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Updated Oct 14, 202415 Showstopping Cathedral Veils for 2024 Brides
Meet the mother of all veils.
Photos, left to right: Ofrenda, Anthropologie, Karen Willis Holmes
When thinking about your grand entrance, a wedding dress with a long, cascading train might seem like a great idea, that is, until you consider how well it will fare on the dance floor. Enter Cathedral veils. As the longest veil length, they offer the same show-stopping effect, but with greater versatility since they can easily be removed after the ceremony.
It's no mystery why cathedral-length veils have been one of the most popular veil styles for brides throughout history (and worn by fashion icons like Hailey Bieber, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sofia Richie Grainge, might we add). They're the epitome of elegance. Not to mention, they also make for pretty great photo-ops.
If you're just beginning your search for the perfect wedding veil, you might want to swing by our guide to different veil styles to find your fave. But, if you've already decided that a cathedral veil is for you, consider this your lucky day. We've rounded up 15 of the best styles for 2024, including options with floral embroidery, pearl embellishments, and everything in between. Let's dive in, shall we?
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Cathedral Veil Length & Styles to Know
By now you've probably caught on to the fact that a cathedral isn't just a place to recite your wedding vows. It's also one of the most beloved styles of veils for brides past and present. But what separates cathedral veils from the other styles you commonly hear about (ie: chapel, fingertip, and flyaway)? We're breaking that down here.
Length of a Cathedral Veil
A cathedral veil is typically between 95 and 120 inches in length. Of the many veil lengths available to brides, they're often thought to be the longest (though some bridal designers are known for creating 'royal length' veils that can extend up to 144 inches long). They're designed to extend past the train of the bride's gown to trail behind them as they walk down the aisle—talk about a grand entrance! Of course, the length of a cathedral veil's train can vary depending on the height of the bride that's wearing it.
Cathedral Veil Styles
Cathedral-length veils can be found both with and without blushers (in case you missed our guide to every type of veil, a blusher is a short single layer of veiling that is worn over the bride's face as they walk down the aisle, then flipped over their head for the kiss). Some cathedral veils clip to the back of the bride's hair and trail down their back, while others frame the face and extend down over the shoulders (FYI: these are called mantilla veils). In terms of embellishments, cathedral veils can feature anything from lace and floral appliqués to feathers and fringe—It's all up to your style and preference!
15 Gorgeous Cathedral Veils for Every Style
Now that you know how to differentiate a cathedral veil from other popular styles, it's time to go shopping! We've rounded up 15 of our favorite shoppable styles for 2024 brides, including options for every bridal aesthetic and budget. Keep reading to browse our editor-approved picks and seamlessly shop your faves with the click of a button.
Ofrenda Ursa Floating Essential Veil
Photo: Ofrenda
As its name suggests, this cathedral veil is essential for any classic bride. Its streamlined design would pair perfectly with virtually any style of gown. Not only that, but it also comes in three different shades: ivory, off-white, and true white.
Length: 118"
Karen Willis Holmes Mantilla Veil
Photo: Karen Willis Holmes
A simple wedding dress offers the perfect blank canvas for some statement-making accessories, like this cathedral veil trimmed in floral embroidery. Its versatile design allows you to wear it over your head as a mantilla veil, or attached to your updo.
Length: 130"
A. B. Ellie Roesia Pearl Cathedral Veil
Photo: Anthropologie
Pearls are one of the top bridal accessory trends for 2024, and frankly, we're not mad about it. I mean just look at this cathedral veil featuring scattered clusters of pearls. It's the perfect ocean–inspired accessory for your seaside soirée.
Length: 110"
Ofrenda x Alli Koch Bloom Line Embroidery Veil
Photo: Ofrenda
Embroidered veils have been all the rage since it-girl, Hailey Bieber, sported one during her 2019 nuptials. Now, there are more options available than ever before. This cathedral-length option, for instance, features floral embroidery based on an illustration by artist Alli Koch.
Length: 118"
Karen Willis Holmes Honor Veil
Photo: Karen Willis Holmes
Sometimes, less really is more, and this accessory is a testament to that. Though simple in design, the Honor veil has the power to completely transform your wedding look. Its 80 cm. attached blusher allows it to be worn two different ways.
Length: 250 cm.
Ofrenda Terra Embroidered Veil
Photo: Ofrenda
Delicate embroidered flowers scatter the bottom of this cathedral length veil, appearing as if they're blooming straight from the earth. Pair the accessory with a cottagecore-inspired gown for a whimsical wedding ensemble.
Length: 118"
Theia Jasper Embroidered Chapel Veil
Photo: Anthropologie
Add a pop of color to your wedding wardrobe with this cathedral veil. Adorned in colorful floral embroidery, it was made for the bride who's not afraid to stray from tradition. Pair it with a classic white wedding dress, or browse a few of our favorite pastel picks.
Length: 112"
Ofrenda Nina Satin Bows Three-Tier Veil
Photo: Ofrenda
Calling all coquette-obsessed brides. This bow-adorned bridal veil is the perfect way to tie your wedding look together (quite literally). It features three voluminous layers of English tulle scattered with oversized satin bows.
Length: 118"
Amsale Floral Jacquard Cathedral Veil
Photo: Amsale
They say every rose has its thorns but we can't seem to find anything we dislike about this rose-printed wedding veil. Featuring a design cut from floral jacquard fabric, it offers a look that's equal parts classic and modern.
Length: 108"
Untamed Petals Fiona Veil
Photo: Untamed Petals
If, like us, you were obsessed with Taylor Hill's wedding veil, we think you'll love this pick. Its ruffle trim makes it similar to the iconic look worn by the model on her wedding day (but we might love this one even more, since you can add optional pearl embellishments to it).
Length: 110"
Watters Abstract Floral Veil
Photo: Anthropologie
Planning a garden wedding? This floral embroidered cathedral veil would fit right in against a backdrop of bold blooms. Not to mention, you can complete your look with the matching wedding gown, which is also sold at Anthropologie.
Length: 104.5"
Theia Halo Embroidered Veil
Photo: Anthropologie
ICYMI: Black wedding dresses are one of the hottest trends of 2024. If you're a bride planning to don one of these less traditional looks, you might be on the search for the perfect veil to match. Luckily, we found just the one for you.
Length: 108"
Blossom Veils Floral Veil
Photo: Anthropologie
How adorable is this cathedral-length veil? It features lifelike 3-dimensional floral appliqués throughout. If you're planning on wearing a simple wedding dress, it will certainly level up your look.
Length: 108"
Amsale 3D Leaf Cathedral Veil
Photo: Amsale
If you're planning a wedding in the fall (a.k.a.: wedding season), you might consider a veil inspired by that time of year. The way the embroidered leaves are scattered across this cathedral-length style is reminiscent of leaves falling from trees, making it a fitting choice.
Length: 108"
A. B. Ellie Charlotte Feather Veil
Photo: A.B. Ellie
Here's a look that's guaranteed to get the party started. The combination of feather and Swarovski pearl embellishments makes for an ultra-festive look you're sure to love.
Length: 110"
