All About Wedding Veils

Nothing says “bride” quite like a veil. This delicate, often ethereal piece has adorned brides for centuries and continues to be a popular choice today. But how did this tradition come to be? Here’s everything you need to know about wedding veils—from their origins to the different styles you can choose for your special day.

The Origins of the Veil Tradition

Believe it or not, veils are the oldest part of a bride’s wedding day look! Wedding expert Susan Waggoner shares in her book I Do! I Do!: The Origins of 100 Classic Wedding Traditions that veils go way back to a time when brides were wrapped head-to-toe to show off their modesty and purity. Fun fact: people also believed veils protected brides from evil spirits (spooky!). And if you thought first looks were a modern no-no, back then it was seriously bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the vows. Hence, the veil covered her face. Some veils were so heavy, brides couldn’t even see where they were going. Someone had to literally guide them down the aisle! Thankfully, we’ve ditched the full-body wraps, but we still love the tradition that veils bring to the big day.

From Modesty to Modern Style

As weddings became more formalized within religious contexts, veils took on symbolic meanings. They represented obedience, modesty, and chastity, particularly in Christian ceremonies. However, veils fell out of favor in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in the United States and England. The veil made a huge comeback when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. She famously donned a beautiful veil that reignited the trend. Since then, veils have become synonymous with bridal fashion.

Veils in the Modern Wedding

Today, the meaning behind the veil has evolved. Most brides no longer wear veils for symbolic reasons. They wear them because they add an element of romance and elegance to their look. There’s nothing quite like the moment when a veil completes a bride’s outfit, bringing tears of joy to her and her loved ones.

Beautiful bridal veils are available in a variety of fabrics—chiffon, silk tulle, organza, and English net, to name a few. Some are adorned with lace, beading, or appliqués, while others are minimalist and unembellished.

Different Veil Styles and Lengths

Veils come in many lengths and styles, each offering a unique flair. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

  • Birdcage Veil: This vintage-inspired, short veil is often just 4 to 9 inches long, covering the bride’s eyes or entire face. It’s a popular choice for brides who want a retro look, often made with netting or lace.
  • Shoulder Veil: Falling just to the shoulders, this veil typically includes a “blusher” layer that covers the bride’s face until it’s pulled back during the ceremony.
  • Elbow Veil: A classic option, elbow-length veils offer a traditional vibe, draping gracefully from the bride’s shoulders to her elbows.
  • Fingertip Veil: Ending at the bride’s fingertips, this veil offers a nice balance between style and practicality. It’s long enough to complement intricate gown backs, which have become increasingly popular.
  • Waltz Veil: This knee-length veil provides drama without the bulk of a longer veil. It’s great for brides who want a more elegant look while still being able to dance at their reception.
  • Chapel Veil: Just grazing the floor, the chapel veil creates a flowing silhouette that extends beyond the length of the dress, ideal for brides who want a train effect without a train on their gown.
  • Semi-Cathedral Veil: A semi-cathedral veil strikes the perfect balance between drama and manageability, offering a touch of grandeur without the full length of a cathedral veil. This style falls somewhere between a chapel and cathedral length. It typically extends just a few feet beyond the hem of the wedding gown. It creates an elegant, flowing silhouette as the bride walks down the aisle.
  • Cathedral Veil: For the ultimate in bridal drama, a cathedral-length veil makes a grand statement, often trailing several feet beyond the dress.
  • Royal Veil: Reserved for those who want to go big, royal veils can exceed 120 inches. In fact, the longest wedding veil ever worn spanned over 22,800 feet—a Guinness World Record held by Maria Paraskeva of Cyprus!

Finding the Perfect Veil for You

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of a fingertip veil or the grandeur of a cathedral-length option, there’s a veil style for every bride. Explore different fabrics, embellishments, and lengths to find the perfect match for your wedding dress.

At The Gilded Gown, we offer a wide selection of veils to suit any bridal style. No matter which veil you choose, it’s sure to add that extra touch of magic to your big day. And, when you fall in love with your dream dress with us all veils are half-off!!!! Happy veil shopping!

Leave a Reply