What is a blusher? 
A blusher is the layer of veil you wear over your face while walking down the aisle. Some brides choose to wear one while others do not. Back to top
 

What is a tier? 
Each layer of a veil is called a tier. You can have a one, two, three or even more tiered veil. The tiers can be different lengths or all the same. Back to top
 

What is a cathedral, flyaway and ballerina veil?
There are seven standard lengths of veil. 1) Shoulder length is also known as a flyaway veil and skims the shoulders. 2) Elbow length falls at the elbow. 3) Fingertip falls at the fingertips when arms lay at your side and fingers are extended. 4) Waltz, also known as a Ballerina or Walking veil, ends about 8 to 12 inches above the floor. 5) Chapel length just reaches the floor 6) Sweep trails the floor by one to two feet. Standard length is 108". 7) Cathedral: This veil is the most formal of all veils. This option usually will trail the train on your dress by a minimum of one foot. Some brides choose to wear a Cathedral veil with a gown that has no train, giving the effect of a train. Standard length is 110" to 180" with the standard being 130". The veil standard lengths are just guidelines. Your veil should be proportionate to your measurements and gown. Back to top
 

What if I do not want to wear a veil? 
You can wear a headpiece without a veil and you can also wear a veil but not a headpiece. Back to top
 

What if the veil gets in my way during the reception? 
Your veil can be made detachable so that you can wear it for the ceremony and remove it for the reception. It is also possible to remove just one tier (if you have more than one) or replace one veil, say a long cathedral veil, with a shorter veil for your reception. Back to top
 

What if I can't find a veil to match my gown? 
Depending on where you purchase your veil, it can sometimes be dyed to match your gown exactly. If you do not want your veil dyed, you should choose a color slightly lighter than your gown. Many veils are sheer enough that when put together, they will look the same color. Back to top
 

What are the trims on a veil? 
The edge of a veil can be unfinished or finished. Unfinished veils have no trim around the edge. Finished veils have a trim. The most common trims are ribbon (in different widths), pencil edge (surged with thread), satin cord, soutache and organza. Embroidery, pearl and rhinestone edges are always an option too as is color. Back to top
 

How does your headpiece stay secure?
The security and comfort of your headpiece is just as important as its looks. You won't care too much if it looks great if you are feeling uncomfortable or it flys off during a dance. Make sure the headpiece will attach securely to your hair. Headpieces are usually attached using a metal band or comb. Make sure whichever you choose is best for you. Back to top
 

How will I know the headpiece can work with the hairstyle I have chosen? 
Many headpieces can work with various hairstyles. However, there are some that cannot. The person that is selling you the veil should be aware of how you are going to wear your hair. If you have not decided yet, pick a headpiece that can be worn with any hairstyle - all up, half up half down or all down. Back to top
 

What should I do if my fiance is shorter than I am? 
If your fiance is shorter than you or about the same height, you may choose a shorter headpiece and choose to wear the veil in the back of your head rather than on top. This would help to minimize the difference in height. This is a personal decision, however, and you may choose not to let height be a factor. Back to top
 

What if I won't have my gown in time to look for my veil? 
It is very common not to have your gown when you shop for your headpiece and veil, often because the gowns take a while to order. If you are unable to bring your gown or don't want to bring it because it is too cumbersome, you may want to consider the following: 1) Wear a white or ivory shirt 2) Bring a picture of your dress and 3) Bring a swatch of your gown if you have one.Back to top
 

How can I get a veil I love without spending a fortune?
One of the most common questions we get asked is whether we can make a veil similar to ones brides have seen in pricey bridal salons. They have a particular veil they have seen, but do not want to spend a small fortune on it after spending so much on their gown. There are a couple of solutions. You can try to find a similar veil on a website that sells veils and headpieces. Many of the brides we work with either can't find a similar veil or do not feel comfortable ordering over the Internet. In those cases we are often able to make a similar veil at a fraction of the cost. Back to top

I have a question that is not answered in the veil tips. 
Feel free to e-mail us with any question. We would be happy to help answer it. Back to top



Christine@bridalveilsofec.com  (p) 410-461-4950  (f) 410-461-1162  Ellicott City, MD, US
What is a blusher?
What is a tier?
What is a cathedral, flyaway and ballerina veil?
What if I don't want to wear a veil?
What if the veil gets in my way during the reception?
What if I can't find a veil to match my gown?
What are the trims on the veil?
How does your headpiece stay secure?
How do I know if the headpiece will work with the hairstyle I have chosen?
What should I do if my fiance is shorter than I am?
What if I won't have my gown in time to look for my veil?
I have a question that was not answered in the veil tips?
How can I get a veil or headpiece I love without spending a fortune?
Check out one of our brides in "The Knot" Wedding MD, DC & VA spring/summer  edition.