3 Things to Consider When Deciding If Wearing A Veil is Right for You…
A time-honoured blend of tradition and contemporary style, it might be said that a bridal veil is a staple accessory in any bride’s wedding day attire. From cathedral-length veils to birdcages, from mantilla circle-cut veils to dupatta scarves, you have an abundance of choices… Stylistically, the veil affords an opportunity for the fashion-conscious bride to undergo a transformation between ceremony and reception.
Historically, a veil was symbolic of a bride’s purity and virginity. In ancient cultures, the veil was worn to ward off any evil spirits, affording protection to a bride’s modesty whilst displaying reverence to a god or goddess. The “unveiling of the bride” was a custom in which a bride would be presented to her groom (oftentimes she was ‘given away’ by her father) and symbolised that her virginity could now be taken.
In a modern-day society, a veil is no longer deemed to be a requirement of essential bridal attire. Some may even feel that walking down the aisle with their face covered is both a demeaning practice and an outdated custom.
Though the original traditions may not carry quite the same implications today, wearing a veil to hide one’s face until stood abreast from her partner could certainly still be seen as a romantic tradition to uphold.
In order to help you make the right decision for your special day, I’ve outlined three key points to consider when making the decision to veil, or not to veil…
PRICE
With the average veil costing between £150 – £300, it’s not exactly a small price to pay for an accessory that may be deemed ‘surplus to requirements’ for your particular wedding day style.
MAINTENANCE
The fabric needs to be steamed ahead of the wedding to remove any creases. It is important to think about how you plan to transport your veil without dirtying it. The veil will need to be carried by yourself or a maid throughout the day and may even need to be bustled.
SUITABILITY
Face shape, hair style, dress style and possibly even the aesthetic of your venue will need to be considered for suitability in wearing a veil on your big day. Differing colours, lengths and materials ought to be factored into your decision. From a hairstylist’s viewpoint, the weight of a veil might be crucial to your overall choice. The heavier the fabric, the stronger the anchor point needs to be in your hair – if you are prone to headaches, a heavily embroidered veil may not be the veil for you!
Whether you choose to follow tradition by adorning your head with a veil or embrace new norms by opting for another bridal hair accessory, ensure that you make the right choice for YOU. What’s most important is that you look and feel amazing in your own unique style on your special day!
GLOSSARY
Ballet length: The fabric falls below the hips
Birdcage: A short, retro style veil, covering the top half of your face
Blusher: The fabric covering your face
Bustle: To shorten the length of the fabric
Cathedral-length: The fabric extends a foot or two behind your wedding gown
Chapel-length: The fabric reaches down to the floor
Drop Veil: A single, oval-shaped piece of tulle, simply draped over your head and body
Dupatta Scarf: Long and ornate fabric, covering your head and shoulders
Finger-tip Length: The fabric falls slightly below the waist
Juliet Cap: A cloche style cap fastened to a tulle veil
Mantilla: Of Spanish origin, a circular-cut veil with a lace trim
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