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Veil Lengths: A Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered how long a cathedral length veil is? Or a chapel length veil? This comprehensive veil length guide will fill you in on all the traditional veil sizes.

Wedding veil lengths can be a somewhat confusing topic for brides as different makers and suppliers can have slightly different measurements and even different names for the same lengths. However, there are some industry-standard veil lengths which we’re going to show you below. We typically refer to veil lengths in inches but have included measurements in centimetres as well.

After checking out our wedding veil length guide, you might also like to read our guides on veil widths, gathering, beading, colours & fabrics & edgings! We also in-depth answer your Top 20 veil-related questions in our Ultimate Wedding Veil Guide.
You can also shop veils of all lengths here: Our Veil Collection.

Veil Length Names

Shorter veils are usually named for where (approximately) on the body the veil will fall. For example “Waist length”, “Fingertip length” etc. Longer veils tend to be named after wedding ceremonial venues. For example “Chapel length”, “Cathedral length”. The bigger the church, the bigger the veil!

ELIZABETH – two layer cathedral length wedding veil with ornate lace detailing

Our Veil Lengths

Below you’ll find each of our veil lengths for both our one and two layer veils. In brackets next to the individual layer lengths for our two layer veils, we’ve added a combined length of both layers. We include this so if you’ve been given a measurement by your dress shop (as mentioned below), you may find a figure you recognise there.

(Wedding veil lengths have always traditionally been measured in inches but we’ve now also added a converted measurement in cm to each length as well as a veil length conversion chart).

PIXIE - one tier shoulder length veil with scattered diamantes

One Layer, Shoulder Length: 20″

How long is a shoulder length veil?

A shoulder length veil is around 50cm or 20 inches from comb to end. It is the shortest and sweetest of our wedding veil lengths. A token nod to tradition without taking anything away from the dress. A single layer shoulder length veil will end just at the top of your dress and provide a touch of softness to your look.

Charlie – two layer shoulder length wedding veil with a pencil edge

Two Layer, Shoulder Length: 18″+20″ (38″)

The two layer version has a little more fabric that will sit prettily across the shoulders. The size and shape of this short, quirky veil makes a great pairing for tea length dresses.

In centimetres: 45+50cm (90cm)

Chloe - one layer elbow length veil with pearls "falling stars"

One Layer, Elbow Length: 25″

How long is an elbow length veil?

An elbow length veil is around 63cm or 25 inches from comb to end. Elbow length veils are another great option for brides looking for a short veil, but with a touch more flow than the very short shoulder length veils. This length looks great with a vintage 50s 60s bridal look.

Priscilla - 1960's inspired short bouffant wedding veil with a cut edge

Two Layer, Elbow Length: 20″+25″ (45″)

The two layer version in this length has a 20 inch blusher. If you’re hoping to wear your veil over the face, you may wish to go for waist length which has a slightly longer top layer. The extra length means it’s able able to reach further over your hair and headpiece.

In centimetres: 50+63cm (113cm)

Daisy – one layer waist length veil with a pretty narrow ribbon trim

One Layer, Waist Length: 30″

How long is a waist length veil?

A waist length veil is around 76cm or 30 inches from comb to end and is one of the more traditional wedding veil lengths. Often, in dress shops, a waist length veil might be the shortest length available. It’s sometimes described as elbow length as well so just check the measurements. It’s great for A-line gowns with a natural waistline. The bottom of the veil should draw attention to the waist.

Danika - two layer waist length wedding veil with a scalloped edge & teardrop crystals

Two Layer, Waist Length: 24″+30″ (54″)

Depending on where you wear this length – i.e. right on top of the head or closer to the nape – it will sit around waist level on most brides. If your dress has a corset back or a detail that extends down lower than waist height, we would suggest not visually cutting that detail in half with a shorter length veil. Instead, the hip or fingertip length (or longer) would be more suitable.

In centimetres: 61+76cm (137cm)

Sophia - one layer hip length veil with rhinestone edging

One Layer, Hip Length: 36″

How long is a hip length veil?

A hip length veil is around 91cm or 36 inches from comb to end. Hip length veils are not seen very often in traditional bridal shops, as the lengths typically skip from waist (54in) to fingertip (72in), but we felt there was a need for an in-between option. Call it a “petite fingertip”, if you will.

When we try on veils with brides in our boutique, we often find that for brides 5 foot 4 inches and below, a hip length veil worn at the back of the head, as is currently popular, can actually look more like a fingertip length veil.

You might also sometimes see this length called “wrist” length.

Megan- two layer hip length veil with a pencil edge

Two Layer, Hip Length: 30″+36″ (66″)

The two layer hip length veil is the first length with a full size blusher at 30 inches. It’s a gorgeous, floaty length that you could happily dance the night away in. If you choose a veil that is centre gathered, like our picture, you’ll also have pretty side pieces that will sit around the arms and shoulders if desired. This length would be great with a corset back dress as it would finish just underneath it.

In centimetres: 76+91cm (167cm)

Lauren – single layer fingertip length veil with a pencil edge

One Layer, Fingertip Length: 42″

How long is a fingertip length veil?

