Quick Guide to Wedding Veil Styles

Blusher.  A blusher is a short, single layer veil that is worn over the face and lifted back during the ceremony.  Because the bride needs to be able to see with it covering her face, a blusher must be made of translucent fabric.

Cathedral.  A cathedral veil is the most formal and most romantic kind of veil, stretching out many feet behind the bride.  Like the chapel veil, a cathedral veil may have multiple layers and a blusher.  It is usually worn with a formal dress that has an equally long cathedral train.

Chapel.  A chapel veil is a formal veil that cascades down the bride's back and touches the floor. Chapel veils are usually worn with a formal gown that has a sweep train. The most elaborate chapel veils have multiple layers and a small blusher layer as well.

Blusher.  A blusher is a short, single layer veil that is worn over the face and lifted back during the ceremony.  Because the bride needs to be able to see with it covering her face, a blusher must be made of translucent fabric.

Cathedral.  A cathedral veil is the most formal and most romantic kind of veil, stretching out many feet behind the bride.  Like the chapel veil, a cathedral veil may have multiple layers and a blusher.  It is usually worn with a formal dress that has an equally long cathedral train.

Chapel.  A chapel veil is a formal veil that cascades down the bride's back and touches the floor. Chapel veils are usually worn with a formal gown that has a sweep train. The most elaborate chapel veils have multiple layers and a small blusher layer as well.

Elbow Length.  Like its name suggests, the elbow length veil comes directly below the elbow.  It works well with most dresses and is very versatile.

Fingertip.  The fingertip veil is probably the most popular these days.  It usually has several layers of material that extend, as the name implies, down to the bride's fingertips. Petite women can be overwhelmed by these veils, so be carful.

Mantilla.  Mantilla veils are traditionally fashioned from a circular piece lace or tulle with lace edges that is draped over a comb that frames the bride's face.  Mantilla veils are used in formal and semi-formal weddings and come in various lengths. They are becoming quite popular again because of their ethereal elegance.

Shoulder Length.  This is one of the most popular veils.  It comes right below the shoulders and is perfect for summer or more casual weddings.

Tier.  Tier veils, like the name suggests, often have two layers, usually of different lengths, one of which may be the blusher. 

Fashion Illustrations by Victoria Dominguez