Bride Time

Whether you choose a classic, vintage or urban dress, you will always find a wedding veil that fits perfectly, because it is a versatile and timeless accessory that can be adapted to different styles. Find out all your doubts about this accessory below, find out how to choose the perfect bridal veil .

The origin of the veil and its meaning

Danyah Ocando

Where does the tradition of the bridal veil come from? The correct word is veil, as it comes from the verb "to veil", which means to take care of, cover or hide.

But to understand the principle of this piece, we have to go back to the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome, where brides used to cover their faces with a long veil for a specific purpose: it was believed that this garment protected them from evil spirits, jealous of their happiness, or from the bad omens that could be provoked by the envy of other women.

In Ancient Greece the veil was usually yellow; while in Ancient Rome, it was usually red. Both colors represented fire, capable of driving away negative spirits or dark omens.

The veil in the East

There are also those who say that the bride's veil originated in the oriental culture, with the purpose of hiding the face of the betrothed.

Since in the past marriages were agreed between families for economic or social interests, without the bride and groom even having seen each other, the veil fulfilled the function of preventing the agreement from being broken. This, in case the groom rejected the marriage when he saw the bride. That is why the bride had to remain with the veil on until the end of the ceremony.

The veil in the Middle Ages

Although in early medieval times the bride's mantle retained its protective function, over the years this piece began to play a more decorative role, so much so that it became a symbol of opulence and power, so increasingly important was the richness of the fabrics and ornaments that included. In the marriages of the upper classes, therefore, the veil became a sign of luxury. .

The veil at Christian weddings

And it was in the 19th century when the veil burst into the Christian weddings, representing the retreat from the outside life and acquiring a meaning related to the purity and virginity of the betrothed. Hence it was also installed that the veil was white.

In 1840, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom got married in white and with a bridal veil that was almost four meters long. She is credited with having popularized this accessory among the brides of the time.

The bridal veil today

4UFotowedding

What is the significance of the bride's veil these days? Although it continues to captivate many brides and grooms, it is understood as an emblematic piece of the bridal outfit.

In this way, both tradition and meaning are linked to the evolution of a garment that once played a specific role.

What material is the bridal veil made of? Suitable for religious and civil marriages, the veils are mostly made of delicate fabrics such as tulle, lace, chiffon or organza; whether plain, with 3D embroidery, pearls or shiny appliqués, among other trends. And even today, veils are also made in alternative colors to white, such as pale pink, nude or champagne.

Styles of bridal veils

Irene Schumann

According to the height of the bride's veil, it is possible to find 10 types, while three others are identified by particular features.

• 1. Royal veil: It is approximately three meters long, although it can expand to twice that length.
• 2. Cathedral veil: extends between two meters, and two and a half meters.
• 3. Chapel veil: down from the ankles and crawls about ten centimeters above the floor.
• 4. Waltz veil: its length can reach a point between the calf and the ankle, but never lower than that, i.e. it does not touch the ground.
• 5. Ballet veil: its extension reaches approximately to the height of the knees.
• 6. Veil to the fingertips: It is also known as a half-veil, and it is a veil that extends to the bride's hands, with the arms straight on each side.
• 7. Veil at the elbow: it is a veil mediated, the width of which does not exceed the waist.
• 8. Shoulder veil: reaches a little below the shoulders, almost to the middle of the back.
• 9. Short veil: e he so-called blusher veil, which may or may not cover the face, does not go below the collarbones.
• 10. Cage veil or birdcage: With this veil, the bride covers part of her face with a mesh or net that incorporates the piece. It is a short veil that goes down the front.
• 11. Pirate veil: It can be long or short and its main characteristic is that it is placed on the head and tied at the back, allowing the fabric to fall naturally.
• 12. Mantilla veil: It usually reaches the height of the elbows, although it can be longer or shorter. It can be identified by its lace or lace details.
• 13. Fountain veil or waterfall: Its length is relative, although it tends to reach the waist. It is voluminous and can be recognized by its staggered layers.

Keys to choose it

Marriage of Gonzalo & Munira

How to choose the bride's veil? To make the right choice, the first thing to do is to take into account the style of marriage.

For example, if you are planning a solemn wedding, to be held in an elegant church and hall, the longest veils will be the most suitable, such as the cathedral or chapel. However, make sure that the spaces have wide aisles, so that you can walk comfortably with your veil, both in the ceremony and in the reception.

Now, if your wedding will be formal, but you want a veil that allows you to walk and even dance freely, you will not find a better one than the ballet veil, which you will not have to get rid of at any time.

And as for short veils, the blusher is ideal for more relaxed weddings, while the cage veil is perfect for vintage-inspired weddings, ideal to accompany it, for example, with a feathered headdress.

Depending on the wedding dress

But the dress you will wear at your wedding is another factor to consider when choosing your veil.

For example, if you're interested in focusing on the details of your outfit, go for a mid-length veil, such as a fingertip veil or an elbow-length veil.

However, if you are wearing a simple wedding dress and you prefer to give prominence to the veil, then go for a longer one, such as a chapel veil, which is quite comfortable.

On the other hand, the pirate veil combines perfectly with bohemian or hippie chic wedding dresses; while the waterfall veil, for its volume, looks fantastic with wedding dresses with strapless neckline, either sweetheart or strapless.

Meanwhile, if you are wearing a short dress, the most appropriate are a veil to the elbow or shoulder. It should be noted that the bride's veil in Chile is worn in both religious and civil ceremonies. The long ones are more suitable for the church and the short ones for the civil ceremony.

Ways to wear it

Oda Luque Photography

Whether they cover the face or not, veils are worn in a variety of ways, depending on the hairstyle you choose For example, if you are going for a high bun, the veil should be fastened under the bun; while, if you are wearing a half-up or low bun, the ideal is to place it in the middle of the head anchored to its corresponding comb.

On the other hand, if you will wear your hair loose, it is advisable to wear it from the crown. Regardless of the bridal hairstyle with veil you choose, you should know that the veil is not attached to the hairstyle, but to a separate hairpin structure. But this does not prevent you from wearing a tiara, tiara, crown or headdress. On the contrary, both elements are enhanced.

Finally, it should be noted that veils can be displayed both in a wedding dress with or without a train, regardless of the length of it.

Whether it's long or short, majestic or simple, the truth is that the veil will steal all the attention at your wedding. Just try to choose it once you have defined the dress, and don't forget to take it to the dress fitting and hairdressing salon.