VEIL GLOSSARY:
A–Z OF
BRIDAL VEIL TERMS
Your wedding veil is more than a finishing touch — it’s a reflection of your style, your story, and the artistry that completes your bridal look. Yet when it comes to understanding veil styles, edges, and lengths, the terminology can feel overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve created this Veil Glossary — a complete, designer-led guide to help you navigate the language of veils with confidence. Whether you’re learning the difference between a chapel and a cathedral veil, choosing between a cut edge or pencil edge, or curious about what defines a mantilla veil, this A–Z guide explains every term you’ll encounter along the way.
Designed with intention and informed by over a decade in the bridal industry, this glossary is here to help you understand each veil style and detail — so you can make a choice that feels truly you.
What Is a Veil Glossary?
A veil glossary is a comprehensive guide that explains the different types, styles, and lengths of wedding veils — along with common design terms such as fabrics, finishes, and embroidery techniques. From short, vintage-inspired birdcage veils to long, dramatic cathedral-length veils, it helps you understand how each detail shapes the overall bridal aesthetic.
By learning this language, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what you love — from the flow of your tulle to the detail of your embroidery — and how these choices come together to create a veil that feels unmistakably yours.
Veils Lengths at a Glance
Understanding veil lengths is one of the easiest ways to begin narrowing down your bridal style. The length of your veil shapes your silhouette, defines your movement, and creates a distinct bridal mood — from soft and understated to dramatic and formal.
Every veil I create is made bespoke, tailored to your chosen style and proportions, but this guide will help you visualise how each standard veil length typically falls when worn.
Veils Lengths
Approx. Inches (cm)
Description
Shoulder
Elbow
Waist
Fingertip
Waltz
Floor
Chapel
Cathedral
Royal
20" (50cm)
25" (63cm)
30" (76cm)
44" (112cm)
60" (152cm)
78" (198cm)
96" (244cm)
108"+ (275cm+)
120"+ (305cm+)
Falls just below the shoulders — chic, playful, and perfect for modern or city weddings.
Frames the upper body beautifully, complementing structured or short gowns.
Finishes at the waistline, adding gentle movement without overwhelming your silhouette.
One of the most popular lengths, offering balance between practicality and romance.
Falls to mid-calf — elegant and floaty, ideal for movement and dance.
Touches the floor for a seamless flow with your gown’s hemline.
Slightly longer than the dress train, offering classic formality.
Extends beyond the train for a dramatic, ceremonial feel.
Designed for grand spaces and bold, statement entrances.
A - Z VEIL GLOSSARY
From appliqué details to zigzag stitching, this A–Z veil glossary is a designer-led guide to the terms, styles, and finishes you’ll encounter when exploring wedding veils. Each entry is written to help you recognise the details that define your look — from veil lengths and embroidery styles to the edges and embellishments that make every piece unique.
A–C: Appliqué to Cut Edge
Appliqué – Decorative fabric motifs, often lace or organza, sewn onto the veil for texture and depth. Perfect for adding floral or botanical touches.
Attached comb – The comb, usually metal or plastic, that secures the veil in place. All Rebecca Anne Designs veils include an attached comb for secure, easy wear.
Beading – Pearls, crystals, or sequins sewn into the tulle to add shimmer and dimension.
Birdcage veil – A short, vintage-inspired style made from French netting that frames the face for a chic, city-ready look.
Blusher veil – A shorter front layer traditionally worn over the face during the ceremony, often part of a two-tier design. Explore examples: Two-Tier Veils
Cathedral veil – A long, dramatic veil extending beyond the gown’s train, ideal for formal ceremonies and grand spaces.
Chapel veil – Slightly shorter than a cathedral veil, offering classic elegance with easier movement — a perfect balance of romance and practicality. Learn more: Cathedral Length Veils vs Chapel Length Veils
Cut edge – A clean, unhemmed finish that gives a soft, modern look and works beautifully with minimalist bridal styles.
Pearl-detailed birdcage veil — a chic, vintage-inspired style that frames the face with effortless modern elegance.
