The bridal veil is an extremely powerful part of the bride's wedding attire. It is the one thing that transforms you from an ordinary woman into a beautiful blushing bride.
Many brides wonder whether they should wear a veil; often claiming that it is too traditional or simply an outdated custom. It is a personal choice, of course, but it is worth remembering that there are few things more romantic than a handsome groom lifting his bride's veil to kiss her. In fact, most men are utterly startled by the beauty that is a veiled women walking towards them.
Traditionally the veil was a symbol of virginity, virtue and modesty. Although much of this symbolism has been lost over time, the veil remains a customary accessory for many brides.
This means that the style of veil is an important decision for brides. The type of veil you choose will depend on the style of your wedding dress, as well as personal preference.
Veil Styles
- Blusher - worn over the face, this veil is attached to a headpiece and usually has two or three longer tiers
- Cathedral - this veil is most commonly worn with a cathedral train. It falls approximately three metres from the headpiece. It is the most traditional style of veil and is therefore best suited to the more traditional bride.
- Chapel - this is another veil that is best suited to a dress with a train. Slightly shorter than the cathedral veil, the chapel veil falls approximately two metres from the headpiece.
- Fingertip - this veil cascades over the shoulders and reaches to the fingertips. It is considered the most popular veil.
- Waterfall - suited to the more casual bride, this veil can have several layers that extend to the shoulder. It looks best when worn with a dress that has a low back.
Veils are made of many different materials and are available in different colours. They also vary in the amount of detail. It is best to work closely with your dress designer or consultant to achieve exactly the right veil.
Remember also that veils can be attached to the top, middle or back of the head. It is best to ask your wedding consultant about where it is best to attach your style of veil so as to maximise the impact. This will also affect the type of hairstyle you can have, so be sure to inform your hairdresser of the style of veil you have chosen and where it needs to be attached.
The Headpiece
When considering which style of veil is best for you, it is also important to consider the different types of headpieces available.
- Tiara - this is the most common headpiece, with many different sizes, styles and designs available. Tiara's made with diamantes are very popular, but they are also made with pearls as well.
- Fresh flowers - a headpiece made from fresh flowers can look absolutely stunning. It can be made to match your bridal bouquet or the colour scheme of your wedding. There are many different types of headpieces to choose from, but most of these will attach to your hair using a comb, with the veil itself sliding underneath the flowers on a separate comb. It is best to consult your florist and wedding flower magazines for ideas.
Ask Questions
Make sure that you ask a lot of questions about the types of veils available to you. Choosing the right veil achieves elegance, grace and beauty. Equally, choosing the wrong veil can ruin your bridal look. So, make sure you ask these questions:
- What style of veil will best suit my dress?
- Can you custom make the veil in a colour that matches my dress?
- What fabrics can the veil be made from?
- What amount of detail should I have on the veil, given the style of my wedding dress?
- Do I attach this veil to the top, middle or back of the head? If the veil can be attached in more than one place, it is best to ask which position would look the best
- Is the veil easily detachable? This is important as normally the veil is detached after the ceremony or at the reception. You don't want a situation where removing the veil ruins your hairstyle.
Whether you believe in the traditional symbolism or not, a veil is what truly makes you a bride. Wearing one will make you feel elegant and graceful, which is exactly how a bride should feel on her wedding day.
