Unveiling The Mystery: Understanding The Symbolism Of Lifting The Veil In Weddings

The act of lifting the veil during a wedding ceremony holds a variety of meanings and traditions. In ancient times, the veil was believed to protect the bride from evil spirits and bring good luck to the couple. It also has religious significance in cultures like Judaism, where the groom covers the bride's face during the Bedeken ceremony, recalling the story of Jacob from the Torah. Today, lifting the veil is often done by the bride's father as he gives her away, or by the groom before exchanging vows or the marriage kiss. However, modern brides can choose to lift the veil themselves or opt for a different style that doesn't cover their face.

Who lifts the veil?

The person who lifts the veil during a wedding ceremony is usually the bride's father, who lifts the veil to give the bride a kiss before handing her off to the groom. However, there are no rules, and the choice is entirely up to the couple. The bride can lift the veil herself, or the groom may lift it before the vows or right before the kiss. Alternatively, the bride's bouquet can be handed to the maid of honour, who can lift the veil.

The veil is usually lifted at the start of the ceremony, but it can be done at any stage. The person walking the bride down the aisle often lifts the veil, but it can also be lifted by the groom, a family member, or a friend.

The tradition of wearing a bridal veil dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when it was believed that the veil protected the bride from evil spirits and helped to ward them away. In Judaism, the groom places a veil over his bride's head during the Bedeken ceremony to ensure he is marrying the right person. In Catholic weddings, the veil is meant to add to the bride's modesty.

When is the veil lifted?

There are several options for when the veil is lifted during a wedding ceremony. If the bride's father walks her down the aisle, he may lift the veil as he "gives her away". Alternatively, the bride may choose to wear her veil during the ceremony and have her partner lift it to kiss her at the end. The bride can also lift the veil herself.

The lifting of the veil can be done at any stage of the ceremony but is most often done at the start. The veil can be lifted by the bride's father, the groom, a family member, or a friend. Some brides even choose to lift the veil themselves.

Traditionally, the father of the bride lifts the veil as he presents his daughter to her husband. However, the groom may also lift the veil before saying their vows or exchanging their first kiss as husband and wife.

In some cultures and religions, the veil has specific traditions and significance. For example, in Judaism, the groom covers the bride's face with her veil during the Bedeken ceremony, which stems from the Biblical story of Jacob marrying Leah, who was disguised with a veil.

The history of the wedding veil

The wedding veil is the oldest part of the bridal ensemble, with a rich history and cultural significance. While the veil is now a staple accessory for brides, its original purpose was very different.

The first records of veils come from ancient Rome, where they were used to hide the bride's identity to protect her from evil spirits that might want to thwart her happiness. The veil also served as a symbol of the bride's chastity and modesty, and in some cultures, it was believed that a veiled bride represented a "modest and untouched maiden". In Christianity, the veil also represents the bride's purity and her rejection of the world as she subjects her heart to God for protection from evil.

In the Jewish religion, the veil is part of a ceremony called the bedeken, where the groom looks at his bride and then places a veil over her to ensure he is marrying the right person. This tradition stems from the story of Jacob in the book of Genesis, where Jacob was tricked into marrying Rachel's sister, Leah, as she was veiled.

The colour of the veil has changed over time too. In ancient times, veils were red or striped to distinguish brides from other women and to ward off evil spirits. These veils were called flammeums, meaning "flame-coloured", and were believed to make the bride look like she was engulfed in flames. However, in the 19th century, Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress and veil, becoming the first modern monarch to do so and setting a new trend for brides.

Over the last century, wedding veil styles have continued to evolve, reflecting the unique fashion sensibilities of each era. From the glamorous Flapper veils of the 1920s to the bold and unique Statement veils of the 2020s, the wedding veil has remained a cherished part of the bridal ensemble.

The symbolism of the wedding veil

The wedding veil is one of the oldest parts of a bridal ensemble, with its origins dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.

In ancient Rome, brides wore a veil called a flammeum, which was deep yellow in colour, reminiscent of a candle flame. The veil was also evocative of the veil of the Flaminica Dialis, the Roman priestess who was unable to divorce her husband, and was thus seen as a good omen for lifelong fidelity to one man. The Romans also thought of the bride as being "clouded over with a veil", connecting the verb nubere (to be married) with nubes, the word for cloud.

