You won’t find a shortage of topics discussing wedding veil length (in this blog, no less), but not much on width. This is evident in the fact that the industry has a name for every length, from the 10 cm birdcage veil to a three-metre cathedral veil. In contrast, there’s no list of unique names for classifying veils according to width.
Regardless, a veil’s width is as much of a key consideration as its length. A one-track mind in favour of the latter can result in a veil that either falls short on impact or feels like you’re drowning in tulle. Allow this veil width guide to help navigate the intricacies of accounting for width to pull off the bridal look that you desire.
ALINA | One-tier Veil with Beads & Sequins
Slim, Medium, and Full
Despite the lack of catchy names, designers still have names for three common wedding veil widths. Slim is the least wide, followed by medium, then full.
Type |
Width (in/cm) |
Look & Feel |
Best For |
Style Tip |
|
Slim |
54 in/137 cm |
Light and minimalist |
Brides who want just a soft touch of tulle without too much volume |
Works beautifully with sheath gowns, slip dresses, or dresses with elaborate detailing you don’t want to cover. |
|
Medium |
72/183 cm |
A balanced amount of fullness without being too wide. |
Almost any dress silhouette. This is the most versatile choice and works for brides who want coverage without too much drama. |
Perfect if you’re unsure and want a classic look. This is the “safe but beautiful” option. |
|
Full |
108/274 cm |
Full and flowing, with dramatic coverage around the body. |
Ball gowns, A-line dresses, or any bride wanting that romantic, ethereal effect. |
Creates a dramatic frame around your dress, especially in photos. Ideal for brides seeking a regal or fairytale vibe. |
A slim or narrow veil provides the least fluff, giving the appearance of the bare minimum of tulle to grace your head. This width is great for brides who want their wedding gown to be the centre of attention among their bridal ensembles. As the term suggests, a medium or standard veil offers a balance between sheerness and volume. Think of it as the “baby bear” of the three, just right for various gown designs. This veil works well with spaghetti strap wedding gowns, as it offers some shoulder coverage.
Lastly, the full veil (also called extra full or extra wide) is the perfect choice for brides who want to make a statement at their wedding. The increased volume or fluffiness frames the wedding dress train better than the other two widths.
Besides commercially available lengths and widths, designers such as Madame Tulle also tailor a lace wedding veil using custom dimensions. Whether calling for much narrower or wider designs, they create handcrafted veils with a range of wedding veil lace styles in mind. If you’re already thinking about which veil suits you best, it’s a sign to ask our team.
Veil Length is a Factor
One reason width isn’t as widely discussed as length in tailoring a bridal veil is that those who prefer short veil lengths can get away with any width. Be it slim or full, it all boils down to personal preference and not much else. That said, some designers suggest the medium width for its flexibility when paired with various wedding dresses.
However, veils that go beyond the shoulders (e.g., fingertip veil, cathedral-length veil) are a different matter, especially floor-length ones. A slim veil loses points here because it can appear sparse relative to the train (assuming the bride’s wearing a long wedding dress).
A good rule of thumb is that a veil’s fullness is directly proportional to that of the wedding dress. A veil that frames the train nicely is worth wearing on your special day.
CELINE II | Drop Veil with Lace Trim
Check out this post for a list of commercial and custom wedding veil lengths to get started. Short lace wedding veils, in this case, usually don’t go beyond the shoulders or 56 cm in length (can vary with the bride’s height).
Mind the Environment
The longer and wider the lace trim veil, the more prone it is to get caught on a branch or any other obstruction. As such, it pays to consider the wedding venue during the laced veil’s design process. Even with a clear path to the altar, you can never be truly sure.
As we discussed in our piece on wearing cathedral-length veils outdoors, floor-length veils aren’t exactly made with practicality in mind. Aside from catching loose branches and rocks, they can also be vulnerable to unaware guests stepping on them. If you’re going for a full bridal veil, you’d want to take precautions to preserve its elegance.
Meanwhile, if you're okay with them, go for shorter lace veils. They’re more manageable both indoors and outdoors and, as mentioned earlier, aren’t strict about the appropriate veil width. You can even keep wearing them during the reception, where they’ll be safe from the high foot traffic and the subsequent dancing.
Wrapping Up
When considering a bridal veil’s width, take into account your preferred veil length and the environment it’ll be used in. Longer veils look better in fuller veil widths, but they can be prone to catching debris and being stepped on. On the other hand, shorter veils can look good in any width and are versatile in various environments.
