Wedding Veils: To wear or not to wear?

You are preparing to become a bride and you haven’t decided yet whether to wear a wedding veil or not? This can be quite a dilemma nowadays, since wedding veils are optional. Sure, it’s intense and solemn to wear a veil over your face while walking down the aisle, but nobody can force you to wear it if you don’t feel like it. On the other hand, wedding veils are so elegant and sophisticated and they create such an ethereal, almost angelical look! It would be a shame not to take advantage of the opportunity to experience the “wedding veil sensation” so many queens and princesses experienced before you.

Here are some interesting things to know about this classic gorgeous bridal accessory that can help you make up your mind and decide what wedding veil style to wear on your special day!

The origin and meanings of wedding veils

Once a bridal garment with supernatural powers, the wedding veil is nowadays considered simply a beautiful form of adornment. It is said to have originated from ancient Rome, when brides wore an intensely flame-colored veil they believed could protect them from evil spirits. Then, in medieval times, wedding veils were used to protect the wearer from “the evil eye” and were also a symbol of the bride’s chastity, purity and modesty.

Some say wedding veils appeared due to the circumstances of arranged marriages that were so popular in days past. Back then, men bargained with the lady’s father for her hand in marriage. The veil on the bride’s face was lifted only after the ceremony, so that the groom could not back out of the deal if he didn’t like how his bride looks like.

Over time, the wedding veil lost its supernatural powers and insidious role and became a symbol of the bride’s modesty and virtue. Today, the groom’s gesture of lifting the veil from his soon to be Brides face means he is opening her eyes and showing her to other people for the first time, and also that he is symbolically consuming the marriage.

To veil or not to veil?

It’s entirely up to you, the bride-to-be! If you don’t like wedding veils or you are not into bridal traditions, don’t wear the veil. But if you want to be a classic elegant bride, you should wear this hair accessory as the final crowning touch of your bridal appearance. It’s a no-lose situation, but you should definitely opt for a wedding veil of you…

… want to continue a beautiful tradition. Traditionally, brides wear white princess wedding gowns, a bridal veil and a bridal bouquet. This is the complete package if you want to look like a fairy-tale bride.

… are a romantic at heart and you have been imagining your wedding day ever since you were a little girl. The mere thought of that special moment when the man you love will lift the veil from your face sends shivers down your spy.

… are having a formal wedding in a large church. In this case, a cathedral style veil will be the ultimate show stopper!

In the other hand, you can skip the wedding veil if you…

… are having an unusual, unconventional wedding. The location is atypical, the wedding decorations are futuristic and your dress is anything but the classic white princess-style wedding gown.

… are getting married on a hot, humid day. To be wrapped around in full layers that could stick to your skin it’s not a pleasant feeling, especially for a bride-to-be.

… are getting married on a seashore, mountain top or any other location where there will be strong breezes that can ruin your bridal look by messing up with your wedding veil.

However, if you decide not the wear a veil on your wedding day, make sure your bridal appearance is as exquisite as it can be. You can glam up your hairstyle with a statement accessory, like a precious tiara, a shiny oversized barrette or a beautiful colored flower behind your ear.

Wedding veil styles

There are several types of wedding veils you can choose from and it’s best to try most of them in order to see which one flatters best your face, body shape and wedding gown style. You must choose the wedding veil when you already have the dress, not before. The veil comes as a final touch of elegance and style to the wedding dress. Here are the most popular wedding veil styles you must consider when going on your “bridal veil shopping experience”:

Blusher. This is the bit of the veil that stands in front of your face when you walk down the aisle and the veil your father or future husband lifts when the ceremony begins. It can be shorter or longer, but either way it adds a touch of mystery and sex-appeal to your bridal look.

Mantilla. Romantic and delicate, this Spanish wedding veil stands out thanks to its elegant simplicity and embroidered margins. It’s a circular piece of veil, usually made of lace or tulle with heavy lace edgings, that frames the face and is held in place with a comb.

Birdcage veil. This is a short wedding veil that covers only the face or the eyes and it’s a great choice if you want a retro-sophisticated bridal look. You can wear the birdcage veil by itself, or mix and match it with a stylish hat.

Pouf veil. This wedding veil consists of a “pooffy” tulle that gathers to a hairpiece, creating height. It’s a bold and beautiful head accessory you can use to add some of the 60’s glam to your bridal look.

Juliet cap. Named after the heroine of the renowned Shakespearean play, the Juliet cap is sweet and delicate, a small open-work crocheted or mesh cap, often decorated with pearls, beads or other jewellery. If you are looking for a bohemian vintage look, the Juliet cap is the perfect bridal accessory.

Drop veil. This veil consists in one layer of tulle that gently sits on the head and is normally made without a comb (although sometimes there can be some hair pins that secure the veil). It can be cut to any length, but normally it’s at least elbow length. Remember how gorgeous Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton looked on their wedding day? They were both wearing drop veils!

Wedding veil styles according to length

Length is another important feature you need to consider when looking for the perfect wedding veil. Short veils are more casual, informal, while long veils are appropriate for formal weddings and can go up to about 177 inches long!

Short veils do not extend past the chin and are the perfect choice for sophisticated or eclectic wedding gowns, especially if they have a high neck detail.

Shoulder length veils end exactly below the shoulders, where the armpits begin. They look great with wedding dresses that emphasize on the bust, waist or back, as long as the dress style is not too formal.

Elbow length veils end where the fullness of the skirt begins, so they can work well with ball gown style dresses or strapless wedding dresses. They are informal veils, but very elegant and easy to handle.

Waist length veils are just a few more inches longer than the elbow length veils and are the perfect option for short brides with any trainless wedding gown.

Fingertip length veils are flattering for all body shapes and dresses, so it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular lengths. “Fingertip length” means that when you stretch your arm out, the veil reaches around your fingertips. It’s a safe bet, but elegant and classic.

Knee length veils are suitable for less formal weddings and mid calf length bridal dresses. They look great with all types of gowns and body shapes.

Ballet-length veils are also known as waltz-length veils, as they allow you to dance without any effort. They fall anywhere between the knee and ankle and are best suited for elegant full-length wedding gowns with no train.

Chapel length veils are usually around 107 inches long (2.7 m). They go all the way down to the ground, where they may drape a little, but don’t have a train. Therefore, chapel length veils look great when paired with formal wedding dresses that feature a train. They are romantic and elegant and can make you look like a princess!

Cathedral length veils and royal length veils are the longest veils you can find, therefore the most formal. The first one is usually around 137 inches long (3.5 m), while the second extends to as much as 177 inches (4.5 m). They both look great with classic full length wedding gowns and make a dramatic superb impression. You will look like royalty and your wedding pictures will be spectacular!