Everything You Need to Know about Cathedral Veil in 2020:

Because veils are an accessory piece that has been worn for endless decades, we have listed everything you need to know about cathedrals veils in 2020.

What started out as a tradition thousands of years ago to supposedly ward off evil spirits has adapted into being so many different things for each bride who wears one. Designers are channeling old-world elegance and modernizing them with their own take to show that veils are definitely back in full force for 2020. Although veils come in all shapes, lengths, and sizes in our modern age the longer lengths are definitely a popular choice this year and I am all smiles about it. With their elegant finishes cascading beyond the gowns to leave a lasting impression, cathedral length veils can create an entirely different look for walking down the aisle in 2020.

         To give you a little background on the way veils are defined, it is mainly by their length. There have been add on’s to the list as decades have passed, but the criteria and fundamentals have stayed pretty consistent. A cathedral veil is said to be between 108 and 120 inches long. That is not to say that brides have done custom cathedral lengths going to 130 inches, but that length is typically known as ‘Royal Length’ which is 130 inches and beyond. Cathedral veils are a very classic length that we’ve seen worn over and over, but as bridal fashion is evolving we are now seeing creative spins on the traditional accessory.

         The bridal runway’s were creating a whole new level of fairytales with color, sparkle, texture, feminine florals, and so much more. The veil is seeing lots of variety in 2020 and I am here to gush all about them. So to make it a little more “user friendly” I’m going break them into categories for you based on the style and details. Yes, there are really that many trends this season, but when it comes to choosing one for you, just like your gown, it will speak to you. Here we go.

These are the cathedral veils you need to know everything about:

         Classic tulle veil.

Photo: via Girl and a Serious Dream

These are the veils that are subtle and chic and will never go out of style. Modern twists are put on them with raw edges to look like it’s floating in the air or go traditional with a blusher to really embrace the soft feminine look. This year the tulle cathedral veil is still very much on-trend and it is a beautiful moment. Whether it is a single layer, classic with a blusher, or multiple layers, a simple tulle veil will always be a staple in bridal fashion. Designers like Anita of Girl and a Serious Dream embrace this look by focusing on the details. She uses hand-dyed Italian tulle that is handmade to perfection here in Florida. Her ‘Dreamy’ cathedral tulle veil, in particular, is one of my favorites. Another classic veil that is being seen more this year is a two-tier horsehair veil. It has the elegance and subtly of the tulle with just a little touch of finish on the ends giving it polish and texture. Bridal designers like Carolina Herrera and Romona Keveza love pairing this style with their gowns down the runways and I think we’ll be seeing more of them down the aisles!

| See a real bride wearing a classic tule veil here. |

         Lace veils

Photo: Jose Villa

Lace wedding gowns have been very much on-trend for the past few years and along with that, we are seeing the lace veil being a big trend this year. Designers are taking influence from centuries before them and revamping them for 2020. This spring, in particular, is going with softer lace, colored lace, and even modernizing the lace patterns themselves. A lace cathedral veil can be the icing on the cake. On a clean gown, the lace details make a statement and in cathedral length, it is definitely a show stopper. This year lace is not only softer but also has been done in color. Hints of gold lace bordering a cathedral veil creates a dramatic finish with still upholding the feminine elegance of the lace itself. With brides dipping more into the color wheel this year, I love that the veils are embracing the color trend. Going a little bolder on the lace border is another trend we are seeing with the latest looks. Rather than a subtle thin line, we are seeing lace as a statement with Alencon lace trim and bold floral motifs that sweep the floor effortlessly leaving a lasting image as the bride walks to meet her groom. Once again designer Anita of Girl and a Serious Dream is a go-to for this look as she paints this picture perfectly with her Roseline and Jacqueline veils of soft tulle bordered with hand-sewn French lace.

Image by Seth Moura

Embellished Veils

Photo via AB Ellie

The embellished veils are the next trend on my list of favorites for 2020. This year embellishment is being embraced on veils with splashes of color, a variety of textures, fabrics, and 3D details. In 2020 veils are more adventurous in their styles like delicate 3D blush colored petals cascading down the edges of soft tulle from designer Romona Keveza in her spring/summer 2020 collection. The 3D detail trend is definitely showing across the board with the top designers including Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, and Oscar De La Renta. One of our favorite veil designers A.B. Ellie is also embracing it with a number of her cathedral veils. One in particular that I love which is named ‘Lily’ has floating organza flowers leading to the floor that looks like they’re floating on a cloud when it moves. Of course typically when you hear the word embellishment we think beads, crystals, and sparkle. Not to worry because there is still all of that in 2020 and designers have upped the anti with the detailed work they are putting on these accessory pieces. Beautiful floral clusters of crystals and opals, the dimension with using multiple colorations cascading down the back, and full-blown artistic beadwork that probably took hundreds of hours to apply were all seen floating down the runways of spring and fall adding that wow factor to the gowns they paired with. A cathedral length veil is already a dramatic addition and when you add intricate details it can create an entirely different look for a bride when she walks down the aisle. I have always been a big fan of the sparkle so for me it will never be something I would want to see go out of style, but I love how designers are getting more creative and brides are being bolder with making the veil more than just an accessory. It’s not just Swarovski beads placed on tulle anymore. Flowers made entirely out of crystals and other semi-precious stones, classic pearls scattered, celestial starbursts, colorful petals like a garden down your back, embellishments are in full force.

Playing with different fabrics and colors is another big trend we are seeing with veils this year and it seems to be a popular choice for brides across the board. Instead of crystals to create sparkle the alternative is a fabric called ‘shimmer tulle’. Designers like Ines Di Santo have used it on their gowns in seasons past, but now we are seeing it as a veil as well and it gives you the all over sparkle that Cinderella had while waltzing with Prince Charming. We are also seeing more color influence in the fabrics now as well. If you dare to be different, but not for your entire wedding, a colored veil might be a great option! With seeing more color in collections this year with gowns it is no surprise color is being seen on wedding veils now as well. A soft hint of blue or blush can be a subtle yet dramatic difference if you want to wear something unique, but understated.

Photo via Reem Acra

As you can see after reading through this there is a lot on trend with the wedding veil this year and the drama will not disappoint. With so many ways to make them your own it is becoming so much more than just an accessory and I predict that it is not going anywhere for a while. So embrace the veil, go for the drama with a cathedral length, and take your gown to the next level with all of these amazing trends you have to choose from in 2020! I hope this has given you some good ideas for what you might want to wear on your big day and as always we are here to help you find the perfect one! 

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