If you watched Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, you saw a perfect example of a cathedral wedding veil making a regal entrance. Meghan’s veil was a stunning 16-foot silk tulle veil, designed to trail gracefully behind her as she walked down the aisle.
The terms cathedral and tulle don’t describe the style of the veil, but rather its length and fabric. A cathedral wedding veil typically measures 108–120 inches long, extending beyond the train of the wedding gown. This dramatic length is what gives the cathedral veil its signature elegance.
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| Silver Crystals Scrolled Scallop-Edge Bridal |
The Tradition Behind the Cathedral Veil
Long wedding veils have historically been associated with formality, ceremony, and status. In royal and church weddings, extended veils emphasized the importance of the occasion and added a sense of reverence as the bride entered the space. Over time, the cathedral veil became a symbol of grandeur—perfectly suited to formal venues and traditional ceremonies.
Embellishing a Cathedral Wedding Veil
Cathedral veils can be beautifully simple and unadorned, but with so much fabric, they also offer endless opportunities for embellishment.
A memorable example is Meghan Markle’s veil, which featured hand-embroidered flowers representing all 53 Commonwealth countries. To preserve the veil’s pristine condition, the embroiderers were required to wash their hands every 30 minutes.
Another uniquely personal veil was worn by Angelina Jolie, whose cathedral-length veil was embellished with artwork created by her children, a true one-of-a-kind statement.
While most brides won’t commission custom embroidery, there are many stunning options available, including cathedral veils adorned with:
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Crystals or rhinestones
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Sequins or subtle beadwork
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Two-tier cathedral veils with a blusher for a romantic, vintage feel
Is a Cathedral Wedding Veil Right for Your Dress?
While it’s easy to picture the drama of walking down the aisle in a cathedral veil, the most important question is whether it complements your dress and overall look.
When shopping for your veil:
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Try on multiple veil lengths during your first dress fitting
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Shop early so you have time to compare styles
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Look for veils designed to pair with your gown—many designers offer matching options
If your wedding style is more formal and traditional, a cathedral veil can elevate your entire look. For more informal weddings, shorter veils—such as a blusher, bandeau, or fingertip veil. You want to wear a veil that feels more appropriate while still adding personality and charm.
Cathedral Veil Alternatives
If you love the idea of a long veil but find a cathedral length overwhelming, consider these veil options:
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Chapel veil: approximately 90 inches
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Floor-length veil: approximately 72 inches
And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, a custom-made veil allows you to choose the perfect length, fabric, and embellishments to suit your vision.