Chapel Veil vs Cathedral Veil vs Short Veil: What’s Best For You?
In short
Church length (often called chapel length) is 250cm, or 98 inches, from the comb and trails a little on the floor. Cathedral length is 300cm, or 118 inches, and makes a long train. Choose church length for a shorter aisle or small train, cathedral for a long aisle or a long train.
A church length veil (often called chapel length) is 250cm, or 98 inches, from the comb. It trails a little way along the floor behind you. A cathedral length veil is 300cm, or 118 inches, and makes a long train of its own. Choose church length for a smaller venue with a shorter aisle, or a dress with a modest train. Choose cathedral length for a long aisle or a dress with a long train, or when you want the veil to be the drama. A short veil suits a bride who wants to keep it on all day.
Church and cathedral length at a glance
| Church length | Cathedral length | |
|---|---|---|
| Length from the comb | 250cm (98 inches) | 300cm (118 inches) |
| Where it ends | Trails a little on the floor | Makes a long train behind you |
| With a train | Best with no train or a short one | Best with a long train, ending 30 to 50cm past it |
| Venue | Small churches and register offices with narrow aisles | Long aisles in large churches and cathedrals, or open spaces |
| Wearing it | Easy to walk in on your own | Needs a helper to lay it out and carry it |
Our standard lengths are cut for a bride of about 165cm (5ft 5in). On a taller bride a length ends a little higher, and on a shorter bride a little lower. That is why it helps to measure.
For the other lengths, from shoulder to cathedral, see our veil length options.
Think about your height
The first thing I'd suggest you consider is your height. What is fingertip length on someone five foot nine will not be fingertip length on someone five foot one. That doesn't mean fingertip length won't work for you, but you might find it more helpful to look at the lengths in centimetres rather than the traditional names. We can make any veil to an exact length, so if a floor length veil isn't sitting at the floor the way you want, we can make it to fit you. If you want a longer veil over a train, we suggest it ends anywhere between 30 and 50cm past the end of the train.
Think about your venue
Next, look at your venue. Are you walking down the aisle in a small village church where the aisle is no more than ten metres long? A grand hotel with a very wide aisle? A cathedral where the aisle goes on and on? Think about the space you have and the impact you want to make, as well as the practical side. I know practicality is not what you want to think about when you picture your walk down the aisle, but planning ahead keeps that walk everything you hoped for.
If you have a shorter, narrower aisle, an extra wide cathedral length veil might not be the best fit. If you still want to make an impact, church length could really come into its own here. It gives you a train and some drama without catching on corners and the ends of pews. A smaller space can also draw the eye in and up to you. Here a shorter veil, fingertip or even elbow, lets the dress do the talking.
Think about your style
You might have a short, narrow aisle and still be longing for an extra wide, extra long veil. Your own style is the most important thing. If you want your Kourtney Kardashian moment, you should have it. This is the trickiest part, because it means tuning out everyone else and tuning in to your own vision. A Pinterest board helps: you often find, when you look back over it, that every veil you saved is the same length.
The style of the veil matters too. If it has lace motifs around the train, like our Amara veil, you may want cathedral length to give the lace room to show (although we had a bride wear Amara in fingertip and it was lovely at that length too). Or you might lift a simple dress with a shorter lace edged veil, like Ophelia.
Think about comfort
Last, think about comfort. Will you wear your veil all day, or just for the ceremony? Are you having two? If you plan to wear it all day, a short veil might be for you. Personally I love a short veil. I think they're very underrated, with real character, and they can be classic or modern depending on the style. If you're only wearing your veil for the ceremony and photographs, the choice is yours. For the long, windswept shots you might want church or cathedral length.
A long veil outdoors can catch the wind. Magnetic veil weights clip onto the hem and help it settle.
How to measure for your length
When you know roughly what you want, measure from where you will wear the comb on your head to where you would like the veil to end. Wear your wedding shoes, or shoes with the same heel. If your measurement is at or near one of our standard lengths (122cm, 150cm, 200cm, 250cm or 300cm), choose that one. If it falls between them, you can ask for an exact length when you order.
Browse church length veils or cathedral length veils.
Sarah Jane x
Your questions
How do I choose the right veil length for my dress?
Think about your dress, your venue and your own style. If you want a longer veil, aim for about 30 to 50cm beyond the end of your train so the two sit well together.
Can I have a veil longer than cathedral length?
Yes. You can add extra length on the product page when you order.
What length should I choose for a Juliet cap veil?
The length is measured from the front of the cap, so a Juliet cap veil looks a little shorter than other styles. Pick the length you like, or ask us if you would like help.
How long should a church or cathedral veil be for my dress?
With a train, aim for the veil to end about 30 to 50cm past the end of it. Measure from where the comb will sit to where you want the veil to end, wearing your wedding shoes.
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