Bridal Veils

Women from most cultures wear a veil during their wedding ceremonies. The veil symbolizes different things in different cultures. In the United States, most women choose to wear a transparent white veil during their wedding ceremony. Years ago, the veil symbolized youth and purity. Their use was also important in instances of arranged marriages, where efforts were made to hide the face of the bride until it was revealed at the appropriate moment during the ceremony. Today, the veil is mostly worn because it has become a tradition and an honor to wear during one's wedding ceremony.

In Japan, brides wear one piece of white cloth over their faces and another piece over their heads to hide their "jealous horns." These veils are then removed at a specific time during the traditional Japanese ceremony.

In China, a more ornate crown that is made of silver, feathers, and pearls is worn in conjunction with many layers of red silk that cover the woman's face during the ceremony. The purpose of these traditions is to protect the bride during her most exposed moments.

Different Bridal Veil Styles

Today, women are not usually required to wear the traditional long lace veils that match their bridal gowns. Many women use their veils as a ways to express their own style and fashion sense by designing their own. Today, veils of various lengths, materials, trimmings, layers, colors, and styles are acceptable for brides. The following are specific veil styles:

The Angel Veil: a long, straight, and wide-resembling the wings of an angel.

The Ballerina Veil: also referred to as the waltz veil, this veil is extra long, almost reaching the floor.

The Birdcage Veil and the Blusher Veil: shorter veils that reach below the chin, yet cover the entire face.

The Butterfly Veil: a veil that is oval in shape with ribbon edging that forms a crescent shape at the bottom.

The Cascade Veil: an old-fashioned, layered veil of various layers.

The Cathedral Veil: a veil with specific measurements, falling 3 ½ yards from the top.

The Chapel Veil: a veil that is precisely one yard shorter than the cathedral veil.

The Elbow Veil: a veil similar to the blush veil, falling just to the elbows.

The Fingertip Veil: one of the most popular styles, falling precisely to one's fingertips.

The Mantilla Veil: long and graceful, the Mantilla has a Spanish style and is most often made of lace.

Tips on Selecting Your Bridal Veil

Selecting your veil can be a frustrating process. You want to make sure it is the right style to suit your profile, while also complementing the appearance and style of your wedding gown.

Elaborate dresses are usually paired with simple veils, while simple dresses are usually worn with elaborate veils. Many women make their veils from the fabric of their mother or grandmother's dress to add sentimental value, while also creating a unique and antique look.

By Melissa Eisler

Bridal Veils

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