The wedding was beautiful. The bride wore white. Her dress was simply stunning! But wait - where’s her veil? Is the bridal veil really necessary for today’s brides? Or, is it an age-old tradition that is no longer desired for the modern bride? If I don’t wear a veil, will all my guests whisper mean things to each other as I walk down the aisle?
The tradition of a bride to wear a veil has many stories behind its history. One such tradition is believed to be one of honor. It is part of a symbol of purity, like the white gown. When marriages were arranged, and the bride was presented to the groom; she was promised to him as a virgin. A woman is traditionally covered before being presented to her husband. It is almost like a gift that he gets to open when he receives her as his bride. She is covered and hidden from all other men, only to be presented and revealed to her husband upon the exchange of the wedding vows. Or, perhaps it began when a groom’s family would arrange a marriage with the bride’s family. Men would bargain with a young lady’s father for her hand in marriage. The bride would remain veiled until after the ceremony so the groom would not back down if he didn’t like her appearance. Regardless of whether the reason is a sweet one of a pure gift to her husband or one to avoid a run-away-groom, there are other reasons thought to be associated with the bridal veil as well. Some are based on religious reasons. Others are based on practicality or culture.
Today’s bride may have other reasons to wear a veil - mostly having to do with fashion. A cathedral veil is worn traditionally during a wedding taking place inside a cathedral. This is the kind of veil that cascades and drapes all the way down the bride’s back to the floor. To the opposite extreme, a blusher is quite often worn in today’s weddings. This is a short veil that only covers the face. Some veils are worn in today’s ceremonies as a crowning touch of royalty or beauty with a tiara. After all, every bride deserves to be princess for the day.
Regardless of the meaning of the veil or the length, unless you have an arranged marriage; the choice to wear a veil in today’s wedding ceremonies is entirely a personal decision. If you decide to wear a veil at your wedding, the decision of which veil suits your features is very important. With the help of a bridal shop consultant or someone who has a good eye for fashion, try on as many veils as you need. Don’t stop short until you look into the mirror & think "wow! I’m very beautiful in this veil. I never ever want to take it off." When that moment arrives, then you will know that is the veil for you. And, when your husband lifts your veil to offer the first kiss as Mr. & Mrs., you will relish in the joy of the moment. You might even cherish the memory with some wonderful wedding photographs of your veil being lifted & your first kiss as husband and wife transpiring. Then, if you like, take the veil off entirely to enjoy your special dances at the reception.