A fingertip length veil is around 106cm or 42 inches from comb to end and is one of the most popular wedding veil lengths. Fingertip length is an ideal length for mermaid/fishtail style gowns. This is because the veil ends at fingertip level just before the skirt kicks out at the knee. This creates a very pleasing look as it makes sense visually for it to end at that spot. It’s a great combination of dress and veil styles.

Fearne - two tier fingertip length veil with a wide sheer ribbon edge

Two Layer, Fingertip Length: 30″+42″ (72″)

Another one of the most popular wedding veil lengths, the two layer fingertip veil is often described as a 72 inch in bridal shops. It’s a great option for many brides. For a short veil it’s still long enough to look flowing and elegant. It should end somewhere arround a bride’s fingertips but naturally this will depend on her height.

In centimetres: 76+106cm (182cm)

Camilla - single layer waltz length waterfall cut veil with satin edging

One Layer, Waltz Length: 60″

How long is a waltz length veil?

A waltz length veil is around 152cm or 60 inches from comb to end. Waltz length, also sometimes known as ‘ballet’ length, is around 5 feet long so on most people it will come to ankle or calf level (depending on your height) but won’t reach the floor. This makes it perfect for dancing (hence the name) while still achieving the look of a long, flowing veil! Waltz length is the most recent addition to our fantastic range of veil lengths. It could also be a great option for a dress with no train, or maybe even an ankle length tea dress.

Rosie - two tier waltz length ribbon edge veil

Two Layer, Waltz Length: 30″+60″ (90″)

Along with the potential benefits we highlighted above — having the look of a long veil with none of the hassles! — we also love the way the waltz length veil ends just before the trains starts to flare out. Perfect if you have a detailed train, perhap with lace. If you opted for a cut edge veil in this length it would almost seem to disappear into the dress just before the show-stopping train.

In centimetres: 76+152cm (228cm)

Charlotte – one layer floor length veil with a pencil edge (main)

One Layer, Floor Length: 78″

How long is a floor length veil?

A floor length veil is around 198cm or 72 inches from comb to end. Floor length veils, though perhaps not as popular as chapel or cathedral length, are a great option for those who’d like a full length veil and whose gown is without a train of its own. It’s the first of our veil lengths to fully touch the floor. The length of 78 inches equates to 6 foot 6 inches, so you could use your own height, plus heels, to figure out how much of it would skim the floor. But in general, it creates just a small puddle train. Great for slim boho style gowns which are often without train.

In centimetres: 198cm

Isla – two layer floor length veil with a cut edge & scattered pearls walking

Two Layer, Floor Length: 30″+78″ (108″)

The two layer floor length veil is a pretty option for many brides. The small pudde train effect is easy to manage and the blusher layer means you can do the traditional lifting of the veil. Be sure to check the length of your gown’s train before ordering a floor length veil. We recommend that once the veils reach floor length, they should extend past the end of your gown for the best effect. Most dresses with trains need a chapel length veil at least.

In centimetres: 76+198cm (274cm)

Carina - chapel length wedding veil with diamantes

One Layer, Chapel Length: 96″

How long is a chapel length veil?

A chapel length veil is around 244cm or 96 inches from comb to end. The most popular veil length by far is chapel length (sometimes called church length), and the single layer version in particular, has always been our bestselling style. We have more designs in this length than any other for that very reason. Not only do they look beautiful with any dress, they also make amazing photography props giving your photographer so many fun and pretty pose options to use. Like trailing the veil down a grand staircase, or letting the breeze catch in it. So pretty!

Chapel length wedding veil with a satin edge on brunette bride

Two Layer, Chapel Length: 30″+96″ (126″)

Could there be anything more classically bridal than a full length veil worn over the face? The reason the longest lengths are named after chapels and cathedrals is because they suit the grandness of those locations perfectly. In your bridal dress shop, you may have heard this length called a 126 inch veil. It’s slightly more popular than the ultra-long cathedral length below.

In centimetres: 76+244cm (320cm)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dxMP8ivht0

One Layer, Cathedral Length: 114″

How long is a cathedral length veil?

A cathedral length veil is around 290cm or 114 inches from comb to end. Cathedral has always been the longest wedding veil length, traditionally. Although, nowadays, there’s an even longer veil length called “royal” length (which you can request as a custom order!). A veil that extends past the ends of the dress, particularly if it has lacey detail at the bottom, is just about as classically bridal as you can get. And we’re here for it! If you also have the veil made in the widest width (108 inches) as well, you can create the most beautiful floor spread that will look amazing in pictures!

Serena - two layer cathedral length veil with crystals falling stars

Two Layer, Cathedral Length: 30″+114″ (144″)

Some wedding dress trains require the extra length that a cathedral length veil provides. If you try to pair a chapel length veil with a cathedral length train, it’s going to end a good few inches shy of the end of the dress and look slightly strange. If you’re not sure if you need chapel or cathedral length, send us a picture of your dress. Preferably taken from the side view. We’ll take a look and try to calculate how many feet sit on the floor. We can’t guarantee we’ll be able to figure it out from a picture, but if not, we’ll let you know how to measure up next time you try the dress on.

