ELBOW LENGTH: 

Just a bit longer than the shoulder length Madonna veil, it cascades over the shoulders and floats about the upper arms, ending at just about the elbow.  This tulle veil can measure anywhere from 28" to one yard at 36 " in length and is the perfect classic for when you want a more dramatic fullness/floatiness at the back. 

Shown here in an arrangement of vintage photos: at top left -a 1948 veil of silk tulle with alencon lace by 40's designer Rita Thornton.  At top right -a 1959 veil from Priscilla of Boston. 

The elbow length veil was a favorite veil of the postwar 1950's.

  FINGERTIP:

This veil is meant to extend to your outstretched fingertips and float around you almost like a cape.  It is usually 48 inches in length and can be single layer or doubled with a blusher front.  Most popular during the late 1940's and early 1950's, it was made from delicate silk tulle that had a stiff, almost gossamer hand.  Shown in silk tulle at left and right, the difference between the two photos shows a graceful, ghostlike fullness that can be accomplished when silk tulle is layered and weighed down or a regal. crisp starch when left on its own.  Single layer at left photo and full, double layer at right looking like spun sugar. Both are beautiful. (This is almost impossible for a nylon veil to accomplish)

 WALTZ LENGTH: 

Known as a "Walking Veil," the tulle should end between the calf of the leg and the ankle.  The usual length is 54" to 60" and the veil is usually double layer with a shorter blusher worn at the front.  Very popular in the 1970's during the Victorian Revival period.  Shown in nylon tulle at left and worn with a bonnet cap tied under the chin at right, circa 1968.

CHAPEL LENGTH: 

A Chapel length veil is meant to just barely skim the floor.  This is a tricky veil to individually measure, as it may mean customizing a veil with a pair of scissors to suit your height.  This was a favorite silk tulle veil length in the 1930's Depression era and was generally worn with a buckram coronet tiara. Shown in photos here as a modern 1970's interpretation in nylon tulle at left and right.

  CATHEDRAL LENGTH:

Cathedral Veils are meant for very formal weddings, and are so dramatic that they can be the focal point of attention over the dress.  Many Brides choose to embellish a simple floor length dress with a Cathedral Veil to give the impression of a long train.  A Cathedral Veil can extend for more than 5 yards if desired, but your best guide is to have the veil extend at least a foot beyond your gown's train.  Shown in nylon tulle at top left and silk tulle from the 1930's.  Below, our most memorable 1980's Cathedral length veil of silk tulle as worn by Princess Diana.

Princess Grace lace blusher

With the strapless styles of the 1990's, many brides chose to wear an antique Spanish lace mantilla, which was less transparent  and heavier than tulle, but looked stunning in contrast with the simple gown. 

The simpler your gown, the more it will offset any intricate lace or beadwork on your veil, and the combination of stripped down style with veil embellishment to lovely.

Consequently, any heavily beaded or laced gown looks beautiful with a sheer or transparent fabric such as silk chiffon, voile or organza as an opaque veil. .Be aware however, that any back beading or detail of your gown may be obscured by the opaqueness of the fabric, but the veil can be removed or pinned aside after the ceremony.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION: 

Vintage Wedding Headpieces and Veils

For more photos of 1920's veils and fashion history, click here!