The Veil

Veils are still the most common headpiece of modern day brides, even though many brides have preferred flowers or maybe just a piece of jewellery as their hair accessorie.  The veils have been short and minimalistic without a lot of lace, and without it covering the face of the bride.

Minimalism in general is on its way out. The demand for more modest veils with a historical design touch is increasing.  Floor length veils with a lot of details and lace are high in demand. Covering the bride’s body and face gives her look an aspect of virginity and modesty that many brides pine for.

The antique bride of the late 19.century and the early 20.century is the main inspirational factor for bridal couture at the moment. This time also marks the beginning of the bridal fashion as we know it today. Until the middle of the 19.century white gowns and veils was not the normal equipment for a bride.  

Vails have been spotted throughout history on Greek goddesses and later nuns. Young women for the nobility wore veils as a sign of their virginity, but for the lower classes veils and headwear in general was a sing on a womens married position. Unmarried women had loose hair and no headwear.

When the bourgeoisie started using the veil as the bridal accessorie in the middle of the 19.century it was to show the modesty and virginity of the bride. Earlier the bride had worn a “bridal crown” made of flowers, with loose hair. 

The tradition of cutting up the veil symbolizes that the bride is no longer in title to wear a veil. Back in the days the veil was torn apart and exchanges by the heaswear of a married women. The unmarried women of the wedding are to receive good luck, if they get a piece of the veil to take home.

Still today many veils are suffering the destiny of being cut up by eager bridesmaids. Therefore many brides buys two veils, and changes to a cheap one just before the wedding dance.

We have gathered some of our favorite veils of the time. Many of them represent the more old fashion and antique look discussed above.