To Veil or Not to Veil…
Let’s take a look at the options that are available…
The definition of veil is to ‘obscure, shroud, mask or cover’, which may be where the ‘Bridal veil’ got it’s name. In the not so distant past, men bargained with the eligible young lady’s father for their hand in marriage. It wasn’t until after the ceremony that the veil was lifted to reveal the Bride’s features- the idea being to keep a Groom from backing out of the deal if he didn’t like what it saw! Thankfully times and some traditions have changed, although the veil still remains fashionable in today’s society with a variety of veils available:
What Bridal veil would you choose?
Ballerina (or waltz) veil: Ends somewhere between your knees and ankles.
Birdcage veil: City chic in a veil, the birdcage is typically made from netting rather tulle, and comes to just below the chin, covering the face. It’s very often worn attached to a small hat or fascinator.
Blusher veil: A short veil that covers the Bride’s face as she walks down the aisle. Seen in more traditional weddings, the blusher is considered by wedding etiquette folk to be the one no-no for divorced or pregnant Brides.
Cathedral veil: The most formal veil available, cathedral veils are typically worn in very formal settings- Kate Middleton’s veil was a cathedral veil. Very long, it is generally always worn with a gown that has a long train. It can have two or more layers.
Chapel veil: A metre shorter than a cathedral veil, the chapel veil is often worn with a chapel or sweep train. It can also have two or more layers, including a blush veil.
Double-tier veil: This has two layers of differing length fabrics and can include a blusher veil (see above).
Elbow veil: A veil that goes to your elbows, the elbow veil is considered very appropriate for a less formal setting.
Fingertip veil: This is self-explanatory– the fingertip veil touches the tips of your fingers (when your arms are relaxed). This is a popular length that often works very well with ball gowns.
Flyaway veil: This wedding veil touches or just covers shoulders, and is a great option for Brides wanting something less formal. Also a good option if you’re looking for a veil that doesn’t cover up the back of your dress.
Fountain veil: A poufy veil gathered at the crown of the head that cascades down in a fountain shape.
Juliet veil: Made fashionable by Lily Allen and Kate Moss, the Juliet veil is a cast back to the thirties – just one layer, and with a cap style top to the veil. It’s generally made to varying lengths.
Mantilla veil: A long, Spanish-style, circular piece of lace that frames the face. A good alternative to more formal veils, and can be worn at any length.
Triple tier veil: A triple layered veil, generally with different lengths, one of which can be the blusher.
Will you wear a veil on your special day?
Photographs taken by Westphotography
Alyson at St Audries Park