In ancient Greece, respectable women were expected to seclude themselves and wear clothing that concealed them from the eyes of strange men. Classical Greek and Hellenistic statues sometimes depicted Greek women with both their head and face covered by a veil.

In Western Christian culture, the veil has been used to symbolise modesty before God, obedience, and chastity when the veil is white. In Judaism, the groom places the veil over the bride's face during the Bedeken ceremony, to ensure he is marrying the right person. The veil is also seen as a way of focusing on the inner beauty and qualities of the woman he is marrying. In Catholic weddings, the veil is meant to add to the bride's modesty, and is a sign of humility, purity, and humility before God.

In modern times, the veil is often chosen as a fashion accessory, to complement or accentuate a wedding dress. However, the lifting of the veil at the end of the ceremony, by either the bride's father or the groom, is seen as symbolically consummating the marriage, representing the hymen that will be physically penetrated on the wedding night.

Types of wedding veils

The wedding veil is a timeless accessory that adds elegance and romance to a bride's overall look. It is a versatile accessory that comes in various lengths, styles, and embellishments, complementing any bridal ensemble. Here are some of the most popular types of wedding veils:

Birdcage Veil

A chic and retro-inspired option, the birdcage veil offers vintage charm. This short veil typically covers just a portion of the bride's face, often extending to the chin or jawline, adding an air of mystery and sophistication. It perfectly complements retro-inspired or minimalist bridal looks and can be angled to one side for a little more exposure.

Blusher Veil

The blusher veil is a classic choice traditionally worn over the face as the bride walks down the aisle, to be lifted by the groom during the first kiss. This veil can be paired with other veil lengths for a layered effect or worn alone for a traditional touch. It can be chin, shoulder, or waist length and is often the top layer of a two-tier veil.

Elbow-Length Veil

The elbow-length veil is worn high on the crown of the head and falls at or near the bride's elbows. It is an excellent choice for a low-key, understated retro look and is ideal for those who want to avoid the fuss of a long, trailing veil. This style never gets in the way and pairs well with both fitted and ball gown silhouettes.

Fingertip-Length Veil

The fingertip-length veil is one of the most popular choices, extending to the bride's fingertips and creating a flattering frame for her dress. This versatile veil suits most gown styles, making it a safe yet stunning choice for both casual and formal weddings. It works with various hairstyles and can be paired with a flower crown or sparkling barrette.

Ballet or Waltz-Length Veil

The ballet or waltz-length veil is a romantic, graceful, and ethereal option, often trimmed with lace. It falls anywhere between the knees and ankles, adding a touch of whimsy and movement to the bride's look. This veil pairs beautifully with A-line or mermaid gowns, accentuating the silhouette. It is perfect for brides who want the benefits of shorter veils without compromising on a feminine look.

Chapel-Length Veil

The chapel-length veil is a floor-length veil that extends a couple of inches beyond the hem of the wedding dress, adding elegance and drama to the ensemble. It is ideal for formal or traditional ceremonies and suits most full-length gowns, whether A-line or sheath. It can be found in both ornate and minimalist styles.

Cathedral-Length Veil

The cathedral-length veil is the longest and most majestic veil option, exuding opulence and grandeur. This veil trails one to two feet beyond the bride's gown, creating a breathtaking visual effect. It is often chosen for elaborate, formal weddings and is the epitome of a fairytale wedding. However, due to its length, it requires assistance to manage and spread out the fabric.

Royal Veil

Inspired by regal elegance, the royal veil is a show-stopping accessory that commands attention. It is often worn with a tiara or crown, emulating the elegance of royalty. The length can be customized, and it is typically reserved for monarchs and the grandest of weddings.

Drop Veil

The drop veil, famously worn by Meghan Markle, sits over the face during the ceremony and is pulled back afterward to create two layers. It is a seamless, ethereal option that provides a soft, romantic frame for the bride's face and gown. It is typically worn without a comb or other visible attachments, draping effortlessly over the head.

Double Tier Veil

The double tier veil has two layers of different lengths, with the shorter tier typically worn as a blusher veil. This style adds dimension and depth to the bride's ensemble, creating a captivating visual impact.

Mantilla Veil

The mantilla veil is a traditional Spanish-style veil with intricate lace edging. It is circular or oval and is attached a few inches back from the hairline, draping over both shoulders. This veil is a stunning choice for brides seeking romance and tradition, as it adds an aura of grace and elegance to the overall look.

Frequently asked questions