The Complete Guide to Short Wedding Veils

Jun 24 2026 Tara Bridal

A short wedding veil is any veil that ends at or above the elbow, from a tiny birdcage to a shoulder or elbow length veil. Short veils are light, playful, and easy to wear, and they have become a favourite for modern, vintage, and outdoor brides who want a bridal touch without a long train of fabric. If you love the idea of a veil but want to keep it simple, a short veil is for you.

What counts as a short wedding veil

Short veils generally fall into a few lengths: the birdcage, which covers part of the face; the shoulder length veil at around 20 inches; and the elbow length veil at around 25 to 30 inches. Anything longer, such as a fingertip or waltz veil, is considered a medium length. To compare every option with measurements, see our wedding veil length chart.

Why brides choose a short veil

A short veil keeps the focus on the face and the bodice of the gown, and it is wonderfully easy to wear. There is no long fabric to lift on stairs or the dance floor, which makes it ideal for outdoor, garden, and city hall weddings. Short veils also suit a vintage or retro look, especially when paired with a fitted gown or a tea length dress.

Who a short veil suits

A short veil flatters fitted and column gowns, tea length and short dresses, and any bride who wants a relaxed, modern feeling. It pairs beautifully with a statement back or a detailed bodice, since there is no long veil to cover them. If you want more length and drama, see our fingertip veils.

Short veil styles at Tara Bridal

We make short and elbow length veils to order in our atelier, plain or with embroidery and florals. The Dara elbow length floral veil and the Jen elbow 3D floral veil show how much detail a short veil can carry. Explore the range in our short wedding veils.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a short wedding veil?

Short veils range from a birdcage that covers the face to an elbow length veil at around 25 to 30 inches. Shoulder length sits in between at around 20 inches.

Are short veils still in style?

Yes. Short and elbow length veils are a strong modern and vintage trend, chosen by brides who want a light, easy veil that keeps the focus on the gown.

What dress suits a short veil?

Fitted, column, tea length, and short gowns suit short veils best, and they are a lovely choice for outdoor and city weddings.

Can a short veil have a blusher?

Yes. A short two tier veil can include a blusher worn over the face for the ceremony. Tell us and we will design it to your gown.

HOA Pham Thi Viet (Sunny)

Hoa is the founder and owner of Tara Bridal, bringing over seven years of experience in designing bespoke wedding veils for more than 3,000 brides worldwide. Passionate about helping brides shine with a unique style, she brings fresh ideas into each accessory, breaking traditional molds. Hoa understands the fatigue and time-consuming search that brides face when looking for wedding veils online, which is why she strives to create a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience. She creates stunning veils that beautifully reflect each bride's individuality by blending global fashion trends with exquisite hand embroidery from skilled Vietnamese artisans.