The following offers a general idea and description of the most common veils and headpieces.
Backpiece
Ballet or Princess or Waltz Veil
Blusher or Shoulder Veil
Bun Holder/Wrap
A somewhat generic headpiece term used to describe any headpiece that attaches to the hair at the back. It is often a bow or cluster of flowers.
This term describes a tier of veiling that is approximately 60″ in length. It comes to about your knees. It is sometimes referred to as a Ballet or Princess length.
Term to describe the tier of veiling that is used to cover the face. It is also called Shoulder Length. It is about 20″ to 24″ long.
A medium to small circular headpiece that wraps around a bun. Often decorated with beads or lace.
Butterfly Headpiece
Cap
Cathedral Veil
Chapel Veil
A butterfly headpiece is essentially a half-headband. It arcs over the top of the head but the ends do not go all the way to the ears.
A headpiece, usually of fabric or lace, that fits close to the head. It may be worn forward or farther back. Also referred to as a Juliet.
This term describes a tier of veiling that is approximately 126″ in length (about 2.5 feet from your waist). Brides often order Cathedral Length veils detachable so that they can be removed during the reception.
This term describes a tier of veiling that is approximately 108″ in length (about 1.5 feet from your waist). Brides often order Chapel Length veils detachable so that they can be removed during the reception.
Crescent
Crown
Crown-Veil or Headpiece
Elbow Veil
A hybrid of a crown and a wreath, the Crescent arcs over the top and back of the head. It is usually lace or fabric with beading.
A headpiece composed of a full or half-circle of beads, fabric or lace. It usually sits high on the head. It is similar to a Tiara. It is not as small a circle as a Bun Wrap
Headpiece that perches on the top of the head standing up. It may or may not be a full circle
This term describes a tier of veiling that is approximately 23″ to 27″ in length. It comes to about your elbow.
Fingertip Veil
Headband
Mantilla
Pouf
This term describes a tier of veiling that is approximately 29″ to 42″ in length. It comes to about your fingertips.
A headpiece that arcs over the head with one end behind each ear. It may be metal or fabric.
A very traditional headpiece/veil style. Usually a lace bordered, one-tier veiling that is “laid” across the head. Mantillas are available in any length, but most are at least Waltz length
Loops of net or veiling placed at the back of the head.
Raw Edge
Rolled Edge
Spray
Tiara
A common edge for veiling. The netting used for the veiling is carefully cut and left unfinished so that the edges of the veiling are not noticeable.
A common edging treatment for veiling, in which they fold the raw edge under 1/4″ and then 1/4″ again, enclosing raw edge. It is then topstitched to hold hem. The end result is a very narrow “roll” of netting
Sometimes called a Side Spray, these headpieces usually do not have any veiling. They are often loose clusters of flowers and beading.
A type of Crown headpiece. Usually it is a half-circle of silver or gold decorated with pearls and beads
V-Band
Wreath
Similar to a wreath, the v-band sits on the top of the head but dips to a v-shaped point onto the forehead.
A circular headpiece often decorated with flowers.
