Veils And Clouds: A Match Made In Heaven?

Wedding veils have been a part of marriage traditions for centuries, with roots in Roman, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic cultures. Today, veils are seen as a beautiful accessory that complements a wedding dress, and a bride may choose to wear one as a nod to this long-standing tradition.

The veil was a prominent feature of Roman wedding costumes, where it was deep yellow in colour, reminiscent of a candle flame. The Romans connected the verb to be married with the word for cloud, and the bride was seen as being clouded over with a veil.

In modern times, the veil continues to be a staple in bridal fashion, with some brides choosing to wear one as a romantic tradition and others opting for a veil-less look. While the veil's symbolism has largely been lost, it remains a meaningful accessory for many brides, adding a touch of elegance, tradition, and personal style to their wedding ensemble.

Veil history and meaning

The veil is a piece of clothing that covers some part of the head or face and has been prominent in different forms in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Veiling has a long history in European, Asian, and African societies. In some cultures, it is men, not women, who are expected to wear a veil.

In ancient Mesopotamia and in the Macedonian and Persian empires, elite women wore the veil as a sign of respectability and high status. The earliest reference to veiling is found in a Middle Assyrian law code dating from between 1400 and 1100 BC. Assyria had explicit laws detailing which women must veil depending on their class, rank, and occupation. Female slaves and prostitutes were forbidden to veil and faced harsh penalties if they did so.

Veiling was also a marker of aristocratic rank and served to "differentiate between 'respectable' women and those who were publicly available". In ancient Greece, respectable women were expected to seclude themselves and wear clothing that concealed them from the eyes of strange men. Veiling of matrons was customary, and classical Greek and Hellenistic statues sometimes depict Greek women with both their head and face covered by a veil.

In ancient Rome, married women were expected to wear veils as a symbol of their husband's authority over them. A married woman who omitted the veil was seen as withdrawing herself from marriage. A veil called the flammeum was the most prominent feature of the costume worn by the bride at Roman weddings. The Romans connected the verb nubere (to be married) with nubes, the word for cloud, and thus the bride was seen as being "clouded over with a veil".

In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the concept of covering the head is or was associated with propriety and modesty. In the Middle Ages, most European married women covered their hair rather than their face, with various styles of wimple, kerchiefs, and headscarves. In Western Europe and North America, from the arrival of Christianity until the mid-20th century, women in most mainstream Christian denominations wore head coverings.

In the context of weddings in Western Christian culture, the veil has been used to symbolize modesty before God, obedience, and chastity when the veil is white. The tradition of a veiled bride's face continues today, wherein a virgin bride, especially in Christian or Jewish culture, enters the marriage ritual with a veiled face and head. After the wedding ceremony concludes, either the bride's father lifts the veil, presenting the bride to the groom, or the groom lifts the veil himself.

In Judaism, the tradition of the bride wearing a veil during the wedding ceremony dates back to biblical times. In a traditional Jewish wedding, just before the ceremony, the badeken takes place, where the groom places the veil over the bride's face and gives her a blessing. The veil stays on until the end of the wedding ceremony, at which point the groom lifts it off her face. Many say that the veiling ceremony takes place to ensure that the groom is marrying the right bride.

In Christian theology, the tradition of veiling in the marriage ceremony is partly rooted in St. Paul's words concerning how marriage symbolizes the union of Christ and His Church. In historic Christian traditions, the veil is seen as "a visible sign that the woman is under the authority of a man".

The veil is also a part of mourning dress customs. The mourning veil became a way to demonstrate sincerity and piety and was commonly seen as a means of shielding the mourner and hiding her grief.

Veil styles and lengths

Wedding veils come in a variety of lengths and styles, and choosing the right one can be tricky. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you select the perfect veil for your special day.

Veil Styles

Veil styles can be broadly categorized into short, medium, and long veils.

Short Veils

• Birdcage Veil: This short veil, reminiscent of styles from the 1940s and 1950s, covers the eyes, skims the nose, or falls at the jawline. It is usually made of net or lace and is also called a bandeau veil.
• Flyaway Veil: A simple veil that barely brushes the shoulders, the flyaway veil is less formal and often made with stiff tulle. It can be single or multi-layered and pairs well with heavily embellished gowns.
• Blusher Veil: The blusher is technically the top layer of a two-tier veil, falling between the shoulders and elbows. It is worn over the face during the ceremony and is then flipped back or removed. Blushers are more formal and are common in religious ceremonies.

Medium Veils

• Elbow Veil: As the name suggests, this veil extends from the crown of the head to the elbows. It is a good option for showcasing the skirt or train of the wedding dress while providing some coverage.
• Fingertip Veil: A very common veil length, the fingertip veil extends to the fingertips when the arms are resting at the sides. It is a popular choice for ball gowns and A-line silhouettes.
• Ballet/Waltz Veil: The longest option before floor-length veils, the ballet or waltz veil falls between the knees and ankles. It is perfect for dancing and won't get in the way during the reception.

