To veil or not veil: the ins and outs of wedding veils

Wedding veils have long been part of the wedding day tradition, but for some modern brides this classic headwear isn’t always part of their vision. It can feel formal and old fashioned – but it doesn’t have to be. If you are considering a veil there are lots of ways to go. To veil or not veil, that is the question. Let’s have a look over some veil considerations to help with your decision for your wedding day.

The history of veils

First, why are we even wearing veils at all? Where does this tradition come from and why are we still doing it? The veil actually dates way back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans, where a bride would wear a veil to protect herself from those pesky evil spirits that occasionally chose to hang around the ancient wedding ceremony. In medieval times, it was viewed as a symbol of chastity, modesty and reverence and could be used (more worryingly) to disguise the bride’s face from a groom in an arranged marriage. The smart thinking behind this idea was that a groom couldn’t run off pre-ceremony if he didn’t like what he saw!

None of these ideas sit particularly with our modern concepts of marriage, but today the veil has simply become part of the wider tradition of a wedding day. A way to complement bridal attire and to sometimes preserve the superstition of the couple not seeing each other before the ceremony.

How to wear a veil

If you have decided that you are a veil kind of girl there are a whole range of ways to incorporate this into your wedding look. Here are just a handful of veil options for your day:

Cathedral veil

If you’re looking for a dramatic veil option this look could well be for you. The cathedral veil is longer than your dress, sweeping the floor behind you as you make your entrance. This veil is usually intricately decorated and can exceed 12 feet in length. This is a look you may want to switch up for the reception as it can be impractical to move around in outside of the ceremony.

Blusher veil

Short, sweet and with great vintage sensibilities, a blusher veil can still feel like a very modern take on the wedding look. Covering the face, it also adds real occasion to the ceremony and lets him have the lovely moment of raising back the veil off your face.

Shoulder length veil

This one does pretty much what it says on the tin, a shoulder length veil brushes or sits just above the shoulders. It feels a little lighter and more fun than longer, heavier designs and was a popular veil in the 1950’s and 60’s. This veil flows well with a tea length dress.

Juliet cap

This is a medieval inspired look that enjoyed a resurgence in the 1920’s but now adds a classic twist to your wedding day. This veil is gathered around the head to create a lace cap flowing out into a longer veil, generally reaching the waist. The gathered portion could be fastened with flowers or a jewelled pin. Kate Moss wore one of these on her wedding day, making it a very cool headwear choice.

Waltz veil

This veil falls between your waist and the floor, adding plenty of impact whilst remaining practical to move around in. Think Kate Middleton at the famous royal wedding and opt for a style with a gently tapered hem edged with lace.

Veil alternatives

Still not sold on a veil? That’s fine too. Lots of brides are looking for different way to adorn their hair on the wedding day or simply going for a natural look. Flowers can be a lovely way to add a little hair drama whilst keeping things fresh and natural. Other looks can include tiaras, netted hats, feathers or hair chains. Look for a hair accessory that steals your heart and one that sits well with your overall look.

Veils are an ancient way to signify your bridal beauty but no longer a must have addition to your wedding look. To veil or not to veil? It’s your call.

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