This past post was my chance to play around with Illustrator, something I rarely find the time to do. I hope you like it :)
Imagine a bride and it’s more than likely you’ll picture a veil. And when a little girl plays at weddings it’d be quite normal for her to drape a towel over her head. Because a veil is often the defining element that makes a bride truly look and feel like a bride. A girl’s wedding day, more often than not, is the only time she’ll wear a pretty veil (I’m not including the tacky one donned for the hen do!) and therefore many brides opt for this accessory for their big day, not wanting to pass up on the pretty.
There are several explanations of how the veil came to be…
Some say that the veil, like the white dress, was a symbol of innocence and purity.
Others believe that the origin came about through arranged marriages. Men would arrange with a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage and a veil would cover her face until they were married. At this point the veil was lifted and if the groom didn’t like what he saw, well, it was too late!
And then there are the stories that the veil shows a wife’s submission to her husband. I’m not a fan of these stories.
Now, however, past meanings are irrelevant. The veil has become a tradition that brides keep simply because a veil looks stunning!
And because veils are such a popular choice there are currently so many different types to choose from! So I’ve come up with some illustrations and included some info on each veil in the hope that you can get an idea of the perfect veil for your perfect day…
Blusher
The Blusher is a short veil covering the face. Worn over the face for the entire walk down the aisle and most of the ceremony, this veil adds impact to the ‘You may now kiss the bride’ bit. At this point it can be flipped back to allow your new husband to give you a romantic kiss just like you’ve seen in endless TV shows and films. After that the veil can remain off your face for the rest of your celebrations. You can wear a Blusher alone or add it to a longer veil at the back.
Flyaway
This one is multi-layered and just kisses the shoulders. I think it looks great with tea-length dresses due to the fun and flirty nature of it. If your dress has detail at the back that you want to show off the Flyaway is a good pick. The short layers create a suitably informal look for more casual affairs.
Elbow
As the name suggests this veil stops at your elbows. It’s certainly a more formal, elegant look than the flyaway veil but not overly traditional and therefore wouldn’t be out of place in an informal setting. Would be a great choice if you were looking for a longer veil but had a beautiful bow or likewise at the back of your dress that you didn’t want to cover.
Fingertip
This one sits at your fingertips when your arms are down by your side and is a very popular length with brides: not too short, not too long. We’re getting into the more traditional realm of veils with this one. If you’ve always dreamed of the white wedding with the romantic veil then this length or longer is likely to be the choice for you.
Waltz/Ballet
Named so as this is a veil you can wear and still twirl round on the dance floor without fear of tripping! This length is the perfect option for those wanting a long veil without the fuss of having people to help carry it at times. This would only work with a floor-length dress and generally requires a more formal setting.
Chapel
The Chapel veil falls all the way to the floor and is around 2.5 metres long. This is one super sophisticated, full-blown wedding veil that would complement a floor-length dress with train. This isn’t really one for the informal gatherings.
Cathedral
The Cathedral veil is named so as it once was only worn in cathedrals. A cathedral setting for a wedding is an extravagant choice and the veil doesn’t disappoint. This one hits the floor and then keeps going, coming in at around 3 metres long. It’s definitely the most formal choice requiring an elegant gown and a fancy venue to go with it.
Double tier
If you fancy more fullness to your veil then why not go for two. And which two is up to you. Either have two at the back of differeing lengths to give the veil some volume. Or pick a veil and blusher. You can even have three veils. Or four…
Pouf
The Pouf veil is a contemporary choice. A lot of fabric is used for this one, all gathered together at the headpiece creating a lot of volume. Very differing levels of pouffiness can be achieved and the veil can be any length so this is all down to personal preference. I think this one could work well in both formal and informal settings depending on the length and if teamed with the right dress.
Fountain
The Fountain veil uses more material than most veils. It gathers at the crown of your head and flows down your back. But this veil also cascades around your face. Supposedly like a waterfall. This veil sits around the elbow mark and is particularly good for softening and romanticising your look.
Birdcage
The Birdcage is the perfect vintage piece. Whilst other veils are made from finer fabrics the birdcage is usually made from netting. It’s often attached to a headpiece, such as a flower or feathers, that suits the vintage look the bride wants to recreate. These veils work superbly with vintage gowns and, in particular, tea-length numbers.
Mantilla
Mantilla veils are beautiful. Spanish-inspired, oval shaped and often have a scalloped edge decorated in delicate lace. They are known as drop veils as they can be dropped on the head and secured with pins, no need for a headpiece. These are perfect if you’re going for pretty.
So many choices! Be sure to pick your dress first as this is the most important bit of your outfit and will also inform your choice of veil. And then there’s nothing stopping you trying out several to get the veiled look you’ve always envisaged.
Debs
Debs
