How long should my veil be?

A veil can enhance any wedding dress, no matter what the style. If you choose a dress with a decorated back or train, then try a shorter veil or a style with the decoration around the edge, which will frame rather than hide the dress. The tulle we make our veils from is very light and will not hide the back of your dress, so you don’t need to worry about having a long veil if you have a richly detailed dress that you want to show off – just go for a less richly decorated veil.

As a guide, here are the most popular different lengths of veil and the kinds of dresses they are perfect with:

Birdcage veil

A short veil that is worn over the face only, quite often made from wide-holed millinery net rather than soft tulle. This veil can be used to just cover the eyes or come down to the chin and can also be worn either straight across the face or asymmetrically. This veil is also known as a face-veil.

Perfect with… fun 50s style dresses!

72″

The most popular style and size of wedding veil which works well with all types of gowns. The 72″ veil hangs to your hips (depending on your height) and so it can be richly decorated without hiding your dress.

Perfect with… all dresses, but especially with fishtail and slim fitting wedding gowns.

126″

Can be worn at all types of weddings, not just formal church weddings (did you see Reese Witherspoon’s 126″ veil at her ranch wedding, for example?) This is the perfect veil for all brides that want to have a beautiful silhouette as they walk down the aisle. 126″ veils can be an affordable way to dress up a simple, inexpensive gown, as a long wedding veil is always stunning and eye-catching, even if it isn’t encrusted with crystal.

Perfect with… all dresses!

Top Tip: Ask for the longer tier (layer) to be detachable so that it can be removed for your reception and you can dance without worrying about treading on it.

For more information on the sizes of wedding veil available, click here

We provide many different edges on our veils, from plain stitched edges to elaborate embroidery. Following Catherine Middleton and Prince William’s royal wedding, lace veils are very popular this season, with all-round lace edges or appliqué lace available.

Should I have a continuous lace edge or appliqué lace on my wedding veil?

Appliqué lace is easier to match to your dress as a slight variation in lace cannot be detected. An all-round edge of lace can be heavier, yet it can beautifully frame gown wedding dress. Lace veils can incorporate crystal or they can be just plain. Try a few on with your dress and see which you feel confident in. Mantilla veils are very delicate and light as there is no gather at the comb. Instead the tulle lays flat against your head, allowing the lace to frame your face resulting in a very sophisticated, elegant look.

If you are having your dress made especially for you, discuss the options of including your own lace fabric within your pieces; supplying your own lace or fabric will make your tiara and veil truly unique

What is a single tier wedding veil?

Single tier veils are simply veils without a blusher, and just one layer of tulle. They are popularly worn at the back of the head, below a bun. They are perfect for destination weddings or weddings abroad as they are lighter and easier to manage in the heat or at the beach.

Wedding veils with a blusher give you the shape and fullness that a completes the bridal look. The blusher does not have to be worn over the face, but does give that waterfall effect that is so beautiful with wedding veils.

If you are unsure about which style to go for, but you do not want a plain veil then a Richard Designs crystal scatter is the perfect alternative. Bonding crystals, pearls, or a mixture of both onto our delicate veiling creates a beautiful effect. The closer the scatter is the more it will stand out, but it is delicate enough to never hide your dress. Richard Designs were the first to develop this technique, and wedding veils with crystal scatters still continue to be our most popular veils.