Long Veils

• Chapel Veil: A semi-formal veil that reaches the floor and extends slightly beyond the gown. It is often paired with a chapel-length dress train.
• Cathedral Veil: One of the most formal lengths, the cathedral veil extends about two feet onto the floor behind the dress, creating a dramatic entrance. It requires assistance to manage and carry.
• Royal Veil: Reserved for grand weddings, the royal veil pools onto the floor for several feet behind the dress.

Other veil styles include the Juliet veil, a fitted tulle veil with ornate embellishments, the Mantilla veil, a large circular piece of tulle fastened a few inches from the hairline, and the Drop veil, which fully covers the face and upper body.

Veil Lengths

Veil lengths vary from shoulder-length to cathedral length, with some makers and suppliers having slightly different measurements. Here are some standard veil lengths:

• Shoulder-Length Veil: Typically 20 inches, this veil ends at the top of the dress, providing a nod to tradition without taking away from the dress.
• Elbow-Length Veil: Measuring around 25 inches, this veil falls gracefully over the shoulders to the elbows.
• Waist/Hip-Length Veil: A waist-length veil is usually 30 inches, while a hip-length veil is around 36 inches. These lengths draw attention to the waist and can complement A-line gowns.
• Fingertip-Length Veil: A popular choice, the fingertip veil is about 42 inches and falls beyond the hips, allowing any design on the back of the gown to be seen.
• Waltz/Ballet-Length Veil: At 60 inches, this veil falls to the mid-calf or ankle, perfect for dancing and adding movement to the ensemble.
• Floor-Length Veil: A floor-length veil is about 72-78 inches, grazing the floor and matching the length of the gown.
• Chapel-Length Veil: Measuring around 90-96 inches, this veil sweeps across the floor and extends slightly beyond the gown.
• Cathedral-Length Veil: At 108-120 inches, the cathedral veil is the longest traditional wedding veil length. It extends well beyond the train of the gown, creating a dramatic entrance.

When choosing a veil, consider your hairstyle, budget, and the overall vision for your wedding day look. The veil should complement your dress and personality, adding the perfect finishing touch to your bridal style.

Veil colours

Wedding veils come in a variety of colours, with the most popular being white, eggshell, ivory, and dark ivory. However, veils can also be found in a range of other colours, including champagne, blush, black, and pink.

The colour of the veil is important to consider when trying to achieve a certain look. For example, a white veil paired with a white wedding dress creates a bright and sparkly effect. On the other hand, an eggshell-coloured veil, which is a just-off-white shade, can be used to complement gowns made of natural silks and other off-white fabrics. Ivory, a light off-white shade with warm, creamy undertones, is a good choice for dresses in the ivory, ivory/nude, or ivory/blush family. Dark ivory, a deeper shade of ivory verging on cream, pairs well with candlelight, cream, or champagne fabrics.

When choosing a veil colour, it is not necessary to perfectly match the colour of the wedding dress. Instead, the goal is to create a tonal match, allowing the veil to complement the dress without being an exact colour match. This is because veils are typically made of sheer, light, and airy fabrics that will reveal the details and silhouette of the dress.

For dresses with a deeper shade, such as champagne, pink, or ivory/sand, a two-colour dress with a light ivory lace layer on top is a popular choice. In this case, it is recommended to match the veil to the lighter colour on top, as it is more flattering and easier to pair than the deeper colour underneath.

Ultimately, the choice of veil colour depends on the desired look and feel of the wedding ensemble.

Veil details

The wedding veil is a time-honoured tradition, with a rich history and a variety of styles. Today, veils are widely accepted as a bridal accessory that adds a perfect finishing touch to the overall bridal look.

When choosing a veil, it is important to consider the style and shape of your wedding dress. The veil should complement the dress without overpowering it or taking away from its details. Look for key focal points on your dress as guidance for your veil. For instance, a veil will often look best cut just above or below any horizontal lines, and a veil that falls at a defined waistline can create an elegant, proportional look.

If you have chosen a traditional ball gown with a full skirt, consider a chapel or cathedral-length veil for added drama and elegance. For a shorter veil, a waist-length or fingertip veil is a refined choice. A sleek, minimalist dress pairs beautifully with a minimalist chapel veil, fingertip veil, or a birdcage veil. Gowns without a train or with a short train are well-suited to a floor-length or chapel-length veil.

For a lace or embellished gown, opt for a veil that is simpler in design, such as a plain tulle veil, to allow the details of the dress to shine. A bohemian or rustic dress can be complemented by a veil with soft, flowing lines, such as a mantilla or a veil edged with lace.

