For many brides, the veil is an integral part of the wedding outfit. Adding visual interest to the hair and train, and helping the gown to really look the part, a veil is the perfect finishing flourish for any style-conscious bride. If you’re currently choosing your wedding veil and aren’t sure what look to go for, taking inspiration from past brides and influencers might help you make up your mind. Here are some of our favourite statement veils to get you started.
Why do brides wear veils?
Wedding veils have been used in a number of cultures around the world for centuries. As @easyweddings explains, “In many religions, the veil is a sign of humility and respect before God.” In Judaism, the groom would place a veil over the bride’s head to show that he was marrying her for her inner beauty and not just her looks. In Ancient Greece, brides would wear red veils as they walked down the aisle to ward off evil spirits.
However, while veils have been part of the bridal outfit for years, it wasn’t until Queen Victoria sported a veil at her wedding that it really became a must-have accessory. Over the last couple of hundred years, brides around the world have taken inspiration from the Queen’s outfit, wearing this statement piece as they say their “I Do’s”.
Queen Elizabeth II
When a young Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten way back in 1947, theirs were some of the first wedding photos to be beamed around the world. As a result, the queen’s outfit became instantly iconic, with her long, cathedral-style veil influencing brides for years to come.
Jackie Kennedy
Just a few years later, in 1953, Jackie Bouvier married John F. Kennedy wearing a stylish floor-length veil attached to a fitted headpiece. More defined and more modern than the queen’s veil, this contemporary look showed how this classic accessory could evolve to meet changing styles.
Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton was always going to be in the spotlight when she married second in line to the throne, Prince William. Therefore, it was no surprise that her wedding dress, and her wedding veil, became instantly iconic. Unlike many royals who’d walked down the aisle before her, Kate didn’t wear a floor-length veil but instead opted for a mid-length piece that fell between her shoulders and her hips.
Meghan Markle
Another royal bride to have a big impact on wedding veil trends was Meghan Markle. As a celebrity in her own right, Markle had a huge following and the wedding was watched by millions of people around the world. Meghan opted for a full, floor-length gown embroidered with meaningful details and commonwealth imagery. Personalising the veil in this way helped to make Meghan’s wedding outfit even more unique and even more iconic.
There’s lots more information about wedding traditions and wedding planning on our site. Take a look around today, or give us a call, to find out more.
