The Shona Joy Wedding Veil: Stratus Cathedral Veil with Blusher

The Shona Joy wedding veil is the Stratus Veil, a cathedral length bridal veil in soft sheer nylon tulle with a wide lace border and a short blusher. It runs 242.5cm from the comb to the back hem, so it reaches the floor and trails behind most brides, and the blusher falls 78cm over the face. It sits on an 8.5cm comb and comes in Ivory, the shade Shona Joy uses across its bridal satins.

What the Stratus Veil is made of

The veil is 100% nylon throughout: a fine sheer tulle for the body and a nylon lace for the border. Shona Joy describes the effect as soft and ethereal, with the lace giving a little textural contrast at the edge. Tulle is light, so a long veil like this one floats rather than drags, and the lace border gives the hem enough weight to settle on the floor in photographs.

The comb is plastic, which keeps it light in the hair. Shona Joy recommends a delicate hand wash in cold water, rolling it in a towel and drying it flat in the shade, then a cool iron on the reverse with a protective cloth. In practice most brides have a veil steamed on the morning of the wedding rather than ironed.

Cathedral, chapel, fingertip: wedding veil lengths explained

Veil names describe where the hem lands. The exact measurements vary from one bridal house to the next, so treat these as a guide:

• Shoulder and elbow length: short veils that end around the shoulders and the bend of the arm. Easy to wear all day.
• Fingertip: ends around the fingertips with the arms by your sides. The most common length.
• Floor and chapel: reach the floor, and a chapel veil trails a little behind.
• Cathedral: the longest standard length, trailing well behind the bride. This is the length of the Stratus.

A cathedral veil is the most formal choice. It suits a church, a long aisle and a gown with a train, and it photographs beautifully from behind. It is also the length most brides take off after the ceremony, so plan for a bridesmaid to help with the comb before the reception.

Wearing the blusher

The Stratus has two layers: the long back veil and a short blusher that falls 78cm from the comb. Traditionally the blusher is worn forward over the face for the walk down the aisle and lifted back over the head before the vows. Lifted back, it adds volume at the crown and the lace border frames the face from behind. If you would rather not cover your face, the blusher can simply be worn back from the start.

Which Shona Joy dresses suit a cathedral veil

Because the veil is all tulle and lace, it pairs most easily with a clean satin gown that lets the lace border stand out. The Savanna Racer Back Gown in Ivory is the obvious match: a satin acetate gown with a low scoop neckline, a low T bar racer back and a maxi skirt with a train, so the veil and the train fall together. The Iza Silk Contrast Maxi Dress pairs matte satin with sheer silk organza panels at the waist and skirt and has a cowl neckline, which suits a softer, more romantic veil look.

For a lace dress, keep the lace in the veil and the dress in conversation. The Labyrinth Sheer Lace Panelled Maxi Dress in Ivory has a boat neckline and ruffles on the sleeves and back seams, and the La Lune Lace Cross Back Maxi Dress in Cream has lace at its low plunging neckline and wide crossover straps at the back. With either, the veil comb sits best low at the back of the head so it does not hide the back detail. Our Shona Joy bridal guide covers the full bridal range.

Hair and placement

Where the comb sits changes the look. Set high on the crown, a cathedral veil falls straight and dramatic and lets the blusher sit forward neatly. Set low beneath a bun, it frames the back of the dress and suits a low back. A long veil pulls on the comb, so ask your hairstylist to anchor it with pins and to build a little texture in the hair where it sits. A half up style holds a comb better than very smooth, freshly washed hair.

Instead of a veil: the Lucent bridal scarf

Some brides want movement without a veil. Shona Joy’s Lucent Scarf in Ivory is a single layer of semi-sheer viscose georgette, 13.2cm wide at the centre and opening to 60.5cm at each end, with 215cm from the centre to each hem. Draped over the neck with both ends falling down the back of a strapless gown, it reads like a veil from behind but leaves the hair free. It also works as a second look for the reception once the veil comes off. Our guide to how to wear a Shona Joy scarf shows more ways to drape it.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Shona Joy Stratus Veil?
The Stratus is a cathedral length veil. It measures 242.5cm from the comb to the back hem, with a 78cm blusher and an 8.5cm comb.

What is a cathedral veil?
A cathedral veil is the longest standard veil length. It reaches the floor and trails behind the bride, and it is usually chosen for formal and church weddings.

What is a blusher on a wedding veil?
A blusher is the short front layer of a veil. It is worn over the face for the walk down the aisle and lifted back before the vows. The Stratus blusher is 78cm long.

What is the Stratus Veil made of?
It is 100% nylon: a soft sheer tulle with a wide nylon lace border, on a plastic comb.

Which dress goes with a cathedral veil?
A cathedral veil suits a formal gown, especially one with a train. In Shona Joy, the Savanna Racer Back Gown in Ivory has a train that falls with the veil.

How do I care for the Stratus Veil?
Shona Joy recommends a delicate cold hand wash with mild soap, rolling it in a towel, drying it flat in the shade and a cool iron on the reverse with a protective cloth.