Lifting the Veil on Tradition: The History of the Bridal Veil

What does your wedding wardrobe include? Wedding dress..check. Shoes..check. Bouquet…check. Veil…errrr…check?? If you went through that list 10 years ago, there would have been no hesitation in your answer. But beyond the fashion of wedding gowns changing immensely in the past decade, so has that of the bridal veil.

The wedding veil can be traced back to Ancient Greece. Over the next 2 millennia, wedding veils have changed shape and stories more times than you can keep track of.

Historians have many accounts of the origin and meaning of the wedding veil. One account is the wedding veil symbolized modesty and purity. Others state that it kept evil spirits away until the bride was officially under the protection of her husband. The most humorous origin of the bridal veil is that of arranged marriages. Parents arranging their offspring’s marriages were so common that the bridal veil was necessary to protect that agreement. Sometimes the groom would not ever meet his intended until the wedding day. And in case beauty was not a favorable attribute of the bride, the wedding veil was necessary to keep the groom from seeing her face and calling off the arrangement.

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Throughout these many changes, the style and color of the veil also changed. Many had Arab influences and consisted of ornate beading and jewels. But as the wedding veil evolved, one thing always stayed the same: its connection with virginity. In modern fashion, that is why the bridal veil is white like the bridal gown. And as all fashion changes based on current trends, so does the bridal veil. It’s been lace, tulle, netting, sheer chiffon fabric and a plethora of other designs, colors and textures.

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In 2010, the bridal veil is the most diverse it has ever been. Many brides choose to stay traditional, even wearing their mother’s or grandmother’s veils. Now that veils are considered only an accessory and not a necessity, veils are often taken off after the ceremony to free up the movement of the bride at the reception.

Some bride’s choose not to wear a veil at all- and can substitute a headpiece, flowers, feathers or gem hairpins instead.

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The length of a veil is also a bride’s personal choice. From Princess Diana’s 25 foot train to blushers that hit just below the chin, brides choose their veil according to ceremony site, occasion and style of the dress.

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The most important thing to remember about choosing a veil is to make sure you feel comfortable with your choice. Your selection should highlight your personal style. Make sure you try out several selections of veils or head accessories before you settle on one. You should feel the best you have ever felt on the day of your wedding- and do not feel the need to hide your face behind a veil of obscurity.