A two tier wedding veil features two distinct layers: a shorter blusher layer that can be worn over your face during the ceremony, and a longer back tier that flows behind you. The blusher typically measures 25 to 40 inches, designed to cover your face and frame your shoulders, while the back tier can be any length from fingertip to dramatic cathedral. This classic configuration creates one of the most traditional and ceremonially significant veil styles, offering both coverage and drama.
The term blusher refers to the front face-covering layer, historically named because brides would blush beneath the veil as they approached their groom. This shorter tier creates that magical ceremony moment when the veil is lifted to reveal your face—either by your father when he gives you away, by your groom after exchanging vows, or by you when you choose. After this reveal moment, the blusher layer flips permanently back over your head, creating a layered, dimensional look for the remainder of your celebration.
Two tier veils combine ceremony tradition with practical versatility. You enjoy the romantic symbolism and drama of the face-covering blusher for your processional and vows, then transition seamlessly to an elegant single-layer look simply by flipping the blusher back. Our handmade two tier veils are crafted in our Bath studio with secure comb attachments that hold both layers comfortably throughout your wedding day.
The tradition of wearing a blusher veil over the face during wedding ceremonies dates back centuries, with rich symbolism across cultures. In Western tradition, the face-covering veil represented modesty, purity, and the transition from unmarried to married life. The moment when the veil is lifted signifies the bride's reveal to her new spouse and to her married life—one of the most emotional and photographed moments of any ceremony.
Traditional ceremony protocol involves the father lifting the blusher when he gives the bride away, symbolically transferring her from his care to her spouse's partnership. Many modern brides adapt this tradition to suit their circumstances—perhaps having a mother, both parents, or another significant person perform the veil lift. Some couples choose to lift the veil together after exchanging vows, while others have the officiant perform this honour. The flexibility of when and who lifts the blusher allows you to personalize this meaningful tradition.
In Catholic and traditional religious ceremonies, wearing a blusher veil over the face holds particular significance, representing reverence and modesty before God during the sacred marriage rite. Many churches and religious venues specifically request or prefer brides to wear veils covering their faces for the processional and ceremony, making two tier veils with blushers the perfect choice for religious weddings.
Even for non-religious or contemporary ceremonies, many brides choose two tier veils simply for the dramatic visual impact. Walking down the aisle with your face softly veiled creates an ethereal, romantic entrance that builds anticipation. The moment of lifting or flipping back the blusher provides a natural ceremony transition and creates stunning photographs capturing genuine emotion and the symbolic reveal.
Two tier veils are available in every length combination, allowing you to choose the perfect amount of drama for your ceremony and venue. Two tier cathedral veils create the most formal, traditional presentation with a face-covering blusher (typically 30 to 40 inches) paired with a dramatic cathedral-length back tier (108 to 120 inches). This combination suits grand church ceremonies, formal religious venues, and brides wanting maximum traditional elegance with ceremonial drama.
Two tier chapel veils offer beautiful formality with more manageable length, featuring the same blusher layer (25 to 35 inches) paired with a chapel-length back tier (80 to 90 inches) that reaches the floor with a modest train. Chapel two tier veils work wonderfully for a wide range of venues from traditional churches to elegant hotels and country estates, providing ceremony tradition without the extensive train management of cathedral length.
Two tier fingertip veils bring blusher tradition to the most versatile and popular veil length. With a face-covering blusher (20 to 30 inches) paired with a fingertip-length back tier (36 to 45 inches), this combination works beautifully for any wedding style from formal to casual. The shorter overall length makes two tier fingertip veils perfect for petite brides, destination weddings, garden ceremonies, and anyone wanting blusher tradition without extensive veil length.
Even two tier elbow length veils offer blusher coverage with vintage-inspired shorter proportions, ideal for tea-length dresses, registry office ceremonies, or brides preferring subtle veil presence with traditional face coverage. The key advantage of any two tier configuration is versatility—you get the ceremony tradition and drama of the blusher layer without committing to wearing it throughout your entire celebration.
Browse our cathedral length veils, chapel length veils, and fingertip veils to explore two tier options in various lengths.
Wearing a two tier veil requires understanding how to position both layers for maximum comfort and visual impact. The back tier attaches to your head with a comb positioned where you want the veil to sit—typically at the crown for traditional placement or slightly back for modern styling. The blusher layer hangs forward from this same comb, draping over your face and shoulders when worn down, ready to flip back over the comb when the reveal moment arrives.
For walking down the aisle with the blusher over your face, position the blusher carefully so it covers your face softly without obscuring your vision entirely. The tulle should rest gently against your face and cascade over your shoulders, not pulled tight or hanging too far forward. Many brides practice wearing their two tier veil before the wedding day to become comfortable with the blusher positioning and to ensure their hair styling accommodates the comb securely.
Hair styling for two tier veils typically involves elegant updos—classic chignons, romantic buns, or sophisticated twists positioned lower on the head to allow the comb to sit securely. The updo ensures guests can see your face once the blusher is lifted, and provides a stable base for the veil comb throughout your ceremony and celebration. Avoid very high updos or topknots, as these can interfere with proper two tier veil placement and make the blusher sit awkwardly.
