The wedding veil was not modeled for much of history, only losing to fashion in the 19th century when Queen Victoria sported one. In fact, according to Powell, veils obscuring the bride’s face were not permitted at royal weddings.
Most royal weddings were arranged nuptials at the time, and there was apprehension that the bride would enroll a decoy to take her place and conceal her identity with a veil.
Veils also have importance in specific religions and cultures. For example, in the Jewish faith, the bridal veil recreates a vital role in the Bedeken ceremony, where the groom conceals the bride’s face with her cover. This show is a nod to the Biblical story of Jacob, who was tricked into marrying his intended Rachel’s sister Leah, who was hidden with a veil. The groom must “check” and ensure he gets married to the correct person at the Bedeken.
This seemingly-simple bridal accessory can represent various things to additional people and cultures. Yes, the veil can symbolize modesty, purity, and virginity, but it can also just feel feminine, spooky, sexy, or feel “bridal. For example, is the romance of sporting a bridal veil region of the ‘fairy princess legend’? Or is there something so irresistibly womanly about obeying mysterious—cocooned in sheer iridescent tulle, or surrounded by sheer lace, or with the veil just floating behind—departing ‘princess blessings’ in her bridal wake?” All this to say, you can model a veil because it has some symbolic significance to you, or you can sport a headpiece just because you like the glimpse.
Sporting a veil is optional. However, there are many items to contemplate when determining whether or not to wear a veil.
A veil is an accessory that needs a lot of care and maintenance—particularly if you’re opting for a more extended style. Veils should be boiled before the wedding to avoid any wrinkles or creases. And more extended covers will require to be carried—either yourself or by your bridesmaids—so they don’t get messy. While most brides release their veils for their reception, if you want to wear yours, someone in your escort will need to learn how to rush it.
Most Popular Wedding Veil Styles
There are many different veils to choose from—it all depends on your wedding dress style, desired hairstyle, face shape, and event venue. If you’re getting married indoors, you can bring your pick of veil styles—long, short, or anything in between. If you’re hosting outdoor weddings, though, a long veil might be a bit cumbersome if it’s breezy—but an extended cover blowing in the wind can also look ethereal and beautiful, so again, your choice! In addition, veils may be adorned with lace, crystals, appliques, and more—or they may be kept unadorned.
Cathedral-Length Veil: The cathedral-length style extends a foot or two behind a full-length wedding gown among the most extended veils out there. Chapel-Length Veil: A chapel-length veil plunges a few inches after a full-length wedding gown. Blusher: The part of the veil that protects your face, or a shorter veil style that wraps your entire face. Mantilla: A Spanish-style lace-trimmed veil sported flat on the top of the head. Elbow-Length Veil: A 1960s style veil worn boosted on the head that descends to your elbows.Fingertip-Length Veil: A mid-length veil that stops narrowly below your waist. Ballet-Length Veil: A veil that drops below your hips.Birdcage Veil: A short, retro-style veil that protects just the top half of your face.Dupatta Scarf: A long and ornate veil shielding the head and shoulders worn by Indian brides.
The intermediate cost of a wedding veil is just below $200. However, you can spend far more than that if you desire a very ornate veil.
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