Veils are commonly worn by women on their wedding day and hold a sentimental meaning to many women. Originally worn to keep the groom from seeing her face before they were married, veils continue to be a noticeable feature in many weddings. Some women choose to wear a veil simply for fashion purposes. Veils come in a variety of styles, shapes and lengths. If you are thinking about wearing a veil on your wedding day, the style you wear is highly dependent on the style and formality of your gown.

Chapel Veil
The chapel style is considered a formal type of veil and is made from two layers of material. The first layer extends 2 1/2 yards from the headpiece and is used to cover the face during the ceremony. The second layer extends to the floor and is worn behind the head at all times. The chapel veil is appropriate to wear with a formal gown that is floor-length.

Cathedral Veil
Similar to the chapel veil, the cathedral veil is made up of two layers of material in two different lengths. The first layer is used to cover the face, and falls 3 1/2 yards from the head piece. The second layer of the cathedral veil extends to the floor. The cathedral veil is most appropriate if your gown is very formal and has a long train.

Elbow Veil
An elbow veil can be made from one or two layers of material, and extends to the bride's elbows. This style is appropriate with any dress longer than knee length.

Fingertip Veil
Like the elbow veil, a fingertip veil can be made from one or two layers of material. It extends to the bride's fingertips, and looks best with formal, floor-length gowns.

Waltz Veil
The waltz is another style of formal veil, and its length varies. The shortest a waltz veil should fall is the knees, and the longest is the floor. This veil is made from a single layer of material.