Key Takeaway: From delicate appliqué to dramatic cathedral veils, understanding these veil terms helps you recognise the details that define your bridal style.
A bespoke embroidered drape cape — attached softly at the shoulders to create a flowing, modern alternative to the traditional veil.
Creating an embroidered veil — translating hand-drawn floral artwork into stitch using modern needlework techniques.
D–F: Drop Veil to French Net
Drop veil – A single layer of tulle draped softly over the head without gathering or a visible seam, creating an ethereal, floaty effect. This minimalist style beautifully showcases delicate embroidery or personalised details. Read more: Drop Veil Guide
Drape cape – A contemporary alternative to the traditional veil. Attached at the shoulders or gown straps rather than the head, it cascades down the back for a modern, editorial silhouette — ideal for brides seeking movement without covering their hairstyle. See inspiration: Drape Cape Design
Drape veil – Similar in softness but worn from the head rather than the shoulders. The tulle drapes from either side of a headband, comb, or crown, offering relaxed elegance and a romantic frame around the shoulders.
Double-tier veil – A two-layer design often used to include a blusher or add volume. It offers versatility, with the option to lift the front layer during the ceremony or keep both cascading behind for added fullness.
Embroidered veil – A veil adorned with stitched motifs, lettering, or artwork created directly onto the tulle. My signature embroidery technique allows each design to become deeply personal — from botanical line art to bespoke wording. Discover more: Embroidered Veils
Fingertip veil – A mid-length style that reaches the fingertips when your arms are at your sides. Elegant and balanced, it complements both minimalist gowns and detailed embroidery.
French net – A fine, open-weave netting most often used in birdcage veils. It lends a touch of vintage glamour and structure to contemporary bridal looks.
A note on design: From softly draped capes to fingertip-length embroidery, these veil styles explore modern interpretations of tradition — proving that there’s more than one way to frame your bridal look.
G–L: Gathering to Lace
Gathering – The small, ruched section of tulle where the veil attaches to the comb. Gathering creates volume and shape, giving the veil soft body when it falls.
Guipure lace – A heavier lace style made without a net background, featuring bold, raised motifs. Perfect for brides who want their veil edging to feel striking and textural.
Horsehair edge – A fine, structured braid sewn along the veil’s edge. It gives gentle lift and definition, helping the veil hold its shape as it moves.
Ivory veil – The most popular veil shade, sitting softly between white and cream. Ivory flatters most bridal gown tones, particularly natural silks and warm complexions. Contact Rebecca to order your sample swatch and see for yourself how beautifully it matches your dress.
Juliet cap veil – A vintage-inspired style that fits closely to the crown of the head and is secured with side pins or subtle combs. Originating from the 1920s, it lends an old-Hollywood, romantic feel to a bridal look.
Lace veil – Any veil finished with lace edging or featuring lace appliqué motifs. Whether Alençon or guipure, lace veils bring texture and heritage detail to modern bridal styling.
Loops – Small, discreet loops sewn into the top of a veil to help secure it with hairpins or attach it to a comb. They allow flexibility in styling, ideal for low buns, soft waves, or for brides who wish to wear their veil without a fixed comb. Learn more: How to Wear Your Wedding Veil
Veil loops sewn along the top edge — designed to secure the veil discreetly with hairpins or attach to a comb for a custom fit.
Working with soft ivory tulle in the Rebecca Anne Designs studio — the most popular shade for bridal veils, complementing almost every gown tone.
Designer’s note: Lace and structure have always defined bridal tradition, but these veil details show how subtle finishes — a touch of gathering, a fine edge, or a hint of lace — can completely transform the way a veil moves and feels.
An embroidered mantilla veil — reimagining the traditional Spanish silhouette with delicate stitched florals for a modern, romantic look.
A modern pearl veil — scattered with delicate pearls for a soft, luminous finish that elevates minimalist bridal styling.
