The long and short of veil speak from blushers to cathedrals.
By Jessica Miga
As you’ll remember from a piece featured in Engaged’s August newsletter, there’s much to consider when choosing hair accessories to complete your bridal look. Nancy Rodrigues Spirito of Bridal Finery talked about how important length can be when finding a veil that complements, rather than deters, from your dress. We caught up with Spirito once again and asked her for a rundown of common veil styles and lengths.
Blusher: A single layer often worn over the face and pulled back during the ceremony when receiving a kiss from the person giving you away or from your new husband.
Shoulder: Using your body as a guideline, this veil consists of a single layer that extends to the shoulders.
Flyaway: Another version of the shoulder veil. The flyaway is multi-layered tulle (two to four layers) that brushes the shoulders. It is considered fun, chic and modern.
Elbow: As its name implies, this length typically falls where your elbow bends or at the waist. This is the most versatile veil. Considered casual on its own, it can be made more formal by adding a second layer worn as a blusher.
Fingertip: This veil can turn from flattering to awkward depending on where the bottom edge sits in comparison to the design lines and detail work on the back of the dress. This length often needs to be customized on an individual basis.
Ballet (waltz): The ballet veil, also known as the waltz, falls between the back of the knee and ankles.
Chapel (fishtail or sweep): This veil extends down to the floor, just beyond the sweep (back hem) of the dress. Chapel veils are often combined with a blusher or an elbow length to be worn as a blusher.
Cathedral: Trimmed or untrimmed, the cathedral veil is the most formal of all veil styles and lengths. Traditionally, cathedral veils have been worn in a formal place of worship. This veil is typically held, bustled, or removed for the reception.
For more information on Bridal Finery, e-mail Nancy Rodrigues Spirito at bridalfinery@cox.net or call 965-6556.