So as we know, most brides wear a veil, but why?
The veil was introduced as a wedding tradition when people “wrapped brides from head to toe to represent the delivery of a modest and untouched maiden”, which was supposedly meant to ‘hide away from evil spirits who might want to thwart her happiness.” However, for those who do not believe in evil spirits, the veil is seen as an accessory.
Queen Victoria was the first modern monarch to marry in a veil; this was the moment that defined brides for centuries to come.
1920 – When dropped-waist flapper gowns paired with short bob hairstyles were on-trend, brides during the 1920s usually opted for a Juliet Cap to complement their style. A Juliet Cap veil was often worn with long statement accessories that were edged with ornate beading and/or intricate lace.
1930 – Although the Juliet Cap continued to be popular throughout the 1930s, it became much more delicate. Wedding dress styles became sleeker and more fitted, with less emphasis on heavy lace. In terms of veils, they became much daintier, less tulle, less embellishment and more refined.
The 1940s – During this period luxury fabric was much harder to source therefore making it difficult to produce high-quality wedding gowns and veils, this was all due to the war. Women were often rushing to wed during this time and didn’t have time to prepare, so they didn’t have time to choose their best dress and hat; however, if a bride was able to wear a veil, it was often shorter. This is where the birdcages became more popular, as people attached them to their favourite hats.
The 1950s – After the war, veils made a comeback, and brides opted for shorter veils to emphasise their waists even more. At the time, women wore large skirts and fitted bodices to enhance their waists; therefore, a full-volume veil worn on the top of a bride’s head was the style of the era!
1960s – Beehives, unique and unusual! The bigger the hairstyle, the better, and often veils had to balance out this statement, look secured high on the bride’s head.
The 1970s – By this time, veils had disappeared entirely, and hats were now the new trend. The boho style was very popular, and hats helped the bride achieve it.
The 1980s – Frills and large frocks were the rage at this time: puff sleeves, dramatic skirts, and triple-layered veils – the bigger the better!
The 1990s – Similar to the 1980s style of wedding gowns, however, veils became less dramatic and more delicate and feminine, usually, brides opted for a shoulder-length veil at this time to compliment their puff-sleeved wedding gown.
The 2000s – Styles became sleeker and more streamlined, contrasting the recent popular 80s look; fitted dresses became popular, and soft veils were all the trend.
The 2010s onwards – Unique, personalised wedding gowns are the most recent trend; every bride wants to be different, and usually accessories are a way brides can really personalise their wedding-day look! A range of veils is popular, but most brides are opting for long, cathedral-length veils, dramatic to complement their gown! However, lots of brides opt for a very simple veil that doesn’t take away from their detailed wedding gown.
Pictured sourced from https://www.brittenweddings.com/blogs/news/72445635-veils-through-the-decades
The Modern Veil
Today, women are more empowered than ever, with so many more options than they had years ago to create their own personal look and feel confident enough to do so. Many veil trends stem from celebrity styles, royalty, personal wealth and budget limitations. However, with today’s trends, brides do not feel bound to follow ‘trends’. Veil prices range from £130, but our most expensive veil is £1400. Obviously, this style of veil is flamboyant, with lots of delicate details and acts more like a cape than a veil!
What Length Veils can I get?
54” – This is the shortest style veil available, you can have this style in both single or double tiers and the veil will finish at shoulder length. Brides will usually opt for this style if they want something straightforward that doesn’t take away from any detailing on the dress, such as the back detail they wish to show off.
72” – This length veil is known as our ‘fingertip veil’, where, as the name suggests, it finishes at your fingertips (when your arms are straight by your side). Brides will usually opt for this veil if their dress detailing begins below the waist, so the veil adds a hint of detail to their dress if the top half is plain.
108” – This is the first, floor-length veil available. Your veil will finish just as your train starts, right at the hem of your dress. This is one of our most popular length veils, brides will usually choose a very soft, simple veil for this length so that the veil is adding the ‘bridal feel’ they wish to have, but not taking any detail away from the dress.
126” – This is our medium length floor-length veil, this length is usually paired with lace-edged detailing or sparkle detailing scattered throughout. The bride who opts for this veil often wants a little more detail to add to their bridal look and will look for a veil to achieve it.
144” – This is the longest standard-length veil available, so that a bride will opt for this as the most dramatic option. Often, brides match the lace of their dress or wear a completely plain dress with a very dramatic veil so they feel they have two different wedding-day looks —one with and one without their veil.
If brides want a longer veil than a 144”, some of our designers offer a personalised service where we can measure exactly how much length you would like to add. This service is often used when a dress train is longer than standard and a bride wants her veil to finish at the end of the train, or even beyond it.
We hope this helps you understand why brides traditionally wear a veil with their wedding gown and how to style a veil with your wedding dress to create a unique, personal, modern bridal look!
Lots of love,
