'd like incorporated into the design, from embroidery to pearls, crystals, and other elements.
• Personalization: Add meaningful details like embroidered initials, wedding dates, or special motifs.
• Quality materials: Select from premium tulles and the finest laces for your cathedral bridal veil.
• Fullness: The comb and gathering are created to reflect your bridal style and complement your wedding hairstyle and headpiece.

Your Cathedral Veil

Whether you choose a minimalist cut-edge style, a mantilla-inspired cathedral, or a royal showstopper, your cathedral veil should make you feel beautiful and special.

If you'd like to find the perfect cathedral veil for your big day, we're happy to help. We have all sorts of veil lengths and styles from which to choose. Or, if you'd like a custom cathedral bridal veil tailored to your vision, we can create that too. Contact us to get started!