Rhiannon Hendricks
The wedding veil is steeped in tradition, with roots in Roman culture, where brides wore veils to disguise themselves from evil spirits. Over time, the veil became a symbol of a bride's chastity and modesty, with many cultures adopting this tradition. Today, the veil continues to hold symbolic value for some, while others view it as a beautiful accessory to complement their wedding dress. With a variety of veil lengths and styles available, from short veils that cover the eyes to dramatic cathedral-length veils, brides can choose how to incorporate this timeless piece into their wedding day look.
How to use a veil for a wedding:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Veil as an accessory | The veil is a beautiful accessory that helps complement or accentuate a wedding dress. |
| Veil as a tradition | The veil is steeped in tradition, dating back to Greek and Roman times, where it was used to ward off evil spirits and hide the bride's face from the groom. In Christian culture, it symbolises modesty before God, while in Jewish culture, it represents the groom's focus on the inner beauty of the bride. |
| Veil length and style | Veils come in various lengths and styles, from short and flirty to floor-length, allowing brides to choose an option that suits their overall vision for the wedding day. |
| Veil and hairstyle | The veil can be put on just before the bride leaves the room to ensure it's secure and in place without interfering with final touch-ups. |
| Veil during the ceremony | Some brides choose to keep the veil on during the ceremony, while others remove it after for ease of movement during the reception. |
| Veil after the wedding | Longer veils can be used to create tapestries or photo displays, while shorter veils, such as birdcage veils, can be paired with outfits for a chic look. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a veil: length and style
Choosing a veil can be tricky, but it's an accessory that can elevate your overall wedding day look by adding a layer of romance, tradition, and modern flair. The right veil will make you feel like the best version of yourself.
The first step in finding the right veil is to consider the style and shape of your dress. If your dress is floor-length or longer, a good rule of thumb is to choose a veil that is longer than your dress. A floor-length veil, for example, pairs well with a floor-length dress. You want your veil to be anywhere between 10 and 30 cm longer than your dress, especially if you're going for a lace-edge veil or something with a lot of details around the train. This way, you won't lose the details of your dress, and the veil won't look like an afterthought.
If you're wearing a shorter dress, a shorter veil is usually more suitable. For example, a tea-length gown pairs well with an elbow-length or fingertip veil. A fingertip veil is a very popular choice, as it adds elegance without overwhelming the dress. If you're wearing a 50s-style dress, a birdcage or bandeau veil is a lovely alternative to a full veil. A bandeau veil usually covers just the eyes, skims the nose, or falls at the jawline and is typically made of net or lace.
If you're wearing an A-line dress, you have a lot of options. A fingertip, waltz, or chapel-length veil will showcase the gorgeous bodice of your dress. A waltz veil falls to the mid-calf and is a good option if you want to wear a longer veil for the ceremony but still want freedom of movement during the reception. A chapel veil, which falls to the floor, adds a touch of formality and grace.
For a mermaid or trumpet silhouette, a long and narrow veil is a beautiful choice. A mid-length or fingertip veil will also work well if you want to showcase your flared skirt.
If you're wearing your hair down, your hairstylist will need to reinforce your veil with additional pins and precautions to ensure it stays in place all day. An updo works well with almost any veil length, and a half-up, half-down hairstyle pairs beautifully with most veil styles. If you're wearing a low-back dress, consider a low updo so that your hairstyle doesn't compete with the back of your dress.
Don't be afraid to try something different. Mixing textures can add originality to your look. For instance, a lace-trim veil paired with a very clean gown can be a stunning combination.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. You may only wear a veil once, so choose something that makes you feel like the bride you've always dreamed of being.
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The history of the veil
The veil is one of the oldest parts of the bridal ensemble, with its history dating back to ancient times. While there is some debate about whether the tradition originated in Ancient Greece or the Roman Empire, the first record of its purpose comes from the Romans. Roman brides wore veils to hide their identities and protect themselves from evil spirits that might want to thwart their happiness or cause them harm. These veils were called "flammeums", derived from the Latin word for "flame-coloured", as they were often red or striped, to give the appearance of being engulfed in flames.
In Christianity, the veil has been used as a symbol of modesty, purity, and obedience, representing a bride's rejection of the world as she subjects herself to God. In Judaism, the veil is part of a ceremony called the bedeken, where the groom places a veil on his bride to ensure he is marrying the right person. This tradition stems from the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah in the book of Genesis from the Torah, where Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah, who was hidden under a veil. In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the veil has been associated with women and sacred objects, and in some cultures, it is men who are expected to wear a veil.
In the 18th century, bridal veils were out of fashion in Britain and North America, with brides opting for other types of headwear. However, the veil was revived in the 19th century when Queen Victoria wore a white veil and gown at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. Her choice set a new standard for brides, with white veils becoming a symbol of status, style, and wealth. The veil has since become a classic accessory for brides, although its meaning has evolved over time. Today, a veil is often chosen for its style and fashion value, and it is not limited to traditional weddings.