M–P: Mantilla Veil to Personalised Veil
Mantilla veil – A Spanish-inspired veil with an ornate lace edge, worn flat against the head to frame the face. Known for its circular drape and romantic finish, the mantilla creates a halo-like effect that feels timeless yet striking. Read more: Mantilla Veil Guide
Minimalist veil – Simple and understated, this style favours clean lines and soft tulle without added embellishment. Perfect for brides who want the veil to enhance — not compete with — their gown.
Maximalist veil – The opposite approach: rich detail, statement embroidery, and impactful length. This design direction celebrates individuality and is ideal for brides seeking a couture moment. Explore inspiration: Statement Veils
Metal comb – A durable comb option, ideal for supporting longer or heavier veils. Its finer teeth provide secure placement without adding visible bulk.
Pearl veil – A veil scattered with delicate pearls, adding soft texture and subtle luminosity. Pearls bring a luxurious dimension that pairs beautifully with both satin and tulle fabrics. Discover more: Pearl Veils
Personalised veil – A bespoke veil embroidered with names, dates, vows, or meaningful quotes. Every personalised design begins with a conversation and transforms sentiment into stitch — a modern heirloom made entirely for you. See more personalisation: Script Veils
Pencil or 'picot' edge – A fine, narrow stitched border that provides subtle definition without overpowering the design. Ideal for structured gowns or modern minimal styling. Learn more: Veil Edgings and Trims
Creative insight: From the drama of a mantilla to the intimacy of a personalised veil, these styles celebrate contrast — the art of balancing simplicity and statement, tradition and individuality.
Q–Z: Quiet Luxury Veil to Zenith of Design
Quiet luxury veil – A contemporary phrase describing veils that embody refined simplicity — soft, minimal designs created from the finest tulle and expert embroidery. These veils focus on quality, balance, and intention rather than embellishment, offering quiet confidence and modern grace.
Raw cut edge – A minimal, unhemmed edge that gives a soft, seamless finish. This style works beautifully for modern brides who prefer simplicity and fluidity over structure.
Royal length veil – Longer than cathedral length, this veil creates a grand and theatrical effect. Designed for statement entrances, it’s ideal for high-impact settings and editorial bridal styling.
Short wedding veil – Any veil that falls above elbow length, including birdcage, shoulder, or waist designs. Short veils add personality and are perfect for city weddings or second looks.
Statement veil – A bold, design-led veil that serves as the focal point of your look. Whether through embroidery, embellishment, or scale, it’s designed to express personality and presence. Be inspired by veil designs.
Two-tier veil – A veil made with two layers of tulle, often including a blusher. It adds versatility and depth, allowing different looks for the ceremony and reception.
Waterfall veil – A cascading design that falls in gentle waves, creating movement and dimension as it trails behind.
Wildflower veil – Embroidery inspired by meadow botanicals. A poetic, free-spirited choice that brings artful texture and individuality to a bridal look. View floral veil designs
Zenith of design – The pinnacle of artistry — when every element of a veil, from concept to stitch, aligns perfectly with the bride’s vision. It represents the harmony between creativity, emotion, and expert needlework that defines Rebecca Anne Designs. Contact Rebecca now to begin your veil design journey.
A royal length veil — extending beyond cathedral length for a dramatic, statement silhouette, designed for grand spaces and timeless photographs.
Wildflower embroidery — delicate stitched florals inspired by meadow blooms, bringing a romantic and organic touch to a modern veil design.
Final Reflection: From quiet luxury to the zenith of design, this glossary reveals the artistry, detail, and devotion behind every veil — proof that true elegance lies in intention, not excess.
Begin Your Bespoke Veil Journey
Your veil should be more than beautiful — it should mean something.Every Rebecca Anne Designs veil begins with a conversation, translating your story into embroidery, texture, and movement. Whether you’re drawn to soft simplicity or intricate detail, your design will be made bespoke, created with intention, and finished by hand in my Devon studio.If this glossary has helped you discover the styles and details you love, I’d be delighted to bring your ideas to life.
In essence: Understanding veil terms and styles helps you choose a design that feels authentically yours. Whether you’re drawn to understated simplicity or detailed embroidery, your veil should capture the heart of your story — your love, your way.