One of the possibly most underrated components of a wedding is the bridal veil. It has its place in the decisions about gowns and details, but rarely do people seem to center their attention on it. Yet just think of all the tradition, subtle mystery, and visual effect it has in the entire ceremony.
The veil has a major part to play in the ceremony itself. When the marriage is pronounced, the groom is invited to kiss his bride. He then lifts the veil and places it behind her head, letting the entire gathering see her face for the first time, kissing her openly in front of the world as his wife. The mystery is gone, their relationship has altered; they are open to each other now.
The veil has a major part to play in the ceremony itself. When the marriage is pronounced, the groom is invited to kiss his bride. He then lifts the veil and places it behind her head, letting the entire gathering see her face for the first time, kissing her openly in front of the world as his wife. The mystery is gone, their relationship has altered; they are open to each other now.
Many ladies who would scoff at the idea of wearing a veil at normal church services or society events will choose to wear one in this special circumstance. In a ceremony filled with tradition, the white dress, the veil, the bridal bouquet, the rings, all join together in the fulfillment of the ultimate romantic event.
Historically, the European bride’s wearing a veil at her wedding came from the East, brought back by the Crusaders. The veil symbolized purity. Some cultures also saw it as helping keep evil away.
The British queen Victoria brought the veil into popularity in the 1800s, but the person credited with the first lace veil was Nellie Custis, Martha Washington’s granddaughter. According to the story (on associatedcontent.com), her husband-to-be first saw her through a lace curtain and was impressed with her beauty and she sought to recreate the effect of that first glimpse.
Historically, the European bride’s wearing a veil at her wedding came from the East, brought back by the Crusaders. The veil symbolized purity. Some cultures also saw it as helping keep evil away.
The British queen Victoria brought the veil into popularity in the 1800s, but the person credited with the first lace veil was Nellie Custis, Martha Washington’s granddaughter. According to the story (on associatedcontent.com), her husband-to-be first saw her through a lace curtain and was impressed with her beauty and she sought to recreate the effect of that first glimpse.
Choices, Choices, Choices
We have come to the point nowadays that the decision of whether to wear a veil or not is mostly a matter of choice, not forced by tradition or superstition, decided upon as a fashion statement or because the tradition adds value to the wedding experience.
There are experts who suggest that, as with Nellie Custis, a veil adds to the bride’s beauty, softening her face as she walks down the aisle toward the groom, and then framing her features when she turns to face the gathering with her husband.
There are new versions of wedding veils every season from the designers at the fashion weeks. Elie Saab is especially known for designing wedding dresses, some of which have beautiful veils.
For those who look for a classical style, there are various lengths ranging from the floor-length cathedral veil that usually extends beyond the train, all the way up in stages to fingertip length, elbow length and shoulder length. Some designs have a short veil in front called a “blusher,” which is raised after the ceremony. The veils are typically made of tulle or lace so they are light and the bride can see through them.
With all the myth and legend behind the bridal veil, a bride has many choices to consider in deciding whether it will be a meaningful part of her very personal plans for her special day.
For those who look for a classical style, there are various lengths ranging from the floor-length cathedral veil that usually extends beyond the train, all the way up in stages to fingertip length, elbow length and shoulder length. Some designs have a short veil in front called a “blusher,” which is raised after the ceremony. The veils are typically made of tulle or lace so they are light and the bride can see through them.
With all the myth and legend behind the bridal veil, a bride has many choices to consider in deciding whether it will be a meaningful part of her very personal plans for her special day.
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