Wedding veil types explained

For a first-time bride, figuring out the right style of the veil might be confusing - there are so many options and things to consider. You have to think about your wedding theme, your bridal gown style, your wedding color palette. Moreover, when deciding to buy a bridal veil, you have to consider how to match your veil to your dress, how the veil is going to look in the photos, and what veil length to choose. We have created a guide to help you navigate all the different types of wedding veils to make your choice easier.

Classic veil on a comb

A staple in the bridal industry. If you want to go with a classic wedding look, you cannot go wrong with this veil! Made with bridal illusion tulle, it is transparent, airy and lightweight. The top of the veil has a gathering which is then hand-sewn to a small comb. The veil then expands to the bottom complementing the bride’s silhouette. 

Pictured Cathedral veil

Drop veil (veil with a blusher)

Essentially, this is a big piece of soft tulle hand sewn to a metal comb. The blusher is the front piece of the veil that is used to cover the face. The drop veil does not have a gathering, providing instead a fully transparent, minimalist dome-like look, covering the bride from all sides. During the ceremony, just before the kiss, the blusher is flipped back to reveal the bride’s face. The drop veil comes in a variety of forms, from a mini veil to extra wide, and can be made both from tulle and fabric with more coverage like chiffon. 

Pictured Veil with a blusher

Juliet cap veil

This retro-style veil is beloved by brides going for a vintage style wedding. Popular in the 1920s-1930s, this veil still appears in trends lists to this day. The Juliet cap veil has two small gatherings on the sides, creating a cap-like effect and flowing downwards effortlessly. 

Pictured Juliet cap veil

Birdcage veil

A small bridal veil popular with elopements and courthouse ceremonies. It covers your face in the form of a half-bubble. Comes in a variety of forms, can be made from illusion tulle, big net, sewn to one comb or two, embellished or simple. 

Pictured Birdcage veil

Mantilla veil

An insanely popular veil style for the 2025-2027 seasons. Similar to a drop veil, it does not have a gathering, it covers the head falling gracefully to the sides, covering the shoulders and parts of arms. Most of the time a mantilla veil will have a lace trim edge. 

Pictured Mantilla veil

 

Barely there veil

This is a fund style for a bride looking for a very minimalist look. This veil is hand sewn to a comb like a classic veil but it does not have a gathering. It is made of very soft tulle in the shape of a pear, narrow at the top and expanding wider to the bottom.

Pictured Barely there veil

 

Colorful veil

If you are looking for a pop of color in your look without committing to a colorful wedding dress, try considering a veil! It can be made in a variety of colors from soft pastels (blush, blue and cream) to more vibrant shades (lavender, rose) to even black. One step further would be a multicolor veil - like our Unicorn and Fairy veils made with several layers of different colors. 

Pictured Sky blue veil

Pictured Unicorn veil

 

Chiffon veil

An undeniable bestseller of 2025-2026. With the increasing popularity of ‘old money’ looks, this silky chiffon veil provides more coverage than regular tulle. The fabric is heavy and will not fly in the wind but looks amazing in the photos.

Pictured Chiffon veil

Bow veil

When looking for a veil alternative, bows come up as a popular choice. Bridal bows became trendy after Ariana Grande’s wedding and have been occupying Pinterest and other wedding inspiration platforms ever since. From small tulle bows to silky chiffon and English net, bows attached to the veil or separate, you can choose the one that fits your style in the best way. 

Pictured Chiffon bow

Capes

Bridal capes are a great alternative to veils, they are especially popular with brides choosing church ceremonies or winter weddings. They usually provide more coverage if you have an open dress or add unique features to your bridal look (like a fantasy-inspired open shoulder cape).

Pictured Chiffon draped cape

Bandana veil

This headscarf style veil became very trendy in the 2026 wedding season. Similarly to Juliet cap veil, it covers the head cap-style and flows gently behind without covering your shoulders and arms like a traditional veil. 

Pictured Bandana veil

Veil with added elements

Lace, satin, crystal trims - choosing the finishing features of your wedding veil has never been harder! You have so many options - different styles of lace, satin, rhinestones, embroidery and lace patches. Usually brides would choose the lace to complement their bridal gown, the satin for modern looks or civil ceremonies, and rhinestones for glamorous sparkly looks. Custom embroidery with meaningful messages has also grown in popularity over the last few years.

Pictured Heart lace veil

Pictured Heart crystal veil

These are the most popular veil styles available at bridal salons. Our bridal salon  in Ottawa offers all of these styles as well as custom requests according to the bride's needs. If you would like to get more information about which wedding veil to choose for your dress, feel free to contact us for a free consultation!