When selecting edge finishes for two tier veils, consider whether you want matching edges on both tiers or different finishes for visual interest. Matching lace edge on both blusher and back tier creates cohesive traditional elegance, while pairing a plain blusher with a lace-edge back tier offers subtle variation. Pearl or crystal embellishments work beautifully on two tier veils, with options to embellish both layers or feature detail only on the more visible back tier.
For comprehensive veil styling advice, hair pairing suggestions, and length selection guidance, see our detailed wedding veil guide.
Two tier veils are available with various edge finishes that can be applied to both tiers or mixed for unique styling. Cut edge two tier veils feature raw tulle edges on both the blusher and back tier, creating minimalist modern elegance. The simple edges work beautifully with contemporary dress styles and keep visual focus on the drama of the two layers and blusher reveal moment rather than decorative trim.
Lace edge two tier veils showcase delicate lace trim along both the blusher and back tier perimeters, creating the most traditionally romantic presentation. The lace frames your face beautifully when the blusher is worn down, then continues along the back tier edge for cohesive elegance throughout. Lace edge two tier veils suit traditional church ceremonies and complement lace wedding dresses exquisitely.
Satin ribbon edge two tier veils offer polished refinement with narrow satin ribbon bordering both layers. The subtle edge definition photographs crisply and works beautifully with satin, mikado, and structured dress fabrics. Some brides choose to feature satin edge only on the back tier while keeping the blusher plain, creating interesting visual variation between the two layers.
Pearl scatter and crystal embellishments transform two tier veils into luxurious statement pieces. Embellishment can cover both tiers for maximum sparkle, or concentrate on the back tier only, leaving the blusher plain to avoid visual interference when worn over your face. Pearl embellishment suits traditional elegance, while crystal scatter delivers contemporary glamour perfect for evening celebrations.
Explore our lace edge veils, satin edge veils, pearl veils, and complete veil collection to see two tier options with various finishes.
Deciding between single tier and two tier veils depends on your priorities for tradition, ceremony drama, and personal style preferences. Two tier veils with blushers offer maximum ceremony tradition, creating that iconic bridal moment of walking down the aisle with your face covered and the dramatic reveal when the blusher is lifted. This configuration suits brides wanting to honour traditional wedding customs, those marrying in religious venues that prefer or require face coverage, and anyone wanting the emotional impact of the veil-lifting ceremony moment.
Single tier veils provide simpler, more modern styling without the blusher layer. They offer easier wear with less positioning complexity, no face coverage to manage, and clean flowing elegance from a single gathered layer. Single tier veils suit contemporary brides, those preferring minimal fuss, and anyone uncomfortable with the idea of face coverage or the traditional veil-lifting ritual.
Consider two tier veils when ceremony tradition matters to you, your venue or family has religious or cultural expectations for face coverage, or you want that dramatic reveal moment captured in photographs. Consider single tier veils when you prefer contemporary simplicity, want unobstructed vision throughout your ceremony, or feel the blusher tradition doesn't resonate with your wedding vision.
Both options offer beautiful elegance—the choice simply reflects your personal style and ceremony priorities. Browse our single tier veil collection to compare styling options and see which configuration feels right for your wedding vision.
How do you wear a blusher veil? Wear the blusher layer forward over your face for your processional and ceremony, positioned so it covers your face softly while still allowing you to see. After the designated ceremony moment—typically when given away by your father, after exchanging vows, or when your officiant announces you as married—the blusher is lifted and flipped back over the comb, where it remains for the rest of your celebration. The blusher should rest gently against your face, not pulled tight, creating a soft romantic effect that frames your features beautifully.
When do you flip back the blusher veil? Traditional timing has the father lifting the blusher when giving away the bride, though many modern variations exist. Some couples wait until after exchanging vows to lift the blusher together, others have the officiant perform this honour after pronouncing them married, and some brides simply flip it back themselves at a natural ceremony transition point. The timing is entirely personal—choose the moment that feels most meaningful for your ceremony and family traditions. Discuss timing with your officiant and photographer beforehand to ensure everyone understands when this important moment will occur.
Is wearing a blusher veil old-fashioned? While blusher veils have traditional roots, they remain a popular and timeless choice for contemporary weddings. The blusher tradition transcends fashion trends, offering meaningful symbolism and ceremony drama that many modern brides value. Whether wearing a blusher feels traditional or timeless depends entirely on how you style and wear it—paired with contemporary dress styles and modern ceremony elements, blusher veils can feel fresh and romantic rather than dated. Ultimately, choosing a two tier veil with blusher should reflect your personal connection to the tradition rather than concerns about fashion currency.
Can you remove the blusher layer after the ceremony? The blusher layer is not removable—it is attached to the same comb as the back tier and forms an integral part of the two tier veil construction. However, once flipped back over your head after the ceremony reveal moment, the blusher stays in position for the remainder of your celebration, creating a layered look rather than interfering with your vision or movement. If you prefer to remove your veil entirely for the reception, the entire two tier veil (both blusher and back tier) can be easily removed via the comb attachment. Some brides choose to wear their two tier veil for ceremony only, transitioning to a shorter single tier veil or no veil for reception dancing and celebrating.