To complement a mermaid or trumpet silhouette, a long and narrow veil is a stunning choice, or a mid-length or fingertip veil can showcase a flared skirt. For an A-line wedding gown, proportions are key, and a fingertip, waltz-length, or chapel-length veil will beautifully showcase the bodice of the dress.

When it comes to length, there are several options to choose from:

• Birdcage veil (covers part of the face, perfect for retro, minimalist, or modern brides)
• Shoulder-length veil (ends around the shoulders, ideal for informal or outdoor weddings)
• Elbow-length veil (reaches the elbows, a flattering and versatile choice)
• Fingertip veil (grazes the fingertips, adding elegance without overwhelming the dress)
• Chapel-length veil (extends to the floor, just beyond the hem of the dress, for a touch of formality and grace)
• Cathedral-length veil (the most dramatic option, trailing behind the bride, perfect for a grand, traditional wedding)

The colour of the veil is also crucial, and it should match the shade of the wedding dress. White dresses should be paired with a pure white veil, while ivory dresses can be matched with an ivory veil of a similar tone. Blush or champagne dresses can be complemented by a veil with a slight pink or champagne tint.

Details such as embellishments and edging can either enhance or detract from the overall look. If the dress is simple, consider a veil with lace, beading, or florals for added detail. Conversely, if the dress is already detailed, a plain veil will ensure the dress remains the focal point. A raw-cut edge offers a modern, clean look, while lace or ribbon edges add a traditional, romantic touch.

It is also important to consider your hairstyle when choosing a veil. Updos work well with almost any veil length, and longer or heavier veils may require a supportive hairstyle, such as a bridal bun or messy updo. If you plan to wear your hair down, additional pins and precautions may be needed to keep the veil in place. A half-up, half-down hairstyle is a versatile choice that pairs well with most veil styles.

Practical considerations, such as the venue and weather, should also be taken into account. For outdoor weddings, the wind may be an issue, and longer veils can get caught in the breeze, so a shorter style or one that can be easily removed may be preferable. Comfort is also key, as you will be wearing the veil for several hours. It is recommended to have someone from the bridal party know how to remove the veil after the ceremony if needed.

The wedding veil is a highly customizable accessory, and with so many options available, you can create a look that reflects your personal style and makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Veil and hair

The veil is an important part of the bridal ensemble, with a long history in Western culture and religious traditions. Today, brides may choose to wear a veil as a beautiful accessory or to honour a family tradition. When deciding on a veil, it's essential to consider the hairstyle, as this will impact how the veil is secured and how it falls.

Hairstyles

Updos

An updo hairstyle, such as a bun or an up-swept messy style, works well with almost any veil length, as it allows the veil to cascade down gracefully. This style also provides a supportive base for longer or heavier veils.

Loose Waves

If the bride plans to wear her hair down, loose waves can be a beautiful option. However, it's important to note that this hairstyle will require extra pins and precautions to ensure the veil stays securely in place throughout the day.

Half-up, Half-down

A versatile option that pairs well with most veil styles, the half-up, half-down hairstyle offers the best of both worlds. This style provides some support for the veil while still allowing for loose waves or curls.

Veil Types and Lengths

When choosing a veil, it's crucial to consider the style and length that will complement the wedding dress. The veil should accentuate the dress without overpowering its details. Here are some common veil types and lengths to consider:

Birdcage Veil

A short, vintage-style veil that typically covers just part of the face. This style is perfect for retro, minimalist, or modern brides.

Shoulder-Length Veil

A casual and modern choice that ends around the shoulders. This length is ideal for informal or outdoor weddings.

Elbow-Length Veil

Falling gracefully to the elbows, this length is flattering and versatile, complementing most dress styles.

Fingertip Veil

One of the most popular lengths, the fingertip veil grazes the bride's fingertips, adding elegance without overwhelming the dress. It is a timeless and classic option for various venues, from churches to beaches.

Chapel-Length Veil

This veil extends to the floor, just beyond the hem of the dress, adding a touch of formality and grace. It is an excellent choice for dresses without a train or with a short train.

Cathedral-Length Veil

The most dramatic option, with a length that trails behind the bride. This veil is perfect for a grand, traditional wedding.

Veil Details

The details of the veil, such as embellishments and edging, can either enhance or detract from the overall look. If the wedding dress is simple, consider a veil with lace, beading, or floral accents. On the other hand, if the dress is already detailed or heavily embellished, a plain veil will ensure the dress remains the focal point.

Additionally, the edging of the veil can make a statement. A raw-cut edge offers a modern, clean look, while lace or ribbon edging adds a romantic, traditional touch.

Frequently asked questions