Veils, Glorious Veils

Oh, my goodness.... SIGH .... we just love veils. Think about the last time you wore a veil. Pretty much every Wednesday, right? Yeah, NO! They're ethereal, they're gorgeous, they are expansive, classy, elegant and they signal that the person wearing the veil is special. For centuries upon centuries, a woman in a veil cast a spell - whether she was a fictional heroine, a royal princess or a family member getting married. Veils are just special, so here's a little love up to The Bridal Veil - blog style.

photo credit: Pixels on Paper Photography @pixels_on_paper

Why Bother adding a Veil

First, let's have a quick review of why brides wore them in the first place. There's no reason this can't be educational AND fun, people.
One reason from ages (and AGES) ago was that they protected the bride from evil spirits that could besiege her if she were uncovered. It's similar to why we said and still say "Bless You" when someone sneezes: evil spirits could come in through your mouth while sneezing, so companions would say, "Bless You" to break any curse. The veil was protection.

photo credit: Pixels on Paper Photography @pixels_on_paper

Second, brides wore veils as a kind of "big reveal" in arranged marriages. We have reality shows now that do something similar, but we're not going there. 

Veils were, and sometimes still are, worn as a sign of purity. They represented being untouched and unblemished by life and by menfolk. Finally, brides wear them because tradition dictates it and sometimes we just want to embrace traditions rather than flout them. We have lots of options for our weddings these days, and we have overturned so many of them. But for a wedding day, brides often like to go old school. And why not?

The bride above not only showcased her choice of veils by holding it out in photos, you can see that it adds to her overall silhouette. Veils complete a look in a way that a belt or hair piece can, but are certainly more traditional and dazzling. 

Lots of Veil Choices

The most classic and common veil style is a U shaped veil that is gathered up into a comb. Some extend halfway down the gown or below the knew, like a waltz veil, some to the floor to mimic the length of the dress and train, and some are even longer, like the cathedral veil. A cathedral veil usually measures between 108 to 120 inches and tends to be the most formal and dramatic. 

A "blusher" is the part that covers the bride's face and is lifted when the vows are completed or when the father of the bride "gives her away" or presents her to her spouse. 

Kayla Cree Photography

Some veils have lace, beading, both and others showcase an extremely thin line of stitching, peals, sequins or other embellishment. All should make the bride feel gorgeous and add to the silhouette or the entire gown and ensemble.

Lifting the Veil or a First Look

Brides and grooms are incorporating a "First Look" into their pre-ceremony routine more and more these days. Even if they cover their faces with a veil later during the ceremony, the first look allows for a precious moment. Below is a gorgeous example of a first look complete with veil.

If you want to see some of the veils we have at Bridal Traditions, here's a short clip. 
Even better, we would love for you to stop by to chat with us about your engagement, your ideas for your gown and how a veil might complete your look.
Don't miss the opportunity to include a veil on your wedding day. They really are special.