Cathedral length veils are some of the longest types of wedding veils we offer – and also among the longest in the market. Depending on the designer, it can be made at a length between 108 and 120 inches (274 and 305 cm). Regardless of the bride’s height, this veil will drag along the floor as she walks down the aisle, sweeping gracefully across the floor, adding an undeniable touch of grandeur to any wedding gown.
The allure of the cathedral wedding veil lies in its timeless appeal. It's a popular choice that complements a variety of wedding styles, from traditional to modern. The image of a bride walking down the aisle, enveloped in a cloud of delicate fabric, is a vision of ethereal beauty. But beyond its aesthetic impact, is there a curious history behind the name? Where does the name come from? Did it grace the aisle of a grand cathedral first? Maybe the inventor’s name or the name of the one who popularised it is Cathedral. That last one might be a stretch, but let’s try finding out the truth here.
What’s In A Name
We’ve discussed the history of wedding veils in as much detail as we can in our previous blog posts. We won’t go into detail about it here, not just because said posts have already covered them, but also because – as far as the history of cathedral veils goes – the story is surprisingly simple.
Long veils have been around for ages. Ancient Roman brides, for example, wore flammeum or "flame-coloured" veils that often touched the floor. With long gowns being the norm, it was only natural. The connection between length and grandeur has been established for centuries.
As for how the cathedral veil got its name, there’s barely any evidence suggesting that the term held any deeper meaning. In other words, it’s a veil used for weddings in cathedrals (and, in some cases, churches). It’s a longer bridal veil, just as a cathedral is a bigger church.
In fact, a short veil like the cap or birdcage veil style has a more definitive history than its long counterparts. These wedding veils came to be during World War II when veil designers had to look for ways to make do with a shortage of fabric and other materials (most of the fabric supply was allocated to aid the war effort).
Some experts say the name itself isn’t even that old. Cathedral veils became in style in the 2000s as preferences among brides moved from intricacy to simplicity. To compensate for the lack of ornamentation (at most, the veils would have lace patterns), they had their veils made much longer and chose more grandiose venues for tying the knot, like cathedrals.
Cathedral vs. Chapel Veils
Similar to cathedral veils, chapel veils are also used in weddings in all types of churches. However, their similarities end there. We discussed the difference between the two in a past blog post, but here’s a rapid-fire review.
Cathedral Veil
- Average length between 108 and 120 inches (274 and 305 cm)
- Has more volume relative to its length but can be a bit tricky to wear
- Goes well with full-length wedding dresses (e.g., ball gowns, A-lines)
- Great if you really want to pull all the stops on your special day
Chapel Veil
- Average length between 83 and 97 inches (210 and 246 cm)
- Lower volume makes it easier to wear and move around or down the aisle
- Goes well with dresses with shorter trains or a lack thereof
- Great if you want an amazing wedding while spending less
Don’t let their names restrict you from choosing one over the other. There’s no federal or religious law stating that brides must wear a cathedral or chapel length veil when getting married in a cathedral or chapel, respectively. While the name "cathedral veil" might lack a romantic backstory, the veil itself is anything but ordinary. Its length and simplicity create a striking contrast that captures attention. And while it’s often associated with grand, church weddings, it can also be a stunning choice for more intimate ceremonies. Ultimately, the perfect veil is the one that makes the bride feel her best.
Can It Get Any Longer?
As far as the wedding veil market goes, the cathedral length veil is the longest type that most veil designers offer. Few brides see any reason to make it longer, considering the challenges of wearing and moving around one that’s longer than 120 inches (305 cm). Of course, it didn’t stop certain brides from making a statement with their veils during their wedding.
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Queen Victoria’s Wedding Veil (144 in/366 cm)
It's no surprise that the mother of modern bridal fashion would be mentioned here. Part of her legendary wedding ensemble included a veil that measured four yards long and ¾ of a yard wide. While historians said her bridal outfit wasn’t necessarily one of a kind, it set the template for countless generations of brides.
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Meghan Markle’s Wedding Veil (197 in/500 cm)
At five metres long, the Duchess of Sussex’s silk tulle wedding veil paid homage to Princess Diana (who wore a 7.6-metre wedding veil at her wedding in 1981) and her new home by adorning the edge with embroidered flowers. Each flower represented one of the 53 Commonwealth countries, including Australia’s golden wattle.
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Priyanka Chopra’s Wedding Veil (900 in/2,286 cm)
Nope, that isn’t a typo. The wedding veil Priyanka wore when she tied the knot with one of the Jonas Brothers measured a show-stopping 23 metres, more than four times the length of the Duchess of Sussex’s veil. She donned this veil at her Christian wedding ((and also had a Hindu wedding the following day).
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The World’s Longest Wedding Veil
So far, the examples here have all been celebrities. Yet, their wedding veils didn’t hold a candle to the current record holder: Maria Paraskeva’s seven-kilometre-long veil. We didn’t even bother converting it into inches and centimetres like the other three because we all know how long seven kilometres is.
Should you aim for such a lengthy wedding veil? Ultimately, the decision of how long your veil should be is a personal one. Perhaps you dream of a show-stopping bridal look that will be remembered for years to come. Or maybe you prefer a more classic and understated bridal style. Whatever your vision, Madame Tulle can help bring your dream to life. Remember, the most important thing is that your veil complements your overall wedding style and makes you feel confident and beautiful on your big day.
Conclusion
While the term "cathedral veil" might seem simple, the impact it can have on your wedding day is extraordinary. Its length and elegance create a dramatic and unforgettable look. Ultimately, it's a personal choice that reflects your unique style and vision. Whether you envision a classic, timeless look or a bold, modern statement, the perfect cathedral veil can elevate your bridal ensemble.