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Veil as a fashion accessory
Wedding veils are steeped in tradition, but they are also a fun accessory for brides to play with. For some, the veil is a beautiful accessory that helps complement or accentuate a wedding dress. For others, it is a nod to the longstanding tradition of wearing a veil, which is said to symbolise purity, innocence, and modesty. In some religions, the veil has a specific symbolic meaning. In Judaism, for example, the veil is placed over the bride's head by the groom to ensure he is marrying the right person. In Western Christian culture, it symbolises modesty before God.
The veil is a versatile accessory, with a variety of lengths and styles to choose from. From a short and flirty veil that covers just the eyes, to a dramatic cathedral-length veil, there is a veil to suit every bride's style and vision for their wedding day look. The length of the veil can also be adjusted to suit the bride's height. A blusher veil, for instance, is a short veil that falls over the face and ends near the top of the dress. This style conveys a retro-chic vibe. A waltz veil, on the other hand, falls to mid-calf, offering a good balance between length and freedom to move, making it a great option for the reception.
Birdcage veils, in particular, can be easily paired with day-to-day outfits even after the wedding. These veils can be styled with a chic outfit, rhinestones, or studded details. To add even more style to the outfit, a hat can be worn on top of the veil.
For those who want to preserve their wedding veil as a keepsake, there are several ways to do so. Longer veils can be used to create a beautiful tapestry or photo display, showcasing the veil's details. Chapel-length veils are perfect for this idea. Alternatively, the veil can be hung as a canopy over a baby's crib or a cosy spot in the home, adding a touch of warmth and romance.
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Veil as a religious symbol
The wedding veil is a major staple in the bridal fashion space and is widely accepted as a bridal accessory. While some brides wear veils as a time-honoured tradition, others wear them for religious or cultural reasons.
In Christianity, the veil is mentioned in the Bible and is believed to have symbolic significance. In the Old Testament, the veil separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies, where the presence of God dwelt. The veil symbolises the separation between God and humanity due to sin. In the New Testament, the veil is used as an analogy for the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church. The removal of the veil from the bride's face symbolises the unity and intimacy between the bride and groom, representing the transparent relationship between the church (the bride) and Jesus (the bridegroom).
In Jewish weddings, the veil is viewed as a symbolic act of focusing on the inner beauty and qualities of the bride. It serves as a reminder that marriage is not only of the physical realm but also of the spiritual.
In Catholic weddings, the veil is meant to add to the bride's modesty, with traditional Catholic churches requiring the bride's shoulders to be covered during mass. The veil also symbolises the bride's humility and purity.
In ancient Rome, the saffron-coloured veil worn by brides was believed to symbolise the flame of Vesta, the goddess of hearth and home, and protector of life. The veil also represented the bride's virginity, indicating her purity.
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Veil care and display
Before the Wedding
Wedding veils are often crafted from delicate fabrics such as tulle, lace, organza, and silk, requiring careful handling to avoid tears and damage. When your veil arrives, try it on with your dress to ensure you love the combination. Then, store it correctly to preserve its condition. To avoid creases, hang the veil on a high rod or door, ensuring it hangs without any folds. Alternatively, for shorter veils, fold the comb side over the hanger, allowing the veil to suspend loosely. For longer veils, fold the veil two to three times while shaking out wrinkles, then fold it over a non-slip hanger.
After the Wedding
To preserve your veil, ensure it is clean and stain-free before storing it. While some recommend professional cleaning, others suggest a gentle hand wash with cold water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Next, lay the veil flat in a box or on a shelf, using acid-free tissue paper to prevent discolouration. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. You can also use a breathable garment bag or a 100% cotton bag for storage.
Transporting and Displaying Your Veil
When transporting your veil, refold it and place it in its original box or a garment bag to protect it from damage. You can also use a suit carrier to shield it from sunlight and dust. For longer veils, consider a veil hanging hook to prevent creases and floor contact. To display your veil, some brides opt for shadow boxes, framing, or using it as a backdrop for wedding photography.
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Frequently asked questions
The wedding veil is steeped in tradition and is one of the oldest parts of wedding attire, dating back to Greek and Roman times. In Roman times, brides wore veils to disguise themselves from evil spirits and to hide their faces from the groom. Over time, wedding veils became symbols of a bride's chastity and modesty, and many cultures still uphold these beliefs. In Western Christian culture, the veil symbolises modesty before God, and in Judaism, the groom places a veil over his bride's head to ensure he is marrying the right person.
The right veil for your wedding will depend on your personal preference and the look you are going for. Wedding veils come in various lengths, from a face-framing four-inch silhouette to a floor-skimming 120-inch design. A blusher veil, for example, conveys a retro-chic vibe, while a cathedral-length veil feels traditional and dramatic. You can also opt for a shorter veil that covers just the eyes, skims the nose, or falls at the jawline.
There are several ways to repurpose your wedding veil. You can use it as a home decor item, such as a canopy or tapestry, or incorporate it into your outfits as a stylish accessory.