In centimetres: 76+290cm (366cm)

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Phoenix - one layer cathedral length veil with diamantes "falling stars"

More Tips of Finding the Right Veil Length For Your Dress

Chapel Length Vs Cathedral Length

A question we often receive is: what is difference between chapel length and cathedral length? Well, the short answer is it’s about 18 inches since chapel length is 96 inches and cathedral length is 114 inches. For the average bride who is around 5 foot 5 inches tall, with a chapel length veil you would have around 31 inches of tulle that touches the floor (roughly 2.5ft), and for cathedral length you would have 49 inches (roughly 4ft).

Most dresses have either a chapel length or a cathedral length train. If you’re not sure which yours has there are a few things you can do:

  1. Obviously, having a measure-up in your wedding dress would be ideal. With a dressmaker’s tape, measure loosely from the head down letting the tape drape like a veil would, then simply refer to the lengths listed above and see which size would fit best.
  2. For some brides, however, we know that’s not possible. Perhaps because your dress is still on order or being altered. Therefore, the next best thing would be to “eyeball” it from a picture with the help of the following video we have made for you. This should help you try and gauge which you need by seeing both lengths side by side.
  3. Send us a picture of your dress. Ideally with it fully spread out and from the side is the best angle to try to see how much fabric sits flat to the floor, which is the main thing we’d be looking for.

For a chapel versus cathedral veil length comparison, check out this reel >>>

Veil Length Measurements

When it comes to veil measurements, there’s a little extra tip we’d like to give.

A lot of our brides come to us after trying on their dress armed with measurements needed for their veil. Which is great, but… there’s sometimes a little bit of confusion.

You see, a lot of bridal shops measure their wedding veil lengths by adding both layers together. For example, a chapel length veil is often listed as 126″ in length which is the combined length of a 96″ long layer and a 30″ blusher (shorter layer). But, because we sell an equal number of single layer veils to two layer veils, we list our veil lengths individually. So please bare this in mind.

The reason we are aware this issue pops up for our brides is, in fact, to do with the 126″ length in particular. They will often call us and say they’ve been told they need a veil that is at least 126″ long but they notice that our veils only go up to 114″ so can we please make them a longer one? When, in fact, the 114″ veil we have is actually already longer than the 126″ (combined length) veil they’re referring to. If combined with a 30″ top layer in the same way it would be 144″ in total.

Veil Lengths Inches to Centimetres

  • 20in/ 50cm Shoulder Length Veil
  • 25in / 63cm Elbow Length Veil
  • 30in / 76cm Waist Length Veil
  • 36in / 91cm Hip Length Veil
  • 42in / 106cm Fingertip Length Veil
  • 60in / 152cm Waltz Length Veil
  • 78in / 198cm Floor Length Veil
  • 96in / 244cm Chapel Length Veil
  • 114in / 290cm Cathedral Length Veil

What Veil Length Would Best Suit My Dress?

“What veil length should I wear?” is a frequently asked question we receive that sort of suggests that there is only one correct length for a particular dress and that’s not the case at all. It’s 100% personal preference. If your heart is set on a short veil then simply choose whichever short length best flatters your dress. For example, fingertip length always looks great with a fit and flare dress as it ends at the point where the train starts to flare out which looks really pretty. Or if you’d prefer a long veil and want to match the length of your veil to the length of your dress, refer to the section above on chapel length vs cathedral length and choose the one that will fit your train length.

Should A Veil Be Longer Than Your Train?

Yes, as a general rule if you’re having a full-length veil it should be longer than your dress. For example, if you have no train on your dress or just a very minimal puddle train or sweep, you could choose a floor length veil. For a dress with a full train that sits in a nice half-circle on the ground, you will need either chapel length or cathedral length depending on how long your train is. Our suggestion would be to measure from your head to the end of your dress with a loose dressmaker’s tape measure. Your veil should be around 10-12 inches (or more if you like) longer than your dress.

Something Else to Consider

When considering how to choose the right wedding veil for your dress, along with getting the perfect length, the width of a wedding veil also plays a big part in its overall appearance. A long, wide veil has a much more dramatic appearance than a slim and narrow one as it fully surrounds your train and creates an impressive spread on the floor. For more on this topic, read our Veil Width Guide.

veil lengths size guide

More Guidance

So that’s it. We have imparted all knowledge from our heads into yours and we hope you found our veil length guide super helpful! Of course, there’s nothing quite like the personal touch. If you’re still hopelessly lost and need some one-on-one advice on which of our veil lengths to go for, just send us a picture of your dress and tell us whether you’re thinking of having a long (waltz, floor, chapel, cathedral) or short (shoulder to fingertip) veil, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Be sure to also check out our guide to veil widths and gathering. The other important factors in getting just the right veil shape and look.

We have some wonderful boards on Pinterest here with images of our short veils and long veils. Check them out!

Or why not pin this all-in-one veil length chart to your own boards for future reference. >>>

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